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. We’ve 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.
We’ve also addressed some of the most common questions about hypoallergenic food to keep you in the know about your cat’s health. We hope this list will help you find the right option for you.
The Best Hypoallergenic Cat Food
1 Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Cat Food
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch, Peas
- Primary Proteins: Chicken, Peas
- Calories: 443 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Life Stage: Adult
Blue Wilderness offers hypoallergenic food that’s healthy, natural, and tasty. Their dry blend contains no soy, corn, or gluten and avoids artificial preservatives.
Instead, the recipe blends sweet potato with real meat, alongside carefully crafted kibbles containing antioxidants and a blend of vital vitamins and minerals, called LifeSource Bites. Inspired by the natural diet of the lynx, the blend emulates what your cat would eat in the wild. This means it’s easy to digest and keeps them in tip-top condition. Cats love the flavor too! Best of all, Blue Wilderness is a family company, and, having owned pets themselves, always put the animal’s best interest at heart. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe is one of 10 cat food recipes included in our Blue Buffalo Cat Food overview.
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch, Peas, Menhaden Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Egg Product, Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Calcium Chloride, Potassium Sulfate, DL-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Potatoes, Dried Chicory Root, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate, Taurine, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, L-Carnitine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.
2 Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food
- Brand: Hill’s Science Diet
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken Fat
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 524 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken & Rice
- Life Stage: Adult
Hill’s Science Diet certainly lives up to its name – the science of nutrition has been carefully attended to in this gentle-on-the-stomach formula.
Perfect for cats with sensitive stomachs or food allergies, the formula offers complete nutrition that’s also easy to digest. Hill’s Science Diet also promotes healthy skin and coat with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C and E. They’ve been formulating cat food since 1939, decades of experience have gone into Hill’s blend, as well as the expertise of over 220 veterinary professionals.
Made in the USA without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, this food is a delicious option for cats with certain allergies. Read our overview of Hill’s Cat Food if you want to find out more about their company, product lines, and recall history.
Chicken, Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken Fat, Chicken Meal, Egg Product, Chicken Liver Flavor, Soybean Oil, Lactic Acid, Oat Fiber, L-Lysine, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), Iodized Salt, DL-Methionine, Taurine, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Calcium Carbonate, L-Tryptophan, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene.
3 Natural Balance L.I.D. Dry Cat Food
- Brand: Natural Balance
- First 5 ingredients: Green Peas, Salmon Meal, Salmon, Pea Protein, Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)
- Primary Proteins: Salmon, Green Peas
- Calories: 410 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Green Pea & Salmon
- Life Stage: Adult
This hypoallergenic food combines green peas and salmon for a healthy, protein-rich alternative to traditional cat food. It’s completely grain-free – perfect for felines with corn or wheat allergies – and contains an expert blend of high-quality protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins vital to your cat’s body.
Designed to assist digestion without compromising nutrition, the formula keeps your cat’s skin and coat in perfect condition, too. This is important since the skin is the first line of defense against allergens. In addition, a low-fiber formula is an excellent option for cats with digestive issues, helping them get more comfortable. Finally, the quality of this blend is guaranteed by no fewer than nine safety tests before it reaches your pet’s bowl. Natural Balance L.I.D. Green Pea & Salmon Formula is one of 5 recipes included in our review of Natural Balance Cat Food.
Green Peas, Salmon Meal, Salmon, Pea Protein, Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Flaxseed, Dl-Methionine, Salt, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
4 Halo Natural Dry Cat Food
- Brand: Halo
- First 5 ingredients: Whitefish, Salmon, Dried Egg Product, Oatmeal, Dried Peas
- Primary Proteins: Whitefish, Salmon
- Calories: 414 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Seafood
- Life Stage: Adult
Halo’s holistic formula is a great alternative diet for cats with certain allergies. Free from soy, wheat, and processed meat products, this food takes a natural approach to keep your pet healthy and happy.
