What is hypoallergenic cat food and why is it needed?

The dietary diet has a positive effect on animals with skin dermatitis, digestive disorders, and defecation disorders. This type of food has no contraindications and can be given to animals of different ages and breeds. Some owners use such food to prevent food pathologies.

Briefly about food allergies in cats

All allergies are acute reactions from the body to external or internal irritants. Often the disease does not appear immediately. Allergens accumulate in the body, causing skin problems or other symptoms. The main causes of allergic reactions are:

• violation of feeding regime;
• weakened immunity;
• intolerance to certain categories of products;
• infections of the intestines or gastrointestinal tract;
• breed and/or genetic predisposition.

Health problems can develop due to helminthic infestations, hyper- and vitamin deficiency, fungal and viral infections.

Allergies in kittens occur after the introduction of complementary foods. The owner should carefully monitor the baby’s external reactions to this or that food. If dermatitis or other skin diseases occur, you should urgently change your diet and consult a specialist for advice.

Allergenic products

The biggest problem for a cat is the desire of the owner and family members to treat it with forbidden treats. Salty, pickled, smoked foods, fatty foods and sweets often cause allergies. It may not appear immediately, but will make itself felt after harmful substances accumulate in the pet’s body.

Allergenic products that in most cases provoke food allergies in cats include:

• fermented milk treats, especially with flavors;
• seafood;
• chicken meat;
• legumes and grains, especially wheat;
• eggs;
• some fruits and vegetables.

Often problems with the gastrointestinal tract are caused by dyes, flavors, stabilizers, synthetic components, flavor enhancers and other substances. They are included in low-grade ready-made feeds, therefore, it is better to avoid them. If the owner does not have the money to feed the animal with a high-quality finished product, you can switch to natural food.

Food reactions can be triggered by medications, vitamin and mineral supplements, yeast or premixes that the owner gives to the pet without consulting a veterinarian. Taking medications and dietary supplements must be approved by a veterinarian.

What does a food allergy look like?

The symptoms and severity of allergic reactions depend entirely on the age, breed, physiology and characteristics of the mustachioed friend’s body. Signs of food allergies are often similar to other types of reactions. Only a veterinarian can accurately determine the type of pathology after a conversation with the owner and a comprehensive diagnosis of the patient.

The main signs of digestive problems are:

• hairless areas of the body, often with scratch marks;
• mucous discharge from the eyes and nose;
• reddened skin;
• severe swelling of the eyelids;
• excessive thirst;
• dry cough;
• general depressed state.

In addition, there may be problems with the gastrointestinal tract. The cat feels nauseous, bloated, diarrhea alternates with severe constipation. The animal's temperature rises, and numerous scratches and wounds appear on the body.

Fluffy becomes lethargic, refuses to eat, and tries to hide in the dark corners of the room. Individual symptoms or their complex are a signal for the owner to contact a veterinary clinic as soon as possible.

What is hypoallergenic food?

Anti-allergenic diets are designed specifically to minimize the risk of a negative reaction to food from the animal’s digestive tract. Often these formulas contain a limited number of base ingredients, which are carefully selected based on the following requirements:

• absence of typical allergens;
• high digestibility and nutritional value;
• easy digestibility of the product;
• quality of raw materials.

Despite the fact that in recent years, pet nutritionists around the world have been conducting serious research and spending enormous resources to identify the causes of food allergies in cats, they have not yet been able to establish them.

What is certain is that long-term consumption of certain types of proteins found in a cat's diet can lead to an allergic reaction to them.

Typical allergens are proteins found in soy, corn, beef, pork, wheat and chicken.

It is no secret that a huge amount of raw meat is obtained from poultry and animals raised on hormones, steroids or antibiotics. Even a person cannot be completely sure of the quality of chicken he eats, let alone the products used in animal feed. It is likely that the root cause of mass allergies to chicken lies in the quality of the product, and not in the general abnormal functioning of the immune system in our pets.

Thus, even feeding a cat low-quality products (economy class) can provoke an allergy, which will subside after a change in diet.

