Pro's Choice Hairball Control Formula
Pro's Choice Hairball Control Formula scores 2.5/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is animal-protein content (strong — 98% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources); its weakest is protein clarity (moderate — 50% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named).
Rating
Updated Sep 2026
How this score is made
This score isn’t a hand-wavy impression: it reads what the label actually prints — the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis and AAFCO adequacy statement — and runs it through the same algorithmic rubric as every other product. No brand pays for placement, and there are no affiliate links on reviewed products.
Is Pro's Choice Hairball Control Formula dry cat food good?
Pro's Choice Hairball Control Formula is a dry cat food rated 2.5 stars, with moderate ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. Real muscle meat appears as a primary protein source, supported by whole-food ingredients. This recipe is free from Dairy, Egg, Legumes, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish but contains Gluten grains, Poultry, Fish, Unknown Fish Meal.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
- Uses mainly organic mineral sources, which are typically better absorbed.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 38% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 14% |
| Est. Carbs | 33% |
| Fiber | 7% |
| Ash | 8% |
Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 34% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 13% |
| Est. Carbs | 30% |
| Fiber | 6% |
| Moisture | 10% |
| Ash | 7% |
Ash value not listed on label; 7% used as a standard estimate.
Moisture not listed on label; 10% used as the standard estimate for this food type.
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is Medium (38% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. Cats usually benefit from higher protein than dogs, so confirm the food is complete for cats and fits the cat's life stage.
- Fat is Medium (14% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is a moderate energy-density signal for many cats, but total calories and body condition still matter.
Ingredients Analysis
26 of 27 matched
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1 Chicken Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of chicken, it is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh chicken on dry matter basis.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
-
2 Non-gmo Corn
CarbsDescription
A grain that is often referred as "cheap filler" in pet foods, mainly due to its high carbs content and low to moderate nutrition profile.
Why Concerned?
A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
Allergen Concern
One of the most reported ingredients to be the likely cause of allergies. This could be due to the undiscovered contaminants within corns. Contrary to the real situation, studies show that the chance of getting corn allergy is 14% and only accounts for 3% of allergies.
Digestion Concern
It is high in cellulose, which is an insoluble fiber that is hard to digest.
-
3 Fish Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of unnamed fish. It is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh fish on dry matter basis.
Why Notice?
It does not state what kind of fish is used to make the ingredient. Its quality is highly concerned, often seen in low quality pet foods.
Uncertain/Risky
Unnamed fish products could source from sick, deadly animal bodies. It is a potential risk for severe illness.
-
4 Pearl Barley
CarbsDescription
A type of grain that is high in carbs and fiber, along with manganese and selenium.
Why Concerned?
An inexpensive filler with gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
Allergen Concern
Contains gluten, which is one of the most common allergens that can cause skin rashes, itchiness, and irritation.
Digestion Concern
Gluten intolerances can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract, may result in diarrhea and discomfort stomach.
-
5 Beet Pulp
CarbsDescription
The leftover pulp after sugar is extracted from sugar beets, contains higher fiber and less sugar compared to whole beets.
Why Concerned?
Controversial - Some say it is a good dietary fiber source, some believe it is just an inexpensive filler.
- 6 Rice Germ
No match found in database
-
7 Yeast
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
Made from fungus and often used to make beer, a rich source of minerals such as selenium. B-complex vitamins, and chromium. It contains around 40% protein.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient, some believe it can support the immune system, while others say it can be linked to allergies and bloating. However, no scientific research can provide a concrete conclusion.
-
8 Flaxseed
FatDescription
One of the richest sources of plant-based omega 3s, well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains around 41% of fat, 57% of the total fatty acids is omega 3s.
-
9 Animal Fat
FatDescription
Leftover fat during the production of unknown animal meat meal.
Why Notice?
Unspecified animal products from unknown sources. Its quality is highly concerned, often seen in low quality pet foods.
Uncertain/Risky
Could be made from any animals, including "4-D animals" (dead, diseased, disabled, or dying prior to slaughter). Contaminated meats can lead to severe illnesses.
-
10 Dried Beet Pulp
CarbsDescription
The leftover pulp after sugar is extracted from sugar beets, contains higher fiber and less sugar compared to whole beets.
Why Concerned?
Controversial - Some say it is a good dietary fiber source, some believe it is just an inexpensive filler.
-
11 Yucca Extract
CarbsDescription
Yucca schidigera is a desert plant found in the arid southwestern US and Mexico. It has been shown to reduce fecal aroma (poop's smell) without any harmful effect.
