First of all what does hypoallergenic cat food mean? Unless we are veterinarians are we just using our knowledge of how we react to certain foods.
What Does Hypoallergenic Cat food Mean?
Hypoallergenic cat food is a type of diet that may be beneficial for cats with allergies. Hypoallergenic foods consist of ingredients that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in the feline body. There is no actual definition for what a true hypoallergenic cat food is and not all foods that specifically state they are hypoallergenic will actually be beneficial to your allergic kitty. A lot of ‘hypoallergenic’ diets are altered grain free recipes, which are beneficial to cats with food sensitivities.
No doubt if your cat has allergies you have already visited the vet for advice. If any of these diets appear to be a good fit for your cat, it would definitely be advisable to chat to your vet about the suitability.
Dry cat food can be more convenient to feed the cat than wet cat food. This article reviews seven excellent dry cat food products that may be suitable for hypoallergenic cats. If using only dry food ensure the cat receives adequate moisture in the diet. The obvious solution is to make sure there is a consistent water supply. Another way is to add a hypoallergenic food topper (to the dry food) which generally comes in a pouch and has more of a gravy consistency.
There is more information here concerning adverse reactions to cat food and how to recognize an intolerance.
The Ingredients for the reviewed products are listed. The reason for this is that for some cat owners, a particular ingredient may rule a product out as being unsuitable. If you choose to look at different flavors from the ones being reviewed it will be necessary to check those ingredients.
Reviews – Best Hypoallergenic Dry Cat Food
| 1.Purina Pro Plan – Economical & Overall Best Choice | |
| 2.Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain – Probiotic Boost | |
| 3.Nature’s Variety Instinct – US Farm Raised Chicken | |
| 4.Hills Science Diet – Proven Results | |
| 5. Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Adult Cat Food | |
| 6. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free | |
| 7. ACANA Cat, Protein Rich Dry Cat Food |
1. Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Adult – Economical & Overall Best Choice
This is a top notch product. This particular choice is for sensitive skin and stomach however there is also a product to aid with urinary tract health formula and one for hairball management. Purina has a reputation to uphold for a quality product.
This is the Lamb and Rice formula. It has 539 calories per cup. This product has prebiotic fiber to promote digestion – Interestingly the use of not only probiotics but prebiotics for humans is also gaining traction in the health world relating to the health of the gut.
All Purina Pro Plan dry cat food contains at least 40% protein. Protein should always be the first ingredient in a cat’s diet as they are obligate carnivores.
This product is really very highly recommended by those cat owners who face a variety of different health issues with their cat and have been willing to try a different product to find the best solution. For specialized advice always visit the vet however as cat owners we can all take some responsibility for doing research and finding products that may better suit the needs of our cat.
Pros
High Protein Formula.
Live probiotics for digestive health.
Rice and oatmeal are easily digestible.
No corn, wheat or soy.
Cons
It is difficult to outline Cons for this product as so much depends on the individual cat and what they can or can’t tolerate. Always read the list of ingredients past the first one or two items at the top of the list. Something that upsets your kitty may be further down on the list, indicating a smaller amount is included but still something that needs to be taken into consideration.
Specifications
The different options for flavors are Lamb & Rice – dry food, Tuna & Oatmeal Entree – wet food, Arctic Char Entree – wet food, Duck Entree – wet food, Herring and Rice – may be unavailable, Turkey and Oatmeal and NEW! Wet Cat Variety Pack. Different sizes available for dry food – 3.5 lbs, 5.5lbs, 7lbs, 12.5lbs,16lbs, 22lbs.
Ingredients: Lamb and Rice product – Lamb, Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Dried Egg Product, Soy Protein Isolate, Chicken Meal, Fish Meal, Soybean Meal, Wheat Flour, Animal Fat Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols, Animal Liver Flavor, Oat Meal, Lamb Meal, Soybean Oil, Inulin, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Phosphoric Acid, Salt, Zinc Proteinate, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Manganese Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, DL-Methionine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Copper Proteinate, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, 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. I-4617.
Recommended Daily Feeding Amounts Weight (lbs) 5 – 9 Weight (kg) 2.3 – 4.1 Feeding Amounts (cups) 1/4 – 1/2 Weight (lbs) 10 – 14 Weight (kg) 4.5 – 6.3 Feeding Amounts (cups) 1/2 – 2./3 Using a standard 8 oz/250 ml measuring cup which contains approximately 129 g of Pro Plan.
Have you thought of growing cat grass for your cat with a sensitive stomach? Cat grass can aid with dispelling hairballs.
