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7 Best Cat Foods for Cats with Allergies in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

Cat hungrily eats dry food

7 Best Cat Foods for Cats with Allergies in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Cat hungrily eats dry food

Yes, cats can have allergies to food just like we do. If you notice that your furry little friend is not enjoying their food as they used to, it could be a reaction to the ingredients in their meal. Other symptoms like not being able to keep the food down is also a good indication that something is not right.

Now that being said, you should always check with your vet if something is not right. When you know what is going on, however, you will need to find a food that is not only going to be gentle on your cat’s tummy but something they will also enjoy. We all know how picky a tabby can be about their meals.

To get you started, we found the nine best cat foods for cats with allergies. We will break down ingredients, recipes, nutrition, and much more. Each review will give you all the info you need to find the right choice for your cat. Not only that, but we will also share some other tips on how to find a good cat food in the buyer’s guide at the end.

Disclaimer: The foods reviewed here were chosen because they have certain characteristics that might help with some of the causes or consequences of this medical condition. However, they are not a medical treatment or a substitute for medical treatment. Keep in mind that each medical case is different and what works for some pets may not work for others. Your veterinarian is the right person to advise you on the best diet for your pet’s individual case.

cat paw dividerA Quick Glance at the Winners of 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Smalls Fresh Fish Cat Food Smalls Fresh Fish Cat Food
  • Tailored recipes for your cat
  • Proportioned meals
  • Recipes meet AAFCO standards
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Adult Dry Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Adult Dry
  • All-natural
  • Easy to digest
  • Single protein source
  • Third place
    American Journey Grain-Free Dry American Journey Grain-Free Dry
  • Packed with vitamins and nutrients
  • Single protein source
  • No artificial ingredients
  • FirstMate Grain-Free Dry FirstMate Grain-Free Dry
  • Easy to digest
  • All-natural
  • Packed with vitamins and nutrients
  • Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry
  • Freeze-dried bits
  • No artificial ingredients
  • Single protein source
  • The 7 Best Cat Foods for Cats with Allergies

    1. Smalls Fresh Fish Cat Food Subscription Service – Best Overall

    a tabby cat looking at a bowl of smalls smooth bird recipe

    If your cat suffers from food allergies, there’s no better choice than Smalls. They offer a ton of different recipe options for you to pick from, but their fish recipes use novel proteins that are often easier on cats with sensitive stomachs and food allergies.

    Even better, Smalls tailors your plan exactly to what your cat needs, taking all the guesswork out of what you should feed them. Smalls works with veterinarians when coming up with the recipes, and they all meet AAFCO standards.

    With Smalls, you can trust that your cat is getting all the nutrients they need without any of the allergy flare-ups. If your cat doesn’t respond well to the fish recipe for any reason, Smalls also has tons of other recipes and protein options for you to pick from.

    It is a bit more expensive than dry kibble, but it is also better for your cat and puts these pesky food allergy concerns behind you once and for all!

    Pros
    • Tailored recipes for your cat
    • Proportioned meals
    • Outstanding quality food
    • Recipes meet AAFCO standards
    • Various recipes to cater to your needs
    Cons
    • Pricey

    2. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Adult Dry Cat Food – Budget Buy

    Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Adult Dry Cat Food

    If you need an affordable option for your sensitive puss, take a look at the Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Adult Dry Cat Food. This is a duck and sweet potato recipe that comes in 5 or 11-pound bags. It is grain and gluten-free and features a limited-ingredient diet. This formula is great for any tabby with allergies as it uses only one source of protein to enrich their diet. Not only that, but it also contains omegas, amino acids, prebiotics, and probiotics to support their digestive health.

    The Blue Buffalo contains healthy carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes that are easy to digest. What’s more, it has LifeSource bits that are packed with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. This formula is made in the USA and contains no poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, beef, eggs, or dairy. You will also not find any artificial flavors or preservatives.

