The present invention relates to methods for controlling hairball formation in animals, particularly for treating and/or preventing hairball formation, elimination, and/or discharge by companion animals, including cats and dogs, by limitation of dietary minerals. The methods comprise feeding the animals in need of such treatment compositions comprising from 0.60% to 0.74% calcium by dry weight of the composition from 0.50% to 0.69% phosphorous by dry weight of the composition and from 0.06% to 0.28% sodium by dry weight of the composition, in an amount and for a time sufficient for treatment and/or prevention of hairball formation in the animal.