Halo cares deeply about the quality of the ingredients which go into their foods. Each flavor is formulated from whole meats, ethical sources that avoid factor farming, antibiotics, and GMO products. All the vitamins in each bag come from fruits and vegetables, and the blend avoids artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
If you’re looking for a food that’s easy to digest and produced as naturally and ethically as possible, Halo’s blend could be the right choice for you. Halo Holistic Seafood Medley Sensitive Stomach is one of 5 recipes mentioned in our review of Halo Cat Food.
Whitefish, Salmon, Dried Egg Product, Oatmeal, Dried Peas, Soy Protein Concentrate, Pearled Barley, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Potato Protein, Natural flavor, flaxseed, Pea fiber, Calcium Sulfate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Blueberries, Dried Cranberries, Dried Carrots, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Salt, Inulin, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Potassium Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate.
5 Instinct Original Natural Wet Canned Cat Food
- Brand: Instinct
- First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Broth, Pork Liver, Ground Flaxseed, Montmorillonite Clay
- Primary Proteins: Salmon, Pork Liver
- Calories: 165 kcal/5.5 oz can
- Flavor: Salmon & Pork Liver
- Life Stage: All
Because it’s available in a wide variety of flavors, it’s easy to tailor Instinct’s grain-free food to your cat’s allergies and preferences. The formula contains flaxseeds, peas, and carrots instead of grain-based carbohydrates, ensuring your cat stays energized without digestive discomfort.
Flavors available include salmon, chicken, and duck, each optimized for feline health. Whole meats comprise the bulk of the food, alongside a mix of fruits and vegetables, hand-picked to provide all the nutrients that cats need to stay healthy.
This is a great alternative for cats with allergies who turn their nose up at dry food.
Salmon, Salmon Broth, Pork Liver, Ground Flaxseed, Montmorillonite Clay, Egg Product, Peas, Carrots, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Minerals (Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide), Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Taurine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Artichokes, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Tomato, Blueberries, Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale, Parsley.
6 Blue Buffalo Basics Natural Dry Cat Food
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Whitefish, Menhaden Fish Meal, Pea Protein, Potatoes, Peas, Pea Starch
- Primary Proteins: Whitefish, Peas
- Calories: 402 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Fish & Potato
- Life Stage: Adult
Blue’s cat food has earned itself a second spot on our list with its healthy, natural formulas.
This blend is not only grain-free but also strictly limits its ingredients, allowing you to avoid any potential allergens easily. The food combines whitefish with pumpkin and pea and healthy omega-3 oils to promote healthy skin and coat. It also contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals – including vitamin C – to support the healthy functioning of your cat’s body. Like Blue’s other foods, this nutrient blend is contained in tasty LifeSource Bites – kibbles that your cat will enjoy.
Deboned Whitefish, Menhaden Fish Meal, Pea Protein, Potatoes, Peas, Pea Starch, Tapioca Starch, Canola Oil, Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Calcium Sulfate, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Potassium Chloride, Fish Oil (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Taurine, Calcium Chloride, Pumpkin, Dried Chicory Root, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, L-Lysine, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.
7 Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic Treats
- Brand: Hill’s Prescription Diet
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Powdered Cellulose, Dried Tomato Pomace
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 1.2 kcal/treat
- Flavor: Chicken
- Life Stage: Adult, Senior
It can be difficult to find treats that come under the general branch of being hypoallergenic, but Hill’s has managed to create an excellent choice in these diet treats. As well as being great for offering your kitten when they’re struggling with allergies, they come with the major benefit of being ideal for weight management.
The low-caloric intake is offset by all the added nutritional benefits of these cat treats for cats with allergies. Of course, these are to be used with a hypoallergenic diet for the best effect. But it would appear that many cats – and their owners – are thrilled with this option, especially as it has the bonus of helping to manage urinary tract health.
Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Powdered Cellulose, Dried Tomato Pomace, Flaxseed, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Liver Flavor, Coconut Oil, Pork Fat, Lactic Acid, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Sulfate, L-Lysine, Choline Chloride, Dried Carrots, DL-Methionine, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C)<(>,<)> Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Taurine, minerals (Manganese Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), L-Carnitine, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Beta-Carotene, Phosphoric Acid, Natural Flavors.
