Hypoallergenic cat food brands? I’m sure you would be surprised and worried if your veterinarian has prescribed this for your cat. What do they mean at all? Is your cat dying? How long would it take until they can eat regular cat food?
Hypoallergenic food is food prescribed for cats with food allergies. It is not likely to cause allergies because it contains very few allergen-producing substances. Some foods are prone to cause allergies, and your veterinarian will recommend this if your cat has allergies.
Allergies are caused when your immune system overreacts to substances that are not supposed to be harmful to the body. The main causative agents of cat allergies are food, pollen, fur, or dust. Substances that trigger allergic reactions are called allergens.
Hypoallergenic food may vary from cat to cat based on what they are allergic to. Depending on the feeding habits, availability of hypoallergenic food, time constraints, you and your veterinarian can help pick out the right food for your cat.
Our Favorite Pick
Our favorite pick of hypoallergenic cat food is the Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free, Natural Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food . It contains duck and potatoes, which are gentle on the stomach of your sensitive cat.
Blue Buffalo also contains probiotics that make the microflora in the gut healthy. Made of just one protein source, cats with food allergies easily tolerate this diet. It is also filled with Omega-3 and -6 for a healthy immune system.
My Cat Has Allergies – What Now?
If your cat has been diagnosed with having allergic reactions, all hope is not lost.
Your veterinarian will take the next step in finding out what is causing the allergies through allergic tests. If the main culprit turns out to be food, various tests would be done with multiple foods (food trials) to see where the problem originates.
Cats usually react to proteins in their food. The most common being beef, chicken, seafood, or dairy products. To determine which of these proteins are causing the allergies, your veterinarian will put your cat on a special test diet for about six to eight weeks.
This test diet does not contain any of the proteins your cat has been exposed to. The diet may contain either one of the following:
- A home-cooked meal that does not contain any of the previously eaten proteins (home-made novel/new food)
- A commercial meal that has proteins broken down into various small sizes that are not recognized by the immune system (hydrolyzed food)
- A commercial meal that does not contain any of the previously exposed proteins (commercially novel/new food)
While your cat is on the food trial, no cat treats or any different food should be fed to your cat to prevent them from flaring up.
After the success of the food trial, your veterinarian will gradually introduce your cat back to his original exposed food to see which one will cause a reaction. When your veterinarian finds out the exact protein causing the allergic reaction, they will discuss if you want to maintain the food you used for the food trial or pick out something different.
At a Glance: The Best Hypoallergenic Cat Food Brands of 2021
| Product | Features | Rank (1-9) | Rating out of 5 | Food Form | Life Stage |
| Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free, Natural Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food | Contains duck as a protein source. Potatoes and pumpkin make for easy digestion. | 1 | 4.6 | Dry food | Adult |
| Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Cat Food | It contains hydrolyzed chicken which is well formulated to prevent adverse food effects | 2 | 4.5 | Dry food | Adult |
| Halo Grain Free Natural Dry Cat Food | This chicken and chicken liver flavored food are highly digestible with reduced calories for your pet’s health. | 3 | 4.7 | Dry food | Adult |
| Purina Pro Plan LiveClear with Probiotics Allergen Reducing Adult Dry Cat Food & Cat Shampoo | It contains chicken and rice for good protein, and carbohydrates are a source for muscle build-up | 4 | 4.7 | Dry food | Adult |
| Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Cat Food, Green Pea & Duck Formula Grain-Free | It contains duck and green peas to provide healthy skin and coat and supports muscles while not exposing your cat to a lot of ingredients | 5 | 4.6 | Dry food | Kitten |
| Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Rabbit Recipe Natural Wet Canned Cat Food | It contains limited ingredients of rabbit and vegetables to reduce the flare of allergies. | 6 | 4.3 | Wet food | All life stages |
| Hill's Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin | It contains hydrolyzed chicken which is gentle on the stomach | 7 | 4.7 | Dry food | Adult |
| ROYAL CANIN Feline Hypoallergenic Hydrolyzed Protein Adult | Flavorless but rich in soy proteins to prevent excessive flare-ups in your cat | 8 | 4.1 | Dry food | Adult |
| Purina Fancy Feast Limited Ingredient Cat Treats | Treats your hypoallergenic cat will enjoy | 9 | 4.8 | Dry food | Adult |
Our Favorite Picks of Hypoallergenic Cat Food Brands
Let us delve a little deeper into the nitty-gritty of each brand.
Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Cat Food
Best for Cats With Food And Skin Sensitivities
Description
Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Cat food is highly formulated by nutritionists and veterinarians at Hills to help solve your cat’s skin and food sensitivities problems. This is highly vet endorsed.
Benefits
This diet helps maintain a healthy skin barrier. It also contains antioxidants that help build up your pet’s immune system. This cat food is also made to prevent bladder and kidney stones (struvite and calcium oxalate) from forming.
Targeted ailments
The ingredients used in Hill’s Prescription Diet targets the skin and digestive tract of your cat and helps prevent adverse effects caused by food on these systems.
Ingredients
- Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver
- Brewer’s Rice
- Soybean oil
- Coconut oil
- L-Threonine
- DL-Methionine
- L-Lysine
What we liked
- It has natural fiber that helps in normal stool formation to prevent constipation.
- It prevents kidney and bladder stones from forming.
- It has hydrolyzed protein, so your immune system doesn’t recognize it.
- It is suitable for skin and stomach issues.
What we didn’t like
- It cannot be used if your cat detests chicken flavor.
- It is suitable only for adult cats.
- Contains only one source of carbohydrates.
Diet type
This food is made from a single hydrolyzed animal protein (chicken).
Essential content
- Vitamin E Supplement
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B3 supplement
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine Mononitrate)
- Vitamin A supplement
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine hydrochloride)
- Vitamin B7
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B9 (Folic acid)
- Vitamin D3 supplement
- Calcium
- Iron (Ferrous Sulfate)
- Zinc
- Copper
Key Features
- Hydrolyzed chicken
- Brewer’s rice
- Available in dry and wet food.
Hill's Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin
Best for Adult Cats With Stomach and Skin Sensitivities
Description
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin is a chicken and rice flavored diet that helps cats with sensitive skin and stomach. It needs a prescription to be bought. Veterinarians highly recommend this food.
Benefits
Vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids present in the food helps to nourish the skin.
Targeted ailments
The ingredients in this diet target sensitive stomach and skin.
Ingredients
- Brewers Rice
- Corn Gluten Meal
- Pork Fat
- Egg Product
- Whole Grain Corn
- Chicken Liver Flavor
- Lactic Acid
- Oat Fiber
- Mixed Tocopherols to provide freshness
- Natural Flavors
- Salts
- Choline chloride
- Taurine
What we liked
- Comes with prebiotic fiber to support the cat’s microflora population.
- It is easily digestible and helps prevent constipation.
- Provide nourishment to the skin and fur.
- It is suitable for cats with sensitive stomachs as well as cats with sensitive skin.
- It’s gentle on the stomach.
What we didn’t like
- It is available only in dry food.
- It is available in only one flavor.
- It is suitable for only adult cats.
Type of diet
It is a novel diet.
Essential content
- L-Lysine
- DL-Methionine
- Calcium
- Vitamin E Supplement
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B3 Supplement
- Vitamin B1 Mononitrate
- Vitamin A Supplement
- Vitamin B2 Supplement
- Vitamin B7
- Vitamin B12 Supplement
- Vitamin B6 Hydrochloride
- Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
- Vitamin D3 Supplement
- Iron (Ferrous Sulfate)
- Zinc
- Copper
- Manganous Oxide
- Sodium Selenite
- L-Tryptophan
Key Features
- Contains Omega-3 for skin health.
- It has natural flavors to make it tasty.
- Contains corn and brewer’s rice.
Purina Pro Plan LiveClear with Probiotics Allergen Reducing Adult Dry Cat Food & Cat Shampoo
Best for Hair Allergies and Dander in Cats
Amazon’s Choice for Hypoallergenic Cat Food
Description
Purina Pro Plan LiveClear is made with chicken and rice for skin and coat hair-related problems. It can reduce the allergen in cat hair and dander before the fourth week of feeding by neutralizing the allergen responsible (Fel D 1). It contains probiotics to support your cat’s gut microflora. It does not require any veterinarian’s prescription to be purchased.
