12 Best Cat Foods For Cats With Allergies
- May 27, 2023
- By Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Yes, cats, like humans, can have food allergies. If you notice that your pet isn't enjoying their food as much as they used to, it could be due to an allergic reaction to the ingredients.
Other symptoms, such as being unable to keep meals down, are also a solid indication that something is wrong. That being said, if something isn't right, you should always consult your veterinarian.
When you figure out what's going on, you'll need to locate a food that's not only soft on your cat's stomach, but also something they'll love. We've all seen how finicky a tabby can be when it comes to food.
To get you started, here are the %product_count% best cat foods for cats with allergies. We will go into ingredients, recipes, nutrition, and a lot more.
Each review will provide you with all of the information you need to make the best decision for your cat.
In addition, in the buyer's guide at the end, BestForPets (bestforpets.org) will provide some additional ideas on how to pick a good cat food.
Reviews
Blue Buffalo Basics Adult Dry Cat Food with Limited Ingredients – Best Value
If you’re looking for a low-cost choice for your sensitive puss, consider the Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Adult Dry Cat Food.
This duck and sweet potato recipe is available in 5 or 11-pound packs. It is grain-free and gluten-free, with a limited ingredient diet.
This recipe is ideal for any tabby with food allergies because it only contains one source of protein. It also contains omegas, amino acids, prebiotics, and probiotics to help with digestive health.
The Blue Buffalo features easy-to-digest carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes. It also contains LifeSource pieces, which are high in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.
This formula is manufactured in the United States and does not contain any chicken by-product meals, maize, wheat, soy, meat, eggs, or dairy. There are also no artificial flavors or preservatives.
Another plus for this dish is the fiber and balanced calories, which help your cat maintain a healthy weight. It is a completely natural product that your cat will adore. Overall, this all-natural composition is the best allergy food for cats for the money.
Pros
- A single source of protein
- Vitamins and nutrients are abundant.
- All-natural
- There are no hazardous substances.
- Encourages a healthy weight
- Simple to understand
Cons
- None that we can see
Grain-Free Dry Cat Food by FirstMate
This formula is also a fantastic option if you want to spend a little more money on your cat’s food because of their gastrointestinal sensitivities.
The chicken meal and blueberries in FirstMate Grain-Free Dry Cat Food are natural ingredients. It is a grain-free and gluten-free diet with few ingredients.
Not only that, but it’s cooked with free-range chicken, which is high in protein and the recipe’s only source of lean protein.
This food is available in 3.96 and 10-pound bags. It is easy to digest and offers a variety of nutrients that will keep your pet healthy.
This cuisine, for example, contains antioxidants from blueberries that assist their immune system, urinary tract, eye health, and memory. It also has a high fiber content and no artificial colors or binders.
FirstMate is a family-owned firm that manufactures and sources its products in Canada. They make an all-natural recipe that has no wheat, maize, soy, or GMOs.
As previously said, the sole disadvantage of this product is that it is more expensive than others. This dish also has a higher calorie count.
Pros
- Vitamins and nutrients are abundant.
- There are no artificial ingredients.
- Simple to understand
- A single source of protein
- All-natural
Cons
- Expensive
- More Calories
Grain-Free Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Cat Food
The Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is our next choice. This turkey dish comes in 5 or 11-pound packages and includes freeze-dried chunks in addition to the dry kibble.
Keep in mind, though, that freeze-dried morsels are hard to come by. This, on the other hand, is an all-natural, grain-free, limited-ingredient recipe manufactured in the United States and sustainably sourced from around the world.
To avoid food allergies in your kitty, the Instinct Limited cat food contains only one protein source. It also employs peas as its sole vegetable, making it high in amino acids and other nutrients such as omega 3 and 6 as well as antioxidants.
This formula also contains no grains, dairy, eggs, chicken, or beef. Furthermore, it contains no fish, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, chickpeas, maize, wheat, soy, or artificial colors or preservatives.
This dish has a lot of salt, so keep that in mind. Pet parents have also discovered that this meal can be difficult to digest. Aside from that, it contains numerous vitamins and minerals and is a pleasant meal that your pet will appreciate.
Pros
- Vitamins and nutrients are abundant.
- A single source of protein
- Freeze-dried pieces
- There are no artificial ingredients.