8 I and Love and You – Canned Cat Food
- Brand: I and Love and You
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Spinach, Cranberries
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 117 kcal/can
- Flavor: Chicken
- Life Stage: Adult
And the second canned food on our list is this tasty offering from I and Love and You. Their All Natural formula blends whole meats with fruit and vegetables for a nutritious but easily digestible food.
Their grain-free and protein-rich formula is a great alternative to traditional cat food for pets with allergies and sensitivities. Meat is always the main ingredient and real vegetables, including sweet potato and carrot. It’s also free from carrageenan – a seaweed-derived thickening ingredient that can upset more sensitive stomachs.
Like many foods on this list, I and Love and You’s formula is also optimized to keep your cat’s skin and coat as healthy as possible.
Take a look at our review of I and Love and You Cat Food.
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Spinach, Cranberries, Apples, Carrots, Natural Flavor, Sweet Potatoes, Alfalfa Meal, Ground Flaxseed, Guar Gum, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Dl-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Salmon Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
9 Royal CANIN Feline Hypoallergenic Hydrolyzed Protein
- Brand: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet
- First 5 ingredients: Brewers Rice, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Chicken Fat, Powdered Cellulose, Natural Flavors
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 351 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Life Stage: Adult
Unlike other hypoallergenic cat foods, Royal Canin provides a formula that contains hydrolyzed protein, making it easier to digest than other high-protein cat foods. The hydroxylation process involves partially breaking down proteins into their constituent amino acids. This makes them far easier to digest and can solve the issues caused by many food sensitivities in cats.
Royal Canin’s formula uses hydrolyzed soy protein, making it a great option if your cat is sensitive to certain meats or fish. It also contains a blend of B vitamins and amino acids designed to improve the condition of your cat’s coat and skin. On top of all these benefits, the food tastes great for cats!
Brewers Rice, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Chicken Fat, Powdered Cellulose, Natural Flavors, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Calcium Sulfate, Fish Oil, Potassium Chloride, Monocalcium Phosphate, Vegetable Oil, Dl-Methionine, Sodium Pyrophosphate, Sodium Silico Aluminate, Salt, Fructooligosaccharides, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamins [Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source Of Vitamin E), Niacin Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), D-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid], Trace Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Copper Proteinate, Calcium Iodate], Marigold Extract (Tagetes Erecta L.), Magnesium Oxide, Rosemary Extract, Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid.
10 Blue Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Wet Cat Food
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- First 5 ingredients: Duck, Duck Broth, Potatoes, Pea Flour, Carrots
- Primary Proteins: Duck
- Calories: 99 kcals/can
- Flavor: Duck & Potato
- Life Stage: Adult
Blue has earned themselves a third and final spot on our list with their wet hypoallergenic food. This food is essentially the wet counterpart to their limited ingredient dry diet, meaning that cats who won’t eat dry food are catered to!
This particular blend combines whole duck meat with peas, potatoes and carrots. The light, grain-free carbohydrate source makes it really easy to digest, whilst all the vitamins and minerals your cat requires are provided through a mixture of fruit and vegetable extracts.
Blue’s natural, holistic approach to pet food is certainly on show in this product, which is free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Duck, Duck Broth, Potatoes, Pea Flour, Carrots, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Fish Oil, Pumpkin, Cranberries, Blueberries, Powdered Cellulose, Guar Gum, Taurine, Cassia Gum, Carrageenan, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), preserved with Mixed Tocopherols.
11 Purina Veterinary Diets Hypoallergenic Feline Formula
- Brand: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets
- First 5 ingredients: Rice Starch, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein Isolate, Partially Hydrogenated Canola Oil Preserved with Tbhq, Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver, Tricalcium Phosphate
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 350 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Life Stage: All
Purina is one of the best-known names when it comes to pet food, so it’s only natural that they’ve secured a spot on our list.
