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6 Best Cat Foods for Allergies in Canada: 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on February 1, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

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6 Best Cat Foods for Allergies in Canada: 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

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Although allergies in cats are rare, there is always the unfortunate possibility that your cat will suffer from allergies and intolerances. Coat deterioration, itchiness, and stomach discomfort are symptoms of intolerances that sometimes go unnoticed. Cats rarely suffer from severe allergies that cause them to become extremely ill. So, before exploring the possibility of a food allergy or intolerance, you should consult your veterinarian to rule out any other serious causes of poor health.

The process of identifying and finding the right cat food takes time and patience. To make it easier for you, we have compiled a list of the ten best cat foods for allergies. All products have received positive reviews from cat owners who have successfully eased their cats’ reactions to common allergens in their diet.

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A Glance at Our Winners in 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Purina ONE Sensitive Cat Food Purina ONE Sensitive Cat Food
  • Protein-rich
  • Preservatives, additives, or fillers are not used
  • Veterinary recommended
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Go! SENSITIVITIES Cat Food Go! SENSITIVITIES Cat Food
  • There are no chicken proteins in this product
  • Single source of protein
  • A grain-free product
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Royal Canin Dry Adult Cat Food Royal Canin Dry Adult Cat Food
  • Protein source derived from chicken
  • Cats of all ages can benefit from this product
  • Supports skin health
  • Best for Kittens
    Blue Buffalo Basics Blue Buffalo Basics
  • It contains no chicken, dairy, eggs, grains, gluten, grains, soy, beef, or artificial flavors
  • Packed with fruits and vegetables
  • A single source of animal protein
  • Hill's Science Adult Dry Cat Food Hill's Science Adult Dry Cat Food
  • Chicken and rice recipe
  • Easily digestible
  • Trusted brand
  • The 6 Best Cat Foods for Allergies in Canada

    1. Purina ONE Sensitive Cat Food – Best Overall

    Purina One Sensitive Skin and Stomach

    Calories: 430kcal/cup
    Main Ingredients: Turkey, chicken by-products, meal (corn, soy, oats)
    Fat: 13%
    Protein: 34%

    Purina ONE Sensitive Skin & Stomach is designed especially for cats whose skin and stomachs are sensitive. As a result of its great formulation and great value, it is our best cat food for allergies overall. The diet has proven to be a great choice for sensitive cats because it is not only affordable but also balanced and supportive—there is a purpose for every ingredient in this food. In addition to antioxidants and vitamins, this formula strengthens the immune system to create resilience against mild allergies. This food is great for cats whose allergies come from unnatural ingredients such as fillers, additives, colors, and preservatives.

    As well as turkey as the primary protein ingredient, this food also contains chicken by-products, so cats with chicken allergies cannot eat this food. As well as soy, corn, and grains, it contains other common allergens. Despite being highly rated for mild allergies, this product is unlikely to be suitable for cats with more severe reactions and allergies.

    Pros
    • Protein-rich
    • Preservatives, additives, or fillers are not used
    • Veterinary recommended
    • Immune support with antioxidants
    Cons
    • Chicken by-products are present in this product
    • Soybean, corn, and grain ingredients included

    2. Go! SENSITIVITIES Cat Food – Best Value

    Go! SENSITIVITIES Limited Ingredient Duck Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

    Calories: 464kcal/cup
    Main Ingredients: Duck, egg, lentils, chickpeas
    Fat: 15%
    Protein: 31%

    This cat food contains duck protein as the main ingredient. Protein from this animal is unlikely to cause allergic reactions, and it is the only source of protein in this food. Besides being grain-free, this limited ingredient recipe is also rich in vitamins thanks to lentils and chickpeas. There have been some negative reviews about this product because it contains chicken fat, which seems contradictory to the marketing of single proteins. It may seem as if your cat with chicken sensitivities should avoid chicken fat at first, but chicken fat is not actually an allergen. There are no chicken proteins in chicken fat that are common allergens, so it won’t cause an allergic reaction. Rather, it provides essential fats your cat needs.

    For cats with allergies to eggs, be aware this formulation does contain some egg.

    Pros
    • There are no chicken proteins in this product
    • Single source of protein
    • A grain-free product
    • Included flaxseeds
    Cons
    • Contains eggs

    3. Royal Canin Dry Adult Cat Food – Premium Choice

    Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Sensitive Digestion Dry Adult Cat Food

    Calories: 334kcal/cup
    Main Ingredients: Chicken meal, corn meal, chicken fat
    Fat: 11%
    Protein: 30%

    Our premium choice for the best cat food for cats with skin allergies is Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Sensitive Digestion Dry Adult Cat Food, which is highly reviewed to be very effective. Although it does not require a prescription from your vet, it is a more expensive food, but it is recommended by many cat owners who find it to be an exact match for their needs. As a result of the addition of vitamins and minerals, the skin of your cat can create a barrier that reduces irritation from allergies. A bonus is that, while marketed as adult cat food, it is also suitable for a kitten’s development.

    There are many poultry ingredients in this product, and despite the fact that it contains chicken products, it is great for those with sensitive stomachs since it contains no novel protein sources. Even though it contains soya oil, which may be a concern to some people, this ingredient is at the bottom of the list of ingredients, so there is a lower chance that it will become an allergen.

