What is hypoallergenic pet food?
Hypoallergenic cat food contains very few ingredients, which helps with elimination diets and avoiding certain foods.
There is usually just one source of meat protein in there, with oils and vitamins also derived from this source. Many other foods will mix meat proteins so that your pet has a balanced diet, but hypoallergenic food is more limited.
How do I find the best hypoallergenic food for my cat?
What is it that your cat is allergic or intolerant to? If you have worked this out through an elimination diet, basically avoid everything with this in.
So, if it is beef, opt for chicken, turkey or fish-based foods. Many people confuse hypoallergenic with needing to pick something which is grain-free, which isn’t always the case, but it can still be a cause of stomach upset or intolerance so don’t just think the meat is the culprit.
Which brands should I look for?
Royal Canin, Purina and Hills are the best ones to look for. These foods are backed by vets and scientists, so everything that goes into them is perfect for your cat, and you can guarantee that they are catered to your cat and their allergies.
Wainwrights and Applaws are two other brands who are good to look for. Their foods won’t always be explicitly hypoallergenic and will contain quite a few ingredients, but they will all be natural, and usually stick to just one protein source.
Which ingredients is my cat likely to be allergic to?
It can sometimes be the food that they eat every single day. No two cats are the same, either.
Beef, pork, fish, soya, dairy, wheat and eggs are some of the most common allergens for cats, but grains and other meats are also possible.
This will include not just the meat as the main protein source, but also any oils or other vitamins.