Benefits
Chicken used in formulating the food provides a rich protein source for your cat, while the rice source offers strength for the muscles.
Targeted ailments
The egg products included in it target the allergen Fel D 1, found in cat hair and dander, and reduces it entirely.
Ingredients
- Chicken
- Rice
- Corn gluten meal
- Wheat flour
- Dried egg product
- Liver flavor
- Fish meal
- Salt
- Beef fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols
- Chicory root inulin
- Choline chloride
- Taurine
What we liked
- Reduces the rate of occurrence of allergies.
- It is made with chicken and rice flavor.
- It contains probiotics that help support the gut microflora and prevents constipation.
- You can safely give your cat wet food treats occasionally.
- Cats seem to love it for its great-tasting flavor.
What we didn’t like
- It is available in dry food only.
- It is suitable for only adult cats.
- Food has to be stored in a dry place to prevent mold.
Type of diet
The diet is made of hydrolyzed chicken.
Essential content
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B5
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B9
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B7
- Vitamin D-3 Supplement
- Vitamin K
- Zinc
- Copper
- Iron
- Manganese
- Calcium iodate
- Sodium selenite
Key Features
- It contains chicken
- It contains rice
- It contains corn gluten
- It reduces cat dander by the fourth week
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Cat Food, Green Pea & Duck Formula Grain-Free
Best for Kittens With Food Allergies
Amazon’s Choice for limited ingredient cat food
Description
Natural Balance is food with limited ingredients that contains duck as its primary protein source for strong, healthy skin, coat, and muscles.
Benefits
The duck present in the meal helps build strong muscles, skin, and the kitten’s coat.
Targeted ailments
The ingredients target the skin and build it up against any intruding allergens.
Ingredients
- Green Peas
- Duck
- Canola Oil mixed with tocopherols for preservation
- Salmon Oil mixed with tocopherols for preservation
- Flaxseed
- Salt
- Choline Chloride
- DL-Methionine
- Taurine
- Extracts (Rosemary, Green Tea, Spearmint)
What we liked
- It is formulated with kittens in mind.
- It contains flavors that are not usually found on the market for diversity.
- No chicken is used, thus suitable for cats allergic to poultry.
- It does not contain any grains to cause additional stomach issues.
What we didn’t like
- It is only available in dry food format.
- It is formulated just for kittens.
- It does not contain any grain to help with firm stool formation.
Type of diet
This food is a limited diet.
Essential content
- Vitamin E Supplement
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B3
- d-Calcium Pantothenate
- Vitamin A Supplement
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B6 supplement
- Vitamin B12 Supplement
- Vitamin D3 Supplement
- Vitamin B7
- Vitamin B9
- Zinc
- Iron
- Copper
- Manganese
- Calcium
- Sodium Selenite
Key Features
- Limited protein source
- Grain-free
- Formulated for kittens
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Rabbit Recipe Natural Wet Canned Cat Food
Best for Cats With Allergic Reactions But Dislike Dry Food
Description
Instinct is a wet food containing limited ingredients of rabbit and vegetable to reduce the flare of allergies to already exposed proteins.
Benefits
Rabbit is highly digestible and healthy for your cat.
Targeted ailments
The ingredients prevent allergic flare-ups.
Ingredients
- Rabbit
- Water
- Pea
- Montmorillonite Clay
- Potassium Chloride
- Salt
- Choline Chloride
- Taurine
- L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate
What we liked
- It is formulated for all life stages (kitten, adult, senior cat).
- It does not contain chicken, beef, or any other usually exposed proteins.
- It can be given as a complete whole meal.
- It contains peas that provide a carbohydrate source.
What we didn’t like
- It does not contain any grain to help with stool firmness.
- Due to the wet nature, food has to be refrigerated to prevent spoilage.
- If your cat doesn’t fancy rabbit meat, this food won’t be for it.
Type of diet
This food is a limited diet.