Cons
- A lot of salt
- More difficult to digest
Merrick Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Diet Canned Cat Food
Our first wet formula on the list is the Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Canned Cat Food. It comes with a recipe for duck pate that your pet will adore.
It is, as the name implies, a grain-free diet with a limited ingredient list. For cats with delicate stomachs, it also employs a single protein source.
Merrick cat food has various nutrients and supplements that your pet requires, including as antioxidants, omega fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and taurine.
Grain, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives are not present. Not only that, but there is no wheat, corn, or soy in this product. This recipe is available in 24-pack cases of 5-ounce cans.
This brand is more pricey than others, particularly when it comes to canned goods. Also, while the protein levels are decreased, they are adequate for wet meals.
This recipe is made in the United States and is simple to consume. However, switching your pet from dry food to this moist formula can be tough.
Finally, keep in mind that this meal has more salt than others, which is typical of moist food.
Pros
- Vitamins and nutrients are abundant.
- There are no artificial ingredients.
- Simple to understand
- A single source of protein
Cons
- A lot of salt
- Reduced protein levels
- Transitioning is difficult.
Lovingly Simple Dry Cat Food for I and Love and You
The I and Love and You Lovingly Simple Dry Cat Food comes in second place. This easy-to-digest meal contains no chicken or beef and is available in a salmon and sweet potato recipe.
It contains a lot of protein, but it’s not the only source of protein in the mix. You’ll find antioxidants, omega fatty acids, prebiotics, and probiotics to help your pet’s general health.
This product is grain-free and manufactured in the United States. The diet’s ingredients are collected from all around the world, and it contains no fillers or poultry by-products.
The recipe also contains no maize, rice, soy, or artificial colors, preservatives, or tastes. However, you will notice that the dish has more salt.
Another thing to bear in mind with I and Love cat food is that the kibble goes stale rapidly. Furthermore, the formula contains a lot of pea starch, which is a filler and protein enhancer.
Aside from that, this cat food comes in a 3.4-pound bag, and most pets find it to be a good meal.
Pros
- Simple to understand
- Vitamins and minerals
- High protein content
- There are no artificial ingredients.
Cons
- There isn’t a single source of protein in this dish.
- A lot of salt
- Contains a lot of pea starch.
- It immediately becomes stale.
Grain-Free PURE Ocean Dry Cat Food by CANIDAE
The CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Ocean Dry Cat Food is an indoor cat recipe prepared with tuna and ocean fish. It comes in 2.5, 5, and 10-pound packages.
Although it is not a single protein meal, it is a grain-free diet. Having said that, it is manufactured with few ingredients, but it is high in vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to help your cat’s digestive system.
CANIDAE cat food is created in a family-owned company in the United States and contains whole food ingredients.
Keep in mind that this meal may be more difficult for your pet to digest, and it contains a lot of sun-cured alfalfa, which may be the source of the problem.
Furthermore, if your cat is a finicky eater, they might not enjoy this recipe. On the good side, there is no maize, wheat, or soy in the components, and no artificial ingredients.
Again, this is an indoor-only formula, so if your cat is used to going outside, this may not be the greatest option.
Pros
- There are no artificial ingredients.
- Vitamins and minerals
- Ingredients derived from whole foods
Cons
- Difficult to digest
- Picky eaters dislike it.
- Sun-cured alfalfa is abundant.
- There isn’t a single source of protein.
How to Choose the Best Hypoallergenic Cat Food
Certain foods will help keep your kitty friend’s stomach happy if they have food allergies or sensitive stomachs. It is critical to understand what to look for so that you can guarantee they are getting the proper amount of nutrients.
It can be difficult to locate hypoallergenic cat food for them, but we’re here to help you find the best food for cats with allergies in our buyer’s guide below.
Shopping List for a Hypoallergenic Cat Diet:
When it comes to a tabby with a sensitive stomach, there are a few things to look for when selecting a pet food brand.
We’ll look at these aspects in more detail below, as well as some additional nutrients your pet should get regardless of their allergies.
Protein
Many allergies and sensitivities are caused by the protein source in the food’s recipe. This is why it is beneficial to pick a meal that has only one source of protein.
Chicken, meat, and fish are the most common causes of upset feline stomachs. Although this is not always the case, many formulae contain alternate proteins or confine themselves to a specific meat.
LID Recipes
A limited ingredient diet is another feature of cat food to look for. These products are often all-natural and employ the fewest ingredients possible to create their meals.