    Another point in this recipe’s favor is the fiber and balanced calories that promote a healthy weight in your cat. It is an all-natural formula that your cat will love. Overall, this all-natural formula is the best food for cats with allergies for the money.

    Pros
    • Single protein source
    • Packed with vitamins and nutrients
    • All-natural
    • No harmful ingredients
    • Promotes a healthy weight
    • Easy to digest
    Cons
    • None we can see

    3. American Journey Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

    American Journey Grain-Free Dry Cat food

    If you’re willing to spend a bit more, the American Journey Grain-Free Dry Cat food is a good possibility for you. This meal comes in a duck flavor that is grain-free and made with real deboned bird, along with fruits and vegetables to promote your pet’s overall well-being. It is available in 5 or 12-pound bags, as well.

    This formula is crafted in the USA and made with ingredients from around the world. There are no poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy in the ingredients. It also contains 40% protein from a single source to keep any sensitivities at bay. What’s more, you will not find any artificial preservatives, but it does have plenty of nutrients and amino acids.

    The American Journey cat food has antioxidants, taurine, and omega fatty acids to promote your tabby’s immune system, skin and coat, and much more. It is easy to digest, yet it does have high levels of pea protein and fiber which is used as a filler. In our opinion, this cat food is well worth the higher price.

    Pros
    • All-natural
    • Packed with vitamins and nutrients
    • No artificial ingredients
    • Easy to digest
    • Single protein source
    Cons
    • Contains pea fiber and protein

    4. FirstMate Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

    FirstMate Chicken Meal with Blueberries Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

    If you are interested in spending a little bit more money on your cat’s food due to their stomach sensitivities, this formula is also a good option. The FirstMate Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is made with chicken meal and blueberries. It is a limited ingredient diet that is grain and gluten-free. Not only that, but it is made with free-run chicken that is protein-rich, plus the only source of lean protein in the recipe.

    You can pick this food up in a 3.96 or 10-pound bag. It is easy to digest and contains many nutrients to keep your pet healthy. For example, this food contains antioxidants from the blueberries which support their immune system, urinary tract, eye health, and memory. It also has healthy levels of fiber without any artificial colors or binders.

    FirstMate is a family-owned company manufactured and sourced in Canada. They produce an all-natural recipe without any wheat, corn, soy, or GMOs. As mentioned, the only drawback to this product is it is more expensive than others. Also, this meal has a higher calorie count

    Pros
    • Packed with vitamins and nutrients
    • No artificial ingredients
    • Easy to digest
    • Single protein source
    • All-natural
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Higher Calories

    5. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

    Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

    Our next option is the Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Cat Food. Available in 5 or 11-pound bags, this is a turkey recipe that comes with freeze-dried bits along with the dry kibble. Keep in mind, however, that the freeze-dried morsels are far and few between. On the other hand, this is an all-natural, grain-free, limited ingredient recipe that is made in the USA and responsibly-sourced around the world.

    The Instinct Limited cat food uses one protein source to prevent any food allergies in your pet. It also uses peas as its only vegetable which makes it rich in amino acids and other nutrients including omega 3 and 6 plus antioxidants. You will also not find any grain, dairy, eggs, chicken, or beef in this formula. Not only that, but it is free of fish, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, chickpeas, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors and preservatives.

    Something to note about this recipe is it is high in salt. Pet parents have also found that this particular food can be harder to digest. Other than that, you will find many vitamins and minerals, and it is a tasty meal that your pet will enjoy.

    Pros
    • Packed with vitamins and nutrients
    • Single protein source
    • Freeze-dried bits
    • No artificial ingredients
    Cons
    • High in salt
    • Harder to digest

    6. Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

    Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

    The Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Canned Cat Food is our first wet formula on the list. it comes in a duck pate recipe that your pet will enjoy. As the name suggests, it is a limited ingredient diet that is made without any grains. It also uses a single protein source for cats with sensitive stomachs.

