What food is good for cats with allergies? If your cat has allergies, it may be difficult for him to ingest the nutrients he needs everyday. With so many different food options at your disposal, you might find the task of putting together a safe and healthy diet for him daunting.
Thankfully, though, there are some simple tricks and guidelines you can follow to make feeding time easier on both of you. This article will detail what foods are appropriate for cats with allergies and how to get them into their mouth (and stomach).
One of the first things you should do when deciding what to feed a cat with allergies is to find out what food he can eat. If your cat has been diagnosed with an allergy, talk to your vet about which ones might be safe.
The good news is that many other foods can be given to cats with allergies besides their regular brand. The bad news is that some food is more harmful than others to allergic cats, so it’s important to steer clear of certain types of food.
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What Causes Allergies in Cats?
Some cats become allergic to food because their immune systems overreact when they come into contact with certain foods. This causes them to develop an allergy, which means that their bodies are reacting negatively to the food they are given.
Various things can cause allergies, but in most cases, it results from either an individual ingredient or a combination of ingredients.
When you add one or more of these common allergens (wheat, beef, chicken, corn, etc. ) to a cat’s diet, his body can react negatively and cause an allergy.
If you are having a hard time determining which foods your cat is allergic to, it is good to know that most cats are allergic to multiple things. Once you have a list of potential allergens, the next step is finding out the amount of each ingredient he can eat without causing an allergic reaction.
What food is good for cats with allergies?
Because there are so many different ingredients in commercial cat food, it can be difficult to determine which ones to avoid.
If your vet doesn’t know of any food that isn’t likely to cause an allergic reaction, you can always try searching online or visiting a pet food store.
Here’s a list of the top 7 cat foods for allergies that you can safely use.
The 7 Best Food is good for cats with allergies
1. Purina ONE Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Cat Food
This cat food is highly recommended in cases of allergies because it is made with only the highest quality ingredients, including alfalfa, chicken, brown rice, canola oil, and whitefish.
After analyzing the ingredients of this brand and those of some other brands on the market, it was found that allergen content was lower than average compared to other cat foods.
One good thing about this food is that it does not contain corn, wheat, or soybeans. These are the primary ingredients that cause allergic reactions in cats.
Another highlight of this brand is that it is available in 3 flavors: chicken and rice, salmon and potato, and turkey and rice. Although it’s not considered one of the best food for cats with allergies, it has its benefits. Hopefully, with lots of different options to choose from, you can find something your little feline will like so he’ll stop complaining.
2. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Natural Dry Cat Food
This food is great for allergic cats because it contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It is made with chicken, turkey, and duck by-product meal and contains no wheat, corn, or soy.
It also has added vitamins and minerals that promote healthy skin and shiny fur. If your cat is picky about the taste of his food, this brand probably won’t be a good option for him as its three flavors are ocean fish, turkey, and chicken liver.
However, if he likes the taste of liver, this is a good option! This food is available in several different bag sizes with different calorie contents.
3. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Cat Food
This cat food contains no rendered meats or poultry by-products and is made with real deboned chicken and turkey as the first ingredients. It’s also full of vitamins and minerals that help promote a healthy coat and skin.
The number one ingredient in this cat food is deboned chicken, followed by turkey meal and rice. This is considered one of the best food for cat allergies because it contains no corn, wheat, dairy, or soy ingredients.
This food also comes in various flavors and sizes to choose from: chicken and turkey, single protein in salmon and seafood mix, black forest ham and turkey, etc. These make great snack treats for your kitty.
4. Blue Buffalo Natural Vet HF Hydrolyzed Cat Food
This food is made with real chicken, turkey, and lamb meal, all deboned. It is a high-quality food that comes in a variety of different flavors.
The three most popular flavors include: chicken, turkey, duck, ocean fish, and chicken or salmon and venison. This food is also free from corn, wheat, gluten, or soy and contains no artificial colors or preservatives.
5. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Cat Treats
These treats are great as they are 100% hydrolyzed and can be a good option for cats with allergies.
Made with only high-quality ingredients, these treats are protein-rich and easy to digest. They do not contain any wheat, corn, soy derivatives, or artificial colors or flavors.
6. Natural Balance L.I.D. Green Pea and Venison Dry Cat Food
This food is made with real deboned chicken, turkey, peas, whitefish, venison, and salmon.
This is one of the best cat foods for cats with allergies as it contains no added artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or wheat. This food contains only a few ingredients, so it’s easy to digest and has no digestive side effects.
