Purr fectly Satisfied The Benefits of Hairball Control Treats
Greenies Hairball Treats for Cats Review
Pet owners, particularly feline lovers, are always seeking the best for their furry companions. One brand that has been widely discussed in recent years is Greenies and their hairball treats for cats. Lets dive deep into the world of these treats, examining their benefits, potential concerns, and what the community is saying.
1. What Are Greenies Hairball Treats?
Greenies Hairball Control treats are marketed as a tasty solution for cats who suffer from hairballs. They are designed not only to control the formation of hairballs but also to provide additional nutrients.
2. Benefits of Greenies Hairball Treats
- Tasty for Cats: Many owners report their cats adore the taste.
- Nutritional Supplement: They contain essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health.
- Hairball Reduction: They have a unique fiber blend intended to help reduce hairball formation.
3. Controversies and Concerns
However, as seen on platforms like Reddit and JustAnswer, some concerns surround these treats.
- Digestive Issues: Some owners have reported their cats vomiting after consuming the treats.
- Grain Content: Not being grain-free has raised eyebrows among some health-conscious pet owners.
4. What the Community Says
- On Reddits r/cats, users have discussed a shortage of these treats, signaling their popularity.
- Some users on r/petco have raised concerns about the nutritional value, comparing them to feeding cats sugar.
- Other users swear by them, highlighting their effectiveness in managing hairballs and their cats love for the taste.
5. Alternatives to Greenies
Given the divided opinion, its wise to know the alternatives:
- Dietary Changes: Consider a high-fiber diet which can naturally help with hairball control.
- Regular Grooming: Brushing your cat regularly can reduce the amount of hair they ingest.
- Other Treat Brands: If Greenies arent the right fit, other brands in the market offer similar benefits.
6. The Bottom Line
As with all products, what works for one cat might not work for another. Its essential to know your cats specific needs and consult with a veterinarian if youre concerned about introducing a new treat or if your cat experiences adverse reactions.
Conclusion
Greenies Hairball Control treats for cats have undeniably made a mark in the pet community. While many tout their benefits, its also crucial to listen to the concerns raised. Whatever you decide, ensure its in the best interest of your feline friend.
FAQ: Greenies Hairball Treats for Cats
Q1: How do Greenies Hairball Treats work?
Answer: Greenies Hairball Treats employ a unique blend of natural fibers that help to minimize hairball formation. As the cat consumes the treat, the fibers assist in moving ingested hair through the digestive system, preventing it from clumping together in the stomach. Additionally, the treats have an appealing taste, ensuring that cats are eager to consume them.
Q2: How often should I give my cat these treats?
Answer: Its recommended to follow the serving suggestions on the product packaging. Typically, for a 10-pound cat, around 4-5 treats daily are suggested. However, always ensure that treats make up no more than 10% of your cats daily caloric intake and consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.
Q3: Are Greenies Hairball Treats suitable for kittens?
Answer: Greenies Hairball Treats are primarily designed for adult cats. Kittens have different nutritional needs, and their digestive systems might be more sensitive. If considering any treats for kittens, always consult a veterinarian first.
Q4: Are there any known side effects?
Answer: While many cats enjoy these treats without any issues, some owners have reported digestive upsets, including vomiting. If you notice any adverse reactions in your cat after introducing these treats, its recommended to discontinue use and consult a veterinarian.
Q5: Do Greenies Hairball Treats come in different flavors?
Answer: Yes, Greenies offer a variety of flavors to cater to the diverse palates of cats. Some of the popular flavors include chicken and tuna. Its a good idea to try out different flavors to determine which one your cat prefers.
Q6: Can I rely solely on these treats for hairball control?
Answer: While Greenies Hairball Treats can be a helpful part of a hairball control regimen, they shouldnt be the sole solution. Regular grooming, a balanced diet, and adequate hydration play crucial roles in managing hairballs.
Q7: Are there any grains in Greenies Hairball Treats?
Answer: Yes, some Greenies products contain grains. If youre keen on providing grain-free options for your cat, always check the ingredient list and consider other alternatives that align with your dietary preferences for your pet.
Q8: How should I store these treats?
Answer: To ensure freshness, its recommended to store Greenies Hairball Treats in a cool, dry place. Always reseal the bag after use to maintain the treats potency and taste.