    You will find the Merrick cat food has many nutrients and supplements your pet needs including antioxidants, omega fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and taurine. There are no grains, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Not only that, but you can rest easy knowing there is no wheat, corn, or soy. This recipe is available in 5-ounce cans that come in a 24-pack case.

    This brand is more expensive than others, especially for canned food. Also, you should note that the protein levels are lower, yet they are decent for wet food. This formula is made in the USA and is easy to digest. It can be difficult to transition your pet from dry food to this wet formula, however. Finally, keep in mind that there is more salt in this meal than in others, but again this is typical of wet food.

    Pros
    • Vitamins and Nutrients packed
    • No artificial ingredients
    • Easy to digest
    • Single protein source
    Cons
    • High in salt
    • Lower protein levels
    • Hard to transition

    7. I and Love and You Lovingly Simple Dry Cat Food

    I and Love and You Lovingly Simple Dry Cat Food

    In the next spot we have the I and Love and You Lovingly Simple Dry Cat Food. Available in a salmon and sweet potato formula this is an easy-to-digest meal that contains no chicken or beef. It is high in protein; however, it is not the only source of protein in the formula. What you will find is antioxidants, omega fatty acids, prebiotics, and probiotics to support your pet’s overall well-being.

    This product is grain-free and made in the USA. The limited ingredient diet is sourced around the world, and it has no fillers or poultry by-products. You also will not find any corn, rice, soy, or artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors in the recipe. That being said, you will notice that the meal is higher in salt.

    Something else you should keep in mind with the I and Love cat food is that the kibble tends to go stale quickly. What’s more, the formula is high in pea starch which is a filler and protein booster. Besides that, you can pick up this cat food in a 3.4-pound bag, and most pets find this to be a tasty meal.

    Pros
    • Easy to digest
    • Vitamins and nutrients
    • High in protein
    • No artificial ingredients
    Cons
    • Not a single source protein meal
    • High in salt
    • Contains high levels of peas starch
    • Goes stale quickly

    cat paw dividerBuyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Hypoallergenic Cat Food

    If your feline friend suffers from food allergies or sensitive stomachs, certain meals can help keep their tummies happy. It is important to know what to look for so you can ensure they are getting the correct amount of nutrients that they need. Finding them a hypoallergenic cat food can be tricky, but we’re here to help you find the best food for cats with allergies in our buyer’s guide below.

    Shopping Guide for a Hypoallergenic Diet for Cats:

    When it comes to a tabby with a sensitive stomach, there are a few things that you should be on the lookout for when picking out a pet food brand. Below, we will take a look at these features, plus we will also take a look at some other nutrients your pet should have regardless of their allergies.

    • Protein: A lot of allergies and sensitivities stem from the protein source in the food’s formula. This is why it is helpful to find a meal that has a single source of protein. For the most part, chicken, beef, and fish can be the culprit behind an upset feline stomach. Although this is not always the case, you can find many formulas that are made with alternative proteins, or they limit it to just a single meat.
    • LID Recipes: Another feature of cat food you should look for is a limited ingredient diet. Typically, these brands are usually all-natural and use the minimum amount of ingredients to craft their food. This will eliminate ingredients that can upset your pet’s stomach including artificial additives, fillers, and other undesirable foods.
    • Grain-Free: You may have noticed that many of the formulas listed above are grain-free. Interestingly, grain allergy in felines is rare. That being said, they don’t require grain in their diet as we do. Although grains can be a source of protein, they can also lead to weight gain in your pet. All that being said, if your pet has a lot of food allergies it is possible that it is due to grain, but you should always speak with your vet before making the final determination.
    • Artificial Ingredients and Fillers: Though we mentioned it briefly above, artificial ingredients and fillers can be difficult for your pet to digest. This is why the LID and natural formulas are the best for your cat. Even when the food does not have these distinctions, try to look for formulas that are organic without a lot of processed ingredients.

