Cats are known to be extremely picky, and that’s good for a reason. It’s sad to think about, but some cats are sensitive to some foods, leading to serious allergies and health issues. Food allergies in cats are a great discomfort and can be a frustrating challenge for pet owners.
When your cats are struggling with food allergies, it’s mandatory to find the right diet that aligns with their health and nutritional needs. Undoubtedly, switching to hypoallergenic food is the solution that alleviates discomfort and improves the overall well-being of your cat. In this Pet Life Expert article, we’ll talk about some of the best cat food for allergies, along with some hypoallergenic varieties available at different brands to diagnose those allergies.
Understanding Best Cat Food For Allergies
What Are Cat Food Allergies?
This is the most common question asked by various pet owners. Simply put, food allergies in cats are the reaction of the immune system to some specific proteins in their diet. Unlike intolerance, which simply involves digestive issues, allergies result in serious health, skin, and respiratory issues. In consequence, cats have to bear a significant amount of health problems that could go away only with the best cat food for allergies recommended by a professional vet.
What is Hypoallergenic Cat Food?
Want to know how hypoallergenic cat food works or what makes cat food hypoallergenic? Well, it is made particularly to reduce the allergic reactions caused by unhygienic food; hypoallergenic food strongly helps balance the triggering issues. This food contains particular ingredients that minimize the response to triggering allergies. This food is perfect for cats with skin problems and stomach issues, ensuring the health and stability of your cats while keeping them healthy and active.
What Are Some Common Allergens in Cat Food?
Some of the most common allergens that could result in allergies, inflammation, and respiratory issues are listed down to help you acknowledge and avoid buying food with those specific ingredients. These ingredients are not included in the best cat food for allergies.
1. Beef
Some proteins, organs, and enzymes found in beef are not good for cats’ health, resulting in one of the main reasons for allergies.
2. Dairy
Cow’s milk, cheese, and other dairy items found in cat food cause allergies because most cats are lactose intolerant.
3. Fish
Often found in commercial cat foods, certain proteins in fish can also be the reason for developing allergies in cats.
4. Chicken
One of the most common sources of protein in cat food is chicken, which is also a common allergen, making an impact.
5. Eggs
Eggs are also one of the main ingredients that can become the reason for allergies in cats until it is properly cooked.
6. Wheat
Wheat products also contain certain additives and fillers that cause inflammation and some sort of allergy.
7. Food Coloring
Preservatives, flavors, and colors can also cause certain reactions in cats, making their healthy food unhygienic.
8. Corn
Corn or maize oil is often used in the manufacturing of cat food, which makes the food a little bit reactive, affecting cats’ health.
Notable Symptoms of Food Allergies in Cats
If you are concerned about the health, stability, and best cat food for allergies of your cats, here are some symptoms to notice to ensure they are healthy. The signs and symptoms of allergies in cat foods could be relevant to the skin, respiratory, and gastrointestinal issues that are explained down.
1. Skin Issues
Skin issues are defined here:
Itching
Itching, licking, and scratching skin parts like ears, faces, and paws persistently.
Rashes
Other than itching, red rashes may start appearing, irritating and inflaming the skin.
Hair Loss
Hairfall is another symptom that could appear due to scratching, creating bald patches.
Blisters
Felines that are allergic to proteins should also notice blisters that appear on the skin.
2. Digestive Problems
Another issue is gastrointestinal, which is due to neglecting the best cat food for allergies. These issues are listed down.
Vomiting
Eating quickly and excessively can make cats lose hairballs, resulting in vomiting.
Diarrhea
Eating spoiled food, stress, and infection are the solid reasons for a cat to end up having diarrhea.
Flatulence
During vomiting and diarrhea, cats can also experience flatulence issues (release of gas).
Appetite Loss
Loss of interest in food is another digestive issue and a symptom of a cat food reaction.
Abdominal Pain
Another symptom is abdominal pain that causes your cat to hunch over and be irritated.
3. Respiratory Symptoms
Although it’s less common, not taking the best cat food for allergies can cause certain respiratory issues, and cats may exhibit some symptoms that are given below.
Sneezing
Some irritants and allergies can lead to sneezing, which is a respiratory infection.
Coughing
Dry coughing and panting are due to the buildup of mucus, which is a respiratory infection.
Nasal Discharge
Nasal discharge can be a symptom of an upper respiratory infection, causing shortness of breath.
Lethargy
Refusing to eat and lethargy can also cause a respiratory infection (if it is left untreated).