Q9: Have there been any recalls on Greenies Hairball Treats?
Answer: Recalls can occur with any product, and its always a good practice to regularly check the FDAs pet food recall website or consult with your veterinarian for the most up-to-date information.
Q10: Can Greenies Hairball Treats replace a meal?
Answer: No, these treats are designed as a supplement and not as a replacement for regular meals. Always ensure that your cat has a balanced diet that meets all its nutritional needs.
Q11: Are Greenies Hairball Treats gluten-free?
Answer: Some Greenies products may contain gluten or gluten-derived ingredients. If your cat has specific dietary requirements or sensitivities, always scrutinize the ingredient list closely and consider consulting your veterinarian before introducing any new treat.
Q12: Can these treats help with other digestive issues besides hairballs?
Answer: While Greenies Hairball Treats are primarily formulated for hairball control, the natural fibers in them might assist in promoting overall digestive health. However, they arent designed to treat specific digestive issues. If your cat has persistent digestive problems, its essential to consult a veterinarian for specialized care.
Q13: How does the nutritional content of Greenies Hairball Treats compare to other hairball remedies?
Answer: Greenies Hairball Treats focus on a combination of taste and functionality, ensuring cats are attracted to the treats while benefiting from the hairball control features. When compared to other remedies, these treats might have a different caloric and fiber content. Comparing labels and understanding the needs of your cat are crucial steps before making a choice.
Q14: Are there any age-specific versions of the Greenies Hairball Treats?
Answer: Greenies primarily targets adult cats with its Hairball Treats. However, brands often expand or modify their product lines, so its advisable to regularly check the official Greenies website or trusted pet stores for the latest offerings.
Q15: If my cat is on medication, can I still give it these treats?
Answer: While Greenies Hairball Treats are generally safe for most cats, if your cat is on medication, you should always consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new treat or food. Some ingredients might interact with specific drugs or alter their effectiveness.
Q16: How sustainable are the ingredients in Greenies Hairball Treats?
Answer: Greenies, like many pet food brands, is increasingly focusing on sustainability. However, for precise details regarding the sourcing and sustainability of their ingredients, its best to refer to the companys official statements or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.
Q17: Can I combine Greenies Hairball Treats with other forms of hairball remedies?
Answer: While it might be tempting to use multiple remedies for more effective hairball control, doing so without proper guidance can lead to over-supplementation. Before combining treatments, always consult your veterinarian to ensure its safe and effective for your feline friend.
Q18: If my cat doesnt like the treats, can I return them?
Answer: Return policies vary depending on where you purchase the product. While some retailers might offer returns or exchanges for pet food and treats, others may not. Always check the return policy of the store or online platform where you bought the Greenies Hairball Treats.
Q19: Are there any DIY alternatives to Greenies Hairball Treats?
Answer: There are various DIY recipes available online that focus on natural ingredients to help with hairball control. Ingredients like pumpkin can act as natural fiber sources. However, creating a balanced and effective treat at home requires careful consideration of nutrition and portion size. If youre considering a DIY approach, seek guidance from a veterinarian or a pet nutritionist.
Q20: Do these treats also support dental health?
Answer: Greenies has a range of products that promote dental health, and while the Hairball Treats might provide some dental benefits due to their texture, theyre primarily designed for hairball control. If dental health is a concern, you might want to explore products specifically formulated for that purpose.
HELP US PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE
The 6 Best Cat Foods For Hairball Control
The 6 Best Cat Foods For Hairball Control
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The best cat food for hairball control treats the problem at its source. Its a highly-digestible, species-appropriate food that helps to keep your cats digestion running smoothly.
We recommend Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe as the overall best cat food for hairball control. Its a carnivores feast that provides plenty of species-appropriate nutrition without a lot of carbohydrates or plant protein. On top of its meat content, it includes a touch of pumpkin, an additive frequently recommended for cats with hairball issues.
This Nulo recipe isnt right for every cat, so stay tuned for the other products in our list of the best cat food for hairball control. Youll find freeze-dried foods, options for cats with allergies, and a low-fat food for cats who need to lose weight.
