Supporting Your Cat If They’re Suffering From A Food Allergy
If you believe your cat is showing signs of a food allergy, always speak to your veterinarian before taking action.Once your veterinarian has confirmed it is a food allergy they will advise the most suitable management options for your cat.Although a food allergy is a serious condition, if the signs are noticed early it can be properly managed so your cat can continue to live a healthy life.
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 cats symptoms.
How To Treat Skin Allergies In Cats
Suppose you use shampoo, soaps, etc., to bathe your cat. You will more likely need to find another brand or more natural, cat-friendly product. Until then, the issue will not go away.
Unfortunately, it is more challenging to name food ingredient which causes allergy symptoms. If you are feeding a commercial diet, it can be one or more items from the ingredient list.
Veterinary cat food diets can help to get skin allergy symptoms in check.
Alternatively, you can try the Limited Ingredient diet to pinpoint the ingredient your cat should avoid. See your option HERE.
Speak with your cats veterinarian for advice if the best dry cat food for skin allergies could be beneficial for your cat.
Check with your cats Veterinarian if flea, ringworm, etc., treatments are up to date.
In my experience, some of the flea treatments available from supermarkets are not as effective as the ones prescribed by a veterinary practice.
Helpful tip
How to check if my cat has fleas?
Take a white piece of paper. A4 will be big enough. Wet the paper and brush your cats coat against the direction of the fur above the paper. Suppose you see black spots on the sheet. Your cat most likely has fleas.
It can be challenging to protect your cats when it comes to plants and pollen if they go outdoors. Unfortunately, they might need to stay indoors for a bit until the season changes.
Note:
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Best Cat Food For Skin Allergies
If your cat is constantly itching, scratching, or showing signs of dandruff or excessively oily skin, then he may be suffering from skin allergies due to food intolerance.
To help your cats allergies while improving his coat, find cat food for skin allergies.
Make sure you steer clear of cat foods high in grains and additives and look for protein-rich foods with lots of fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 oils.
As we mentioned above, these fatty acids help to promote healthy skin and coat in your cat and can keep pesky skin allergies under control.
We also suggest this Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe Natural Cat Food & Toppers with Real Rabbit Meat*.
Rabbit is another source of protein that is rich in fatty acids and helps to promote a healthy skin and coat.
And, like rabbit meat, duck meat is rich in healthy fatty acids. This is why we recommend Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Cat Food Green Pea and Duck* for your cat with skin allergies.
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What Are Hydrolyzed Cat Foods And Why Do They Help Cats With Allergies
Hydrolyzed protein is a protein pre-digested into individual amino acids. The immune system may not recognize these proteins and wont produce antibodies that lead to allergic reactions.
It is also best practice to give your cat hydrolyzed cat food with novel proteins over common protein sources.
40% of dogs with a chicken allergy still react to hydrolyzed chicken protein when offered.
Hydrolyzed protein dry cat foods are usually prescription-based.
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Hills Prescription Diet Z/d Feline Low Sensitivity
Hills z/d is formulated without any intact animal protein to ensure it does not trigger an allergic reaction. It also contains digestible fats and carbohydrates to support digestive function. Hills z/d is also loaded with omega fatty acids to replenish your cats skin and fur and antioxidants to strengthen the immune system after responding to the allergen.
Natural Balance Lid Turkey & Chickpea Grain
The Natural Balance brand is known for providing a wide variety of limited ingredient formulas. You should be mindful of which you pick, however, because a few of them list green peas as the first ingredient rather than a source of animal protein. This Natural Balance LID Turkey & Chickpea Grain-Free Formula Dry Food is a good choice because it is nutritionally balanced, made with a limited number of ingredients, and features fresh turkey as the first ingredient. It is made with grain-free carbohydrates like chickpeas and potatoes with a blend of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It also contains chelated minerals for optimal nutrient absorption and vitamin supplements for balance.
