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For my extra sneezy and bloated cat, the best hypoallergenic food was Instinct Limited Ingredient Wet Cat Food.
- One novel protein, one vegetable recipe
- High quality meat and organs, 41.67% protein by dry matter basis
- No chicken, beef, fish, dairy, eggs, grains
- Rabbit or Turkey flavors
- Made in the USA
I discovered hypoallergenic cat food after learning that my cat’s allergies and stomach issues could be tied to diet. After guiding her through that, I had practical information for those going through similar problems with their allergic and reactive cats.
But what’s best for my Maine Coon might not be for yours. Allergic symptoms differ in cat to cat, and maybe your fluffy friend loves dry kibble instead. Thats why I listed the best foods for cats with allergies in various categories.
At the end is a complete buyers guide with all you should know on on cat food and allergies.
These are the products we review in this article (not all shown):
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Food
- Duck, Salmon, Venison, Chicken flavors
- Limited Ingredient, Novel Ingredient
- 33.33% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- No Prescription Required
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet
- Duck, Fish, Turkey flavors
- Limited Ingredient, Novel Ingredient
- 32.97% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- No Prescription Required
Wellness Core 95% Natural Wet Cat Food
- Turkey, Chicken, Beef flavors
- 95% Meat, Grain Free
- 45.45% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- No Prescription Required
ROYAL CANIN Veterinary Diet HP Hydrolyzed Dry Food
- Flavorless
- Hydrolyzed Protein, Novel Protein
- 26.09% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Prescription Required
Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities Dry Food
- Chicken flavor
- Hydrolyzed Protein, Limited Ingredient
- 31.87% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Prescription Required
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Dry Food
- Other flavors
- Hydrolyzed Protein, Novel Protein
- 32.22% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Prescription Required
- Best Wet Hypoallergenic Cat Food (Non Prescription)
- Best Dry Hypoallergenic Cat Food (Non Prescription)
- Best Poultry & Chicken Free Dry Hypoallergenic Cat Food (Non Prescription)
- Also Great Wet Hypoallergenic Cat Food (Non Prescription)
- Best Food for Cats with Severe Allergies (Prescription)
- Best Hypoallergenic Cat Food for Skin Allergies (Prescription)
- Popular Alternative (Prescription)
- All About Finding the Right Cat Food for Allergies
- Does Your Cat Need Hypoallergenic Cat Food?
- Signs of Cat Allergies and Food Sensitivities
- Types of Hypoallergenic Cat Food
- How to Pick a Hypoallergenic Cat Food
All cat foods included on this list meet the standard AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines for cats. Always consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your cat’s diet.
Some foods reviewed are non prescription and available commercially, others require a vet’s prescription.
Best Wet Hypoallergenic Cat Food (Non Prescription)
- One novel protein, one vegetable recipe
- Real rabbit meat and organs, made in the USA
- Free of wheat, soy, eggs, grains, filler, allergens
- Flavors: Rabbit, Salmon
- Protein By Dry Matter Basis: 41.67%
- Caloric Content: 156 kcal/can
- First 5 Ingredients: Rabbit, Water, Pea Protein, Peas, Rabbit Liver
- Guaranteed Analysis: 10% Crude Protein, 3% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, 76% Moisture
- Life Stage: All
Our top pick is exactly what we are looking for in a great commercially available cat food for allergies. It’s a quality, filler free food, that’s also limited ingredient with a rich pâté texture most cats will enjoy.
With only 2 main ingredients – cage free rabbit for protein and peas for fiber, this wet cat food is extremely focused on its mission of a reaction free dining experience.
Instinct pairs the rabbit with nutrient dense rabbit liver for a “whole prey” dining experience, organs and all! Essential Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and taurine for coat and muscles development round out the recipe.
I really like Instinct Limited Ingredient Wet Cat Food‘s available flavors of rabbit or turkey as they are properly novel, which lessens possibility of reactions. A huge plus for being real animal proteins, not soy or plant based.
To reduce potential allergic reactions, this wet cat food without chicken is free of grains and starches, carrageenan, artificial colors and preservatives. That’s impressive.
Your cat will love this easily digestible, super clean, and moisture rich hypoallergenic food. And over 700 reviews agree this cat food does wonders for allergies or sensitive skin!