Characteristics and types of hypoallergenic cat food

After making a diagnosis and identifying the type of allergen, the doctor prescribes a special diet for the pet. The diet of a patient prone to allergies should not include harmful foods, synthetic additives, flavor enhancers and other chemical components.

Foods recommended for allergy sufferers help not only eliminate the symptoms that appear, but also normalize the health of your pet in general. Manufacturers of the best hypoallergenic cat food include substances that can solve problems with the cardiovascular system, joints, kidneys or liver.

Hypoallergenic diets are divided into the following types:

1. Premium class

   , the recipe of which, in addition to offal and grains, includes natural meat and healthy microelements.

2. Super premium class

   , which contains only real meat or fish with a small addition of carbohydrate components.

3. Holistic class

   , created on the basis of products suitable for human nutrition.

All of them are characterized by the absence of allergenic products. Only high-quality raw materials and natural ingredients are used for production. The food is easily digested and does not cause problems with the intestines or digestive organs. According to the owner's reviews, the beneficial substances in hypoallergenic cat food have a beneficial effect on the pet's health and even its appearance.

Review of food from popular manufacturers

There are many hypoallergenic cat foods, but none of them can guarantee that your pet will disappear from the manifestations of pathology. The fact is that every animal develops a disease due to certain (one or more) allergens. Meals are selected based on this factor. For example, if a pet has a negative reaction to chicken, beef and wheat, they are excluded.

Therefore, first you need to find out what the cat is reacting to, and then change the diet. Allergy blood tests are taken to identify the triggering ingredient. Only then do you select the appropriate food.

But we can highlight the best hypoallergenic foods. They are suitable for most cats, relieve acute symptoms and help fight the disease. The rating is based on the composition, veterinarian reviews and user ratings.

Orijen 6 fresh fish formula

Main ingredients: sardine, hake, mackerel, flounder, perch, sole, legumes

Orijen 6 fresh fish formula

Rating: 5

Orijen 6 fresh fish formula – produced by a Canadian company. Her food belongs to the holistic class and is made from natural, environmentally friendly products.

Orijen 6 fresh fish formula – monofeed. It contains a variety of fresh fish that provide almost all the essential nutrients your cat needs. Freeze-dried liver, lentils, beans, spinach, and seaweed were used as an additional source of meat.

Optima Nova Adult Cat Rabbit & Potato Grain Free, Hypoallergenic

Main ingredients: rabbit meat (fresh and dehydrated), potatoes

Rating: 5

Optima Nova hypoallergenic food for adult cats is another type of holistic food. It consists of 75% meat, does not contain GMOs and grains.

Optima Nova Grain Free – monoration. Animal protein in it is represented only by rabbit meat, and the sources of fiber are dried potatoes and beet pulp.

The effect of Optima Nova lies in the absence of common provocateurs. Rabbit meat rarely causes allergies, so drying is suitable for most cats.

Grandorf Adult Cat Sterilized Rabbit & Rice Hypoallergenic

Main ingredients: rabbit and turkey meat (dehydrated and fresh), whole rice.

Grandorf Adult Cat Sterilized Rabbit & Rice Hypoallergenic

Rating: 4,7

Grandorf Hypoallergenic is a super premium cat food. It does not contain common allergens, but it is inferior to the first two brands in composition.

Manufacturers included whole rice in Grandorf Hypoallergenic, so the line cannot boast of a grain-free composition. However, this cereal rarely causes allergies and is safe for cats.

The meat ingredients are rabbit and turkey - they are hypoallergenic and suitable for most animals. But the disadvantage of the food is a large amount of dehydrated meat and a small amount of fresh meat.

Brit Care Cat Lucky I'm Vital Adult – Chicken & Rice Hypoallergenic

Main ingredients: chicken fillet and liver, rice, dried turkey meat, bran.

Rating: 4,6

The Czech company offers an excellent solution - hypoallergenic food Brit Care Cat LuckyI'm. It contains 48% meat, whole grain rice and bran to improve peristalsis. At the same time, the products are cheap and affordable for owners of any income.

In addition to treating allergies, Brit Care Cat LuckyI'm helps:

• get rid of tartar thanks to sodium hexametaphosphate and vitamin C;
• relieve inflammation and prevent diseases of the urinary system using sea buckthorn extract;
• strengthen the immune system - this is facilitated by a balanced mineral composition, taurine, arginine.