At a Glance: Best Cat Foods For Hairball Control To Buy
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. Youll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Compare Best Cat Foods For Hairball Control
Overall Best 1. Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat & Kitten Food | Runner Up 2. Smalls Freeze-Dried Water Bird | Premium Choice 3. Primal Turkey Formula Nuggets Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried Cat Food | Best For Allergies 4. Stella & Chewy's Absolutely Rabbit Dinner Morsels Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food | Best For Senior Cats 5. Hound & Gatos 98% Turkey & Liver Formula | Best For Weight Loss 6. Tiki Cat Koolina Luau Chicken with Egg in Chicken Consomme Grain-Free Canned Cat Food |
Protein 11% Min | Protein 45% Min | Protein 59% Min | Protein 44% Min | Protein 10% Min | Protein 17% Min |
Fat 6.5% Min | Fat 20% Min | Fat 18% Min | Fat 30% Min | Fat 8.5% Min | Fat 2.9% Min |
Fiber 0.75% Max | Fiber 3% Max | Fiber 4.0% Max | Fiber 5.0% Max | Fiber 1.% Max | Fiber 0% Max |
Life Stage Adult | Life Stage Adult | Life Stage Adult | Life Stage Adult | Life Stage Adult | Life Stage Adult |
Type Wet/Canned | Type Freeze-Dried | Type Dry | Type Freeze-Dried | Type Wet/Canned | Type Wet |
Made In United States | Made In United States | Made In United States | Made In United States | Made In United States | Made In Thailand |
What Is The Best Cat Food For Hairball Control?
Hairballs are a normal part of being an animal that cleans itselfand sometimes other catswith its tongue. If your cat has hairballs occasionally and is already on a stellar diet, he probably doesnt need anything beyond an extra brushing session or two.
Hairballs start to spell problems when youre seeing them more than once a month. Frequent hairballs can be a symptom of digestive problems and gastrointestinal inflammation. When digestive issues are the culprit, the right food may be able to help.
Because Hairballs Can Be A Symptom Of Digestive Problems, The Best Cat Food For Hairball Control Helps To Support Digestive Health.
Whenever youre feeding a cat with digestive issues, its best to give him food that works in harmony with his body. For an obligate carnivore, that translates to a high-protein diet made primarily from animal-sourced ingredients.
A Limited-ingredient Or Hypoallergenic Food May Help.
Like diarrhea, vomiting, and skin issues, excessive hairballs may point to food intolerances or allergies. If you suspect that food sensitivities are responsible for your cats hairballs, consider switching to a limited-ingredient or single-protein food. By simplifying your cats diet, you make it easier to identify problem ingredients and eliminate them.
Fiber Can Help With Hairball Control, But More Fiber Isnt Always The Right Choice.
Most cat foods marketed for hairball control are high-fiber products. Fiber can help hair to move through the digestive tract and appears to play a vital role in your cats digestion. That said, dont overestimate the amount of fiber your cat needs.
Though a touch of extra fiber can help to treat your cats hairballs, theres no need to give any cat food loaded to the brim with fiber. If your cat is eating a diet thats 4% fiber or more and has hairballs anyway, adding more fiber is probably not the solution.
Instead of piling more plant matter into an already vegetable-based diet, start with a carnivore-appropriate foundation. Once your cat is on a fresh, digestible diet without any irritating ingredients and still has hairballs, then you can consider adding more fiber.
Our Top Picks For The Best Cat Foods For Hairball Control
Overall Best
Product Info
- Protein: 11% Min
- Fat: 6.5% Min
- Fiber: 0.75% Max
- Life Stage: Adult
- Type: Wet/Canned
- Made In: United States
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 11%
Crude Fat: 6.5%
Crude Fiber: 0.75%
Moisture: 78%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 50%
Fat: 29.55%
Fiber: 3.41%
Carbs: 17.05%
Pros
- Receives positive reviews from people feeding cats with digestive issues
- Contains pumpkin, which may help with hairball control
- Contains easily-digestible animal protein
- Less expensive than comparable foods
Cons
- Features three protein sources and may not be the best choice for cats with food sensitivities
- Contains multiple thickening gums
This food from Nulo Freestyle has a good reputation among cats with digestive issues. Reviewers say it helped to reduce their cats chronic vomiting, hairballs, and more.The food is made with turkey, chicken, and tuna. With three protein sources in the mix, this recipe isnt the best choice for cats with food sensitivities and allergies.For those who dont have any known intolerances, theres nothing wrong with a three-protein diet. In fact, the foods mix of protein sources may contribute to its palatability. Cats seem to like the way it tastes.The food contains smidges of plant ingredients, including pumpkin. Pumpkin is one of the best-known and best-loved remedies for hairballs. Menhaden fish oil serves as a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help to reduce the inflammation associated with chronic hairballs.