Rating Breakdown:
- Hypoallergenic Formula : 8/10
- Ingredient Quality: 7/10
- Flavor Variety: 6/10
- Price: 7/10
- Overall Score: 7
What We Liked:
- Very limited ingredient
- High grade and palatable
- Grain-free, no corn, potato, wheat, soy or dairy
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some complaints about inconsistent batches
- Price
Best Dry Hypoallergenic Cat Food (Non Prescription)
- Duck, Salmon, Venison, Chicken flavors
- Limited Ingredient, Novel Ingredient
- 33.33% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- No Prescription Required
- Caloric Content: 410 kcal/cup
- First 5 Ingredients: Green Peas, Duck, Duck Meal, Pea Protein, Canola Oil
- Guaranteed Analysis: 29.5% Crude Protein, 11.5% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture, Taurine 0.16%
- Life Stage: Adult
Our best dry hypoallergenic cat food pick, Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Cat Food, is a simple and clean kibble option packed with real animal protein and essential vitamins and minerals.
A big benefit of this food is to reduce the number of ingredients your cat is exposed to at every meal. This can be so important for getting clarity regarding what’s triggering your cat’s allergies.
Natural Balance L.I.D is top pick for cats suffering from skin and fur problems, and owners rave about their cats were licking and scratching their fur off due itching until trying this dry food.
It’s no wonder, because a clean diet plus ingredients like biotin, folic acid, omega fatty acids and B12 restore skin and coat vibrancy. Shiny, silky coats here we come!
Some purchasers also found it helps to stop chronic upset stomach and maintain regular stools.
Despite all this accolade, this recipe is gentle and a fine food for every cat, no allergies required! Over 3000 reviewers are not wrong.
Rating Breakdown:
What We Liked:
- Single protein source
- Super popular
- Grain-free, chicken-free, poultry free
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some complaints about inconsistent batches
Best Poultry & Chicken Free Dry Hypoallergenic Cat Food (Non Prescription)
- Duck, Fish, Turkey flavors
- Limited Ingredient, Novel Ingredient
- 32.97% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- No Prescription Required
- Caloric Content: 354 kcal/cup
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Duck, Potatoes, Pea Starch, Peas, Pea Protein
- Guaranteed Analysis: 20% Crude Protein, 13% Crude Fat, 6% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Life Stage: Indoor Adult
Our runner up hypoallergenic dry cat food is perfect for cats allergic to common proteins like chicken or beef. Chicken is a problematic allergy to develop, as it has even been found in many non-chicken recipes.
Totally chicken-free, Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free combines duck with easily digestible carbohydrates for a protein and fiber rich experience, wrapped in a taste cats love.
I like how real duck is the first ingredient! Peas, potatoes and pumpkin then bring fiber for gut health.
Tumeric, kelp, cranberry, and other ingredients provide micronutrients and minerals like B vitamins, potassium, iron and magnesium that help the immune system. Omega fatty acids via real fish oil are present for a healthy skin and coat.
On the clean eating front, this kibble contains no poultry by-products, meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives.
Reviewers really appreciate that this is an affordable chicken-free cat food. Quite a few said that their cats preferred this duck flavor over other cat foods featuring duck!
Rating Breakdown:
- Hypoallergenic Formula : 7/10
- Ingredient Quality: 7/10
- Flavor Variety: 6/10
- Price: 7/10
- Overall Score: 6.75
What We Liked:
- Holistic health based and gut healing
- Digestion focused
- No chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, eggs
What We Didn’t Like:
- Price
- Strong odor
Also Great Wet Hypoallergenic Cat Food (Non Prescription)
- Turkey, Chicken, Beef flavors
- 95% Meat, Grain Free
- 45.45% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- No Prescription Required
- Caloric Content: 197 kcal/5.5 oz can
- First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Water Sufficient for Processing, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Ground Flaxseed
- Guaranteed Analysis: 10.5% Crude Protein, 8% Crude Fat, 1% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture, Taurine 0.5%
- Life Stage: All
Wellness Core really impresses with this premium grain-free pâté that’s 95% real meat! It is not marketed as a limited ingredient wet food but one look at the ingredient list tells you it more than fits.