The downside of the food is that it contains non-hydrated chicken. It often provokes allergies. But if the cat tolerates it well, Brit Care CatLuckyI'm is the best choice.

ProPlan ha Hypoallergenic

Main Ingredients: Rice starch, hydrolyzed soy protein, soybean oil, animal fat

ProPlan ha Hypoallergenic

Rating: 4,5

ProPlan ha is the most popular hydrolyzed food for cats with nutritional allergies. The main components are hydrolyzed soy and rice starch. In addition, the ready-made diet does not contain corn, wheat or chicken, so it is suitable for cats with allergies based on the principle of excluding provoking ingredients.

“ProPlan hypoallergenic for cats” is recommended for animals with:

• nutritional allergies;
• endocrine disorders;
• inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

The food is suitable when allergy symptoms appear suddenly, are very pronounced, and it is impossible to determine which product triggered them. It is recommended to give “drying” to pets for 1.5-2 months until acute signs disappear. Afterwards, you can change your diet and determine the allergen using the exclusion method.

Royal Canin HYPOALLERGENIC DR25

Main ingredients: rice, animal fats, hydrolyzed soy protein isolate, vegetable fiber, hydrolyzed poultry liver

Rating: 4,4

Royal Canin Hypoallergenic is another food with broken down proteins. It contains neutralized pomace (hydrolysates) of soy and rice. And prebiotics and complexes for the epidermis help relieve symptoms of the disease, improve intestinal function and skin condition.

Royal Canin hypoallergenic cat food is an excellent alternative to natural lines. It is quite common and easy to find and buy. But the brand is overpriced: despite the presence of cheap components in the composition, the products of the French company cost the same as a ready-made holistic-class diet.

Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Feline

Main ingredients: milled rice, rice protein concentrate, hydrolyzed chicken liver, vegetable oil

Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Feline

Rating: 3,8

“Hill's hypoallergenic for cats” also refers to hydrolyzed food. It is made from chicken liver and rice, supplemented with minerals, vitamins, and fatty amino acids. Drying helps:

• normalize digestion;
• eliminate ulcers, redness, scratching on the skin;
• improve the condition of the coat.

Disadvantages of Hill's Prescription Diet - abundance of plant foods and hard-to-digest carbohydrates. These disadvantages, coupled with the high cost, make the food not the best among hypoallergenic brands.

Rules for choosing cat food for allergies

Each manufacturer adds a product labeled “hypoallergenic” to its line of branded products. The owner, wanting to save his pet from digestive difficulties and constant itching, strives to purchase a package with that name, but not everything is so simple.

The purchase issue must be approached strictly individually. What works for one pet will only add to health difficulties for another. To do this, it is necessary to experimentally find out which product causes an undesirable reaction.

In addition, you need to take into account the age, castration, breed and other characteristics of the pet. If you have difficulties, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

All foods can be divided into categories depending on the components that cause the reaction. What pathologies do manufacturers focus on:

1. Intolerance to vegetable protein (gluten). In the diet of this category of animals, a grain-free formula is used; grains are replaced with brown or white rice, oats or millet - or are completely absent.
2. Animal protein intolerance. The food contains no chicken, beef or pork at all. They are successfully replaced by rabbit, duck, and salmon. Monoprotein recipes consist of only one type of meat.
3. Hypersensitivity to dairy products, yeast and eggs. In this case, there should be a limited amount of the mentioned components in order to prevent provoking products from entering the cat’s body.

Before purchasing any type of industrial food, it is important to carefully study the composition. After consulting with a veterinarian, the owner of an allergic cat should clearly understand which ingredients are missing and should be paid special attention to.

Types of food for allergy sufferers

Now only a lazy manufacturer has not added dry hypoallergenic cat food to its range. And at first glance it may seem that it is enough to buy a pack of ointment to stop your pet’s suffering and regular trips to the veterinary clinic. In reality, there is no hypoallergenic food as such: food allergies are a purely individual phenomenon in each individual case.

This means that the same diet can aggravate the condition of one animal, just as it can serve as a relief for another.