2. Rachael Ray Nutrish – Zero Grain
Nutrish cat food has different recipes to cater for different needs. The focus in this article, is the grain free product. No grain, no gluten and no filler ingredients.
Different specialties of Nutrish dry cat food may be more suitable for your needs. We aim to help you with your research by showing what is available. More and more we are living in a hypoallergenic world, pets included.
There’s no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives in this product.
Pros
Safely cooked in the USA. Ingredients may be sourced elsewhere.
A portion of the proceeds from each sale go to the Rachel Ray Foundation which helps animals in need.
Cons
No specific cons as it depends on how your cat reacts to the food. As with any product many cat owners are overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the positive aspects, eg, healthy coat, good for older cats etc however some report the cat not liking the food and having smelly poop.
Specifications
This nutrient dense food is available in two flavors, Woodlands Catch: Chicken, Trout & Salmon and Rustic Woodlands: Chicken Turkey and Duck. Different size packs are – 3 pound, 6 pound and 12 pound. This cat food is suitable for cats who do not have allergies. If you have more than one cat this may be a consideration.
Ingredients: Woodlands Catch – Chicken, Chicken Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Dried Peas, Pea Protein, Salmon Meal, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tapioca, Turkey Meal, Dried Egg Product, Dried Sweet Potato, Salmon, Trout, Natural Flavor, Salt, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, Dried Dandelion, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of Vitamin B6), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K Activity), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement.
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3. Nature’s Variety Instinct-US Farm Raised Chicken
There is no soy, corn, wheat, artificial flavors or preservatives or other filler ingredients in this cat food.
Are you wondering what freeze dried raw means? This product does not have to be frozen or kept in the freezer although some Nature’s Variety products are kept in the freezer so always read the directions on the packaging.
This statement is from the manufacturer’s website which explains it clearly for you
Freeze-dried raw is 100% raw nutrition that sits safely on your pantry shelf. All we do is remove the moisture from our all natural frozen recipes, without heating or cooking, to lock in nutrition and taste. No thawing or refrigeration needed!
If this food is quite different to the normal food fed to your cat, transition to the new food over the course of several days, even up to a week, offering the old food and the new food and finally transitioning to the new food.
Some cats will of course adapt quickly and will tuck right in straight away. For your fussy eater transitioning is the way to go.
Pros
The ingredients in this food suit the needs of cats as being obligate carnivores.
Cons
In 2018 the ingredients were changed, some ingredients removed and others added. These changes and comments pertaining to, are outlined in the Customer questions and answers. Bear in mind that some of the comments may not be scientifically based.
Specifications
The product is made in the USA, some seasonal produce is sourced overseas. The vegetables and fruits are from the U.S., Europe and the Middle East, depending on which specific ingredient, the availability and time of year. Herbs and spices are from North America, Europe and the Middle East. Vitamins and minerals are from North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Ingredients: The Chicken Product. Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Tapioca, Natural Flavor, Dried Tomato Pomace, Montmorillonite Clay, Carrots, Apples, Cranberries, Choline Chloride, Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide), Taurine, Freeze Dried Chicken, Freeze Dried Chicken Liver, Pumpkinseeds, Freeze Dried Chicken Heart, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract.
Read more (in this article) about wet food for cats with hypoallergenic needs.
4. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin
The Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry cat food provides good digestive health while nourishing skin and promoting a healthy coat. It has been formulated for optimal nutrient absorption and easy stool pick up.
It contains prebiotic fiber to fuel beneficial gut bacteria and encourage a balanced microbiome. Digestibility is important to ensure optimal nutrient absorption.
Helps nourish an adult cat’s skin with vitamin E and omega 6 fatty acids.
It can so often be a juggling act trying to find a diet that the cat can not only tolerate well but thrive.
Pros
Made in the USA with some globally sourced ingredients.
Frequently recommended by veterinarians.
Cons
This cat food may not suit all cats with a sensitive stomach. Check with your vet for suitability for your cat if you are unsure or purchase a small bag 3,5 lbs to gauge the response of your cat to the food.
Specifications
Made in the USA and made with natural ingredients. The different flavors are Chicken & Rice and Grain Free| Salmon & Yellow Pea. This is the product for sensitive stomach and skin. The bag sizes are, 3.5lb. 7 lb, 13 lb, 15.5lb.
Ingredients: Chicken & Rice product – Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Pork Fat, Pork Meal, Egg Product, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken Liver Flavor, Lactic Acid, Oat Fiber, Potassium Chloride, L-Lysine, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Calcium Carbonate, 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), Iodized Salt, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), L-Tryptophan, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene.
5. Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Adult Cat Food
This is a grain free product. Green Pea & Duck has Duck as the protein source. It is designed to help support healthy digestion and to maintain skin and coat health.
If your cat has a sensitive stomach and a change of diet has been recommended, make sure that it is done at a pace that ensures a gradual move to the new food. This will give the cat time to adjust to the new food.
Pros
Many cat owners have had success using this food for their cats with sensitive stomachs. It seems to suit those picky eaters.
oF INTEREST
One comment made (in 2019) reported that Natural Balance had been purchased by Smuckers. That information was correct. In February 2021 Natural Balance was again sold but this time to Nexus Capital. There is more information here.
Specifications
Different flavors are Green Pea &Duck, Green Pea & Salmon, Green Pea & Chicken, Green Pea & venisn. The bag sizes are 2lb, 4.5lb, 5 lb, 8 lb and 10 lb.
Ingredients: Green Pea & Duck product – Green Peas, Duck, Duck Meal, Pea Protein, Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Salmon Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Flaxseed, Salt, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, 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, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
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6. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free
Duck is the single animal protein source. Potato and pumpkin are added to support gentle digestion.
This cat food is free from chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy and eggs making it a good option for cats with food sensitivities. Cat owners sometimes struggle to find a protein source that is going to be ok. Duck is a good option.
Free from the grains and glutens that can trigger allergic reactions in some cats.
Specifications
The flavors are : Duck& Potato, Fish & Potato, Turkey& Potato. The bag sizes are 5 lb or 11 lbs. Contains no by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives.
Ingredients: Duck & Potato product – Deboned Duck, Duck Meal, Pea Protein, Peas, Tapioca Starch, Potatoes, Canola Oil, Pea Fiber, Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Pea Starch, Natural Flavor, Fish Oil (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), DL-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Sulfate, Taurine, Pumpkin, Dried Chicory Root, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Calcium Chloride, 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. ACANA Cat Protein Rich Dry Cat Food
Free of grains, gluten, potatoes, and tapioca. There are also no artificial colors or preservatives. Recipes include 75% quality animal ingredients. Serve the food dry or lightly moistened.
Acana proudly state, chickens and turkey are free-run chicken and turkey, meaning the chicken and turkey move freely in a barn and are never housed in cages and wild-caught and sustainably-farmed fish are the first three ingredients.
Pros
Made in the USA.
Made with fresh and raw ingredients
Cons
The small bag is the only bag that is resealable.
Specifications
The flavors are: New Meadowland, New Grasslands, Bountiful Catch. Wild Atlantic, First Feast, Homestead harvest, New Wild Atlantic, Appalachian Ranch and Indoor Entree. The bag sizes are 4lb. 10lb, 1o lb, 12 lb and 12 oz. All flavors and bag sizes can be accessed through this link. Champion Petfoods make ACANA and ORIJEN.
Ingredients include the following depending on flavor chosen – Deboned chicken, chicken meal, herring meal, oatmeal, whole peas, chicken fat, whole green lentils, turkey meal, whole chickpeas, whole herring, eggs, pollock oil, natural chicken flavor, lentil fiber, quail, chicken cartilage, chicken liver, chicken heart, whole cranberries, dried kelp, choline chloride, zinc proteinate, mixed tocopherols (preservative), vitamin E supplement, taurine, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin A acetate, L-carnitine, DL-methionine, copper proteinate, niacin, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, biotin. ascorbic acid (vitamin C), citric acid (preservative). rosemary extract, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product.
Some things we should definitely not feed our cats. Do you know what they are?
Our Recommendation is…
1. Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Best Choice
- One (1) 16 lb. Bag - Purina Pro Plan High Protein Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Cat Food, Lamb & Rice Formula
- Rice and oat meal are easily digestible and gentle on the digestive system
- High protein formula, with real lamb as the first ingredient
- Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics for digestive and immune health
- Used to be known as FOCUS Sensitive Skin & Stomach Lamb & Rice Formula
All of these products are excellent choices and have been chosen carefully for their effectiveness and reputation. They all offer alternatives in the form of suiting different health conditions and different flavors.
When dealing with allergies it is usually necessary to try different products and watch for any reactions.
The difference for you between these products might be the size of the packaging, the price or specific ingredients.
We have chosen Purina because of the variety of different health issues that the product addresses and because it offers good value for money. The size of the bag is 16lbs.
Hypoallergenic Wet Cat Food
If you are looking for wet hypoallergenic cat food rather than dry, this article reviews different types of wet cat food suitable for hypoallergenic conditions.
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