Last Updated: 12/10/2026
Best Hairball Cat Food 2026: Vet Picks
Does hairball cat food work? Our vets explain how it helps, wet vs dry, what to look for on the label and which foods to try.
Author: Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 7 minutes - short read
Your cat has left another furball on the rug, and you're wondering if a special cat food will actually help.
Does hairball cat food work? Yes, it can. Hairball diets add fibre that helps swallowed hair move through the gut and out in the poo instead of coming back up. Hairball diets are often the cornerstone of hairball management - they work best alongside regular brushing and seem to benefit long-haired cats the most.
In this article
- Does hairball cat food actually work?
- Is wet or dry food better for hairballs?
- What should I look for in a hairball diet?
- How we review our products
- What's the best hairball diet for adult cats?
- What's the best hairball diet for senior cats?
- What's the best hairball diet for indoor cats?
- What's the best wet hairball diet?
Does hairball cat food actually work?
Often, yes. In a 14-day study, long-haired cats on higher-fibre diets passed up to 113% more hair in their poo than cats on a low-fibre diet, while short-haired cats showed no significant change1. The type of fibre matters too. In a 42-day study, sugarcane fibre reduced hairballs in poo but a 10% cellulose diet made no difference2. The studies are small, short and sometimes run by food makers, so we see them as encouraging, not proof.
A cat who brings up a hairball more than once a week is usually telling us something about their gut or grooming, not just their food. A hairball diet can help, but if it's happening that often we want to rule out other causes first.
See hairballs in cats for causes, and when to see your vet, as well as causes of vomiting and regurgitation in cats for more information.
Is wet or dry food better for hairballs?
Wet food is generally more beneficial for managing hairballs because its high moisture content promotes optimal gastrointestinal motility. Proper hydration keeps a cat's digestive tract moving smoothly, which helps ingested hair pass naturally through the intestines and into the stool before it has a chance to clump together in the stomach.
However, the best hairball food is one that your cat will eat most reliably, so if your cat prefers dry food, choose a specialised "hairball control" dry food. Choosing for an indoor cat too? See our picks in our guide to the best indoor cat food.
What should I look for in a hairball diet?
Look for a complete and balanced food with added fibre, plus skin and coat support. On the label, check for:
- A "complete and balanced" statement for your cat's life stage, so it can be the main diet.
- Named fibre sources, such as psyllium.
- Skin and coat nutrients, like omega fatty acids, since a healthy coat sheds less.
- The right fit for your cat, such as a senior formula, or a vet-guided diet if they have a health condition.
Fibre amounts aren't always easy to compare between brands, so ask our Vet Squad if you're unsure.
How we review our products
Our Vet team use their health and husbandry knowledge, along with their own personal and clinical experiences to evaluate each product and provide detailed, informative reviews, free of any commercial bias. We then collate this information into our 'best of' recommendations.
Top Recommended Hairball Diets in Australia [Vet Reviewed]
What's the best hairball diet for adult cats?
Royal Canin Hairball Care Adult Dry Cat Food
Pros
- Internal studies show the formula doubles the amount of hair eliminated in faeces within 14 days of exclusive feeding.
- Utilizes a precise blend of insoluble fibres and psyllium to safely sweep hair through the gut.
- Enriched with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (from fish and soya oils) to promote a healthy coat and reduce the root cause of hairballs: excessive shedding.
- Features a balanced mineral profile designed to maintain adult urinary tract health.
- Available in 2kg and 4kg bags.
- Also available in gravy and jelly wet pouches.
Cons
- Not made in Australia
- More premium price point
Royal Canin Hairball Care Adult dry cat food is a targeted veterinary-developed formula designed to stimulate intestinal transit, allowing swallowed hair to pass naturally through the digestive tract rather than building up and causing vomiting. It offers clinically proven results for long-haired and indoor cats prone to severe grooming-related issues by actively managing hair ingestion.