    Other Hypoallergenic Cat Food Features

    Besides providing your cat with a meal that will not upset their stomach, there are also other features that you need to look out for to ensure that your pet is getting all the nutrients they need to remain healthy and strong. Let’s take a look at these below.

    • Protein: Protein is the most essential part of your feline’s meal. This is what will keep them active, energized, and strong. You must look for proteins that are lean and healthy.
    • Omega Fatty Acids: Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are also important for your cat’s diet. They promote healthy skin and fur. They can also prevent skin irritations, rashes, and manage that can occur as your pet ages, as well as being another side effect of allergies and sensitivities.
    • Probiotics: Gut health is important for most mammals. A well-functioning digestive system will ensure that your pet is healthy and happy. Probiotics will aid in your cat’s digestion and overall health.
    • Fiber: Fiber is another important aspect of your cat’s nutrition. Not only does it promote good digestive health, but it also can reduce the number of hairballs.
    • Antioxidants: Antioxidants are important for many reasons. They promote a healthy immune system and can strengthen their eyes, cognitive function, and help them have healthy skin and fur.
    • Taurine: Taurine is an amino acid that is important for all felines. This will help their heart health, reproduction system, and their eyesight among other things.
    • Fat: Healthy fats are also important for your feline. Your pet will turn these ingredients into energy which will help them maintain lean and strong muscles.
    cat eating
    Image By: Pexels

    Tips for Keeping Your Cat’s Stomach Healthy

    If you have been a long-time cat owner, you understand that even the healthiest feline can have stomach upsets from time to time. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent food allergies in your pet, yet there are some ways that you can make life better for them. Take a look at these tips below for keeping your tabby in the best digestive shape possible.

    • Water: You must provide your pet with plenty of water. This is important under all circumstances, but if they suffer from food sensitivities or allergies giving them enough to drink can help dilute the ingredients making it easier to digest.
    • Stick with What Works: A food allergy hits when your pet’s immune system becomes hypersensitive. Switching up their regular diet can set off these reactions. If you find a diet that works for your pet, don’t be concerned about switching it up to keep things interesting. Stick with what works!
    • Signs and Symptoms: Just like humans, there are more signs and symptoms of a food allergy than just an upset stomach. It is important that you look out for rashes and skin irritations, especially around the ears and face. This can indicate that they are suffering from food sensitivity, and you should speak with your vet right away.
    • PinPoint The Problem: Once you have spoken with your vet, they may want to put your cat on a “novel” diet. This will be a meal that only has one protein and one carbohydrate. Although you may have to switch up the foods to figure out what is upsetting their stomach, it is the best way to eliminate the issue. Again, this is something that should be done in conjunction with your vet’s recommendations.
    • Avoid Other Food: If you are in the process of pinpointing the issue, or you have found a diet that is good for your pet, you want to avoid giving them table scraps or treats. This can set off another reaction, and you should keep with the formula that is working.
    • Be Aware: Again, it is important that you are aware of the signs that your feline may be suffering from a food allergy. Keep in mind that these issues can occur at any point in their life and may not necessarily be apparent when they are younger.

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    Want to see more cat food reviews? Check out our review page here!

    cat paw dividerFinal Thoughts

    We hope you have enjoyed the above reviews on cat food for cats with allergies. We know how hard it can be to watch your pet suffer and be uncomfortable, so we hope we have given you some good choices that will alleviate these issues.

    In our opinion, the Smalls Fresh Fish Cat Food is the best place to start. Not only is it a raw single protein recipe, but it is also packed with other vitamins and nutrients that your pet needs to be healthy. If you need a more affordable option, we recommend going with the Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Adult Dry Cat Food. This is another single protein option that is also a healthy alternative. As always, you should check with your vet before switching your cat’s diet, however.


    Featured Image Credit: yykkaa, Shutterstock

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