Tips to Diagnose Food Allergies in Cats
Now that you are aware of the popular cat food allergy symptoms for allergies and infections, the next and most immediate action is spotting and treating those allergies. Two easy and best ways are mentioned below, which will make you a step closer to finding the best cat food for allergies.
Seek Vet’s Assistance
In case you find any of these food allergies, visiting a veterinarian or nutritionist is the way to go. Vets can provide you with real solutions while ruling out environmental allergies and fleas.
Switch to the Elimination diet
The addition of an elimination diet, like feeding carbs and novel proteins that they have never eaten before, is another solution. This process will be continued for approximately 6–12 weeks to identify allergens.
List of Top 13 Hypoallergenic Cat Food Options
To help you make the right decision in selecting health-friendly foods, we’ve mentioned the top 13 anti allergy cat foods from reputable sources. You can trust any of these options to get the best cat food for allergies.
Image | Product Name | Specifications | Ideal For | Shop |
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 | Purina ONE Sensitive Stomach, Sensitive Skin, Natural Dry Cat Food |
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 | Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Cat Food |
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 | Rocco & Roxie Allergy Relief Chicken Chews for Cats |
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 | Purina Cat Chow Natural Dry Cat Food |
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 | Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Cat Food |
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 | Blue Buffalo Natural Dry Food for Adult Cats |
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 | IAMS Proactive Dry Cat Food with Turkey |
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 | Purina Pro Plan Allergen Reducing, High Protein Cat Food |
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 | Purina Cat Chow Gentle Dry Cat Food for Sensitive Stomach |
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 | Hill’s Prescription Diet Dry Cat Food for Urinary Care |
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 | Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet, Natural Wet Cat Food |
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 | Royal Canin Feline Care Nutrition Digestive Care Dry Cat Food |
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 | Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Cat Food |
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1. Sensitive Stomach, Sensitive Skin, Natural Dry Cat Food | By Purina ONE
Made with real Turkey as the first ingredient, this Purina ONE cat food is the best natural cat food for skin allergies and stomach issues. Turkey highly supports a healthy heart and strong muscles. It has the most easy to digest formula for better immunity, radiant coat, and healthy energy. Turkey in this food offers a crunchy texture and delicious bites. It is not only the best formula for sensitive skin and stomach, but also improves digestive health issues in cats. For cat owners dealing with feline food allergies, it is the best dry cat food with protein-rich, crunchy bites.
Purina ONE Sensitive Stomach, Sensitive Skin, Natural Dry Cat Food, +Plus Sensitive Skin and Stomach Formula – 16 lb. Bag
- Brand: Purina ONE
- Flavor: Sensitive Skin & Stomach – Turkey
- Age Range (Description): Adult
- Item Form: Granule
- Specific Uses For Product: Sensitive Stomach, Digestive Health, Sensitive Skin, Skin & Coat, Immune Support, Muscle Support, No Artificial Flavors
2. Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Cat Food | By Natural Balance
Looking for a limited ingredient cat food for severe allergies in cats? Go with the best food for cats with allergies made by Natural Balance that features green pea and salmon. This diet is designed keeping the sensitive cats in mind, using nutritious ingredients like green peas and salmon. It not only supports healthy digestion, skin coat but also maintains better immune health. To treat irritated skin, relieve a sensitive stomach, and allergies, it is the most purposeful solution. Without sacrificing nutrition or taste, your cat can enjoy this food due to the limited-ingredient use.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Cat Food, Salmon & Green Pea Recipe, 10 Pound (Pack of 1)
- Brand: Natural Balance
- Flavor: Salmon & Green Pea
- Age Range (Description): Adult
- Item Form: Pellet
- Specific Uses For Product: stomach
3. Allergy Relief Chicken Chews for Cats | By Rocco & Roxie
Get your hands on these chicken-flavored crunchy chews, best for skin-relevant issues, most precisely seasonal allergies. The sourced ingredients are highly purified and concentrated. For your kitten’s health, it includes probiotics, fish oil, and tart cherry to provide antioxidant immunity support. The fish oil in this food promotes a high level of skin moisture content. It is veterinary-recommended cat food. Tart cherry has antioxidants and probiotics that target your cat’s gut health, and your felines naturally learn to respond against allergens. What makes them worth it for your cats is no fillers, gums, or sweeteners.
Rocco & Roxie Allergy Relief for Cats, Cat Supplements & Vitamins, Probiotics to Support Gut Health, Fish Oil for Skin, Sneezing and Itching from Seasonal Allergies, Tart Cherry Immune System Support
- Brand: Rocco & Roxie Supply Co.