Along with 95% real turkey, this recipe includes ground flaxseed, which provides omega 3 fatty acids and dietary fiber. The super food flaxseed is also a good source of antioxidants for overall cell health.
This naturally limited ingredient wet food is free of artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. This grain free cat food has no corn, soy, and wheat.
I recommend the turkey flavor to start as it’s probably more novel for your cat, and less likely to cause a flare up. Chicken and beef allergies are common as many cats have had too much exposure to them. But it depends on your cat, of course.
Wellness Core 95% offers 78% moisture, important if your cat is struggling with dehydration due to diarrhea, other gastrointestinal issues, or another health condition.
A major benefit to this food is the option to feed as a “protein punch” food topper, or straight up hypoallergenic cat food. As a food topper, the agreeable soft texture enhances appetite.
As a meal, reviewers share that the dense nutrition allows them to get several servings per can with some cats. In general, people love that this is a high quality, minimally processed recipe.
Rating Breakdown:
- Hypoallergenic Formula : 6/10
- Ingredient Quality: 8/10
- Flavor Variety: 6/10
- Price: 7/10
- Overall Score: 6.75
What We Liked:
- 95% premium natural protein
- High protein, limited Ingredient, filler free
- No wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavors, colors and preservatives
- Made in the USA
What We Didn’t Like:
- Price
The cat foods below are prescription-only.
Best Food for Cats with Severe Allergies (Prescription)
- Flavorless
- Hydrolyzed Protein, Novel Protein
- 26.09% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Prescription Required
- Caloric Content: 351 kilocalories ME/can
- First 5 Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Chicken Fat, Powdered Cellulose, Natural Flavors
- Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 5.7% Crude Fiber, 8% Moisture
- Life Stage: Adult
The best pick for cats with severe allergies is ROYAL CANIN Veterinary Diet HP Cat Food.
What makes this food unique (and prescription only) is the use of hydrolyzed protein. Basically, the proteins are already broken and able to slip past an overactive immune system during digestion.
For cats dealing with allergies, red or itchy skin, and gastrointestinal distress, this palatable and easily digestible formula is a must try. Royal Canin even utilize soy protein as it’s less likely to trigger a reaction vs animal proteins.
This recipe uses a blend of fibers to promote a healthy gut. So cats that are prone to upset stomach and diarrhea can finally find relief and properly process food.
Optimal amounts of B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA support a cat’s skin barrier and coat.
Cat owners rave about how this food allowed their cats to finally produce solid stools after suffering from prolonged diarrhea. Others have shared that this is the only food that won’t make their cats throw up.
Rating Breakdown:
- Hypoallergenic Formula : 10/10
- Ingredient Quality: 6/10
- Price: 6/10
- Overall Score: 7.3
What We Liked:
- Hydrolyzed protein won’t trigger reactions
- Supports skin barrier and coat health
- Limited Ingredient, pea-free
- Contains prebiotic fibers
What We Didn’t Like:
- Price
- Prescription only
Best Hypoallergenic Cat Food for Skin Allergies (Prescription)
- Chicken flavor
- Hydrolyzed Protein, Limited Ingredient
- 31.87% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Prescription Required
- Caloric Content: 408 kcal/cup
- First 5 Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver, Rice Protein Concentrate, Powdered Cellulose, Soybean Oil
- Guaranteed Analysis: 34.5% Crude Protein, 15.2% Crude Fat, 3.2% Crude Fiber, Taurine 0.36%
- Life Stage: Adult
Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d is another great prescription-only kibble using a hydrolyzed single animal protein source to basically sneak past a hyperactive immune system during digestion.
And unlike Royal Canin above, protein here is from an animal source, chicken liver. This addresses the main downside of that food and why you may consider this one vs brand.
The focus on reducing adverse reactions continue by using a single carbohydrate source. For digestion, this food has natural fiber to help normalize your cat’s stool.
Vitamin E and omega fatty acids helps to promote a healthy skin barrier. Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Cat Food is packed with tons of antioxidants to support your cat’s immune system, too..
Lots of cat owners and purchasers love the way this food helps clear up everything from vomiting to diarrhea to painful irritated skin, with itching and rough patches from suspected food allergens.
