what to feed a cat that has food allergies

How can I tell if my cat is allergic to his food?

Cat Food Allergy SymptomsSkin inflammation (rash, sores)Increased scratching or biting of skin.Diarrhea, vomiting, difficult bowel movements.Fur loss or dull, brittle fur.Skin and ear infections.Discharge from the eyes and/or nose.Sneezing, wheezing or coughing.

What is the most common food allergy in cats?

Common culprits: Some common food allergies for cats include beef, fish, chicken, eggs, corn, wheat, soy and milk. While this isn't an all-inclusive list, these tend to be fairly prevalent, so keep an eye out for these products in their diet so you can discuss with your cat's veterinarian.

How long does it take for a cat to get over a food allergy?

If your cat has a true food allergy, then any sensitive stomach issues should clear up in 2 to 4 weeks. Symptoms like itchy skin will take longer to resolve.

What are three symptoms of a food allergy?

Symptoms include:tingling or itching in the mouth.a raised, itchy red rash (hives) – in some cases, the skin can turn red and itchy, but without a raised rash.swelling of the face, mouth (angioedema), throat or other areas of the body.difficulty swallowing.wheezing or shortness of breath.feeling dizzy and lightheaded.More items...

What can you give cats for allergies?

If your cat needs relief fast, you can help her with an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine. “Antihistamines are the most common OTC option used to help a cat with allergies, and the most common antihistamine used in cats is chlorpheniramine — estimated to help 10 to 50 percent of cats that suffer from allergies,” Dr.

How can I reduce my cats food allergies?

If your vet suspects your cat has an allergy to cat food they will probably recommend an exclusion diet trial. This is where you will temporarily feed your cat a bland, hypoallergenic diet, where the proteins in any ingredients are so small they can't (or very rarely) cause an allergic reaction.

Is chicken a common cat allergy?

1 While true food allergies in cats are actually pretty uncommon, cats that do have them are most likely to have a problem with beef, fish, or chicken.

What to feed a cat that is allergic to chicken?

Another limited ingredient canned food option comes from Merrick. You can try their duck, salmon, or turkey recipes, which are all safe for cats with chicken allergies.

What are the symptoms of allergies in cats?

Allergies in CatsThe most common manifestation is itching of the skin, either localized to one area or a generalized reaction all over the cat's body.Another manifestation involves the respiratory system and may result in coughing, sneezing, and wheezing.More items...

How common is chicken allergy in cats?

1 While true food allergies in cats are actually pretty uncommon, cats that do have them are most likely to have a problem with beef, fish, or chicken. Hypoallergenic foods therefore don't typically contain these ingredients or have hydrolyzed versions of them that don't usually cause an allergic response.

How to treat cat allergies?

Treating food allergies in cats is a multi-stage process that starts with an elimination diet and ends with a food trial. It’s not a difficult process, but it does require some time and commitment.

How long does it take for a cat to get a food allergy?

There is no simple test to diagnose a food allergy in cats – you’ll have to perform a food trial that involves feeding a limited ingredient diet for at least 6 weeks until all signs of the allergy resolve. After that, you’ll introduce potential allergens one at a time until you identify the culprit.

Why does my cat scratch his ears?

If your cat is itching and scratching or experiences recurrent ear infections , it could be a food allergy. Treating food allergies in cats is not necessarily difficult, but it does require a little bit of time and intention. You’ll need to put your cat on an elimination diet and then feed him a recipe free from the ingredient he’s allergic to.

What is the best way to conduct a cat food trial?

To conduct a food trial, you’ll need to transition your cat onto a new diet that is made with a novel source of protein and carbohydrate. The term novel simply means that it is an ingredient your cat hasn’t eaten before and therefore has a low risk for being allergic to it.

How much protein is in a cat formula?

Overall, this formula provides 36% protein, 16% fat, and 4% fiber. It is highly digestible and full of natural flavor your cat will love. Pros: Single-source protein, limited number of ingredients, grain-free carbohydrates, highly digestible, antioxidant-rich, chelated minerals, rich in fiber for healthy digestion.

Why do cats need elimination diets?

The goal in switching your cat to an elimination diet is to avoid any ingredients that might trigger an allergic reaction . Because cats can be allergic to many different ingredients, one thing you should keep in mind is that the shorter the ingredients list is, the less potential there is to trigger an allergy.

What is a LID cat food?

Limited Ingredient Diet (LID) cat foods are specifically designed to contain a lower number of main ingredients, and many are made with novel proteins and carbohydrates. Generally speaking, here are a few things to look for in cat food for allergies: Limited number of ingredients.

What is the best cat food for allergies?

We recommend Purina ONE Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Cat Food for the best value, affordable, and recommended by many vets. This product has many brilliant reviews and is an excellent place to start.

How many cats are allergic to food?

Cat food allergies are pretty uncommon, with only 0.1% of cats being affected. But those that are affected by food allergies are more prone to getting skin infections than those without allergies.

What Causes Allergies in Cats?

There are three leading causes of allergies in cats: fleas, environment, and food. Allergies arise when your cat’s immune system overreacts to a substance they encounter, either by ingestion or airborne contact.

What is the elimination diet for cats?

An elimination diet will usually start with moving your cat to an entirely novel and limited ingredient diet. Novel means a protein they have never ingested before, so there is no chance of an allergic reaction.

What is limited ingredient cat food?

