Top 5 Cat Food Brands For Cats With Allergies
Though many of the most serious symptoms caused by food allergies in cats are skin-related, intolerances and allergies can cause digestive problems as well. Depending on their severity, these digestive problems could compromise the quality of your cats nutrition and his bodys ability to absorb and utilize nutrients. This is another reason why it is incredibly important that you choose a high-quality cat food product to feed your cat during the elimination phase. Again, the ideal cat food for cats with allergies to eat during the elimination phase is a food that is made with a novel source of protein and carbohydrate. It should still be made primarily from animal products with moderate amounts of animal fat and low levels of digestible carbohydrate.
Many different pet food manufacturer offer cat food products made with novel protein sources like duck and rabbit but they are not all good options to feed your cat. To help you get started in choosing a high-quality product for your cat, consider the top four cat food brands below which offer a selection of Limited Ingredient Diets.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Super Premium Dry Cat Food Superfood Blends
- Contains 14 Pound Bag of Dry Cat Food. For a limited time, you may receive either bag while we update our packaging
- Dry cat food recipe includes real U.S. farm-raised chicken as the No.1 ingredient
- Real salmon, wholesome lentils, and unique Superfood Blend helps support dietary needs of indoor cats
- Natural prebiotics from pumpkin for a healthy digestive tract
- Antioxidant-rich berries help support a healthy immune system
- Natural food for adult cats includes added vitamins, minerals, and amino ac
Rachel Ray Nutrish Super Premium Dry Cat Food contains lentils, salmon and a blend of highly nutritious food for better feline health. The dry cat food is enriched with prebiotics to bolster digestive health.
Amino acids, minerals and vitamins have been added to the formula along with antioxidant rich berries for optimal health and wellbeing.
To minimize the risk of allergies, triggers such as artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors have been excluded. There are no fillers, gluten, soy, grain, or wheat. These common ingredients are often responsible for allergic conditions in cats. Thus, you can be certain that you are feeding your feline friend a recipe that excludes the most common irritants and allergens.
Common Allergens In Cat Food
The last topic Ill cover before giving you the scoop on my picks for the best hypoallergenic cat food is what you should be looking out for in terms of allergens.
The term food allergy is used to describe an abnormal immune-mediated reaction to an antigen within food,. A food allergy refers to the reaction caused by the immune system to a specific protein. The most common allergens are:
- Beef
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Are There Any Common Ingredients To Avoid
Unfortunately, the vast majority of commercial cat food products are loaded with bad ingredients.
As we’ve seen, hypoallergenic brands have been specially formulated to minimize the risk of allergy or intolerancebut sometimes, even limited ingredient foods can still contain ingredients which may prove problematic for your little one.
While your kitty’s specific tolerances are unique to her, the following ingredients are commonly:
Which Brands Should I Look For
Royal Canin, Purina and Hills are the best ones to look for. These foods are backed by vets and scientists, so everything that goes into them is perfect for your cat, and you can guarantee that they are catered to your cat and their allergies.
Wainwrights and Applaws are two other brands who are good to look for. Their foods wont always be explicitly hypoallergenic and will contain quite a few ingredients, but they will all be natural, and usually stick to just one protein source.
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Avoderm Natural Chicken & Herring Healthy Skin & Coat Dry Cat Food
Give your feline friend the nourishment she needs to be her best self with AvoDerm Natural Healthy Skin and Coat. This natural Chicken & Herring Meal Formula Adult Dry Cat Food recipe includes plenty of protein thats boosted with fiber rich brown rice and superfood goodness of avocados.
Every bite is packed with much needed vitamins for overall well being, antioxidants for enhanced immune system, and omegas for healthy skin and coat. Made with zero corn, wheat or soybean meal makes it great for cats with sensitivities. And while many on this list are only advised for adult cats, this one is an ideal choice for kittens as well as pregnant and lactating cats.
Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Ground Whole Brown Rice, Ground Whole White Rice, Chicken Fat , Dried Tomato Pomace, Herring Meal, Avocado Meal, Natural Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Dried Chicory Root, Salt, Whey, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins , Niacin, Vitamin A Acetate, Thiamine Mononitrate , Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride , Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Riboflavin Supplement, Ascorbic Acid , Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Minerals , Avocado Oil, Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Parsley Flakes, Dried Kelp Meal, Dl-Methionine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Inositol.
Reintroduction Following The Elimination Trial
To find the best cat food for cats with allergies, the next step is to reintroduce. Once your cats food allergy symptoms are reduced or eliminated at the 12-week mark, its the right time to get started.
The purpose of this is to identify which ingredient causes the reaction, so you can carefully avoid within your cats diet moving forward.
Heres how you do it:
- Slowly reintroduce 1 food at a time, wed recommend one every 3 days as cat food allergy symptoms are not always immediately following consumption
- Carefully watch your cat for symptoms
- When you notice a trigger, note the food as a dont feed!
