The Best Dry Food for Long-Haired Cats

Longhaired cats are, of course, stunning — but keeping that flowing, fluffy coat in top shape takes more than a working brush. It begins with what you put in the bowl.
The best dry cat food will not only fill their belly, but will aid in controlling shedding, hairballs and nourishing their skin and coat from the inside out. And it is good for their general health as well, especially if your pets are indoor and it’s easy for grooming responsibilities to pile up.
We’ll also explain why dry food is often a smart choice for long-haired cats, and provide our top vet-recommended picks selected by Meow Care Hub.
What to Look for in Dry Food for Long-Haired Cats
Nutritional Factor | Why It Matters |
High-Quality Protein | Supports fur growth and strong muscles; look for real meat like chicken or salmon. |
Omega-3 & Omega-6 Fatty Acids | Enhance skin health and shine; reduce dryness, dandruff, and excess shedding. |
Added Fiber | Helps move ingested hair through the digestive tract, preventing hairballs. |
Digestive Support | Prebiotics and probiotics ensure nutrient absorption and gut health. |
Moderate Calories | Indoor cats need fewer calories to prevent weight gain. |
Essential Vitamins | Vitamins A, E, and B help skin regeneration and coat strength. |
Top 5 Best Indoor Dry Cat Foods for Long-Haired Cats
Brand & Product | Key Features | Best For | Buying Link |
Royal Canin Indoor Long Hair Adult Dry Cat Food | Tailored fiber blend for hairballs, omega fatty acids for coat health | Complete solution for coat & digestion | Link |
Hill’s Science Diet Hairball Control Chicken Recipe | Enriched with omega-3 & 6, natural fibers to pass hairballs | Skin health + natural hairball relief | Link |
Nulo Freestyle Hairball Management Turkey & Cod | Grain-free, high-protein, with miscanthus grass and salmon oil | Grain-sensitive cats & shiny coat maintenance | Link |
IAMS ProActive Health Long Hair Care | Real chicken, beet pulp, and prebiotics for easier grooming | Budget-friendly coat support | Link |
Purina ONE +Plus Hairball Formula Chicken | High-fiber formula for smoother digestion and hairball prevention | Affordable daily use & coat boost | Link |
1. Royal Canin Indoor Long Hair Adult Dry Cat Food
Tailored nutrition for indoor, long-haired cats.
This recipe is uniquely formulated to help prevent hairballs with a helpful hairball control mix which includes fibers, and with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, you’ll help nourish and protect your cat’s skin and fur for a lustrous, healthy look. It’s highly digestible, so it is great for cats with sensitive stomachs.
2. Hill’s Science Diet Hairball Control Chicken Recipe
Vet-recommended blend for coat health and hairball relief.
Formulated with real chicken, this recipe uses natural fibers to gently push ingested hair through your cat’s system. Vitamin E, omega fatty acids and quality protein nourish for skin and coat health.
3. Nulo Freestyle Hairball Management Turkey & Cod
Grain-free, protein-rich recipe for coat and digestive support.
With high-quality turkey and cod, this grain-free pick has ground miscanthus grass that helps with hairball control as well as salmon oil to provide omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin.
4. IAMS ProActive Health Long Hair Care Adult with Real Chicken
Affordable formula with prebiotics for hairball control.
Included beet pulp and prebiotics aid digestion and help control hairballs in this formula, which has real chicken as the #1 ingredient. Perfect for keeping your fur sleek without spending a ton.
5. Purina ONE +Plus Hairball Formula Chicken Dry Cat Food
Fiber-rich daily nutrition for indoor cats prone to hairballs.
This widely fed formula is a great source of high-quality protein and is formulated to help your cat’s digestive system work optimally and your cat’s shiny coat to look its best, with added omega-6s and vitamins. A wonderful everyday choice for your long-haired breeds.
Feeding Tips for Long-Haired Cats
- Stick to a Routine
Control portions and feed scheduled meals for a healthier, better looking cat with fresh food. - Mix Wet & Dry
Add wet food a few days a week for added boost of moisture and to change up the menu. - Hydration is Key
Long-Haired Cats Long-Haired Cats Some long-haired breeds will be especially enjoyed by drinking more water. Pet water fountain – your cat can be encouraged to drink more often. - Brush Daily
Frequent grooming also helps remove loose hair, prevents matting and works together with a hairball-control diet. - Vet Checkups
Don’t make any drastic changes to your cat’s diet without consulting your vet first to make sure it suits your individual cat’s health needs.
Conclusion: The Purr-fect Dry Food = A Happier, Shinier Cat
Your pet is the long haired indoor cat that is not a furry animal, it is a moving puff of class. There is beauty and behind that is targeted nutrition. The correct dry food fills more than a bowl, this kind nourishes your dog after good digestion, reduces shedding and maintains that rich coat in a magnificent appearance.
It doesn’t matter whether you choose to buy the more expensive varieties of food such as Royal Canin or with less expensive sources such as Purina ONE, emphasize the important ingredients that include fiber, omega fatty acids and foods that can be digested easily.
Need some more diet and nutritional guidelines and nutritional suggestions based on your cat? Go to Meow Care Hub, your one-stop-shop of all things fawn-to-tail health.
FAQs – Dry Food for Long-Haired Indoor Cats
Q1. What is the best indoor dry cat food for long-haired cats?
A: Royal Canin Indoor Long Hair Adult Dry Food is one of the best, offering fiber for hairballs, omega fatty acids for coat health, and highly digestible ingredients.
Q2. Why do long-haired cats need different food?
A: Their grooming habits lead to more hair ingestion, which increases the risk of hairballs. A fiber-rich, high-protein diet supports digestion, coat health, and hairball prevention.
Q3. Can grain-free dry food help with coat health?
A: Yes, if it includes essential fatty acids and quality protein. Nulo Freestyle Hairball Management is a top grain-free option with omega-3s and fiber.
Q4. How do I transition to a new dry food?
A: Gradually mix the new food with the current one over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset. Start with 25% new, increasing daily.
Q5. How else can I manage hairballs naturally?
A: Regular brushing, fiber-rich diets, and hydration help. Adding pumpkin or vet-approved hairball gels may also support digestion.