Runner Up
Product Info
- Protein: 45% Min
- Fat: 20% Min
- Fiber: 3% Max
- Life Stage: Adult
- Type: Freeze-Dried
- Made In: United States
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 45%
Crude Fat: 20%
Crude Fiber: 3%
Moisture: 8%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 48.91%
Fat: 21.74%
Fiber: 3.26%
Carbs: 26.09%
Pros
- Freeze-dried raw food sent to your door
- Made with real ground duck and duck organs
- High in protein and other natural ingredients
Cons
- Some cats dislike the texture of freeze-dried food
- May be more expensive than some foods
If youre tired of cleaning up hairballs, consider switching to Smalls. Their freeze-dried cat food is made with the highest quality ingredients to maximize digestibility while optimizing your cats nutrition. Plus, real animal protein is always the first ingredient.This Smalls Freeze-Dried Water Bird is an excellent choice for cats suffering from hairballs because it offers balanced nutrition, clean and simple. This freeze-dried raw food is made with finely ground duck and assorted duck organs, but a limited number of other ingredients. It provides everything your cat needs with nothing extraneous.Not only does Smalls give your cat the highly digestible nutrition he deserves, but they make things easy on you as well. Youll receive all the food your cat needs in regular deliveries sent right to your door. What could be better than that?
Premium Choice
Product Info
- Protein: 59% Min
- Fat: 18% Min
- Fiber: 4.0% Max
- Life Stage: Adult
- Type: Dry
- Made In: United States
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 48%
Crude Fat: 22%
Crude Fiber: 4%
Moisture: 9%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 52.75%
Fat: 24.18%
Fiber: 4.4%
Carbs: 18.68%
Pros
- A single-protein food appropriate for cats with food sensitivities and allergies
- Contains a mix of nourishing omega-3 sources
- Rich in highly-digestible animal ingredients
- Low carbohydrate content may help to control inflammation
Cons
- Contains some plant ingredients
Our second favorite option is this freeze-dried food from Primal Pet Food. The freeze-drying process destroys pathogenic organisms but leaves the foods nutrient value unchanged. The end result is a food thats as nourishing as raw meat and safe to handle and store.With 96% of the foods amino acid content coming from a single animal protein source, its a highly-digestible, nourishing option that wont produce a lot of waste or inflammation.The food is primarily made from turkey muscle meat, necks, hearts or gizzards, and liver. This meat is USDA human-edible, meaning it is held to higher standards than the feed-grade ingredients used in most cat food.Instead of synthetic supplements, the food contains an array of fruits and vegetables as nutrient sources. These include organic collard greens, squash, celery, cranberries, and traces of other fruits and vegetables.A blend of sardine oil and cod liver oil provides omega-3 fatty acids and helps to reduce inflammation.
Best For Allergies
Product Info
- Protein: 44% Min
- Fat: 30% Min
- Fiber: 5.0% Max
- Life Stage: Adult
- Type: Freeze-Dried
- Made In: United States
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 44%
Crude Fat: 30%
Crude Fiber: 5%
Moisture: 5%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 46.32%
Fat: 31.58%
Fiber: 5.26%
Carbs: 16.84%
Pros
- Rabbit is a novel protein ideal for allergic cats
- Contains a fiber source to help control hairballs
- Added probiotics help support digestive health
- Primarily made from highly-digestible ingredients
Cons
- May have too much phosphorus for senior cats
Food intolerances can contribute to chronic hairballs, so the best cat food for hairball control may be a limited-ingredient food featuring a novel protein. This type of food helps you to identify and eliminate allergens or irritants.This recipe from Stella & Chewys fits that description. It is a freeze-dried food made primarily from rabbit meat, organs, and bones.Rabbit is still a relatively uncommon ingredient in cat food. Its not a top allergen and is therefore appropriate for most sensitive cats. The food contains pumpkin seeds as a source of fiber, which may help to support healthy digestion and prevent hairballs.Finally, the foods inclusion of probiotic organisms helps to support digestive health.