What our customers say: "We transitioned to this once our kitten reached 12 months of age, any the silly little Floof no longer leaves hairballs on the carpet. She had no issue changing food and it couldn’t have been a better outcome." - Jay
What our vets say: "Royal Canin Hairball is one of our top recommended diets for at-home management of hairballs. It's daily use is one of the easiest ways to manage hair ingestion, alongside regular brushing. We regularly recommend it for medium and long-haired cats especially." - Dr Angie
What's the best hairball diet for senior cats?
Hill's Science Diet 7+ Hairball Control Senior Dry Cat Food
Pros
- Features real chicken as the primary ingredient, which helps senior cats maintain lean muscle mass.
- Vitamin E and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids help to nourish aging skin and maintain a healthy, shiny fur coat.
- Enriched with essential taurine to support heart and eye health, along with balanced minerals tailored for kidney and bladder health.
- Backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
- Can be fed alongside the adult hairball Hill's Science Diet wet foods.
Cons
- Not made in Australia
- More premium price point
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Hairball Control Dry Cat Food is a specialised veterinary-recommended formula designed to support the specific needs of aging felines. It combines a specialised natural fibre blend to comfortably move hair through the digestive tract with essential nutrients tailored for senior cats.
What our customers say: "After having this recommended about 13 years ago when my long hair Ginger boy had his stomach shut down due to fur ingestion, I have used it continuously since with all my cats! Almost no upchucking of hairballs and no gut problems!! Highly recommended." - Gary
See our other senior cat vet picks in our senior cat food guide.
What's the best hairball diet for indoor cats?
Pro Plan Adult Indoor Hairball Control Dry Food
Pros
- Features a specialised blend of fibres to help minimise the chance of hairballs
- Controlled calorie content to maintain indoor cats at a healthy body weight
- Contains a special ingredient that reduces litter box odours
- Contains added ingredients for skin and coat health
- Available in 1.5kg, 3kg and 8kg resealable bags
- Made in Australia
Cons
- No complimentary indoor wet food available (closest is Pro Plan Adult Fussy and Beauty Pouches which help promote healthy skin and coat, and limit excess shedding)
- Contains chicken - may not be suitable for cats with food allergies or intolerances to chicken
Pro Plan Adult Indoor Hairball Control Dry Food features a specialised blend of natural fibres, including oat fibre and psyllium seed husk, which help minimise the formation of hairballs and promote their safe passage through the digestive system. It also contains inulin, a prebiotic fibre, which reduced litter box odours by 24%.
This diet is formulated with real chicken as the primary ingredient, to support lean muscle development and maintenance for your indoor cat. It is also fortified with probiotics to support digestive and immune health, as well as the addition of omega 6 fatty acids and vitamin A ensures your feline friend's skin and coat will be looking lush.
What our customers say: "I was very pleased to be able to buy Pro Plan Adult indoor Hairball Control Dry Cat Food, as it suits my cat well, and gets rid of all the hairballs. I highly recommend it."
What our vets say: "Pro Plan Indoor Hairball Control is a great choice for indoor cats that struggle with hairballs. The blend of oat fibre and psyllium seed husk helps to encourage the hairballs to pass safely through the digestive tract. Its also an excellent premium diet with added extras such as omega-6 fatty acids for coat health - its one of my top recommendations for long haired cats." - Dr. Samantha
See our other indoor cat vet picks in our indoor cat food guide.
What's the best wet hairball diet?
SavourLife Indoor and Hairball Control Chicken and Ocean Fish Adult Wet Food
Pros
- Made with 90% meat and organs (Chicken, Hoki, and Salmon), providing excellent high-quality protein for lean muscle maintenance.
- Australian made
- Includes natural dietary fibres like psyllium husk and carrot fibre and formulated with Yucca Schidigera extract, which naturally helps reduce litter box odours.
- Free from grains and artificial preservatives, and fortified with superfoods like coconut oil, seaweed powder, and flaxseed meal for a healthy coat and strong immunity.