This will eliminate items such as artificial additives, fillers, and other unpleasant foods that can irritate your pet’s stomach.
Grain-Free
You may have noticed that several of the above-mentioned formulae are grain-free. Interestingly, grain allergy in cats is uncommon.
That being said, they do not require grain in their diet in the same way that humans do. While grains can provide nutrition, they can also cause weight gain in your pet.
All of this is to say that if your pet has a lot of food allergies, it’s probable that it’s due to grain, but you should always consult with your doctor before making a final decision.
Artificial Ingredients and Fillers
As we briefly said above, artificial ingredients and fillers might be difficult for your pet to digest. This is why natural and LID solutions are ideal for your cat.
Even if the meal does not contain these distinctions, attempt to look for organic formulae with few processed ingredients.
Other Advantages of Hypoallergenic Cat Food
Aside from feeding your cat a food that will not upset their stomach, there are other features to look for to ensure that your pet is getting all of the nutrients they require to stay healthy and strong.
Let’s have a look at these in more detail below.
Protein
Protein is the most important component of your cat’s diet. This is what will keep them energized, active, and robust. You must seek for lean and healthy proteins.
Omega Fatty Acids
Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are also crucial in the diet of your cat. They help to maintain healthy skin and fur.
They can also help to prevent skin irritations, rashes, and mange, which can occur as your pet matures and are a side consequence of allergies and sensitivities.
Probiotics
Gut health is critical for the majority of animals. A well functioning digestive system will keep your pet healthy and happy. Probiotics are beneficial to your cat’s digestion and overall health.
Fiber
Fiber is an important part of your cat’s diet. It not only promotes good digestive health, but it can also minimize the number of hairballs.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are essential for a variety of reasons. They aid to maintain a healthy immune system, as well as strengthen their eyes, cognitive function, and skin and fur.
Taurine is an amino acid that is essential for all felines. This will benefit their heart health, reproductive system, and vision, among other things.
Fat
Healthy fats are also essential for your cat. These components will be converted into energy by your pet, allowing them to keep lean and strong muscles.
How to Keep Your Cat’s Stomach Healthy
If you’ve had a cat for a long time, you know that even the healthiest feline might get stomach issues from time to time.
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent food allergies in your pet, but there are some things you can do to make their lives easier. Check out the recommendations below to keep your tabby’s digestive system in tip-top shape.
Water
You must supply lots of water for your pet. This is crucial in all circumstances, but if they have food sensitivities or allergies, feeding them plenty of water can help dilute the contents and make them simpler to digest.
Follow What Works
A food allergy occurs when your pet’s immune system becomes overly sensitive. These reactions can be triggered by changing their typical diet.
If you find a diet that works for your pet, don’t be afraid to vary it to keep things interesting. Keep doing what works!
Indications and Symptoms
Food allergies, like humans, have more signs and symptoms than just an upset stomach. It is critical to keep an eye out for rashes and skin irritations, especially around the ears and cheeks.
This could suggest that they have a food intolerance, and you should consult with your veterinarian straight away.
PinPoint The Issue
After speaking with your vet, they may wish to put your cat on a “novel” diet. This meal will have simply one protein and one carbohydrate.
Although you may have to experiment with different foods to figure out what is bothering their stomach, it is the most effective technique to solve the problem. Again, this should be done in conjunction with your veterinarian’s advice.
Avoid Other Food
If you are trying to figure out what’s wrong with your pet or have found a decent diet for them, you should avoid providing them table scraps or treats.
This may cause another reaction, so stick with the formula that is working.
Be Aware
Once again, it is critical that you are aware of the indicators that your pet may have a food allergy. Keep in mind that these concerns might arise at any time in their lives and may not be obvious when they are younger.
Conclusion
BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes you enjoyed the preceding reviews of the best cat foods for cats with allergies.
We understand how difficult it may be to see your pet suffer and be uncomfortable, so we hope we have provided you with some helpful options that will alleviate these concerns.
Smalls Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food, in our opinion, is the ideal place to start. It is not only a raw single protein dish, but it is also high in vitamins and nutrients that your pet requires to be healthy.
If you need a less expensive choice, we recommend Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Adult Dry Cat Food. This is yet another single protein choice that is also healthful.
However, you should always consult your veterinarian before changing your cat’s diet.
Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.
Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher
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