- Flavor: Fish, Chicken
- Item Form: Oil
- Manufacturer: Rocco & Roxie Supply Co.
- UPC: 850010626642
4. Natural Dry Cat Food With Nutrients | By Purina Cat Chow
Are you in hunt of Skin and coat health cat food? Purina Cat Chow presents the best formula that is not only suitable for skin but weight management. This food with high-quality ingredients and natural nutrition has real chicken as the #1 ingredient. It contains whole grains and salmon and is formulated for all life stages. This dry cat food with added nutrients, minerals, and 25 essential vitamins helps your cat thrive. Also, it contains omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health. It is purposefully made to deliver nutrition, ensuring the best of your cat’s health.
Purina Cat Chow Naturals with Added Vitamins, Minerals and Nutrients Dry Cat Food, Naturals Original – 13 lb. Bag
- Brand: Purina Cat Chow
- Flavor: Chicken & Salmon
- Age Range (Description): All Life Stages
- Item Form: Pellet
- Specific Uses For Product: Skin and Coat Health, Weight Management
5. Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Adult Dry Cat Food | By Hill’s Science Diet
If your cats have a sensitive stomach or skin, Hills Science offers the best cat food for skin allergies go for this brand that offers food with a precise balance, easy to digest, and allergy-friendly kibble. It is not only good for kittens with skin sensitivities and stomach issues. Also, prebiotic fiber in this food helps with a balanced microbiome and gut bacteria. To ensure healthy skin and coat, it has vitamin E and omega-6s. The best thing is that you can trust the allergen-free ingredients, as it is made in the USA. This cat food for itchy skin is made with high-quality ingredients and specific proteins that reduce allergy risks.
Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Adult 1-6, Stomach & Skin Sensitivity Support, Dry Cat Food, Chicken & Rice, 3.5 lb Bag
- Brand: Hill’s Science Diet
- Flavor: Chicken & Rice
- Age Range (Description): Adult 1-6
- Item Form: Dry Food
- Specific Uses For Product: Digestive Health, Sensitive Stomach, Sensitive Skin
6. Natural Dry Food for Adult Cats | By Blue Buffalo
Your search for hypoallergenic dry cat food ends here because Blue Buffalo offers this high protein formula, keeping chicken as the primary ingredient. This Blue Buffalo dry cat food has natural ingredients like vitamins and minerals to nourish your adult cat’s health. High-protein formula boosted with exclusive, antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits is best for hairball issues in adult cats. This grain-free formula contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, ensuring healthy skin and coat. Being a natural cat food, free from by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy, it is good for the overall health of your cat. Also, the digital packaging showcases ingredients.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet High-Protein, Grain-Free Natural Dry Food for Adult Cats, Chicken, 6-lb. Bag
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- Flavor: Chicken
- Age Range (Description): Adult
- Item Form: Pellet
- Specific Uses For Product: Hairballs
7. Proactive Adult Sensitive Digestion & Skin Dry Cat Food | By IAMS
One of the best formulas that not only reduces allergies but also keeps your cat active and satisfied is IAMS proactive health diet. Made with a turkey recipe, it is the best dry cat food for skin allergies and digestive issues. Its formulation involves probiotics and natural fiber that help with healthy digestion. Also, it contains optimal omega-6:3 fatty acids for ideal skin and a shiny coat. Essential nutrients like calcium and potassium support a healthy heart. It not only relieves food allergy symptoms in cats but also improves a healthy heart.
IAMS Proactive Health Adult Sensitive Digestion & Skin Dry Cat Food with Turkey, 6 lb. Bag
- Brand: IAMS
- Flavor: Turkey
- Age Range (Description): Adult
- Item Form: Chunk
- Specific Uses For Product: Immune Support, Digestive Health, Skin and Coat Health
8. Allergen Reducing, High Protein Cat Food | By Purina Pro Plan
Are you looking for an all-in-one immune support, strong muscle, and skin and coat health cat food? Purina Pro Plan is here to relieve cat owners’ stress regarding health concerns. Salmon, being the first ingredient, offers a shinier coat and skin. While probiotics are good for immune and digestive health. If you are looking for a cat food without chicken or beef, this LiveClear salmon and rice formula is the best novel protein cat food to go for. This crunchy kibble is not only palatable and delicious but also known best for reducing the major allergens in dander and cat hair.