Purina’s hypoallergenic formula is a dry food that combines hydrolyzed proteins and rice starch to provide an easily digestible food that’s tasty too. The main protein source in this food is soy, but it’s supplemented with the chicken liver to achieve the meaty taste cats naturally crave. Purina’s hydrolyzed protein cat food also includes B vitamins, which are vital to your cat’s natural metabolism.
You might also be interested in a detailed look at Purina Pro Plan Cat Food.
Rice Starch, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein Isolate, Partially Hydrogenated Canola Oil Preserved with Tbhq, Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver, Tricalcium Phosphate, Powdered Cellulose, Corn Oil, Hydrolyzed Chicken, Sodium Bisulfate, Dl-Methionine, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Tetra Sodium Pyrophosphate, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Phosphoric Acid, Salt, Guar Gum, Taurine, Lecithin, Magnesium Oxide, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Niacin, Calcium Carbonate, Citric Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Sulfate, BHA (a Preservative), Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K Activity), Sodium Selenite.
12 Natural Balance Canned Cat Food
- Brand: Natural Balance
- First 5 ingredients: Duck, Duck Broth, Duck Liver, Pea Protein, Ground Peas
- Primary Proteins: Duck, Ground Peas
- Calories: 190 kcal/5.5-oz can
- Flavor: Green Pea & Duck
- Life Stage: Adult
Natural Balance’s hypoallergenic food is of a limited ingredient variety. It contains salmon for protein and pas for carbohydrates, alongside natural plant extracts which provide your feline friend with all the vitamins and minerals they need to maintain a healthy body.
The food is grain-free and does not contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Natural Balance’s formula also avoids using bleached ingredients, ensuring your cat’s diet is as whole and natural as possible. These features add up to food that cats with allergies and sensitive stomachs can easily digest and keep down. Thanks to its high fish content, cats love the taste too!
Find out more about Natural Balance Cat Food.
Duck, Duck Broth, Duck Liver, Pea Protein, Ground Peas, Natural Flavor, Salmon Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Duck Meal, Dicalcium Phosphate, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Guar Gum, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Potassium Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Cranberries, Choline Chloride, Carrageenan, Flaxseed Meal, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Rosemary Extract.
Best Hypoallergenic Cat Food Buying Guide & FAQ
That concludes our list of the best hypoallergenic cat foods available on the market today. We hope that these picks help you to find the formula that’s right for your pet.
With so much variety, though, it can be difficult to know which blend is the right option for your cat. That’s why we’ve put together a quick guide to cat food allergies.
Below we discuss how to spot them, what they can mean for your cat, and how to select a hypoallergenic food that meets your cat’s requirements. Of course, like humans, all cats are different, so you might need to try a few different brands before finding one that works for your pet.
Remember that your patience will pay off, though – it’s amazing what a difference a cat’s diet can make to its overall health, mood, and behavior.
Things to Consider When Buying Hypoallergenic Cat Food
With so many options, making a choice can seem overwhelming. To help you make up your mind, here are a few crucial factors to bear in mind when choosing a hypoallergenic food for your cat:
Wet or Dry?
This might seem like a fairly superficial consideration, but it can mean the difference between a successful diet and an unsuccessful one. If your cat is used to a certain type of food, it’s usually a good idea to stick to it.
However, wet cat food can sometimes be the way to go for cats with digestive issues. Unlike us, cats do not have flat molars for grinding up crunchy food and must rely on their canines instead, designed to tear into the meat.
Some cats struggle to chew dry food sufficiently, leading to improper food digestion, making wet food the better option. Again, your cat’s comfort and
Protein Source
Always check the ingredients of a hypoallergenic cat food thoroughly, as even if it’s not the main source of protein, meat that your cat is sensitive to might still be found elsewhere in the food.
Some foods also contain fish oils as a source of omega-3, which should be borne in mind if your cat is sensitive to seafood. Choosing a protein source such as soy or whitefish is often the best option for cats with sensitive stomachs rather than a specific allergy. If you’re unsure, consult with your vet.
Is Hydrolyzed Protein Good for my Cat?
Another option you have when choosing cat food is whether or not to purchase one with hydrolyzed protein. This kind of protein, which has been partially broken down into its constituent amino acids, can be far easier to digest, so it is often a good option for cats with sensitive digestive tracts.
