Finding Allergy Friendly Cat Foods

Cats are known for being choosy eaters, but there may be a good reason for that.

There are a lot of cat food brands out there, and many of them miss the mark on quality and nutrition. Dry cat food often contains lackluster ingredients and artificial flavors, while wet cat food can be a medley of unknown animal proteins. Not only are these options of subpar quality, but they may also be leaving your feline companion unsatisfied or feeling less than their best.

Let's talk about finding the best allergy friendly cat food to ensure you are taking the best possible care of your kitty.

Understanding Common Cat Allergies

Despite their independent nature, cats still have distinct dietary requirements and have special needs. Just like us, can be susceptible to allergies caused by food and also environmental factors like pollen or grass.

In fact, food allergies are the third most common allergy that cats experience. Cats can be allergic to a variety of different foods, but some of the most common food allergies are protein sources like beef, turkey, egg, and milk. Cats are rarely allergic to carbohydrates like wheat or barley. You may or may not be surprised to learn that chicken is the most common food allergen in cats.

Many of these allergens are also the most common ingredients in mainstream pet food. Dry and wet foods alike often use a mix of these standard proteins in their meals to achieve certain nutrient, vitamin, and mineral levels.

Spotting the Symptoms of Allergies in Cats

Discovering whether your cat has a food allergy can be tricky because cats tend to hide when they're not feeling well. But as a pet owner, it's crucial to know the signs. Cats with food allergies may exhibit persistent itching, skin irritation, hair loss resulting from over-grooming, and frequent ear infections due to inflammation.

Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and gas, are also common. Additionally, cats might resort to 'scooting' (dragging their butt along the carpet or ground) to alleviate itching discomfort.

Diagnosing and Managing Cat Allergies

If you observe these symptoms, your cat could be dealing with a food allergy. Conducting an elimination diet trial over 8 to 12 weeks can help pinpoint the problematic ingredient(s) and guide you toward a healthy solution.

There are three types of elimination diets for cats:

Hydrolyzed Diets

This diet consists of proteins which have been broken into tiny pieces that won't bother the immune system. You can find these diets in pet stores commonly sold as hypoallergenic cat food.

Novel Protein Diets

These use protein and carbs that aren't usually in conventional cat food, so your cat may not have been exposed to them before. Therefore, they likely will not have an immediate allergic reaction. It's a tasty option for many cats but requires information about their past food(s).

Home-Cooked Diets

This one is the hardest because it means making a limited ingredient diet at home for your cat.

Best Cat Food for Cats With Allergies

If you're looking for good food for cats with allergies, we recommend considering limited-ingredient cat foods with high-quality, novel proteins.

Fish-based diets can be one of the best choices for cats with allergies, especially if your cat hasn't been exposed to fish before.

Introducing fish into your cat's diet not only addresses common allergy symptoms but also promotes overall health and wellness. As a naturally rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, fish supports healthy skin, a shiny coat, and a strong immune system. It also aids in preventing inflammation, reducing the risk of skin and ear infections.

But that’s not where the benefits of fish for cats end. The same Omega-3s that reward a healthy skin and coat are also known to improve heart health and brain development. They can also promote hip and joint health. Omega 3s are truly a nutritional powerhouse, which is why we like to say our Simply Naked Cat Food is packed with the power of “Vitamin SEA”.

Lastly, fish offers a stellar source of lean protein that supports a long and healthy life. Fish is the first ingredient in the best cat food for allergies here at Simply Naked Pet Food.

The benefits of fish for cats extend to heart health, proper brain development, and hip and joint support. Omega-3s are a nutritional powerhouse, which is why we call our Simply Naked Cat Food: "Vitamin SEA."

Guidelines for Transitioning Your Cat

Ready to change your cat's diet to the best cat food for allergies? A sudden change from one diet to another can cause unpredictable digestive issues, so it’s best to take things slowly.

We recommend a transition over the course of 7 to 10 days. A gradual transition over 7 to 10 days is recommended to avoid digestive issues. Mixing your current food with the new one helps your cat acclimate to the nutritious change.

Learn more about our 10-day transition plan for cats.

Boat to Bowl Cat Food for Allergies

At Boat to Bowl, we believe that choosing the right pet food shouldn't be complicated. Our top-tier seafood dinners are the epitome of nutrition, flavor, and ocean sustainability. They serve as an allergy-friendly option for cats who are sensitive to common animal proteins. It won’t take long to see a real difference in your pet after switching to Boat to Bowl!

Explore our complete collection of fish-based cat food and provide your furry family with the best diet for their needs.