In this regard, when choosing a hypoallergenic cat food, you need to proceed from which component causes a negative reaction in her and check whether it is found in the list of ingredients.

You can now view the current price of feed and buy it right here:

All diets in this category can be divided into several types, depending on the substances that “provoke” allergies:

• Intolerance to gluten (vegetable protein). There are ready-made menus that exclude wheat, corn and other grains from the composition. Most often, the alternative grain in them is white or brown rice, much less often oats or millet. In addition, there are recipes that do not contain grains at all - grain-free (gluten-free) formulas.
• Hypersensitivity to animal protein. For individuals with this diagnosis, there are recipes without chicken, beef, or pork. They often contain lamb, salmon, herring, duck or rabbit, which are much easier to digest and rarely cause food intolerance. In addition, there are monoprotein formulations - they contain only one type of protein (one source of meat).
• Intolerance to dairy products, eggs, yeast. In such cases, the owner should pay attention to formulas labeled “with a limited number of components” - in them the set of ingredients is reduced to a minimum in order to, if possible, exclude any “risky” products from the composition.

Rating of dry hypoallergenic cat food

Finding the right diet for a pet with eating disorders can be difficult. The product recommended by the veterinarian is not always to the taste of the mustachioed picky eater. This may be due to the lack of familiar and favorite ingredients: chicken, beef, pork or other ingredients.

Therefore, the owner must show patience and perseverance in order to accustom the mustache to a healthy diet. Sometimes you literally have to go through an assortment of cat food to get your cat to like it. Fortunately, all the owner’s efforts sooner or later end in success.

Of the best dry hypoallergenic cat food, it is difficult to choose just one in terms of quality - they are all good. It is better to focus on the composition and taste preferences of the kotofey.

Brit Veterinary Diet

Country of origin: Czech Republic. Its main advantage is its positive effect on the functioning of the liver and other internal organs. Brit is recommended for urolithiasis, genitourinary infections or weakened digestion. Benefits of the Brit Veterinary Diet:

• easy digestibility;
• low glycemic (sugar content) index;
• regenerating effect;
• anti-inflammatory effect.

There is no grain in the recipe, and the source of protein is salmon protein.

Stout

Country of origin: Russia. The main advantage is the small size of the granules, which helps remove plaque and is suitable for older animals. The protein components are chicken and beef. Stout benefits:

• rich in carbohydrates, which is ideal for active cats;
• large selection of flavors;
• presence in the composition of a large number of vitamin and mineral supplements;
• attractive smell and taste.

“Stout” has a low price, which attracts many owners.

Royal Canin Hypoallergenic

Country of origin: France. The patented Intensive Color formula makes the coat healthy and shiny. The protein is presented in the form of soy protein hydrolyzate, which is quickly absorbed and does not overload the digestive organs. Benefits of Royal Canin Hypoallergenic:

• suitable for transitioning kittens to an adult diet;
• makes the coat thick;
• does not have a strong odor;
• Even picky people like it;
• Available in small granules.

Another advantage is that it is widely used in Russia - the food can be bought at any pet store and even supermarket.

Organix

Country of origin: Holland. The main advantage is the stabilization of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and the normalization of gastric microflora. It contains only neutral components that do not cause negative reactions in the body. Other benefits of Organix:

• lack of starch and meat by-products;
• the presence of a large number of amino acids;
• granule size is small;
• affordability.

The food is ideal for those pets whose allergies are complicated by sensitivity of the digestive tract.

Acana Pacifica for cats

Country of origin: Russia. The recipe is based on fish. Flounder, perch, hake, and sardines are used as protein. Vegetables and fruits are added to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Benefits of Acana Pacifica for cats:

• suitable for fish lovers;
• it is consumed slowly, as it is quite high in calories;
• improves immunity;
• Suitable for energetic cats.

It is worth giving fish Acana to castrates with caution - there is a risk of disruption of the acid-base balance and problems with the genitourinary system.

