Cats suffering from alopecia (hair loss) may benefit from a quality food with high levels of protein, essential for maintaining a healthy skin and coat.
Look for foods with real meat (chicken, turkey, fish, or beef) as the first ingredient.
Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids also promote skin health and reduce inflammation. These can be found in fish oil, flaxseed, and cat foods formulated specifically for skin and coat health.
Biotin and vitamins B and E also support coat strength and growth, along with zinc which helps skin repair and prevents dryness.
If allergies are suspected as the cause of your cat’s hair loss, we recommend trying a limited-ingredient diet (like duck, rabbit, or hydrolyzed protein).
Probiotics and easily digestible proteins can help with nutrient absorption too.
What causes hair loss in cats?
Hair loss in cats can be caused by several factors, including:
- Allergies – Food, environmental factors (dust, pollen), or flea bites can cause skin irritation and excessive grooming, leading to hair loss.
- Parasites – Fleas, mites, and ringworm can cause itching, leading to bald spots.
- Stress or overgrooming – Anxiety or compulsive grooming (psychogenic alopecia) can result in fur loss.
- Nutritional deficiencies – Lack of essential fatty acids, protein, or vitamins (like biotin) can cause poor coat health.
- Hormonal imbalances – Conditions such as hyperthyroidism can lead to hair thinning.
- Infections or skin conditions – Bacterial or fungal infections can cause hair loss and irritation.
We understand how worrying it can be if your cat is suffering from hair loss and always recommend you speak to a veterinarian for advice and to rule out any medical conditions.
You might also find this list, put together by our team of advisors, of the best foods for cats with hair loss, helpful.
Our top picks
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Raised Right (Fresh)
Raised Right Chicken & Pumpkin Paté for Adult Cats recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of four recipes in this product range made by Raised Right whose company headquarters are in Rye, New York. The brand was co-founded by Braeden Ruud and is still family owned today.
This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 58.8% protein, 26.5% fat and 6.7% carbohydrates with a fat-to-protein ratio of 45%.
It provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein and essential fatty acids, made with natural, wholesome ingredients, free from grains, carrageenan, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
Read our review of the full Raised Right (Fresh) range hereThings we like
- Human-grade ingredients
- Excellent source of protein
- Low in carbohydrates
Main Ingredients Turkey thigh, turkey heart, turkey liver, carrots, blueberries. Texture Wet Type Fresh Protein Percentage 58.8% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult cats 20% off your first 16-bag box plus free shipping
w/code PETS20 at checkout
Sample buyer review...
"It’s got a nice array of chicken and organs as well. It appears they like it as they’ve been devouring it. We’ll be including this one in the range of food we give them for sure."
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Dr Marty Nature’s Feast (Freeze-Dried Raw)
Dr Marty’s Nature’s Feast Essential Wellness Fish & Poultry Premium recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of three recipes in this product range made by Dr Marty’s. Founded by Dr Marty Goldstein, Dr Marty Pet was created to help support pet health through cutting-edge, premium freeze-dried raw dog and cat food and supplements.
This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from salmon and turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 38.9% protein, 24.2% fat and 28.8% carbohydrates with a fat-to-protein ratio of 62%.
It provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein with the first three ingredients being quality animal meat or fish sources. Unlike foods that are cooked at high temperatures, this food is freeze dried which means the nutrients are protected in the production process.
Read our review of the full Dr Marty Nature’s Feast (Freeze-Dried Raw) range hereThings we like
- The first three ingredients are fish or meat
- No preservatives, additives or fillers
- High protein content
Main Ingredients Salmon, turkey, whitefish, chicken liver, chicken heart Texture Dry Type Freeze-dried Protein Percentage 38.9% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult cats Exclusive new customer offer
up to 54% off Dr Marty Nature's Feast
Sample buyer review...
"Absolutely amazed at the quality of ingredients in this food. My three cats love it! We feed as a supplement and it goes over so well in our house!"
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Smalls (Fresh)
Smalls Fresh Ground Bird recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of nine recipes in this product range made by Smalls which was founded in 2017 by friends Matt Michaelson and Calvin Bohn.
Small’s Fresh Ground Bird recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 55.4% protein, 30.4% fat and 6.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 55%.