- Be aware that cats can be allergic or sensitive to more than one ingredient, so to fully complete the reintroduction phase, each food should be reintroduced
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About the author
Laraib Shah is a freelance writer and a proud cat mom who shares her home with an exceptionally perfect cat named Simba. As an experienced cat mom, she is the trusted authority on cat care and cat breeds for the team. Apart from cats, Laraib loves cooking, travelling plus cookies, ice cream, and coffee!
LEGAL
Natural Balance Lid Turkey & Chickpea Grain
The Natural Balance brand is known for providing a wide variety of limited ingredient formulas. You should be mindful of which you pick, however, because a few of them list green peas as the first ingredient rather than a source of animal protein. This Natural Balance LID Turkey & Chickpea Grain-Free Formula Dry Food is a good choice because it is nutritionally balanced, made with a limited number of ingredients, and features fresh turkey as the first ingredient. It is made with grain-free carbohydrates like chickpeas and potatoes with a blend of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It also contains chelated minerals for optimal nutrient absorption and vitamin supplements for balance.
- Pros: Single source of animal protein, novel protein, grain-free carbohydrates, limited number of ingredients, highly digestible, chelated minerals, rich in fiber for digestion
- Cons: Contains some plant protein , could be higher in protein content
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Why You Should Trust Us
Over the last year, weve written in-depth reviews of over 115 cat food brands and hundreds of formulas. We spent hours researching, contacting pet food companies, and analyzing labels. With the help of our cats, we also got hands-on experience with a few foods.
Between reviewing specific brands and researching feline nutrition, weve learned which brands and products are worth buying and putting in your cats bowl.
Based on that experience, weve chosen the 10 products described below as the best cat food you can buy in 2021.
What Is Hypoallergenic Food For Cats
Itâs important to know that there are no 100% hypoallergenic cat foods. Just like people, every cat is different, and your furry pal may be allergic to a particular ingredient found in most cat foods. Hypoallergenic cat foods contain certain ingredients that donât usually lead to allergic reactions in cats, lowering the chances of your cat developing an allergic response to it.
Most hypoallergenic foods for cats contain hydrolyzed proteins, which means the proteins are carefully broken down into a form thatâs much easier to digest so that the immune systems of cats will not recognize it as a protein and so they will not develop any allergic reaction.
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We Looked For Foods That Kept Plant Protein To A Minimum
While its unclear exactly where each source of plant protein lies on the digestibility spectrum, we do know that protein from peas, potatoes, and other plants is less efficient than that from animal ingredients. While a single prey animal offers all the amino acids a cat needs, plant ingredients need to be combined with animal protein and synthetic additives to recreate that mix of amino acids.
Furthermore, many cat guardians report that their cats have less waste when theyre eating a diet composed primarily of animal-sourced protein.
What Are Food Allergies In Cats
Food allergies are caused by the immune system reacting to specific proteins as a threat. This immune response triggers the flu-like symptoms often associated with food allergies. The mechanism responsible for this sensitivity is, unfortunately, still poorly understood. Food intolerances are slightly different: they trigger similar symptoms, but the immune system does not cause these.
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The Best Hypoallergenic Cat Food In 2022
Like their owners, cats can be prone to various food allergies. Some common allergies include corn, dairy, and unfortunately for your feline friend seafood! Luckily, since allergies like these are so common, experts from a host of pet food manufacturers have put their minds to creating foods that will keep your friend healthy and full, without upsetting their stomach: these are hypoallergenic cat foods. Weve searched for the best cat food for allergies out there, and have compiled this list of what we believe are the best on the market right now.
Weve also addressed some of the most common questions about hypoallergenic food to keep you in the know about your cats health. We hope this list will help you find the right option for you.
Symptoms Of A Food Allergy In Cats
Here’s a hot tip from veterinarians:
If your cat has chronic yeast infections or year-round skin problems which seem to respond to medication but come back as soon as the medication runs out, then her issues probably stem from the food she’s eating!
Your vet will probably also advise you to look out for other common signs of a food allergy:
- Excessive scratching and itching
- Frequent chewing at her paws
- Fatigue, lethargy, and low energy
Now, you might be wondering what the difference is between a food allergy and a food intolerance . In cats, at least, the main difference is that 1) an allergy stimulates a specific immune system reactivity, and 2) the main symptoms are generally related to the skin, whereas a food intolerance tends to lead to gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
That said, the best hypoallergenic cat food is often good for cats with food intolerance, too, since they’re generally made with higher quality ingredients. So if you notice any of the above signs, it may be worth looking into switching up your pet’s food.