7. Hill’s Prescription Diet Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Cat Food
This food is a great option for cats with allergies and food sensitivities. It contains high-quality carbohydrates, proteins, and fibers that are easily digestible and easily absorbed by the body.
This cat food is great if you’re trying to find a simple diet low in calories. Most of the ingredients are named natural flavors. However, some of them contain corn or wheat, which can trigger allergies for some cats.
Most vets recommend Hill’s Prescription Diet cat food; however, it might be costly for some people.
What if my cat has multiple allergies?
If your kitty has several different food allergies, you should probably consult your vet about feeding him a hypoallergenic or a raw food diet. Both of those diets can help your feline develop an allergy-free stomach.
They will also help him maintain healthy grooming habits and provide him with all the nutrients he needs.
What food causes most allergies in cats?
Although the most common cat allergen is likely protein, it can also happen due to other ingredients.
Millions of cats have allergies to chicken, for example, and are presented with symptoms such as:
Sneezing Vomiting Diarrhea Swollen eyes, Hives Itching Skin rashes.
How do I know if my cat is allergic to his food?
This is a general term, and as there are many reasons why a cat might develop allergies, we’re not quite sure why it happens.
Generally, one will see some of the symptoms of food allergies in cats, such as:
Sneezing Severe loss of appetite Weight loss Constipation Fatty lumps
Unfortunately, some cats can become allergic to a particular type of food. This is the most common form of allergic reaction in cats.
Symptoms of this allergy are:
Vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Hives, rashes, or itching.
How to prevent allergies in cats?
The best way to prevent allergic reactions in cats is gradually introducing them to new products. Feed them small amounts at first and observe their reactions. If the symptoms persist, your cat has an allergy to that particular food.
This is the best way to prevent food allergies. However, if symptoms are already present, your cat might need a special diet to help him recover. If this is the case, you should consult your vet regarding which food will be best for your kitty.
In case of diarrhea, you should ensure that your cat drinks enough water and gets plenty of fresh air so he can breathe more easily.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, many different types of cat foods are available on the market today. Some are specifically made for sensitive cats and will help improve their digestive system.
Many brands also offer hypoallergenic products that contain fewer allergenic ingredients. If your cat is having a rough time with allergies, consider changing his diet to something hypoallergenic and natural.
I hope this article helps you make informed decisions regarding your cat’s food and nutrition needs. If you have any other questions about cat food for allergies, leave a comment below. I’ll be happy to help.
Good luck!
FAQs
What can I feed my cat for itchy skin?
Improper feeding of cat food can cause itching.
What kind of diet cat should I give him?
The best diet for a healthy cat is low in calories and has high protein content. This way, the cat will not need to eat as much and lose unnecessary weight. Most cats are carnivores who can survive on a meat, fish, or eggs diet.
What protein is best for cats with allergies?
There is no generally accepted idea that one protein is better than the other. Many cats have allergies to chicken and wheat, and there are ways to control these allergies by using an alternative diet.
If your cat suffers from a specific allergy, you should consult your vet to find out which food will be best for your feline.
What is hydrolyzed protein?
Hydrolyzed protein has been broken down into smaller pieces, making it easier to digest.
What foods contain the most protein?
Meat, fish, and eggs are the top sources of protein.
What is 100% natural dry cat food?
Dry food that is 100% natural will contain no additives, preservatives, or processed ingredients. The majority of the content will be meat, fish, or eggs.
What allergies can my cat develop?
The most common allergies in cats are allergies to certain foods such as chicken and wheat. Other common allergies are to grains and fish.
What is the most common food allergy in cats?
You should consult your vet if your cat suffers from a food allergy. There is no way to tell in advance if a cat will have an allergy to a certain type of food. It all depends on his genetics and his environment.
What Should I Feed my Cat with Allergies?
Most cats have an allergy to chicken, wheat, or corn. If your cat suffers from any of these allergies, feeding him a hypoallergenic diet is best.
What would happen if my cat ate too much fish?
Fish can be a potential problem for cats with allergies. Many different species of fish contain salicylates, which can cause severe allergic reactions in cats. Cats’ most common foods causing reactions are tuna, carp, and salmon.
Hi there! My name is Koushik; I am a cat lover. I specialize in writing about pet care & food. I have a wealth of knowledge on cat food niches and related subjects. I have worked in the pet industry for over 5 years and am passionate about helping cat owners provide the best care for their furry friends. With knowledge of cat food and nutrition, I aim to share their insights and help cat owners navigate the world of cat food niches. I enjoy playing with my two cats, reading, and exploring new cat food brands in my free time.