-
12 Taurine
SupplementDescription
An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to maintain a healthy brain and heart functions.
Why Prefer?
A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
-
13 Mos
PrebioticsDescription
Known as MOS, a sugar extracted from yeast, added as a prebiotic. It is well known for its ability to bind pathogenic bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella, preventing them from growing in the intestine.
-
14 Vitamin A
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
-
15 Vitamin D3
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin D3 (animal-derived), which is essential for calcium homeostasis - to maintain a constant concentration of calcium. A deficiency will result in osteopenia (lower bone mass).
-
16 Vitamin E
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
-
17 Vitamin B1
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B1, which is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
-
18 Vitamin B6
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B6, which is vital for producing glucose, red blood cells, and synthesis of niacin, taurine, dopamine. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anemia, seizures, and heart-related issues.
-
19 Vitamin B12
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B12, which is vital for carbon transfer and propionate metabolism. A deficiency will result in symptoms similar to gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and weight loss.
-
20 Niacin
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
-
21 Choline
SupplementDescription
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
-
22 Calcium Pantothenate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
-
23 Folic Acid
SupplementDescription
A synthetic form of folate, which is also known as vitamin B9. It plays an important role to support the body's functions, such as cell growth.
-
24 Biotin
SupplementDescription
A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.
-
25 Vitamin C
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin C, which can help to prevent oxidative damages by radicals, maintain healthy skin, and boost the immune system.
-
26 Zinc Animo Acid Chelate
(Detected): Zinc Amino Acid Chelate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
-
27 Iron Amino Acid Chelate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
Tips
- Some protein sources are less clear: Fish Meal appear near the top without a clearly defined animal source.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Fish Meal, Animal Fat.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Fish Meal, Animal Fat have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible allergy triggers: Non-gmo Corn, Pearl Barley have allergen notes; review them if your pet has sensitivities.
- Possible digestion triggers: Non-gmo Corn, Pearl Barley have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
Moderate- Named 50%
- Unnamed 50%
Mixed clarity: 50% of Pro's Choice Hairball Control Formula's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named, but 50% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Where names are vague, you cannot verify the source or check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Unnamed
Animal Protein
High- Animal 98%
- Auxiliary 2%
Meat-forward: 98% of the weighted protein in Pro's Choice Hairball Control Formula comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (0% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Auxiliary
Pro's Choice Hairball Control Formula dry cat food Review
Pro's Choice Hairball Control Formula is a solid mid-tier dry cat food at 2.5 stars, with moderate ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. It has clear strengths alongside a few trade-offs worth weighing.
Best for
- Pets that thrive on muscle-meat protein
- Owners prioritizing bioavailable minerals
Avoid if
- Your pet has a grain or gluten sensitivity
- You need to know the exact animal source of every protein
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 50% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Gluten grains, Poultry, Fish, Unknown Fish Meal.
- On a dry-matter basis: 38% protein, 14% fat, 33% estimated carbohydrates.
- 98% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Dairy, Egg, Legumes, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pro's Choice Hairball Control Formula good for cats?
Mostly — Pro's Choice Hairball Control Formula is a solid mid-tier choice at 2.5 out of 5 stars on Moesonson’s label-based analysis, pairing moderate ingredient transparency with strong animal protein content. It shows real strengths alongside a few trade-offs, so weigh the ingredient list against your cat’s needs — allergies, life stage and protein preference.
Does Pro's Choice Hairball Control Formula contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Pro's Choice Hairball Control Formula does not include Dairy or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Pro's Choice Hairball Control Formula contain Egg?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Pro's Choice Hairball Control Formula does not include Egg or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Pro's Choice Hairball Control Formula contain Legumes?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Pro's Choice Hairball Control Formula does not include Legumes or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Legumes can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Pro's Choice Hairball Control Formula contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Pro's Choice Hairball Control Formula does not include Nuts or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Is Pro's Choice Hairball Control Formula grain-free?
No — Pro's Choice Hairball Control Formula is not grain-free: the printed ingredient list includes Gluten grains. That mainly matters for pets with a diagnosed grain sensitivity or allergy; most cats tolerate grains well as an energy source. If your cat must avoid grains, choose a recipe without these ingredients.
What are the main protein sources in Pro's Choice Hairball Control Formula?
The main animal proteins in Pro's Choice Hairball Control Formula are Chicken Meal. Each is named by species on the printed ingredient list — a protein-clarity strength in Moesonson’s scoring, because named sources let you verify what your cat is eating and avoid specific proteins when managing food allergies.
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