- Pros: Single source of animal protein, novel protein, grain-free carbohydrates, limited number of ingredients, highly digestible, chelated minerals, rich in fiber for digestion
- Cons: Contains some plant protein , could be higher in protein content
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Which Diets Are Most Suitable For A Cat With Food Allergies
Discovering the cause of a food allergy can be challenging and youll need to work closely with your vet to achieve a diagnosis. Based on the results of an elimination diet trial, dietary history, clinical signs, and any health conditions, your vet will be able to make a recommendation on the long-term nutrition and support that is required. At Royal Canin, we offer a choice of novel and hydrolyzed protein diets, in wet and dry options in our veterinary exclusive Dermatology range.
What Causes Allergies In Cats
According to a 2018 report from Banfield Pet Hospital, cats are vulnerable to three types of allergies: food, fleas, and environmental substances . To complicate matters, some unfortunate cats may have multiple allergies at once.
Tracking down the source of your cats specific allergy can get tedious and expensive. To simplify, start with your vet. They can help you figure out exactly what is making your cat sick. Once you know whats causing the problem, you can get to work on your cats recovery.
The Banfield study found that allergic reactions to fleas and to chemicals in the environment are on the rise, while food allergies are stableand relatively uncommon, affecting only about 0.1 percent of cats. The study, based on 500,000 cats seen at Banfield clinics in the previous year, concluded that food allergies in our pets are uncommon, and other causes of certain skin conditions should be investigated before pursuing a food allergy diagnosis.
We talked with Dr. Bruce Kornreich, Director of the Cornell Feline Health Center, who told us that when cats do have food allergies, it is most often an allergy to a protein. We know that cats get food allergies, and in most cases, they are to the protein source, Dr. Kornreich says. The most common protein source is chicken. But the only way you can show that a cat has a food allergy is to selectively eliminate components of the diet and see how the cat does after a food trial.
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The Cat Food Allergy Elimination Trial
According to veterinary advice, the most accurate method of diagnosing a cat food allergy is to remove all potential allergens over the course of 12 weeks. This is called an elimination trial.
This new elimination diet must not contain any ingredients that the pet has eaten in the past . During the trial, all other foods and supplements need to be avoided. Yes, this includes treats, vitamins and preventatives like heartworm supplements. However, its suggested the new diet should be introduced gradually over a 5- to 7-day period as some animals may develop GI problems if their diet is changed too abruptly.
Important considerations for elimination diets to alleviate cat food allergy symptoms:
You Feel Exhausted All The Time
When you think of allergies, you probably think of sneezing, wheezing, and rashes. Those are very common symptoms, but they arent the only ones! Cat allergies can also cause fatigue, leaving you feeling exhausted all the time. In fact, Healthline reports that experts give this type of fatigue a specific name brain fog and its all to do with the inflammation.
People with allergies experience inflammation, ays from the Cleveland Clinic. That inflammation leads to a congested nose, disrupted sleep patterns and not getting good rest. Its an easy symptom to overlook, as fatigue can have a variety of causes, but if its combined with some of the below symptoms, it could be a sign of allergies.
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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, youll want to avoid foods that contain it.
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Two stainless steel bowls sit inside a wide tray to catch every little dribble and drop that falls from your cat’s mouth. Your kitty might not be the cleanest drinker, but now they dont have to be! to purchase your own and say goodbye to water spills for good.
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Best Hypoallergenic Cat Foods Of 2022
Cats can be allergic to different foods just like humans. But, of course, you have to take care of your cats needs to make sure that your cat’s health and wellbeing is normal. If your kitty has a food allergy, then the right move is to choose only the best hypoallergenic cat foods as these contain a minimal proportion of common allergens.
You might have several questions about hypoallergenic cat foods including
- What makes hypoallergenic cat food different?
- How can you tell if your cat is allergic to food?
- What ingredients can cause cat allergies?
In this guide to the best hypoallergenic cat foods, you will get to know the answers to all these questions about kitty food allergies. Ive also curated a list of the best cat food for allergies that will help you choose the right cat foods for your particular cat’s needs.
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin Recipes
Our top choice is the Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin Recipes.
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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 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
- A commercial meal that has proteins broken down into various small sizes that are not recognized by the immune system
- A commercial meal that does not contain any of the previously exposed proteins
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.