    Pros
    • Protein source derived from chicken
    • Cats of all ages can benefit from this product
    • Supports skin health
    • It does not require a prescription
    Cons
    • Expensive

    4. Blue Buffalo Basics – Best for Kittens

    Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Grain-Free

    Calories: 109kcal/cup
    Main Ingredients: Turkey (meat, broth, and liver), fish oil, pea flour
    Fat: 7%
    Protein: 9%

    A variety of diets are available for adult cats with allergies, however, hypoallergenic products that are suitable for kittens are harder to find. This recipe from Blue Buffalo is a limited-ingredient diet that is free of the most common allergens found in most cats. Rather than filler allergens, this food contains real fruits and vegetables such as cranberries, blueberries, and pumpkins. Sensitive kittens will benefit from these natural sources of vitamins and minerals.

    Despite good reviews, some pickier cats do not eat this kitten food. To avoid wasting this product with a picky kitten, it’s best to order a sample size before making a full purchase.

    Pros
    • It contains no chicken, dairy, eggs, grains, gluten, grains, soy, beef, or artificial flavors
    • Packed with fruits and vegetables
    • A single source of animal protein
    Cons
    • Picky eaters may not enjoy this recipe

    5. Hill’s Science Adult Dry Cat Food

    3Hill's Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin

    Calories: 524 kcal/cup
    Main Ingredients: Chicken, brewer’s rice, corn gluten meal
    Fat: 17%
    Protein: 29%

    Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food is a high-quality food that is designed to meet the needs of cats with sensitive stomachs and skin. The chicken and rice recipe is formulated to be easily digestible and provide complete nutrition. This food also contains added vitamins, minerals, and taurine to support overall health.

    Hill’s is a trusted brand that produces high-quality pet foods and is a safe and healthy option for your cat.

    Pros
    • Chicken and rice recipe
    • Easily digestible
    • Trusted brand
    Cons
    • Contains corn products
    • Contains chicken

    6. Natural Balance L.I.D. Dry Cat Food

    Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Duck Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

    Calories: 410kcal/cup
    Main Ingredients: Duck, peas
    Fat: 12%
    Protein: 30%

    The limited-ingredient cat food contains exactly what is advertised. This food has two main ingredients: green peas and duck. With no grains, soy, corn, or chicken allergens, this product is a great hypoallergenic choice. There are also limited carbohydrate sources in this product. Carbohydrates make up a small portion of a healthy cat diet, but it can be difficult for cats with sensitive digestion to digest a variety of carbohydrate sources.

    Despite its positive reviews, this product has received some negative reviews since it changed its formula to include salmon oil. Due to this addition, this product is no longer suitable for cats with fish allergies as duck-flavored cat foods are often chosen for cats with seafood intolerances.

    Pros
    • Single source of protein
    • A grain-free product
    • Sources of carbohydrates are limited
    Cons
    • Not ideal for cats with fish allergies

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    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Foods for Allergies in Canada

    When it comes to cats with allergies, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when choosing their food. First and foremost, you want to make sure that the food does not contain any of the allergens that your cat is allergic to. Secondly, you want to choose a food that is nutritious and delicious despite its limited ingredients.

    Cat Allergies: What Causes Them?

    There are a few things that can cause allergies in cats. One of the most common is flea allergy dermatitis, which is an allergic reaction to the proteins in flea saliva. Other allergies can be caused by dust mites, pollen, and certain foods. Allergies can also be caused by environmental factors like cigarette smoke or perfumes.

    A cat’s immune system is responsible for fighting off foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. When a cat is exposed to an allergen, their immune system mistakenly identifies it as a threat and produces antibodies to fight it off. These antibodies then attach to mast cells in the body, causing them to release histamine and other chemicals. These chemicals cause the symptoms of an allergy, such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, or a sensitive stomach.

    How to Identify Allergens Affecting Your Cat

    The first step in identifying allergens affecting your cat is to take a detailed history. This should include information on when the symptoms began, what the cat is currently being exposed to, and any other relevant medical history. It is also important to perform a physical examination, paying close attention to the skin and coat. Allergens can cause a variety of clinical signs in cats, so it is important to work with your veterinarian to determine which allergens are most likely causing your cat’s symptoms.

    Hypoallergenic Cat Food: What to Look for

    When it comes to hypoallergenic cat food, there are a few things you should look for. First, make sure the food is made with limited ingredients. This means that the food contains only a few key ingredients, which reduces the chances of your cat having an allergic reaction. Second, look for food that is free from other potential allergens including corn, soy, wheat, and eggs. If your cat is allergic to one of these ingredients, you’ll want to avoid foods that contain it.cat paw divider

    Final Verdict

    If your cat suffers from allergies, choosing the right product can be a challenge. For its complete nutrition, affordability, and the fact that it is recommended by many vets, Purina ONE Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Cat Food is our top pick. A great place to start is with this product, which has many excellent reviews. In order to avoid wasting food and money, our best tip is to only buy small quantities of new foods until you find what works for your cat. Your sensitive cat deserves the best diet! Best of luck on your journey!

    See Also: Best Cat Litters for Odor Control in Canada – Reviews & Top Picks


    Featured Image Credit: rihaij, Pixabay

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