In place of these filler allergens, this food is packed full of real fruits and vegetables such as cranberries, blueberries, and pumpkin. These natural sources of vitamins and minerals will support sensitive kittens to promote excellent general health.

Is duck food good for cats?

The main ingredient of this cat food is the novel protein, duck. This protein is unlikely to cause allergic reactions, and in this food, it is the only animal protein source. This limited ingredient recipe is also grain-free and instead contains lentils and chickpeas for vitamin boosts.

Is salmon good for cats with allergies?

This vet- prescribed diet is our best overall cat food for allergies. It contains just a single animal protein source, making it a limited ingredient diet to reduce the risk of exposing your cat to allergens. The protein source, salmon, is hydrolyzed to make it more digestible and less likely to cause an adverse allergic reaction.

How are food allergies treated?

Food allergies, like other allergies, cannot be cured. Instead, they are managed through avoidance of foods that trigger allergy flare-ups.

What foods are associated with food allergies?

In order for a cat to develop a food allergy, the food must be one to which the cat has been previously exposed. An animal cannot develop an allergy to a food that it has not been exposed to.

What are the signs of food allergies?

Cats with allergies often present with chronic, year-round itching and skin inflammation. This itching typically affects the face, ears, belly, groin, armpits, and the legs/paws. These cats are so itchy that they often over-groom themselves, causing significant trauma (wounds, abrasions) and hair loss.

What is miliary dermatitis in cats?

Feline miliary dermatitis is a general term used to describe a skin condition in cats that most common ly results from an allergic reaction. Cats will have a very itchy rash and may lick, bite, and scratch at the affected skin. The most commonly affected areas include the lower spine, around the base of the tail, face, ears, neck, flanks, and belly. Diagnosis is based primarily on medical history and clinical signs. If fleas are not suspected or if the condition does not respond to symptomatic flea treatment, skin scrapings, biopsies, allergy tests, a hypoallergenic food trial, or a referral to a veterinary dermatologist may be recommended. Treatment involves removing the offending irritant or allergen and reducing the cat's clinical signs.

What causes a cat to scratch?

Flea allergy, food allergies, atopy, and contact allergies are examples of allergies in cats, with flea allergy being the most common cause. Flea allergy is a response to proteins or antigens present in the flea's saliva, and just one fleabite may cause such intense itching that the cat may severely scratch or chew itself, leading to the removal of large amounts of hair. Food allergy testing is conducted by feeding an elimination or hypoallergenic diet. If your cat's symptoms improve after the food trial, a presumptive diagnosis of food allergy is made.

Why do cats itch?

This itching typically affects the face, ears, belly, groin, armpits, and the legs/paws. These cats are so itchy that they often over-groom themselves, causing significant trauma (wounds, abrasions) and hair loss.

Can cats give injections?

In many cases, cat owners are willing and able to administer these medications at home. Most cats do not seem to mind routine injections which are given in the subcutaneous tissue. This handout provides step by step instructions. Dispose of the used needles and syringes properly.

What is the best food for cats with food allergies?

Deciding which cat food to feed your cat can be overwhelming, but your choices will be narrowed down if your cat has food allergies. Hypoallergenic cat foods can be good options for cats with allergies (so are air purifiers, flea treatments, and good litter box cleaning!) since they contain ingredients that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. 1 While true food allergies in cats are actually pretty uncommon, cats that do have them are most likely to have a problem with beef, fish, or chicken. Hypoallergenic foods therefore don’t typically contain these ingredients or have hydrolyzed versions of them that don’t usually cause an allergic response. They also usually have only one grain or carbohydrate source.

Is rabbit and quail formula safe for cats?

This rabbit and quail formula a good option for cat owners looking for a more natural food that is still free of common allergens.

Can seniors eat cat food?

Senior or geriatric cats should eat adult hypoallergenic cat food options, but some products may be labeled for seniors. These foods may have added ingredients to help support an aging cat but the nutritional requirements will still follow the AAFCO recommendations for an adult.

Is natural balance cat food grain free?

L.I.D. diets from Natural Balance are commonly found in pet stores and may better suit your budget if your cat does not require a hydrolyzed food. Duck is the novel protein and green peas are used as the single carbohydrate source but the food is grain-free. Natural Balance offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, and this limited ingredient diet will help you avoid some common allergens while staying within your budget. This food does not need veterinary authorization to be purchased.

Is duck food safe for cats?

Duck is the selected protein in this wet food so common allergens will be avoided. It also contains green peas as the sole carbohydrate and has added omega-3’s for skin and coat health. Wet or canned food also helps to increase water intake, something that most cats benefit from. Veterinary authorization will be needed in order to purchase this food for your cat, but it is a great alternative to hypoallergenic dry foods.

Is Hill's diet good for cats?

While veterinary authorization will be needed to purchase this diet, Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d is a popular choice for cats with allergies. The proteins are hydrolyzed to very small levels, making it unlikely that your cat will have a problem. Only one type of carbohydrate is included in the dry kibble. The high standards of Hill’s pet food manufacturing, its veterinary formulation, and 100 percent satisfaction guarantee makes this a solid, trusted choice for allergic cats.

Can cats have hypoallergenic food?

Hypoallergenic cat food s can be good options for cats with allergies since they contain ingredients that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. While true food allergies in cats are actually pretty uncommon, cats that do have them are most likely to have a problem with beef, fish, or chicken.