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 the greatest 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 best cat food for allergies recommended by a professional vet.
What is Hypoallergenic Cat Food?
Want to know how hypoallergenic cat food works? Well, designed 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 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 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 is the solid reason for a cat to end up having diarrhea.
Flatulence
During vomiting and diarrhea, cats can also experience flatulence issues (releasing of gas).
Appetite Loss
Loss of interest in food is another digestive issue and a symptom of 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 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 upper respiratory infection, causing shortness of breath.
Lethargy
Refusing to eat and lethargy can also cause 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 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 never ate before is another solution. This process will be continued for approximately 6–12 weeks to identify allergens.
List of Top 8 Hypoallergenic Cat Food Options
To help you make the right decision in selecting health-friendly foods, we’ve mentioned the top 8 anti allergy cat foods from reputable sources. You can trust any of these options to get the best cat food for allergies.
1. L.I.D. Green Pea & Duck Formula | By Natural Balance
Featuring duck as the primary source of protein, this limited-ingredient diet is perfect for cats with beef and chicken allergies.
Benefits:
- It is grain-fee, hence, offers better and easier digestion.
- Comes with omega-3 fatty acids and essential nutrients
2. Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein | By Royal Canin
Looking for a solution for severe allergies in cat food? Go with the best cat food for allergies made by Royal Canin that features hydrolyzed protein.
Benefits:
- Offers support to skin health and the digestive system.
- Manufactured particularly for managing long-term allergies.
3. Prescription Diet | By Hill’s Science
Strongly recommended by a veterinarian, this hydrolyzed prescription diet is made to eliminate allergies. It not only minimizes allergic reactions but also improves digestion.
Benefits:
- Comes with high-quality and nutritious ingredients.
- Offers hydrolyzed proteins that prevent immune response.
4. Limited Ingredient Grain-Free | By Blue Buffalo Basics
This limited-ingredient diet with a single protein source is ideal for pet owners looking for a grain-free diet for the well-being of their feline friends.
Benefits:
- It involves pumpkin, ideal for gentle digestion.
- Doesn’t contain artificial preservatives and flavors.
5. Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Formula | By Purina Pro Plan
Looking for a hydrolyzed formula that offers balanced nutrition? Prefer a veterinarian-recommended Purina diet plan that is specifically made to address allergies.
Benefits:
- Perfect solution for elimination diets.
- Works for both senior and adult cats.
6. Limited Ingredient Grain-Free | By Canidae PURE
If your cats have a sensitive stomach, go for a limited-ingredient which is the best cat food for allergies by Canidae Pure. Made with high-quality ingredients and specific proteins that reduce allergy risks.
Benefits:
- Available with probiotics and antioxidants.
- Free from artificial additives and grains.
7. Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey Recipe | By Merrick
One of the best formulas that not only reduces allergies but also keeps your cat active and satisfied is Merrick’s single-protein diet. Made with a turkey recipe which is the best cat food for allergies.
Benefits:
- The first ingredient is deboned turkey.
- It supports digestion and healthy skin.
8. Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Rabbit Recipe | By Instinct
Lastly, for pet owners having cats with multiple protein sensitivities, it is strongly advised to use rabbit recipes. This recipe greatly helps with reducing sensitivity.
Benefits:
- Fish, chicken, and beef-free.
- Contains vegetables to reduce allergen exposure.
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 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. Additionally, for your convenience, we’ve compiled some of the best hypoallergenic food options, which will help you make the right selection.
FAQs | Frequently Aked 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.
Is there Any Reputable Brand to Buy Cat Food for 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.