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Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain
The Blue Buffalo Basics line includes several limited ingredient formulas featuring novel animal proteins. This particular recipe features duck, including both fresh duck and duck meal as the top two ingredients. It is a grain-free recipe with peas, tapioca, and potatoes as the primary carbohydrates. Youll find a rich blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in this formula which is great for your cats skin and coat health. Plus, it contains fresh fruits and vegetables which, in addition to being rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients, offer natural sources for key vitamins and minerals. Just to ensure complete and balanced nutrition, this recipe also contains vitamins and chelated mineral supplements. Overall, it provides 30% crude protein and 14% fat at 402 calories per cup.
What Are Some Signs My Cat Is Suffering From Food Allergies
Before you invest in the best cat food for allergies, you should make sure your cat is actually suffering from food allergies in the first place.
Pet allergies present themselves differently in animals than they do in humans, and there is a big difference between a sensitive stomach and a food allergy when it comes to cats.
For example, if your cat is suffering from gastrointestinal issues like constipation, gas, diarrhea, or loose stool, then he may simply have a sensitive stomach.
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And while this is still cause to speak to your cats vet and change his diet, it may not necessarily mean he is allergic to his food.
Other signs your cat may be suffering from food allergies are
- Constant itching or scratching
- Preservatives
- Artificial flavors
Due to the list above, it is easy to see why determining exactly what your cat is allergic to in his diet could be difficult.
Many cat owners with cats who suffer from food allergies opt to put their cat on a limited ingredient diet, also known as a L.I.D.
The idea behind a limited ingredient diet is that it dwindles down the ingredients in your cats diet to things he would not normally eat, without losing any important nutrients your cat needs.
For example, instead of offering your cat a commercial cat food with chicken as the main protein, you would offer your cat a L.I.D. cat food with rabbit or venison.
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The 11 Best Cat Foods For Allergies
If youre wondering what food is good for cats with allergies, youll be glad to know that there are many options to choose from. It is important to start with a limited ingredient diet made with a novel protein and carbohydrate. From there, however, you have some freedom to choose the specific recipe as well as choosing between dry food and wet food.
To help you get started in shopping for the best dry cat food for allergies as well as canned limited ingredient cat food, weve assembled our top 10 picks. See the reviews below:
| Our 2022 Picks: Best Hypoallergenic Cat Food for Cats with Allergies |
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach High Protein Adult Dry Cat Food
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- This sensitive skin & stomach food was formulated to give your cat great nutrition while supporting her itchy skin. You can get it in turkey or lamb, and it has probiotics for digestive and immune support.
- Contains omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin A and zinc to help revive your felines skin and promote a healthy coat
- The ingredients are simple and clean, making this product easily digestible for your cat.
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Go Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Duck Grain
Best Cat Food for Skin Allergies and Sensitive Stomach: Skin allergies can limit the ingredients your cat is able to tolerate but things get even more complicated when your cat has a sensitive stomach. The key to addressing all of these issues is a healthy, high-quality cat food made with real food ingredients. Better yet, a limited number of ingredients including a novel source of premium animal protein. This Go! Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Duck recipe dry food includes just 8 key ingredients, featuring cage-free duck as the main ingredient. This recipe is complete and balanced for all life stages, so you dont have to worry about switching your kitten to a different adult recipe or your adult cat to a senior formula. It is made with only high-quality, digestible ingredients and it is full of natural flavor and skin- and coat-supporting omega fatty acids.
- Pros: Single novel source of protein, limited ingredient diet, free from common allergens and by-products, highly digestible natural ingredients, complete and balanced for all life stages
- Cons: Expensive compared to traditional kibble
Best Hypoallergenic Cat Food For 2022
Thankfully, allergies amongst cats are rare. For food, it is more likely to be an intolerance compared to a more severe allergy, but this still means you need to make changes to their diet.
Animals will only develop intolerances and allergies towards foods which they have already eaten. So for cats who have to be on a high meat diet, common intolerances include chicken, beef and fish.
If you have narrowed down that your cat is suffering from an allergy or intolerance to certain foods, hypoallergenic cat food can reduce the number of ingredients, so you can completely cut out any triggering food additions.
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Checking For Signs Of Flea Allergies
Flea allergies are quite common for cats. Your veterinarian will check your cat for fleas at the appointment. Interestingly, because allergic cats overgroom, they may remove all or most of the fleas present, so your veterinarian might not see any fleas on your cat. But just because fleas are not seen does not mean they are not the cause for your cats skin disease.
Your veterinarian will ask if you are using monthly flea prevention. If you are not, they will recommend a product that you will apply to your cats skin monthly. Using an effective flea prevention and assessing your cats response to it will help to figure out if your cat is allergic to fleas.
It is especially important to use a veterinarian-recommended flea prevention every month to control fleas. This will not only treat and prevent a cats flea allergies, but it will also reduce any itching caused by fleas.