- SavourLife donates 50% of its profits to Australian pet rescue organisations, meaning your purchase directly supports animal welfare.
Cons
- High price point than standard supermarket wet foods
- Only available in pâté form. Fussy cats who prefer shreds, chunks, jelly, or heavy gravy textures may refuse to eat it.
Treat your indoor cat to the premium nutrition they crave with SavourLife Indoor & Hairball Control. Crafted with 90% real meat and organs, this grain-free pâté is packed with natural fibres to safely manage hairballs and Yucca extract to keep litter box odours at bay. Fortified with nutrient-rich superfoods for a glossy coat, every bite supports your cat’s everyday vitality - and helps save a life, with 50% of SavourLife’s profits donated directly to Australian pet rescue organisations.
What our vets say: "I love being able to recommend a high-quality food that's Australian-made, and supports our rescue organisations! Wet food also is highly beneficial for cats who suffer from hairballs as it supports good hydration and intestinal motility." - Dr Antonella
What's the best prescription hairball diet?
Cats with frequent hairballs may need a therapeutic diet, with much higher levels of fibre to manage hair in the intestinal tract. As these are prescription diets, it's important to speak to your vet before purchase, to ensure they are suitable for your cat.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Hairball Dry Cat Food
Pros
- Addresses both digestive issues (gastrointestinal) and hairball control simultaneously.
- Formulated with a specific blend of fibres, including psyllium, to help eliminate ingested hair through stools.
- Contains highly digestible proteins to support overall digestive health and function.
- Enriched with prebiotics and a specific balance of fibres to support healthy intestinal transit.
- Formulated for long-term use in managing chronic gastrointestinal or hairball issues, unlike some short-term vet diets.
Cons
- Requires your vet's recommendation
- Expensive
Manage your cat’s sensitive stomach and stubborn hairballs in one bowl with Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Hairball Dry Cat Food. This specialized therapeutic kibble uses a precise blend of fibres - including psyllium - to naturally sweep ingested hair safely through the digestive tract before it can form into a hairball. Combined with highly digestible proteins and prebiotics, it soothes irritated digestive systems while maintaining a moderate calorie count to keep your cat at an ideal weight. It’s a targeted, long-term solution for cats who need serious nutritional support for their gut health.
What our customers say: "I love this food for my cats! They love it, it really helps with 2 of my cats' vomiting and hairball problems and with the other cat's constipation." - Steph
A hairball diet can help move swallowed hair along, especially for long-haired cats, but it works best with regular brushing. Choose a complete and balanced food with added fibre, pick wet or dry based on what your cat will eat, and give it a few weeks. If hairballs happen more than once a week, or your cat retches with nothing coming up, see your vet. For more, see our best cat food guide and how nutrition supports health conditions in cats.
FAQs
References
Weber M, Sams L, Feugier A, Michel S, Biourge V. Influence of the dietary fibre levels on faecal hair excretion after 14 days in short and long-haired domestic cats. Vet Med Sci. 2015 Jul 7;1(1):30-37. doi: 10.1002/vms3.6. PMID: 29067172; PMCID: PMC5645811. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29067172/, accessed 8/10/2026
Loureiro BA, Sembenelli G, Maria AP, Vasconcellos RS, Sá FC, Sakomura NK, Carciofi AC. Sugarcane fibre may prevents hairball formation in cats. J Nutr Sci. 2014 Sep 25;3:e20. doi: 10.1017/jns.2014.27. PMID: 26101589; PMCID: PMC4473147. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26101589/, accessed 8/10/2026
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Mon 12 Oct 2026
Written by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Gillian graduated from the University of Sydney in 2005 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. She worked in a number of small animal clinics, before joining the Pet Circle Vet team in 2020. Dr. Gillian has special interests in ultrasonography, surgery and behaviour. Her favourite part of being a vet is being an advocate for the animals. She loves helping owners to make the best, evidence-based decisions for their pets, and seeing the beautiful bond that people have with their fur-babies.
