Hairball Care Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 15, 2026
This is a dry adult cat food designed for cats prone to hairballs, using a blend of chicken by-product meal and corn gluten meal as key protein sources. It includes several types of fibers, like pea fiber, beet pulp, and psyllium husk, to help move ingested hair through the digestive tract. The calorie density is fairly high, so portions are relatively small, which can help maintain a healthy weight when measured carefully.
Overall, this is a well-formulated adult dry food aimed at helping manage hairballs through a purposeful mix of soluble and insoluble fibers. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for most healthy adult indoor cats, and it’s complete and balanced to meet AAFCO requirements for maintenance. It’s a good option for adult cats that tend to form hairballs and do well on chicken- and grain-based diets.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Uses chicken by-product meal and corn gluten meal to provide adequate, highly usable protein at a reasonable 32% for an adult dry cat food.
- Formulated with multiple fiber sources (pea fiber, beet pulp, psyllium, pea fiber) specifically to help hair move through the GI tract and reduce hairball formation.
- Contains fish oil and vegetable oil, which can contribute omega fatty acids that support skin, coat, and overall health.
- Fully complete and balanced for adult maintenance according to AAFCO nutrient profiles, with clear calorie information that makes portion control easier.
Considerations
- Contains chicken, fish, wheat, and corn, which are common protein and grain ingredients; cats with known food allergies or sensitivities to any of these will need a different formula.
- Fiber is relatively high for a cat food (8.5% max), which is helpful for hairballs but may be too much for some cats that are prone to soft stools or GI upset.
- Energy density is high (about 342 kcal per cup), so overfeeding is easy if portions are not carefully measured, especially for indoor or less active cats.
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
Chicken By-Product
Chicken by-product is a common protein ingredient in pet foods made from edible parts of the bird not typically consumed by people—such as organs (liver, heart), necks and other tissues—and is used to add protein, flavor and nutrient density. It can provide concentrated protein, essential amino acids, B vitamins and minerals (and may contribute taurine when organ meats are included), but composition and quality vary by source, so pet parents concerned about sourcing, higher ash/fat content or chicken allergies should check the manufacturer’s labeling and quality standards.
02
Corn
Corn is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a digestible source of carbohydrates and calories, and it also provides some plant protein, fiber, B vitamins and minerals while helping with kibble structure and palatability. While generally safe and economical, corn is relatively high in starch and has an incomplete amino acid profile for obligate carnivores (cats), can be a source of mycotoxin contamination if poorly stored, and although true corn allergies are uncommon, some pets may be sensitive, so quality and proper formulation with animal proteins are important.
03
Pea Fiber
Pea fiber is an insoluble plant fiber derived from peas commonly used in pet foods as a source of dietary fiber and as a texturizer/binder to help form kibble, increase stool bulk, and reduce calorie density; it provides little protein, fat, vitamins, or minerals but can aid satiety and regularity in dogs and cats. While pea fiber can support digestive health and weight management, it may cause gas or looser stools in some pets and — because pea-derived ingredients have been discussed in the context of concerns about grain‑free diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy — it should be used as part of a balanced, veterinarian‑approved formulation rather than in excessive amounts.
04
Brewer's Rice
Brewer’s rice is a milling byproduct of rice processing made up of small broken white rice kernels commonly used in pet foods as a highly digestible carbohydrate source, filler and binder that provides readily available energy for dogs and cats while contributing little protein, fat or fiber. It is generally gentle on the stomach and cost‑effective, but diets using it must supply other ingredients for essential nutrients; pet owners should note its relatively high glycemic load (relevant for weight or diabetic pets), the potential for trace environmental contaminants associated with rice, and not confuse it with brewer’s yeast.
05
Corn Gluten
Corn gluten (often listed as corn gluten meal) is a concentrated plant-based protein and kibble-binding ingredient commonly used in dry pet foods to boost protein content, energy density, and help with texture. It provides digestible protein for dogs but is relatively low in essential amino acids like lysine, is not an ideal sole protein source for obligate carnivores such as cats, and can be a sensitivity/allergen for some pets, so it’s best used alongside high-quality animal proteins and complementary ingredients.
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
Royal Canin is a premium pet food brand offering highly specific diets tailored to different breeds, life stages, sizes, and health conditions of dogs and cats. The brand is known for its science-driven approach and collaboration with veterinarians and pet professionals.
Visit Royal CaninWSAVA publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer (qualified nutritionists, feeding trials, published research); it does not certify or endorse brands.
Manufacturer
Royal Canin operates manufacturing facilities globally with strict quality control processes and adheres to ISO certification standards. The company maintains full traceability of ingredients, follows HACCP principles, and complies with local and international pet food safety regulations including EU and FDA requirements.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Royal Canin Hairball Care Dry Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Royal Canin ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Royal Canin. 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.
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