1st Choice HYPOALLERGENIC

Country of origin: Canada. A balanced recipe with a good amount of proteins and carbohydrates will suit even the most nutritionally challenged cats. Regular introduction of it into the diet can improve the condition of the skin and eliminate allergic itching. Benefits of 1st Choice HYPOALLERGENIC:

• wide selection of flavors;
• lack of fast carbohydrates, which is important for overweight pets;
• low cost;
• no problems with the transition to this type;
• a large proportion of vitamins and minerals.

The product can be bought at any pet store or ordered online - it is quite common in Russia.

Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Feline

Country of origin: USA. Recommended to reduce areas of skin inflammation. Includes only easily digestible carbohydrates, Omega-6 and zinc. The components do not irritate the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, improving digestion. Benefits of dietary nutrition:

• reduces inflammation and itching;
• improves the appearance of skin and coat;
• prevents the formation of oxalate stones;
• Suitable for meat protein intolerance.

You should not use this product if your veterinarian has diagnosed the formation of struvite stones.

Go! Natural

Country of origin: Canada. The manufacturer has developed a line of monoprotein formulations with a protein source in the form of fish. The daily diet contains the daily norm of phosphorus, vitamin PP, cobalt, fluorine. Contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Benefits of Go! Natural:

• suitable for inactive and elderly individuals;
• has a positive effect on sensitive intestines;
• does not contain gluten and starch.

This food should be given with caution if your pet has been diagnosed with kidney problems.

Brit Care Lucky I'm Vital Adult

Country of origin: Czech Republic. The recipe is enriched with nutrients, minerals and is designed to keep your pet active. Includes 50% meat components: chicken, rabbit, lamb. Advantages:

• Helps maintain a balanced weight;
• improves the condition of coat and skin;
• has antioxidant properties;
• Suitable for old and inactive individuals.

Like the Brit Veterinary Diet, it is widely distributed in the Russian Federation and does not cause any difficulties in purchasing.

Monge VetSolution Dermatosis

Country of origin: Italy. The grain-free composition is designed to solve skin and coat problems. The ingredients included in the recipe reduce the negative impact on the intestinal walls and normalize the microflora. Benefits of Monge VetSolution Dermatosis:

• suitable for sick and weakened animals;
• picky people like it;
• enriched with a vitamin-mineral complex;
• helps remove tartar.

Monge VetSolution Dermatosis is also suitable for treating animals for dermatological diseases not caused by allergies.

How to choose the right food for a cat with food allergies

The manifestation of an allergic reaction to food in an animal becomes a reason for the owner to think about changing his pet’s diet. The best solution in this case would be a radical change of food to a special anti-allergenic one.

Hypoallergenic cat food

Hypoallergenic cat food has no contraindications and can be given to cats of any breed and age. Since it is a dietary food, you can give your animal hypoallergenic food for preventive purposes.

Hypoallergenic cat food, like any other, is selected based on the age, physical condition and breed of the animal. You should also take into account the individual characteristics of the body and the type of allergens to which the animal reacts.

Foods for allergic cats are divided into a large number of types. Nowadays you can find products on the market that do not contain grains or certain types of meat. In some cases, the diet will include only 1-2 ingredients. First of all, you need to look at the composition of the food, not relying only on the “hypoallergenic” label.

Important! Some types of food may contain beans, soy, cereals, offal and other components that can cause an allergic reaction.

In most cases, an allergic reaction occurs to chicken or red fish. First of all, it is recommended to exclude these foods from your diet. It is not recommended to give cats food containing cereals. The best option is food based on rice or potatoes.

Premium wet hypoallergenic cat food

Most owners prefer a combined diet for their mustachioed friend - they combine industrial dry and wet food. The latter contain a balanced amount of fat and protein, and the liquid components in its composition provide the pet with normal moisture in the body.

Wet food smells attractive and is suitable for feeding the pickiest cats. In addition, wet food replaces dry food in case of illness, oral problems, or low water consumption per day. This is the most dietary and healthy type of nutrition of all existing ones.

Royal Canin Sensitivity Control Feline

Produced in Austria. Recommended for chronic dermatitis, prolonged diarrhea and intolerance to certain products. The beneficial vitamins and microelements included in the composition have a positive effect on the animal’s immune system. Pros of Royal Canin Sensitivity Control Feline:

• large range of flavors;
• balanced recipe;
• nice smell.