Purina Pro Plan Allergen Reducing, High Protein Cat Food, LIVECLEAR Salmon and Rice Formula – 7 lb. Bag
- Brand: Purina Pro Plan
- Flavor: Salmon
- Age Range (Description): All Life Stages
- Item Form: Crunchy, Kibble
- Specific Uses For Product: Appetite Support; Digestive Health; Eye Health; Gastrointestinal; Immune Support; Muscle Support; Skin & Coat; Prebiotic
9. Gentle Dry Cat Food for Sensitive Stomach | By Purina Cat Chow
When your concern is having a food that offers digestive support for allergic cats, Purina Cat Chow’s formula with protein-rich and real farm-based Turkey is the best solution. It is the finely made recipe with high quality ingredients that makes your cats active. This is easy to digest cat kibble for sensitive stomach cats that ensures your cats stay active and free from allergies. This complete or balanced diet offers 25 essential vitamins and minerals that a cat’s body needs. This hypoallergenic dry cat food is a budget-friendly choice compared to other options.
Purina Cat Chow Gentle Dry Cat Food, Sensitive Stomach + Skin – 13 lb. Bag
- Brand: Purina Cat Chow
- Flavor: Turkey
- Age Range (Description): Adult
- Item Form: Pellet
- Specific Uses For Product: Active
10. Prescription Diet Chicken Dry Cat Food | By Hill’s Science
Cat’s urinary care is another major concern to look over when it comes to their health. For this, Hill’s Prescription cat food for allergies is one of the top recommendations because it reduces common urinary signs in cats, ensuring desirable urine pH levels. Also, it is enriched with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Moreover, you can find controlled calcium, low sodium, and added potassium citrate in this diet. The best thing is that it dissolves stones within 7 days or less than a month. This hydrolyzed prescription diet, made to eliminate allergies, is strongly recommended by a veterinarian for lifelong feeding for better outcomes for urinary signs.
Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care with Chicken Dry Cat Food, Veterinary Diet
- Brand: HILL’S PRESCRIPTION DIET
- Flavor: Chicken
- Age Range: Adult
- Item Form: Dry Food
- Specific Uses For Product: Urinary
11. Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Rabbit Recipe | By Instinct
For pet owners having cats with multiple protein sensitivities, it is strongly advised to use rabbit recipes. This recipe greatly helps with reducing sensitivity because it comes with limited, high-quality, and nutritious ingredients that reduce allergy risks. Featuring rabbit as the primary source of protein, this limited-ingredient diet cat food without chicken or beef is perfect for allergic cats. It not only minimizes allergic reactions but also improves digestion and the skin coat. Cat food with duck or rabbit won’t trigger any sensitivity and is best regarded for palatability and moisture content.
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet, Natural Wet Cat Food, Grain Free Recipe – Real Rabbit, 3 oz. Cans
- Brand: Instinct
- Flavor: Rabbit
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Item Form: Wet
- Specific Uses For Product: coat
12. Nutrition Digestive Care Dry Cat Food | By Royal Canin
Sensitive stomach of cats can now be dealt with Royal Canin’s best care food for digestive health. This food is the optimal blend of prebiotics and dietary fibers that helps with digestion. It is not only best for metabolism but also highly effective for stool quality. The kibble is ring-shaped, which makes a cat eat more slowly, ensuring healthy digestion. The most intriguing fact about this highly digestible food is that it can be mixed with other wet foods to get the most out of it.
Royal Canin Feline Care Nutrition Digestive Care Dry Cat Food, 3 lb bag
- Brand: Royal Canin
- Flavor: Original
- Age Range (Description): Adult
- Item Form: Pate
- Specific Uses For Product: Sensitive Stomach
13. Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Cat Food | By Natural Balance
Natural Balance is another brand offering the best quality food with allergen-free ingredients. Duck in this food offers the essential amino acids and proteins to help maintain strong muscles. Additionally, green peas are a fiber source that improves the overall digestion process. It is not only recommended for sensitive stomachs but irritable skin and allergies as well. You can get the best formula with limited ingredients without compromising on nutrition and taste. Due to transparency, it is the guaranteed choice that offers deliciousness with every bite and ensures health safety.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Cat Food, Reserve Duck & Green Pea Recipe, 10 Pound (Pack of 1)
- Brand: Natural Balance
- Flavor: Duck & Green Pea
- Age Range (Description): Adult
- Item Form: Pellet
- Specific Uses For Product: food-allergies, heart, stomach
To End Up
Although food allergies may trigger worry for both you and your felines, a proper diet can significantly improve the situation. A hypoallergenic diet or the best cat food for cats with allergies provides a reliable and efficient way to treat allergies, enhance digestion, and advance the cat’s wellness. You can provide your cat with the best diet possible by being aware of their preferences and speaking with a nutritionist and veterinarian. Opt for a food elimination trial for cats or go for a taurine-rich allergy diet to ensure the speedy recovery against any sensitivity. Besides, for your convenience, we’ve compiled some of the best hypoallergenic food options, which will help you make the right selection.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Food Allergies Do Cats Have?