The only downside among people who have used this food is that cats don’t always love it at first bite.
Rating Breakdown:
- Hypoallergenic Formula : 10/10
- Ingredient Quality: 7/10
- Price: 6/10
- Overall Score: 7.6
What We Liked:
- Hydrolyzed single animal protein
- Single carbohydrate
- Supports skin barrier and coat
- Made in the USA
What We Didn’t Like:
- Price
- Prescription only
Popular Alternative (Prescription)
- Other flavors
- Hydrolyzed Protein, Novel Protein
- 32.22% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Prescription Required
- Caloric Content: 323 kcal/cup
- First 5 Ingredients: Rice Starch, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein Isolate, Partially Hydrogenated Canola Oil Preserved With TBHQ, Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver, Tricalcium Phosphate
- Guaranteed Analysis: 29.5% Crude Protein, 9% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Life Stage: All
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA is a popular prescription cat food has a lot going on. First, simple hydrolyzed protein from soy help deliver protein that stays under the radar of the immune system.
Second, this is a low allergen single-carbohydrate recipe using rice, which is less likely to cause reactions vs grains or other carbs. It all comes together to create an easily digested and tolerated food.
Majority of cat owners who have purchased this food report that it helps with issues like vomiting and IBS. In addition to helping to calm tummy issues, this food is also working wonders for lots of cats with skin issues.
One of the benefits of a large brand like Purina is that the food tends to be easily accepted by most cats. And this is true for Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA too.
Many purchasers saying that their cats are gobbling up this hypoallergenic dry kibble even when they won’t eat other brands. There are even complaints that Purina does not make a matching wet food.
On top of all that, this particular food also supports a healthy urinary tract. The recipe has been formulated to reduce potential for the development of struvite and calcium oxalate crystals that can cause trouble when form in the urinary tract. (see other low ash cat foods here).
To be fair, I’m not a fan of the hydrogenated canola oil and TBHQ just because I wonder if every cat will tolerate a seed oil nicely.
Rating Breakdown:
- Hypoallergenic Formula: 10/10
- Ingredient Quality: 5/10
- Price: 6/10
- Overall Score: 7
What We Liked:
- Highly digestible hydrolyzed protein
- Single carbohydrate
- Supports urinary health
- Most cats like Purina’s flavor
What We Didn’t Like:
- Price
- Prescription only
- Canola oil in top 5 ingredients
All About Finding the Right Cat Food for Allergies
I feel bad knowing that many cat owners are spending time and money hunting down all kinds of ointments and creams for red and inflamed skin when the real culprit is hiding in plain sight in the food bowl.
That’s why I’m hoping to help get the word out about food allergies in cats with this post and my post on sensitive stomach cat foods.
While identifying and cutting out certain foods can address food-based allergies, that process is harder than it sounds. In the end, your cat might even need special prescription hydrolyzed cat food that “sneaks” proteins past the immune system.
Does Your Cat Need Hypoallergenic Cat Food?
How can you know if your cat actually needs hypoallergenic cat food? First, you should definitely do an allergy test with your cat if you suspect allergies.
Your veterinarian’s office should be able to do something called a RAST test (radioallergosorbent test) that’s a blood test that is used to determine if cats are allergic to certain antigens.
The reason why I suggest doing this is that ruling out allergies is important for getting to the bottom of what’s irritating your cat.
If your cat doesn’t have allergies, it’s possible that everything from a nutrient deficiency to a kidney problem could be causing physical symptoms that mimic allergic reactions.
Signs of Cat Allergies and Food Sensitivities
Here are the telltale signs of something going on:
- Balding, itching, redness and other skin reactions.
- Hives and rashes.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Gas and bloating.
- Frequent bowel movements.
- Constipation or straining during bowel movements.
- Runny, itchy or stuff nose.
- Red, itchy eyes.
- Coughing and wheezing.
- Swollen paws.
- Dull, brittle coat.
- Snoring caused by a restricted/enflamed airway.
Food allergies in cats can be hard to pin down if you’re not working with a vet. First, an allergic reaction can happen several minutes, several hours or several days after exposure. What’s more, food allergies can develop in cats of any age.