Essential content
- Vitamin E Supplement
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin B1
- D-Calcium Pantothenate
- Vitamin B7
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin A Supplement
- Vitamin D3 Supplement
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12 Supplement
- Vitamin B9
- Iron
- Zinc
- Potassium Iodide
- Copper
- Manganese
- Sodium Selenite
Key Features
- One animal protein type
- One vegetable
- No artificial flavor
- No additives
- No soy
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free, Natural Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food
Best for Cats With a Sensitive Stomach
Amazon’s Choice for Blue Buffalo Duck and Potato Cat Food
Description
Blue Buffalo Basics contains duck as its primary protein source and potatoes and pumpkin as its carbohydrate source. It is a limited ingredient diet that is gentle on the stomach of sensitive cats.
Benefits
It contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for a healthy immune system.
Targeted ailments
This food targets the stomach of sensitive cats.
Ingredients
- Deboned Duck
- Potatoes
- Pumpkin
- Tapioca Starch
- Peas
- Flaxseed
- Dried Chicory Root
- Canola Oil
- Fish Oil
- DL-Methionine
- Choline Chloride
- Potassium Chloride
- Salt
- Taurine
- Blueberries
- Cranberries
- Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate
- Salt
- Mixed Tocopherols for preservation,
- Barley Grass
- Parsley
- Turmeric
- Dried Kelp
- Yucca Schidigera extract
- L-Lysine,
- 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
- Rosemary oil
What we liked
- It contains both Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids.
- It contains probiotics for a healthy gut microflora.
- It does not contain most of the usually exposed proteins that cause a flare-up.
- It contains limited ingredients which reduce the incidence of allergic reactions.
What we didn’t like
- It is only formulated for adult cats.
- Occasional treats cannot be given once your cat is on this diet.
- It is available only in dry food.
Type of diet
This is a limited type of diet.
Essential content
- Vitamin E supplement
- Vitamin A supplement
- Vitamin D3 supplement
- Vitamin B12 supplement
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B7
- Vitamin B5
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B9
- Calcium
- Iron
- Zinc
- Copper
- Manganese
- Sodium Selenite
Key Features
- Contains probiotics for healthy stomach microflora, duck, and potatoes.
Halo Grain Free Natural Dry Cat Food
Best for Cats With Sensitive Stomachs and Also Supports Heart and Eye Health
Amazon’s Choice for Halo cat food
Description
Halo Natural Dry food is a non-Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) with reduced calories and excess nutrients to support the heart and eyes, soothe sensitive stomachs, and provide muscle strength.
Benefits
- Taurine helps support heart and eye health
- L-carnitine boosts metabolism
Targeted ailments
The ingredients target the sensitive stomach of cats
Ingredients
- Chicken
- Chicken liver
- Dried egg product
- Dried peas and chickpeas
- Soy protein concentrate
- Dried potatoes
- Flaxseed
- Mixed tocopherols for preservatives
- Salmon oil
- Dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product
- Dried blueberries and cranberries
- Dried carrots,
- Salt
- Inulin
- Potassium chloride
- Taurine
- L-carnitine
What we liked
- Aside from supporting sensitive stomachs, it also supports eye and heart health.
- It contains probiotics for healthy gut microflora.
- It doesn’t use genetically modified food ingredients
- It contains L-carnitine to help boost the metabolism of your cat
What we didn’t like
- It is available only in dry food
- It is formulated only for adult cats
- It does not contain any grain to help with stool firmness
Type of diet
It is a hydrolyzed diet.
Essential content
- Vitamin E supplement
- Vitamin A supplement
- Vitamin B3 supplement
- Vitamin B2 supplement
- Vitamin D3 supplement
- Vitamin B12 supplement
- Vitamin B5
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B7
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B9
- Vitamin C
- Calcium
- Sodium selenite
- Iron
- Copper
- Zinc
- Manganese
Key Features
- It contains chicken.
- It is made of non-GMO products.
- It doesn’t contain additives.
ROYAL CANIN Feline Hypoallergenic Hydrolyzed Protein Adult
Best for Cats With Allergic Reactions to Common Proteins
Description
Royal Canin Feline Hypoallergenic food contains no animal flavor to cause adverse effects. Instead, it is made up of hydrolyzed soy proteins to provide all the protein your animal needs. This is a prescription-based diet.
