Beaphar Salmon Malt Bits, 35 g are crunchy salmon-flavoured treats with a malt paste filling for cats and kittens from 6 weeks of age. Their job is to help swallowed hair pass naturally through the digestive tract and prevent hairballs forming in the stomach. They can be given for prevention or as a reward, with no limit on how long they're used. The Dutch brand Beaphar is well known for pet care products.
How malt works
When grooming, a cat swallows hair. It builds up in the stomach and intestines and interferes with their work: the cat brings up hairballs, becomes constipated or loses appetite. Malt softens the hairballs and helps them move through the digestive tract, so the hair passes in the stool without vomiting or constipation. Regular use helps prevent the problem from coming back. Causes and signs are covered in hairballs in cats: what to do.
Ingredients
Cereals, milk and milk by-products, oils and fats, vegetable products (malt extract 1.7%), meat and animal by-products, yeast, fish and fish by-products (salmon 0.1%). Analysis: protein 31%, fat 10%, fibre 2.8%, ash 3.4%, moisture 5%, calcium 0.09%, phosphorus 0.62%, magnesium 0.13%. Vitamins A and B1 are added.
Key specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| For | cats and kittens from 6 weeks |
| Active ingredient | malt extract 1.7% |
| Flavour | salmon |
| Protein / fat | 31% / 10% |
| Cats under 3 kg | 1–5 treats a day |
| Cats 3–6 kg | 5–10 treats a day |
| Pack | 35 g |
Pros
- Cats eat them willingly. A crunchy treat instead of paste from a tube.
- From 6 weeks. Suitable for kittens too.
- No time limit. Can be given long term.
- Two roles in one. Hairball prevention and a reward treat.
- Clear dosage. Given by the cat's weight.
- A small pack. Handy for checking whether your cat likes them.
Cons
- Very little salmon. 0.1% is a flavour, not a protein source.
- Cereals and by-products. Cereals come first, and there are milk and meat by-products.
- Dairy ingredients. Use with care in cats with milk intolerance.
- They run out quickly. At 5–10 a day, 35 g doesn't last long.
How many to give
Daily, cats and kittens under 3 kg get 1–5 treats, and cats of 3–6 kg get 5–10. In severe cases the dose can be doubled. These are treats, so count them in the daily calories, especially for neutered cats. Make sure your cat has plenty of clean water — malt works less well without it. If your cat keeps bringing up hair despite prevention, or is constipated, take it to a vet.
All-round hairball prevention
A combination of three measures works best: regular brushing (tools are in the grooming tools section), a fibre-rich food such as Happy Cat Minkas Hairball Control, and a malt product. If your cat happily eats paste, you can alternate the treats with Krug Malt Paste. Healthy and unhealthy treats are covered in treats for cats: which are healthy.
Who it suits
Cats and kittens from 6 weeks, especially long-haired and shedding cats, and cats that refuse paste from a tube. More treats are in the cat treats section.
Verdict
Beaphar Salmon Malt Bits are an easy way to give a cat malt paste without a struggle: they're eaten as treats, the dosage is set by weight and there's no time limit. The downsides are cereals and by-products in the recipe, a token amount of salmon and how fast a small pack runs out.
FAQ
From what age can they be given?
To cats and kittens from 6 weeks.
How many treats a day?
Under 3 kg — 1–5; 3–6 kg — 5–10; in severe cases the dose can be doubled.
Are they suitable for neutered cats?
Yes, but count the treats in the daily calorie allowance.
Can they be given long term?
Yes, there's no limit on how long they're used.
How much salmon is in them?
0.1% — it provides the flavour.
How does malt work?
It softens hairballs and helps hair pass in the stool, without vomiting or constipation.
Can they be combined with a hairball food?
Yes, it's a good combination for prevention.
What if my cat still vomits hair?
See a vet: frequent vomiting can be a sign of another problem.
