Dr Marie Menniti - Miss Cats Team

Dr. Marie Menniti's Veterinary Advice

There are many reasons for a cat to have an adverse reaction to something that they eat, but this can cause skin reactions or gastrointestinal upset.

If you suspect your cat’s food as the cause of health issues, check with your veterinarian to try to pinpoint exactly what is the culprit.

The following tips can help you choose a diet for a cat with dietary allergies or other adverse food reactions.

1) Choose a diet that uses a hydrolyzed protein

Hydrolyzed diets use proteins that are broken down into smaller pieces. These pieces are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction while still providing a balanced source of amino acids.

Hydrolyzed diets are ideal for cats with a suspected allergy, especially if they have a complicated or unknown diet history. A hydrolyzed diet is a top choice for use in a dietary trial to find out if your cat has a dietary allergy and what is causing it.

2) Avoid feeding excess protein to cats with allergy-related skin symptoms

Limiting protein levels in a food reduces the risk that a cat will encounter a potential allergen. For cats with uncomfortable skin conditions caused by an allergy, it is recommended to feed a diet with only 30-45% protein on a dry matter basis.

In certain scenarios, your veterinarian may recommend feeding a higher levels protein due to another health condition. Always check before limiting this nutrient in the diet of a cat with an ongoing illness.

(Note: The nutrient value listed on your food label will most likely be given on an “as fed” basis. You can learn how to convert these values to dry matter basis here.)

3) Choose a diet with novel ingredients

Your cat is less likely to have a reaction to an ingredient she has not encountered before. To choose a diet with truly novel ingredients, you’ll have to put together an extensive history of your cat’s meals since she started eating solid food. Any ingredient on that list could be causing the reaction, but it is most likely to be an animal product.

The top causes of dietary allergies in cats are beef, dairy products, and fish.

If you suspect that your cat has allergies, a novel ingredient diet may be suitable to use conduct a dietary elimination trial to find the cause.

What is the Best Dry Cat Food for Allergies?

Author:
Last updated June 21, 2021
IMAGE RECOMMENDED PRODUCTSPRODUCT FEATURES
Top Pick
Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Protein
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 350 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 30%
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 430 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 30%
Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 351 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 24%
Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 498 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 35%
Blue Buffalo Chicken Recipe
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 422 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 32%

Dry Cat Food for Allergy Reviews

Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food for Allergies

SEE MORE →
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Rice Starch
  2. Hydrolyzed Soy Protein Isolate
  3. Partially Hydrogenated Canola Oil Preserved with Tbhq
  4. Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver
  5. Tricalcium Phosphate
 PRICE
VIEW LATEST PRICE → 		FEATURES
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 350 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
9%
9%
Protein
30%
30%
Fiber
4%
4%
REVIEW

Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food for Allergies Review

The Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food is a safe and healthy option for cats with very sensitive stomachs. This diet is specifically designed to address allergies and other gastrointestinal issues and is completely hypoallergenic. The formula is made with 30 percent protein as well as a low allergen carbohydrate. It also contains a single hydrolyzed protein source, which is easier for your cat’s digestive system to break down.

This formula is also enriched with essential vitamins and minerals to keep your cat healthy. These include vitamins E, B-12, and D-3, as well as essential minerals like taurine, magnesium, zinc, and more. The Purina Pro Plan is one of the best dry cat foods for cats with skin allergies and other sensitivities.

BUY HERE →

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Cat Food for Allergies

SEE MORE →
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Salmon Hydrolysate
  2. Peas
  3. Potatoes
  4. Pea Starch
  5. Canola Oil (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids)
 PRICE
VIEW LATEST PRICE → 		FEATURES
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 430 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
14%
14%
Protein
30%
30%
Fiber
4%
4%
REVIEW

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Cat Food for Allergies Review

The Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Cat Food is an excellent option if you’re looking for the best cat food for allergies. This diet is specifically formulated with sensitive stomachs in mind, and contains 30% protein from a single hydrolyzed protein source. This is easy for your cat to digest and is designed to minimize allergic reactions.

This grain-free formula contains fresh powerhouse foods like salmon, pumpkin, and kelp, which are full of antioxidants and create an appealing taste. It’s also fortified with vitamins C and E as well as omega-3 fatty acids to support your cat’s overall health. Overall, this formula from Blue Buffalo is one of the best cat foods for cats with allergies and provides plenty of immune support as well.

BUY HERE →

Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food for Allergies

SEE MORE →
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Brewers Rice
  2. Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
  3. Chicken Fat
  4. Powdered Cellulose
  5. Natural Flavors
 PRICE
VIEW LATEST PRICE → 		FEATURES
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 351 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
18%
18%
Protein
24%
24%
Fiber
5.7%
5.7%
REVIEW

Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food for Allergies Review

The Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food is specifically formulated for sensitive digestive systems and can help prevent allergic reactions. This diet contains hydrolyzed soy proteins that are very easy for your cat to absorb. The Royal Canin brand also uses strict measures to prevent cross-contamination, which can minimize the chance of an allergic reaction.

Additionally, this cat food is fortified with a blend of fibers to keep your cat regular and prevent stomach problems. On top of that, it contains essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. It contains nutrients that support the skin barrier, which can help prevent allergic reactions. Overall, this formula from Royal Canin is one of the best foods for cats with allergies.

BUY HERE →

Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken Flavor Dry Cat Food

SEE MORE →
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Chicken
  2. Cracked Pearled Barley
  3. Corn Gluten Meal
  4. Brewers Rice
  5. Pork Fat
 PRICE
VIEW LATEST PRICE → 		FEATURES
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 498 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
17%
17%
Protein
35%
35%
Fiber
4%
4%
REVIEW

Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken Flavor Dry Cat Food Review

The Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Dry Cat Food is formulated specifically for cats with food allergies or other digestive issues. It has an optimal balance of 35% protein as well as a mixed fiber source that helps keep your cat regular. The protein is easy for your cat’s stomach to absorb with minimal irritation.

This formula is also balanced with fat and antioxidants, which are primed to support your cat’s overall health. It’s also made with Hill’s strict standards to support urinary tract health. Overall, this is one of the best cat foods for cats with allergies and other stomach problems.

BUY HERE →

Blue Buffalo Chicken Recipe Dry Food For Cats with Allergies

SEE MORE →
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Deboned Chicken
  2. Chicken Meal
  3. Brown Rice
  4. Oatmeal
  5. Barley
 PRICE
VIEW LATEST PRICE → 		FEATURES
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 422 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
16%
16%
Protein
32%
32%
Fiber
3.5%
3.5%
REVIEW

Blue Buffalo Chicken Recipe Dry Food For Cats with Allergies Review

The Blue Buffalo Chicken Recipe Dry Food contains exceptional quality ingredients for cats with sensitive stomachs. It contains 32% protein content, which is easier for your cat’s stomach to process. It doesn’t contain grains, corn, wheat, soy, or other irritants that can cause allergens in some cats. Instead, it uses healthy carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and peas.

Additionally, the Blue Buffalo Chicken Recipe contains the brand’s LifeSource Bits, which are a blend of essential antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins to support your cat’s immune system. It also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which keep their coat looking shiny and healthy. The Blue Buffalo Chicken Recipe is a tasty and nutritious formula for cats with allergies.

BUY HERE →