Best For Senior Cats
Product Info
- Protein: 10% Min
- Fat: 8.5% Min
- Fiber: 1.% Max
- Life Stage: Adult
- Type: Wet/Canned
- Made In: United States
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 10%
Crude Fat: 8.5%
Crude Fiber: 1%
Moisture: 78%
Ash: 2.5%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 45.45%
Fat: 38.64%
Fiber: 4.55%
Pros
- Made from turkey, which is a good alternative to chicken
- Free from commonly irritating ingredients
- Limited ingredient list
- Highly digestible
- Great for senior cats
Cons
- Some cats dont like the taste or texture
- One of the most expensive foods on the market
Because its formulated to what Hound & Gatos calls a paleolithic feeding model, this food is a hit among cats with digestive issues, including IBD and chronic hairballs.The food has a limited-ingredient recipe featuring a lone protein source. Turkey meat and turkey liver are the primary ingredients.The food contains agar-agar as a binder and features salmon oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids.Altogether, the food has everything your cat needs for healthy digestion. It has the muscle meat and organs cats require, a source of fiber, and anti-inflammatory fat.If you want a single-protein food, this is one to consider. The foods biggest drawback is a palatability issue. Though most reviewers like it and many say it was the solution to their cats digestive problems, some say their cats refused to eat it. The foods taste and texture tend to be divisive.
Best For Weight Loss
Product Info
- Protein: 17% Min
- Fat: 2.9% Min
- Fiber: 0% Max
- Life Stage: Adult
- Type: Wet
- Made In: Thailand
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 17%
Crude Fat: 2.9%
Moisture: 79%
Ash: 1%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 80.95%
Fat: 13.81%
Carbs: 0.48%
Pros
- The streamlined, ultra-digestible ingredient list may support GI health
- Low carbohydrate content may reduce inflammation
- Contains egg as a source of choline and lecithin, which help to prevent hairball formation
- Low fat content can help overweight cats slim down
Cons
- Made with chicken and egg, two of the most common cat food allergens
- Features plant-sourced oil rather than nourishing animal fat
- Zero fiber content
This recipe from Tiki Cat has several qualities that can help the hairball-prone cat. One is its carnivore-appropriate simplicity. The food is primarily made from chicken, a highly-digestible source of protein and other nutrients. It contains dried egg as a secondary source of protein and a source of choline and lecithin, nutrients that can help to prevent hairball formation.It contains sunflower seed oil as a source of fat. Ideally, your cats food should contain animal-sourced fat and oils like chicken fat and salmon oil. These ingredients have the fatty acid profile cats need and are more nourishing than plant fats.Other than chicken, egg, and sunflower seed oil, there isnt much going on in this food. Its fortified with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that make it nutritionally complete. It contains chicken broth, but unlike similar foods, its not thickened with any gums or starches.In general, this food is a good option for cats with food sensitivities, hairball problems, and digestive issues in general.Note, however, that it doesnt have any fiber content. You may want to add psyllium, inulin, or other type of fiber supplement.
Finding Great Food Isnt Always The End Of The Hairball Control Story.
The best cat food for hairball control helpsa lotbut even after youve found a diet that works for your cat, you may still have to try other tactics to reduce his hairballs. Here are a few ways you can go beyond diet to ease your cats hairball issues.
Brush Off Some Of That Hair Before It Can Become A Hairball.
If your cat doesnt swallow hair, he cant develop hairballs. You can help your cat out by giving him a good brushing every few days, getting that loose hair off his body and into the trash before it comes close to forming into a hairball.
Less Shedding Means Fewer Hairballs.
Shedding is inevitable for most cats, but cats with healthier coats tend to do it less. A great diet and the right supplements can help to keep your cats coat in top condition and shedding as little as possible.
On top of feeding one of the best cat food for hairball control, you can promote skin and coat health by introducing an omega-3 fatty acid supplement and ruling out any sensitivities or health conditions that cause excessive shedding.
Consider Giving Your Cat Hairball Remedies.
These products are made with oils, waxes, petroleum jelly, or a mix of these ingredients. They lubricate the hairs and help to keep them from fusing into a hairball. They usually work well, but theres no need to keep your cat on a life-long regimen of gut lubricants. Consider them a short-term solution while you work on finding a diet and routine that solve the problem for good.
In addition to these cat-specific products, you can try giving your cat butter, coconut oil, or a dab of petroleum jelly.