Benefits
- Omega-3 and amino acids help boost the health of the skin and coat.
- Vitamin Bs help with the elasticity of the skin barrier.
Targeted ailments
The ingredients target cats with severe allergic reactions.
Ingredients
- Brewers rice
- Hydrolyzed soy protein
- Chicken fat,
- Powdered cellulose
- Dried plain beet pulp
- Fish and vegetable oil
- Potassium chloride
- Sodium aluminum silicate
- Fructooligosaccharides
- Taurine
- Choline chloride
- DL-methionine
- Marigold extract
- Rosemary extract
What we liked
- It does not contain animal protein to prevent excessive flare-ups.
- Contains excess Omega-3 fatty acids and amino acids to boost skin and coat health.
- The food is made to be easily digestible.
- It has excess Vitamin B to boost skin health.
What we didn’t like
- It is flavorless, and cats might be picky about eating it.
- It is only formulated for adult cats.
- Dry food, if not well kept, can grow moldy.
Type of diet
It is a hydrolyzed type of diet.
Essential content
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B5
- Vitamin B7
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B9
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D3 Supplement
- Vitamin B12 supplement
- Calcium
- Sodium selenite
- Iron
- Copper
- Zinc
- Manganese
Key Features
- No meat.
- Contains soy.
- Easily digestible.
- Contains excess Vitamin B for skin health.
Purina Fancy Feast Limited Ingredient Cat Treats
Best for Hypoallergenic Cats
Description
This cat treat is made for allergic cats and contains the natural flavor of salmon for which your pet will like. It is not a prescription diet but is endorsed by vets.
Benefits
Salmon and liver flavor makes the treat appealing and also provides protein to the cat.
Targeted ailments
The ingredients prevent flare-ups
Ingredients
- Salmon flavor
- Liver flavor
- Brewer’s dried yeast
- Vegetable oil beef fat preserved with mixed tocopherols
What we liked
- Hypoallergenic cats can enjoy treats designed just for them.
- Treats are easy to break and dispense.
- It will increase the bond between you and your feline friend.
- The flavor is appealing
What we didn’t like
- It cannot be used as the primary meal source.
- It is formulated only for adults.
- It does not contain any vitamins or minerals.
Type of diet
This is a limited type of diet
Key Features
- Hypoallergenic treats.
- Contains salmon and liver flavor.
I Love Veterinary Buying Guide to the Best Hypoallergenic Cat Food
When buying cat food, you need to consider what kind of food you are buying. Here is a summary for you.
Novel Protein Foods
These protein foods are foods that your cat has never taken. To your cat, these are first-timers or new proteins. Mostly, novel protein foods contain proteins that are not common in diets.
Limited-Ingredient Diets
These are entirely free from most animal proteins and usually have other sources of non-animal proteins. Limited-ingredient diets can also have just one animal-based protein. This is good for cats with extreme allergies who are allergic to almost everything.
Hydrolyzed Foods
Hydrolyzed foods contain smaller or trace amounts of proteins that are not recognized by the immune system to cause allergic reactions. So your cat can even take a hydrolyzed food that contains the very protein it is allergic to.
Protein Source
The type of protein in the food determines whether or not the food is appropriate for your cat. If your cat is allergic to a particular protein source, make sure every food you buy, unless it is hydrolyzed, shouldn’t contain that food source, no matter if it is not the main ingredient or not.
Dry vs. Wet
Wet foods contain above 65% moisture, while dry food contains less than 20% moisture. Anytime you give dry food, ensure your cat has an adequate amount of water to prevent constipation.
Summary
Allergic reactions in a cat can be very overwhelming, but with the right kind of diet and your veterinarian’s help, the feeling of anxiety can be dealt with. Always have your cat’s feeding habits in mind when choosing hypoallergenic food, and do not be afraid to keep trying until you find one that works for you…and your cat!
Remember that food allergies, like other allergies, cannot be treated, and whatever you are picking now is going to be for a lifetime. Therefore, look at your budget, your time, availability, and your cat’s eating habits before you make a decision.
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free, Natural Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food is our favorite pick for hypoallergenic cats. Made of limited ingredients and probiotics, it is gentle on the stomach of your sensitive cat.
