Common Foods Cats Are Allergic To

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Increased scratching and itching are signs of cat food allergy. Approximately 10 percent of cat food allergies result from eating the wrong food. Other than inhalation and flea bites, food allergies contribute the most to the rise of scratching in felines and require cat allergy medicine. Do note that food allergies cannot happen in the space of 24 hours. The allergen, or food causing the allergy, was in your cat's system for an extended period before the breakout.

Seafood, lamb, and beef

These three contain proteins that may develop food allergies in your cat. Many cat food brands use alternative meats like duck and venison to side-step such complications. Meat byproducts are a few of the many causes of allergic reactions. These include animal parts not consumed by humans. Skin, hoof, and tail are a few examples in this category. Cat food manufacturers process such meats. This results in cheaper dry cat foods with the tradeoff of less nutrition compared to actual and more expensive meat.

Vegetarian foods

Corn is yet another food causing cat allergies. Pet food manufacturers use them as low-cost fillers. Both corn gluten meal and cornmeal cause food allergies in felines. Corns cause allergies in a majority of cats. If your cat develops dry and itchy skin after consuming corn, it is allergic to this particular food. Many veterinarians also blame corn for developing diabetes in cats. Wheat gluten could also cause food allergies in cats. Similar to corn, it is a kind of cat food filler. Avoid it, as almost all cats are allergic to this specific food.

Eggs are yet another food that you must not feed your cat. Be careful when you purchase cat food from the supermarket. A few pet food manufacturers may add eggs to pet food. It is common in canned pet edibles. Eggs are added to increase the quantum of protein. Cats will develop allergies to whites or egg yolks.

Not all vegetarian products are safe for your cat. Soy products are a complete no-no. A few pet food companies incorporate soy to boost the protein component. As soy is derived from plants, your cat does not require this specific kind of protein. Do be careful before you feed your cat dairy products. Many felines may be allergic to the lactose found in cow's milk.

A few pet foods may have dairy products added, like cheese. Many premium brands are found to add milk derivatives, so you must check the label. Preservatives and artificial food colorings are harmful to felines. The only purpose of coloring in cat food is to attract human owners. Preservatives may cause cancer in cats. Cat food manufacturers include these to increase shelf life.

Hypoallergenic Cat Food Brands

If your cat is allergic to their food, there are a few different ways to cope with their dietary needs. Some hypoallergenic foods on the market (many of which are prescription cat food), like Hill's Prescription Diet Hypoallergenic Cat Treats, contain only hydrolyzed proteins. These are proteins broken apart so the immune system cannot recognize them as triggers for allergies.

Another method for feeding your allergy-prone cat is to try different foods from the best-wet cat food manufacturers to help you figure out what is causing the allergic reaction. Known as limited-ingredient diets, these foods are a great option when combating a food allergy in your cat. Many brand-name cat foods contain a mix of different types of proteins, grains, and other ingredients, which could cause their mealtime woes.

Limited ingredient foods such as ?? Taste Of The Wild Grain Free Prey Limited Ingredient Turkey Dry Cat Food provides insight into what triggers your cat's reaction by removing certain likely-suspect ingredients. Each one contains only a single source of protein; for example, if your cat is allergic to beef, you would be able to tell because the beef-only food would give them a reaction, whereas a fish- or chicken-only type would not.

Here are some of the most popular hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient cat foods:

Royal Canin Cat Food Hypoallergenic

Hypoallergenic PD Dry Cat Food

Limited ingredient (duck)
Complete balanced diet
Helpful for inflammatory bowel disease, gluten enteropathy, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food

Hypoallergenic, using hydrolyzed soy protein
Single starch source (rice)
Promotes urinary health

Select Protein PR Dry Cat Food

Limited ingredients (rabbit, peas)
Safe for cats with specific sensitivities
Savory flavor

Select Protein PR Canned Cat Food

Limited ingredients (rabbit, peas)
Safe for cats with specific sensitivities
Delicious wet cat food your feline is sure to love

Natural Balance L.I.D. (Limited Ingredient Diet)

Natural Balance L.I.D. is a line of cat and dog food that provides a comprehensive set of options for pets suffering from a food allergy. One of the most well-rounded lines of limited-ingredient pet foods, Natural Balance, gives you many choices, making it easy to figure out precisely what ingredient triggers your cat's allergies.

Salmon Green Pea Dry Chicken Green Pea Dry Duck Green Pea Canned

Chicken Green Pea Canned Venison Pea Canned

Hill's Prescription Diets

Depending on their other health needs, these Hill's Science Diet may be a good fit for your cat.

Cat z/d Canned Food

Hypoallergenic food using hydrolyzed protein (rice, chicken)
Safe for cats with a variety of conditions
Delicious wet cat food formula

Cat z/d Dry Food

Hypoallergenic food using hydrolyzed protein (rice, chicken)
Safe for cats with a variety of conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common food allergy in cats?

Chicken is often cited as the most common food allergen in cats, but they can also be allergic to other proteins found in cat food, such as beef, turkey, egg, soy, or milk, as well as less common meat sources such as venison or duck. However, each cat may have different food sensitivities and allergies, and symptoms may vary in severity. As always, if you suspect your cat may have a food allergy, it is important to seek veterinary advice for proper diagnosis and management.

How do you tell if my cat is allergic to his food?

If your cat is allergic to their food, it may show signs such as itching or skin irritation, including excessive grooming or biting. Other symptoms of food allergies in cats include ear infections or inflammation of the ear canal, as well as gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Respiratory issues, such as coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, may also indicate a food allergy in your cat. If you suspect that your cat has a food allergy, take them to a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What food is good for cats with allergies?

In general, hypoallergenic diets that feature novel protein sources such as venison, rabbit, or duck, or hydrolyzed protein diets in which the protein has been broken down into smaller molecules that the immune system is less likely to recognize as allergenic, can be effective for cats with food allergies. Some limited-ingredient diets may also be helpful, as they contain fewer ingredients and may help identify which specific ingredient is triggering your cat's symptoms. If your cat has been diagnosed with a food allergy, it may involve a prescription diet that is formulated to avoid the specific allergen that triggers your cat's symptoms.

What is the fastest way to get rid of cat allergies?

If your cat is experiencing food allergies, the fastest way to alleviate its symptoms is to identify and remove the allergen from its diet. This can be achieved through a process of elimination, in which you gradually remove potential allergens from your cat's diet until the culprit is identified. Your veterinarian might develop an appropriate diet for your cat that avoids the specific allergen that triggers their symptoms. This may involve a prescription diet that is formulated to address your cat's individual needs. In some cases, your veterinarian may also prescribe medications, such as antihistamines or corticosteroids, to provide temporary relief of allergy symptoms.

How long does it take for a food allergy to go away in a cat?

It's true that once the allergen has been identified and removed from a cat's diet, gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, which can be associated with food allergies, should start to improve within a few weeks. However, it's important to note that every cat is different, and the timeline for symptom resolution may vary based on the severity of the allergy, the length of time the cat was exposed to the allergen, and the effectiveness of the treatment plan. External symptoms, such as itchy skin or ear infections, may take longer to resolve, and it can take several weeks or even months for all of the symptoms to disappear completely. In some cases, additional testing may be necessary to confirm that the allergen has been correctly identified and removed from the diet.

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