Naked Essentials Hairball Care Salmon + Whitefish Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 16, 2026
A grain-free, high-protein dry food for adult cats, this formula uses salmon, menhaden fish meal, salmon meal, trout, and whitefish as its main animal protein sources. It combines several fiber sources, including powdered cellulose and miscanthus grass, to help move hair through the gut and support regular digestion, and adds prebiotics, probiotics, and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids for digestive and skin/coat support. It’s designed for healthy adult cats who need hairball control and a moderately high-energy diet.
This is a well-formulated adult dry cat food with multiple high-quality fish proteins and a clear focus on hairball management through added fiber sources. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for most healthy adult cats, and the inclusion of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids plus probiotics is a nice nutritional bonus. It suits adult cats who do well on fish-based diets and could benefit from extra help moving hair through the gut, as long as they don’t have sensitivities to fish or legumes.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Multiple fish proteins at the top of the ingredient list provide high-quality, highly digestible protein for cats.
- Added powdered cellulose and miscanthus grass boost fiber, which can help move hair through the digestive tract.
- Includes fish oil and sunflower oil, supplying omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Contains a probiotic (Bacillus coagulans) and chicory root prebiotic to support a healthy gut microbiome.
Considerations
- Fish is a common allergen for some cats, so this formula is not a good fit for cats with known fish sensitivities.
- Legumes like peas, chickpeas, and pea protein supply a notable portion of the calories, which may not suit all cats with digestive issues.
- This is an adult maintenance formula and is not designed to meet the specific needs of growing kittens on its own.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
02
Menhaden Fish
Menhaden fish is used in pet foods primarily as a high-quality animal protein and as a concentrated source of fish oil rich in omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which support healthy skin and coat, joint mobility, and anti‑inflammatory benefits for dogs and cats. It enhances palatability and provides essential micronutrients like iodine and selenium, but owners should be aware of possible fish allergies, caloric density and oil oxidation, and prefer products from reputable, sustainably sourced suppliers to reduce contamination risks.
03
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
04
Pea
Pea is a plant-based ingredient used in pet foods as a source of protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and micronutrients (often included as whole peas, pea flour, or pea protein concentrate) to boost protein content and improve texture. While peas can provide digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and some plant protein useful especially for dogs, they are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and — when overused, particularly in concentrated forms or as a major component of grain‑free diets — have been scrutinized for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy and can contribute to nutrient imbalances or excess calories, so balanced formulation and compliance with AAFCO nutritional profiles are important.
05
Chickpea
Chickpeas are a legume commonly used in pet foods as a plant-based protein, source of digestible carbohydrates, and supply of soluble and insoluble fiber that helps with stool quality and satiety. They can be a useful ingredient for dogs but are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and may cause gas or digestive upset if underprocessed; additionally, high inclusion of legumes in some grain‑free diets has been discussed as a potential factor in canine dilated cardiomyopathy so diets should be balanced and any concerns discussed with your veterinarian.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
I and Love and You offers holistic, grain-free, and natural pet foods and treats aimed at health-conscious pet owners. The brand focuses on complete and balanced nutrition using high-quality proteins and no artificial preservatives, colors, or fillers.
Visit I and Love and YouManufacturer
I and Love and You partners with co-manufacturers in the United States and sometimes in Canada to produce their pet foods under strict quality control standards. Their foods are made in facilities that meet FDA and AAFCO nutritional requirements and maintain quality and safety certifications.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
I and Love and You Naked Essentials Hairball Care Salmon + Whitefish Dry Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
Sign up for the full picture
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Get startedSimilar Foods
Post your cat's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has I and Love and You ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for I and Love and You. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
Continue with Google
Continue with Facebook