FREEZE-DRIED RAW · CAT FEEDING GUIDE
Feeding for Hairball Control
If your cat regularly coughs up hairballs, the cause starts at the dinner bowl. Cats are obligate carnivores, and the smoother and more complete their digestion, the more easily swallowed fur passes through instead of collecting in the stomach.
Freeze-dried raw is meat, organ and moisture — the diet a cat's gut is built to run on. A highly digestible, meat-first meal keeps things moving and, paired with good hydration, can ease how often hairballs form.
What your cat actually needs
Cats are obligate carnivores — they're built to run on meat, organ and moisture. Here's what matters most.
Self-grooming carnivore
Needs: A highly digestible, meat-first meal so swallowed fur passes through
Freeze-dried raw is muscle meat, organ and bone with no plant filler — easy to digest, so fur is more likely to move through than collect.
Low thirst drive
Needs: Moisture in the meal, not just the water bowl
Rehydrated raw is a high-moisture meal that keeps the gut lubricated and digestion moving — a key lever against hairball buildup.
Obligate carnivore
Needs: High animal protein from real meat and organ
A meat-and-organ raw diet delivers the protein a cat's body actually runs on, supporting a healthy gut and a strong, glossy coat.
Poor carbohydrate metabolism
Needs: A very low carb, low-filler load
Meat-first raw keeps carbs and indigestible filler minimal, so the digestive tract isn't bogged down and fur transit stays smooth.
Coat that sheds year-round
Needs: Omega-rich animal fats for skin and coat
Fish-based raw recipes are naturally rich in omega fats that support skin and a healthy coat, which can mean less loose fur swallowed.
How much to feed your cat
Quick answer: portion freeze-dried raw by your cat's ideal weight — about 0.13 oz per pound per day, split across two or more small meals. Feed to a lean body, not the bag.
| Ideal adult weight | Freeze-dried per day | Per meal (×2) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 lb | 0.8 oz | 0.4 oz |
| 8 lb | 1 oz | 0.5 oz |
| 10 lb | 1.3 oz | 0.7 oz |
| 12 lb | 1.6 oz | 0.8 oz |
| 15 lb | 2 oz | 1 oz |
| 18 lb | 2.3 oz | 1.2 oz |
Starting points for a moderately active adult (~0.13 oz of freeze-dried per lb of ideal weight). Active pets need a little more, couch companions a little less — always adjust to body condition, not the bag.
What to feed your cat
Build the bowl around complete-and-balanced freeze-dried raw recipes that are high in animal protein and low in carbohydrate, so the meal is easy to digest with no plant filler to slow things down. Rotate proteins to broaden the nutrient base and keep a picky cat interested.
Land Animal's cat recipes are meat-first and gently freeze-dried to preserve nutrition, then rehydrate to a high-moisture meal. A naturally fiber-light, highly digestible diet plus moisture supports the smooth gut transit that helps keep hairballs in check.
Feeding by life stage
- Kitten: Kittens groom less and rarely have hairball trouble, but starting them on a digestible, high-moisture raw diet builds good gut habits early; feed more often as they grow.
- Adult: Adults groom the most and form the most hairballs — hold a lean weight on two-plus measured, rehydrated meals a day to keep digestion regular.
- Senior: Seniors need more digestible protein and moisture to protect muscle and keep the gut moving; smaller, more frequent meals help fur pass through comfortably.
Common concerns — and the diet connection
- Hairball frequencyA highly digestible, meat-first diet plus the moisture in rehydrated raw supports smooth gut transit, which can help swallowed fur pass through rather than build up.
- HydrationCats have a naturally low thirst drive; the moisture in rehydrated raw helps keep the digestive tract lubricated and supports healthy digestion.
- Skin & coatReal animal protein and omega-rich fish support a healthy skin barrier and glossy coat, which can mean less loose fur shed and swallowed.
- Healthy weightA measured, protein-dense raw portion supports a lean body and steady digestion without leaving an indoor, hairball-prone cat hungry.
Diet supports health but doesn't replace veterinary care — ask your vet about any specific condition.
Feeding your cat: what to know
Feed a hairball-prone cat to their ideal body weight on two or more small, measured meals a day. Steady, frequent meals suit a cat's natural grazing rhythm and keep digestion regular, which helps fur move through rather than sit.
Rehydrate freeze-dried raw with a little warm water at every meal — the added moisture is one of the biggest levers you have for smooth digestion. Keep grooming up alongside diet, always offer fresh water, and re-check the portion against body condition every few weeks.
Cat feeding questions
What is the best food for a cat with hairballs?
How does diet affect hairballs?
How much freeze-dried raw should I feed a hairball-prone cat?
Does adding moisture to food help with hairballs?
Can switching to raw reduce hairballs?
How do I switch my cat to raw?
THE CLEAN BOWL GUARANTEE
If your cat won't eat it, it's on us
Try your cat's first plan risk-free. If they turn up their nose, we'll make it right — money-back, and skip, pause or cancel anytime.
- Obligate-carnivore formulated
- AAFCO complete & balanced
- Pathogen-tested every batch
“My picky indoor cat actually finishes her bowl now — and she’s drinking less because the food has real moisture back in it.”
— Dana & Miso“Switching our senior to raw was easier than I expected. He’s more playful and his coat looks incredible.”
— Theo & Pepper
Portions are starting points for freeze-dried raw and AAFCO complete-and-balanced recipes. Always feed to your individual cat's body condition and ask your vet about specific health needs.