A cat throwing up undigested food may not be in need of a hypoallergenic cat food. Those kitties just need to slow down their eating to prevent what is called “regurgitation.”
Types of Hypoallergenic Cat Food
What works for calming your cat’s allergies may not work for your neighbor’s cat. This is actually the most interesting thing I learned about finding food for cats with allergies.
Let’s talk about the three options for going hypoallergenic with your cat.
Hydrolyzed Cat Food
Many people assume that grains are to blame for cat allergies. In reality, the animal-based proteins that cats need to thrive are often the triggers.
The good news is that hypoallergenic cat food is designed to give cats nutrition from fish, seafood, meat and chicken without triggering allergic reactions. You even have soy options to look into if your cat cannot tolerate meats.
The secret to bypassing the immune response is to use hydrolyzed proteins. Hydrolyzed proteins in cat food give cats the meat-based protein they need even if they can’t go full carnivore.
The hydrolyzation process breaks proteins down into smaller pieces that don’t trigger a response from the immune system. You’re essentially shrinking proteins down to such small sizes that they remain undetected by the immune system.
Limited Ingredient
This veers more toward an elimination diet. While you may not need to stay on a limited ingredient diet, it’s helpful to try this while figuring out which ingredient is irritating your cat.
Some cats with extreme sensitivities may need to stay on this diet.
Novel Ingredient
If it turns out your cat is having a difficult time breaking down common protein sources like meat and chicken even after trying hydrolyzed cat food, your vet may tell you to try a novel ingredient cat food.
Novel proteins are uncommon protein sources like rabbit, venison, lamb, duck and alligator.
Because regular exposure to the same food is correlated with reactions, these foods should be gentler on the immune system because they are likely not foods your cat has eaten before.
How to Pick a Hypoallergenic Cat Food
I strongly suggest you collaborate with your vet on this one! However, I want to give you a rundown to help get the conversation going in your mind. Let’s talk options!
Wet vs Dry
So do you choose dry or wet cat food? is usually a better option because it provides hydration for cats. If your cat is older, wet food is simply easier to safely eat. However, pivoting to an all-wet diet may not be appealing if your cat has grown up on crunchies.
Prescription vs Nonprescription
This is really a matter of personal choice. I’m including both in my reviews of hypoallergenic cat foods because I want to provide affordable, accessible options for everyone.
I still think you should ask your vet’s opinion even if you don’t go with a prescription cat food.
And it goes without saying that prescription food is only intended for the patient. Consider a dog proof cat food bowl or a microchip feeder if greedy housemate dogs or cats are eating it instead!
Ingredients
These qualifications hold true whether you go with prescription or nonprescription.
Always look for high-quality ingredients. I’m a snob when it comes to foods with things like grass-fed, ethically sourced and organic meats.
(Feel how I feel about organic? See my list of top organic cat foods!)
Keep an eye on carbs because fillers don’t do cats any favors in terms of long-term health, weight and kidney function. A quality food will also be free of artificial preservatives, colors and flavors.
Common Allergens in Cat Food
The last topic I’ll cover before giving you the scoop on my picks for the best hypoallergenic cat food is what you should be looking out for in terms of allergens.
“The term food allergy is used to describe an abnormal immune-mediated reaction to an antigen within food,” shares Dr. Catherine Barnette at VCA Hospitals. A food allergy refers to the reaction caused by the immune system to a specific protein. The most common allergens are:
- Beef
- Fish
- Chicken
- Seafood
- Dairy products
- Artificial dyes and coloring
- Corn filler
- Meat byproducts
- Preservatives like BHA and BHT
While going with a high-quality cat food from the moment you get your cat home is the best choice for protecting your cat against food allergies, even “healthy” foods can trigger allergies.
It’s not much different than when a human is allergic to something wholesome like certain nuts, fruits or types of seafood.
However, artificial dyes and fillers that are used by many low-quality cat food brands for nothing more than making cat food “look” more appealing to humans should be avoided!
I’m Gary Hu, a proud cat dad to a 15 lb Maine Coon. Have taken care of outdoor and indoor cats for over 10 years, and learned tons on behavior, habits, health, and products. I help new Maine Coon (or any other cat) parents with common questions and issues based on real, practical experience.