You Can Choose Foods That Minimise The Risk To Your Feline Friend
Heres what to feed cats to do just that: a high protein cat food with no wheat, corn or soya and a novel ingredient like salmon, turkey or duck. Cat foods labelled grain-free or limited ingredient are usually a safe bet.
Applaws dry food is grain-free and both our wet and dry foods only include ingredients that have a benefit to your cat. There are no fillers or nasty unknowns, so you can feed your cat and be confident youre giving them the best possible chance to stay happy and healthy. Click here to browse the Applaws range.
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Best Dry Cat Food For Skin Allergies In 2022
This review aims to guide you to some of the best dry cat food for skin allergies that owners can find on cat food shelves.
As a feline Nutritionist and pet owner, I have bought various foods for my cats. My main concern always was how to provide the best nutrition for my pet.
I believe that our pets deserve the best possible food that we can provide.
In this article, I aim to show:
- Top 3 best dry cat foods for skin allergies,
- What to look for when buying best dry cat food for skin allergies,
- Difference between diets and what they aim to treat,
- Signs and treatments.
So you can make an informed choice if particular cat food is best for your pet.
With so many options available on cat food shelves, it is easy to be overwhelmed with the best dry cat food for skin allergies.
Lets see our top picks.
Nomnomnow Fresh Food Delivery
If your cat suffers from food allergies, you need a high-quality cat food that will provide for his nutritional needs without triggering symptoms. Fresh cat food made with a limited number of high-quality ingredients is an excellent option which is what makes NomNomNow so perfect. This fresh food delivery service sends a months worth of fresh cat food right to your door in perfectly portioned packages suited to your cats age and weight. NomNomNow allows you to choose from two protein options in two recipes made with fresh fruits and vegetables as digestible sources of carbohydrate, fiber, and essential nutrients. This food is packed with protein, limited in carbohydrates, and rich in moisture to support healthy digestion and recovery from food allergy symptoms. Plus, you can work with the company to customize your cats food according to his unique needs and preferences.
- Pros: Fresh food delivered monthly, high in protein, low in carbohydrates, grain-free, rich in moisture and fiber for digestion, pre-portioned for your cats needs, customizable diet
- Cons: Only two recipes , expensive to feed as a staple diet
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About Dr Pete Wedderburn Dvm
Dr Pete Wedderburn qualified as a vet from Edinburgh in 1985 and has run his own 4-veterinarian companion animal practice in County Wicklow, Ireland, since 1991. Pete is well known as a media veterinarian with regular national tv, radio and newspaper slots, including a weekly column in the Daily Telegraph since 2007. Pete is known as “Pete the Vet” on his busy Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages, regularly posting information on topical subjects and real-life cases from his clinic. He also write a regular blog at www.petethevet.com. His latest book: Pet Subjects, was published by Aurum Press in 2017.
Blue Buffalo Basics Lid Grain
Our Top Pick for the Best Grain-Free Cat Food for Allergies: When it comes to the best dry cat food for allergies, Blue Buffalo offers a variety of different options in their Basics line of limited ingredient diets. This Blue Buffalo Basics LID Grain-Free Duck & Potato Recipe Dry Food is a great choice for your cat because not only is it made with a limited number of ingredients, but it features a novel source of protein and carbohydrate. Fresh duck is the first ingredient followed by duck meal and there are no chicken ingredients in this recipe. Grain-free carbohydrates like peas, tapioca, and potato provide carbohydrate energy and fiber while fresh berries and herbs provide natural sources for key nutrients. This recipe is rich in fiber for healthy digestion and contains dried fermentation products for probiotic support. Youll also be glad to know that it contains Blue Buffalos LifeSource Bits which contain a proprietary blend of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants to ensure complete and balanced nutrition for all cats.
- Pros: Single-source protein, novel protein and carbohydrate, grain-free carbohydrates, rich in fiber, supplemented with LifeSource Bits, dried fermentation products for probiotics, fresh berries
- Cons: Could be higher in protein content , contains plant protein
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