Wet food is calculated based on the weight of the animal: it needs about 5% of its weight per day. Older animals require only 3-4%.

Hill's Prescription Diet Feline z/d

Produced in the USA. Prescribed to solve problems with food allergies. Contains hydrolyzed animal protein. There are useful minerals and plant derivatives. Benefits of Hill's Prescription Diet Feline z/d:

• improves the condition of the skin and coat;
• normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• has a wide range of flavors.

Pairs perfectly with Hill's dry products. You can give your cat wet food in the morning and dry food in the evening.

Pro Plan Delicate

Produced in the USA. Suitable for adults with sensitive gastrointestinal tracts. Contains plant and animal components. The addition of inulin and prebiotic normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Pro Plan Delicate Pros:

• contains easily digestible ingredients;
• stabilizes intestinal microflora;
• improves skin and coat.

Suitable even for those animals that are in good health.

Monge Natural

Produced in Italy. The recipe contains easily digestible fish protein. The product is enriched with vitamins and does not contain gluten or by-products. A balanced recipe has a beneficial effect on the stomach and intestinal function. Pros of Monge Natural:

• natural composition;
• average daily requirement of vitamins;
• pleasant smell and taste.

Monge Natural is chosen by owners of purebred pets prone to heavy shedding and constant stool disorders.

Rating of the 5 best foods for cats with allergies: description, advantages and disadvantages

For cats that suffer from allergies, it is better to choose proper nutrition together with a veterinarian.
5 brands of pet food that have hypoallergenic properties deserve special attention:

1. Royal Canin. The French company produces two types of food for cats with allergies. The mixtures of each of the lines are radically different from each other in ingredients. Some contain broken down soy proteins and rice, while others contain cornstarch and feather meal hydrolysate. Antioxidants are also present in the feed as additives. The cost of such a diet is quite high among all hypoallergenic formulations.
2. Hill's. Available in the form of dry and soft food. Contains rice, proteins, chicken liver. Designed for feeding most cats with food allergies, which are accompanied by skin lesions, otitis media, and intestinal inflammation. The advantage of the product is its high nutritional value, but the disadvantage is its rather high price.
3. ProPlan. Dry hypoallergenic mixtures eliminate almost all possible allergens. They are suitable even for cats with severe intolerance to proteins of various origins. The price of the product is quite low: for a pack of 1300 g you will need to pay a little more than a thousand rubles.
4. Farmina . This brand of food is grain-free. They contain duck meat, herring, pumpkin and carrots. They help prevent the deterioration of the animal’s general condition and have a preventive effect against diabetes. The only disadvantage of this food is that the product is presented in only one line, which is not suitable for all cats.
5. Grandorf. Sufficiently universal food for cats with allergies. It contains lamb, turkey, sweet potato and rice. The food is effective not only for allergies, but also for urolithiasis and digestive disorders. Its cost is one of the lowest.

Be sure to read:

Allergy to cats: how to get rid of it, how it manifests itself, treatment with tablets and folk remedies

The products of the best manufacturers are always fully balanced in terms of acids, fats, vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

The only drawback of all formulas for cats, including hypoallergenic ones, is that the pet, having become accustomed to one brand, practically cannot switch to another, so the owner will need to constantly provide the pet with the chosen product.

Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Feline

Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Feline is a dietary supplement that is specifically formulated to reduce food-related allergic reactions in the skin and gastrointestinal tract.

Suitable for diet during the treatment of acute food allergies. Does not contain animal protein, so negative reactions from your pet’s body are excluded. It is easily digestible and strengthens the immune system. The main ingredient is hydrolyzed chicken liver. Balanced composition of proteins, fats, carbohydrates.

Advantages: excellent recipe with optimal protein content. The food formula is also supplemented with vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Sources of carbohydrates in the composition are grains and vegetables. Complete food. This means that no supplements will be required in the animal’s diet to treat it. Great taste your cat will love. Available both canned and dry. The bag closes with a Velcro lock, which is very convenient and keeps the food fresh.

Disadvantages: a lot of vegetable protein. The food contains carbohydrates that are poorly processed by the cat's body (for example, corn gluten).