Using high-quality human-grade ingredients, this Smalls’ recipe is high in protein and contains no fillers or preservatives and is ideal for even the pickiest eaters.
Read our review of the full Smalls (Fresh) range hereThings we like
- High protein
- Preservative free
- Ideal for picky eaters
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken liver, green beans, peas, water Texture Wet Type Fresh Protein Percentage 55.4% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All cats 35% off your first order
Use code CATFOODADVISOR
Sample buyer review...
"I have started to feed my cats with Smalls cat food and I am noticing better stool consistency and reduced hairballs, so I am very happy. "
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Forza10 (Wet)
Forza10 Nutraceutic ActiWet Dermo Support Icelandic Fish received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4 stars.
It is one of seven recipes in this product range made by Forza10. The company was founded in Italy in 1995 by Sergio Canello and Gianandrea Guidetti and it is an independent company.
Forza10 Nutraceutic ActiWet Dermo Support Icelandic Fish Recipe derives the bulk of its protein from salmon and other icelandic fish species.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 37.8% protein, 26.1% fat and 28.1% carbohydrates with a fat-to-protein ratio of 69%.
This recipe is therapeutic which means it targets a specific ailment. This recipe can help stop itchiness, redness, hot spots, scratching, dandruff, dry and dull fur, and constant fur loss.
Read our review of the full Forza10 (Wet) range hereThings we like
- Targets specific ailments
- Fish protein is included
Main Ingredients Water sufficient for processing, salmon, icelandic fish, chicken, pork liver Texture Wet Type Pate Protein Percentage 37.8% AAFCO Standards Unspecified Best For Adult cats Sample buyer review...
"This is good food with good ingredients. My cat has allergies and itchy skin, this food is one of only a few that doesn't have any pea/bean ingredients that he is highly allergic to. His coat also seems softer and not as dry. "
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Freely (Wet)
Freely Grain-free wet rabbit recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.
It is one of three recipes in this product range made by Freely. Freely was founded in 2019 by Reed Howlett and has its headquarters in Brentwood, Missouri and all their products are made in the United States.
Freely Grain-free wet rabbit recipe derives the bulk of its protein from rabbit.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 45.5% protein, 18.2% fat and 28.4% carbohydrates with a fat-to-protein ratio of 40%.
This formula provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein, derived from rabbit. Carbohydrate content is low and this recipe is also rich in fat and moisture providing a species appropriate nourishing meal.
Read our review of the full Freely (Wet) range hereThings we like
- High in protein
- Contains animal protein
- Low in carbohydrate
Main Ingredients Rabbit, water, rabbit liver, peas, natural flavors Texture Wet Type Pate Protein Percentage 45.5% AAFCO Standards Unspecified Best For Adult cats Sample buyer review...
"My cat has to be on a limited ingredient diet. She tolerated her other food. But when the other food was not available anywhere I tried Freely. All I can say is she loves it — begs for it!"
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Tom & Sawyer (Fresh)
Tom & Sawyer Wild West Kangaroo recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of three recipes in this product range made by Tom & Sawyer. The Tom & Sawyer brand was founded by Kristin Matthews and Peter Zakarow in 2015. The duo work with nutritionists, vets, and labs, along with chefs, to formulate their nutritionally balanced recipes.
This food derives the bulk of its protein from kangaroo meat, pumpkin, coconut milk, dried cranberries and dicalcium phosphate. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 46.5% protein, 12% fat and 33.5% carbohydrates with a fat-to-protein ratio of 26%.
It provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein, derived from kangaroo meat. It is free from hormones, 100% non-GMO and has added vitamins and minerals to provide a balanced meal.
Read our review of the full Tom & Sawyer (Fresh) range hereThings we like
- High in good quality animal protein
- 100% non-GMO
- Added vitamins and minerals
Main Ingredients Kangaroo meat, pumpkin, coconut milk, dried cranberries, dicalcium phosphate Texture Wet Type Fresh Protein Percentage 46.5% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult cats Sample buyer review...
"Kangaroo seems to be the only meat my cat can eat. This food seems to be a lot more moist than others which may be why my cat likes it a little better."
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Article reviewed by
Pet Nutritionist
Laura studied BSc (Hons) Animal Science with an accreditation in Nutrition at the University of Nottingham, before working for eight years in the pet food and nutrition industry.
