Is acne, blemishes, peeled skin, hair fall, and other skin conditions affecting your little purring friend’s natural beauty? Then perhaps it is time to change its diet as some ingredients in food can lead to serious allergic reactions in cats.
Continue reading to discover best food for cats with skin allergies.
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Skin Allergies in Cats
There are many different types of skin allergies and diseases that cats can develop. Most of these skin allergies are visible to the naked eye. All you have to do is look at you cat’s skin and fur, once you notice them scratching or licking their body more than the usual.
Skin allergies in cats can cause them great discomfort and in case if it is a bacterial, parasitic or fungal infection, it can be a very unpleasant sight.
Some of the most common types of skin problems in cats are:
- Feline acne (usually appear on the chin)
- Bacterial infections
- Yeast infections (usually behind the ears)
- Ringworms
- Sporotrichosis (this fungus can spread from cats to humans)
- Allergic dermatitis
- Hair loss
- Fleas
- Ear mites
- Lice
- Stud tail
- Eosinophilic Granuloma
- Skin tumor
- Dry skin
However, in this blog post, we will narrow down our focus to discuss allergic dermatitis and best food for cats with skin allergies to understand what kind of allergens in food can cause skin allergies in cats and how we can avoid them.
Causes of Skin Allergies in Cats
Skin allergies in cats can be multifactorial.
Cats can have serious allergic reactions to grooming products like soaps, shampoos, conditioners, or other allergens like certain ingredients in food, medicines and environment.
Some common allergens in food that can cause skin allergies in cats are artificial flavors, additives like; soy, gluten and preservatives, animal protein and dairy products.
Poor hygiene can also result in skin allergies that develop due to flea and tick bites, or bacterial and parasitic growth.
Like humans, cats’ skins are sensitive to internal and external changes. Anything, that is causing an imbalance in the cat’s body, or changes in its external environment like temperature, weather, pollen season or unhygienic surroundings will lead to skin allergies in cats.
Therefore, we suggest that if you notice your kitten or cat scratching its head, ears or licking its body constantly, then perhaps it’s time to get them checked for possible skin allergies and diseases.
Dietary Needs of Cats with Skin Allergies
Most cats are allergic to meat products like (chicken, beef, fish) and dairy products. While, animal-based protein and milk are essential components of a cat’s diet, as their parent, you must take note of what specific ingredients in your cat’s meal causes an allergic reaction. You can do this by trial and error method, substituting one thing at a time.
Another way to help relieve your cat’s discomfort is by adding anti-allergic ingredients and supplements in its food.
Cats that suffer from a skin allergy need a few essential components in their diet to help restore their body’s natural balance and nourish their skin and coat.
Some of these essential components are:
- Protein and amino acids
- Clean water
- Omega 3-6 fatty acids
- Antioxidants
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Digestive enzymes
- Fiber (beet pulp)
The 4 Best Foods for Cats with Skin Allergies
It is recommended that while shopping for best food for cats with skin allergies, you should carefully check the labels on cat food and go through the list of ingredients. Most commercial cat foods that are labeled ‘grain free’ or ‘limited ingredient’ are good for cats that have food allergies.
So, without further ado, here is our list of 2020’s best food for cats with skin allergies:
1. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient, Grain Free Natural Adult Pate Wet Cat Food
This delicious grain-free, limited ingredient, wet cat food is perfect for cats with food sensitivities. Made from premium quality animal protein, Blue Buffalo Basics contains a single source of animal meat (either, duck, fish or turkey) to ensure that you can purchase a personalized meal for your cats every single time.
Rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids extracted from real fish oil, this blend is ideal for your cat’s skin and coat health.
Blue Buffalo Basic Limited Ingredient is especially prepared while keeping in mind your cat’s food allergies. The cat food is free from chicken, beef, soy, corn, dairy, eggs, wheat, artificial flavors and preservatives.
Made with world’s finest ingredients and containing all the essential nutrients, Blue Buffalo Basics is the most sought-after, best food for cats with skin allergies.
2. Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Cat Food, Grain Free
Natural Balance LID, Limited Ingredient Cat food is made from duck meat and is the best option if your cat is allergic to chicken or beef. Duck is a rich source of protein that helps maintain strong muscles and has all the essential amino acids that your cat needs for the healthy growth of its skin and coat.
This, specially designed and clinically tested, grain free cat food ensures healthy digestion and provides your cat with the balanced meal it needs for its rapid physical and metal growth.
3. Hill’s Prescription Diet Hypoallergenic Feline Treats
Hill’s Prescription Diet Hypoallergenic Cat Treats are specially designed for cats with food sensitivities and skin problems.
Approved and recommended by nutritionists and veterinarians, this cat food is made with natural ingredients and contains antioxidants to help support healthy skin and fur growth. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids give your cat’s coat the shine it needs to stop everyone in their tracks and admire your furball.
These delicious treats are made in USA to ensure that your cat continues to enjoy an allergy free life.
4. Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Dry Cat Food
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Cat Food recipes are specially formulated to give your cat with food sensitives a rich dining experience. All the ingredients are carefully picked and tested to ensure that no allergic reactions are caused upon its consumption.
Available in salmon flavour, Merric Limited Ingredient, Grain free Diet is free from animal proteins that can cause allergies in cats. Its grain, gluten, additives and preservatives-free formula is perfect for your cat’s sensitive digestive system and skin conditions.
This rich blend contains omega fatty acids for your cat’s healthy skin and fur.
Especially designed in USA, Merric Limited Ingredient, Grain Free Diet is the best food for cats with skin allergies.
Our Final Thoughts
We hope that you will find our list of best food for cats with skin allergies useful and be able to see your cat recover from its allergic dermatitis soon.