However, if your cat is suffering from a specific food allergy rather than general sensitivity, choosing food with normal protein is typically the best option, as the extra processing required to hydrolyze protein usually makes it more expensive.
Ingredients to Avoid Feeding Your Hypoallergenic Cat
As any owner knows, each cat is an individual – this also extends to which foods their body can handle. Although the name “hypoallergenic” implies that food will not trigger any allergic reactions, it’s important to remember that food that is “hypoallergenic” for one cat could be allergy-inducing to another. There’s no such thing as completely allergy-free cat food.
Because of this, the list of foods you should avoid feeding your cat will vary greatly from case to case. For reference, some common allergies and intolerances among cats include:
Grains
Cats would not eat grains in the wild, and some cannot properly digest them. Therefore, corn is a prevalent trigger among cats.
Dairy
Adult cats are not equipped with the proper enzyme for digesting lactose, making some individuals particularly sensitive to dairy products.
Meat Byproducts
Parts of the animal that humans won’t eat, such as fat tissue and specific organs, can make it into cat food. Some cats are sensitive to certain proteins found in these byproducts.
Seafood
Unfortunately for cats, many are allergic to fish and other seafood. Unfortunately, this allergy is becoming increasingly common.
Artificial Colors and Preservatives
As with humans, some cats can be allergic to the colors and preservatives, sometimes added to pet foods.
Symptoms of a Food Allergy in Cats
Each cat is likely to exhibit a slightly different set of symptoms if they develop a food allergy, but some common symptoms are fairly easy to spot.
- More scratching than usual
- Runny nose or eyes
- Coughing, wheezing or sneezing
- Dull fur and flaky skin
- Diarrhea and/or vomiting
- Inflamed throat or paws
- Lasting ear infections
If you notice your cat exhibiting one or more of these symptoms over an extended period, consult your vet. They will help identify the trigger and give you dietary advice.
Take a look at our review of the Best Cat Food for Indoor Cats.
Our Top Pick
Our top pick has to go to Blue’s Wilderness grain-free blend. The food balances proteins and carbohydrates in a formula that mimics what a cat would eat in the wild without compromising on nutrition.
It’s also very easy to digest, thanks to the combination of high-quality meat and potatoes. With the blend’s LifeSource Bites, you’ll never have to worry about your cat developing a vitamin deficiency. Overall, Blue provides a great formula for an affordable price, which cats love to eat.
Sources:
Best Hypoallergenic Cat Food FAQs:
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.
If your cat exhibits one or more of the symptoms above, and you suspect they have a food allergy, seek advice from your vet. They will be able to carry out a skin test or endoscopy to help determine whether an allergic reaction has occurred and what the allergen was. Your vet will then advise you about the best diet for your cat – likely hypoallergenic food. You may need to try a few different hypoallergenic cat food brands before finding the one that works best for your cat.
If you suspect your cat has a food allergy, you should always consult your vet. Treatment will usually involve a carefully monitored diet, which may require frequent tweaking as you and your vet work together to figure out the food which has triggered your pet’s allergy. Once a diet has been established, you’ll need to monitor your cat carefully and avoid giving them people’s food. You might also need to replace their treats with a hypoallergenic alternative.
The extent of an allergic reaction will vary between cats but is an uncomfortable experience in any case. In rare instances, just like humans, exposure to a large quantity of an allergen can result in a cat entering anaphylaxis. Symptoms of anaphylaxis in cats include:
- Collapse
- Trembling
- Pale gums
- Wheezing
- Facial swelling
If you notice one of these symptoms, contact your vet as soon as possible. Anaphylaxis is treatable, especially when identified quickly, and cats can recover in a few days.
Less severe consequences of allergic reactions in cats include scratching, wheezing, swelling of the paws and throat, persistent ear infections, and vomiting or diarrhea. However, if the cat is exposed to their allergens frequently, over a long time, symptoms can sometimes worsen, so it’s important to contact your vet as soon as you suspect a food allergy.
Related Posts