Many foods, such as dairy, fish, eggs, poultry, beef, and other proteins, can cause allergies in cats. Additionally, your cats may react to grains and chemicals. To choose the best cat food, it is essential to determine the exact allergen.
What to Consider When It Comes to Buying Cat Food for Allergies?
Foods marked “limited ingredient” and “hypoallergenic” should always be preferred. These diets are typically composed of novel proteins that cats have not been exposed to. Additionally, search for products devoid of common allergies such as wheat, dairy, and artificial additives
How Do I Know If My Cat Is Allergic to Food?
Determining a cat’s food sensitivities usually involves an elimination diet. For eight to twelve weeks, try giving your cat a diet with fewer ingredients that include new types of carbohydrates and proteins. If the symptoms become better, you can resume their regular diet.
What Are Some Common Allergy Symptoms in Cats?
Itching, ear infections, excessive grooming, skin irritation, and gastrointestinal problems are some of the typical signs of allergies in cats. Respiratory problems like coughing and sneezing may also occur. See a veterinarian as soon as you notice any of these symptoms.
What To Feed a Cat with Itchy Skin?
To feed a cat suffers from skin allergies and itchiness, transition to food rich in probiotics, vitamin A, and omega-3 fatty acids for sensitive skin and stomach.
What Ingredients Should I Avoid in Cat Food for Allergies?
Common allergens for cat food fish, dairy, beef, grain, soy, egg, food coloring, preservatives, dairy product, corn, flavor enhancer, and animal by-products.
Can Switching to Wet Food Help with My Cat’s Allergies?
Switching to wet food is not a guarantee because this food is often formulated with allergens like soy, grains, and artificial preservatives. However, you can try elimination diet after identifying specific allergens.
Do I Need a Prescription for Allergy Specific Cat Food?
No! prescription for allergy specific cat food is not necessary. However, it effectively targets and manages food allergies in cats that contains hydrolyzed proteins considered best for strict allergy and quality control.
Are Hypoallergenic Cat Foods Safe for All Cats?
Yes! Hypoallergenic cat food is formulated to minimize allergic reactions, but it cannot be effective for all cats. It’s good for to treat cats with sensitivities against certain ingredients like dairy, beef, and chicken.
How Long Does It Take for Allergy Friendly Cat Food to Work?
Cat allergy relief diet takes approximately 10-12 weeks to fully resolve the symptoms. Some symptoms like gastrointestinal issues might improve sooner or skin issues can take longer.
What’s The Difference Between Food Intolerance and Allergy in Cats?
Food allergies mean cat’s immune system mistakenly takes an ingredient as a threat and responds accordingly. While Food intolerance in not immune-mediated and defines as the reaction to an ingredient that cat’s digestive system finds difficult to process or metabolize.
Is Grain Free Cat Food Better for Allergies?
Yes! Grain-free cat food for allergies can benefit cats with certain sensitivities from wheat, corn, and soy. Rather replace them with carbs-rich options like potatoes and peas to alleviate and improve symptoms.
What Can I Feed My Cat to Stop Being Allergic?
To address allergies issue, best diet for allergic cats is Purina Pro’s LiveClear that minimizes and neutralizes allergen production as it contains hydrolyzed protein which is highly effective for relieving allergies.
What Is the Most Common Food Allergy for Cats?
The most common allergy triggers are fish, beef, and chicken per veterinary resources. Less triggering ingredients are rabbit, egg, dairy, wheat, corn, barley, and lamb results into hair loss, chronic itching, and skin lesions.
What Is the Best Cat Food for Cats with Food Allergies?
Yes! Blue Buffalo, Hills Science, Royal Canin, Solid Gold, and Petmd are just a few of the trustworthy brands of cat food for allergies. However, it is highly recommended that you speak with your veterinarian before making any of these investments.
What Do Vets Recommend for a Cat with Allergies?
For allergy management in cats, identify and eliminate triggers, ensure symptomatic relief, and seek immunotherapy as a long-term solution. Also, have proper medication for getting rid of potential allergy shots.
