6 Best Food for Cats With Allergies 2024: Top Picks

Cat food delivery ensures health and convenience. However, choosing the right 1 becomes a challenge, especially for cats with allergies. I did extensive research to identify the best options.

My selections adhere to AAFCO standards and use high-quality ingredients. I studied these services and the foods thoroughly to ensure they meet your cat's nutritional needs.

I recommend Smalls for its fresh, grain-free food made in the USA. It undergoes rigorous testing before shipping. Plus, all ingredients are clearly listed, ensuring transparency and trust in what you feed your allergic cat.

The Best Food for Cats With Allergies Reviewed

1. Smalls – Best Overall Food for Cats With Allergies

Smalls stands out as the best overall food choice for cats with allergies, offering a range of high-quality, sensitively formulated meals. Its focus on fresh, human-grade ingredients caters specifically to the dietary needs of cats with sensitivities.

What’s on Offer?

It offers fresh, human-grade cat food in 5 different recipes: Fish (white fish), Bird (chicken), Other Bird (turkey), Pig (pork), and Bird & Fish (chicken and salmon). These options provide a variety of choices for cats with different taste preferences and dietary needs, especially those with allergies.

Smalls’ Bird and Other Bird recipes from Smalls are available Smooth, Ground, or Pulled textures, catering to a variety of preferences in multiple textures. The other recipes are only available in the pâté-like Smooth texture. This variety is helpful for cats with allergies who might be particular about food texture.

All recipes are gently cooked and then frozen to preserve nutrients. They are high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and have a high moisture content, making them ideal for cats with allergies. You can check the full ingredient and nutritional profiles for every recipe on Smalls, ensuring transparency for cats with sensitivities.

What Makes It Special?

Smalls' recipes are made with USDA-certified ingredients and designed by animal nutritionists. This attention to quality and nutritional balance is particularly beneficial for cats with allergies, as it ensures they receive the nutrients they need without triggering allergic reactions.

I recommend consulting with your vet before feeding your cat Smalls, especially if they have specific health concerns. This precaution is vital for cats with allergies to ensure the food is suitable for their unique needs.

The customer service at Smalls is friendly and helpful, providing assistance with any questions about your cat's allergies. You can also learn from our reviewer’s experience with Smalls about how to sign up and place an order with Smalls.

Is It Good Value?

Prices for Smalls start at <$2 per meal with free delivery for your first sample order and a $10 fee for subsequent deliveries. This pricing structure makes it a cost-effective option for high-quality cat food.

When you sign up for a meal plan with Smalls, you also receive free cat treats for life. This bonus adds value to your subscription, especially for cats with allergies who might need specialized treats.

Your Cat Concierge will check in with you to ensure your cat is happy and to make any necessary adjustments to your plan. This personalized service ensures that your cat with allergies receives the best possible care and nutrition.

2. The Honest Kitchen – Best Human-Grade Ingredients in Cat Allergy Food 

The Honest Kitchen stands out for its human-grade ingredients, making it an excellent choice for cats with allergies. Its commitment to quality and safety in food production sets a high standard in the industry, providing peace of mind for cat owners.

What’s on Offer?

It offers wholefoods in its recipes, all free from GMOs, ensuring a natural diet for your cat. With options like wet, dry, and dehydrated meals, finding the right fit for your cat's needs and preferences is easy. This variety is especially beneficial for cats with allergies, as it allows for a careful selection of ingredients.

None of its recipes include corn, wheat, or soy, common cat allergens. Additionally, you can filter recipes for other allergens, including grains, gluten, eggs, and lentils. This feature is particularly useful if your cat has specific dietary restrictions due to allergies.

It also provides toppers, treats, and supplements besides the main meals. With proteins like chicken, turkey, and fish, and numerous filters for life stage, nutrients, and proteins, you can easily tailor your cat's diet to their specific needs, especially if they have allergies. Our full review has all the details about food types and nutrition.

What Makes It Special?

I appreciate it has 100% human-grade dry food, is grain-free, and is available in 3 flavors. This variety ensures that even cats with allergies have delicious and safe options. Each product comes with a handy feeding guide, helping you serve the correct amount for your cat's health and well-being.

If you're looking for a more personalized plan tailored to your cat, Smalls is a great alternative. Customer reviews on The Honest Kitchen's site often mention positive changes in allergic cats after switching to its food, which is encouraging for cat owners dealing with similar issues.

Is It Good Value?

Ordering larger-sized bags is convenient and easy to store, especially with the dry or dehydrated options. This practicality is a plus for owners of cats with allergies, who might need to stock up on specialized food. The rewards program is another benefit, allowing you to earn points for purchases and other activities.

Prices start at $5.99 for dry food and shipping is free on orders over $49. This pricing, combined with the convenience and quality of the food, makes it a valuable choice for owners of cats with allergies.

3. Raised Right – Best Minimal Ingredient Diet for Allergic Cats

Raised Right offers a minimal ingredient diet, ideal for cats with allergies. Its focus on simple, high-quality ingredients provides a safe and nutritious option for cats prone to food sensitivities.

What’s on Offer?

It features chicken and turkey recipes, perfect for adult and senior cats with allergies. The absence of rice, corn, or wheat in these recipes makes them a safe choice for cats with common food sensitivities. However, for kittens or younger cats, you might consider Smalls, which caters to their specific nutritional needs.

All recipes are lightly cooked and human-grade, ensuring the highest quality for your cat. This careful preparation is especially important for cats with allergies, as it minimizes the risk of irritants. Additionally, the Meat Bites and Shake A Flakes offer a single-ingredient beef topper, adding variety to your cat's meals without compromising their health.

If you have a cat with allergies, Raised Right's limited ingredient approach is beneficial. Adult and senior cats, in particular, will find these recipes suitable. However, for kittens with allergies, you might need to look for specialized kitten formulas elsewhere.

What Makes It Special?

Raised Right offsets its carbon emissions, showcasing its commitment to environmental sustainability. You can also trace the ingredients used in the recipes, as detailed in our full review, ensuring transparency and trust in what you feed your cat.

You can order an a la carte full box from Raised Right, containing 16 bags of food, or opt for a sample pack. These foods, ideal for cats with allergies, stay fresh for 6 days once defrosted. The convenience of storing them in the freezer adds to their appeal.

Setting up a plan with Raised Right is easy, and you can pause it online at any time. For changes to your cat's details, especially if they have allergies, its customer service is readily available. This flexibility is a significant advantage for managing your cat's dietary needs.

Is It Good Value?

Prices for Raised Right start at $9.99/bag with free shipping for a full box or a $9.99 fee for a sample order. This pricing structure is considerate for cat owners looking for high-quality food for cats with allergies, offering both affordability and convenience.

I appreciate the option to choose a 100%, 50%, or 25% feeding plan, which allows you to adjust the service to fit your budget. When setting up a plan, the feeding calculator helps you determine the right amount and frequency of shipments for your cat. This is very important for those with allergies.

4. Open Farm – Best Ethically Sourced Cat Allergy Food

Open Farm excels in providing ethically sourced food for cats with allergies. Its commitment to environmental and animal welfare standards makes it a standout choice for conscientious cat owners.

What’s on Offer?

It offers a variety of cat food types, including dry, wet, bone broth, and dried raw options. This range ensures that you can find the right food for your cat with allergies, catering to different preferences and dietary needs.

The range of proteins in Open Farm's food includes chicken, lamb, salmon, and turkey. This variety is beneficial for cats with allergies, as it allows for easy rotation or avoidance of specific allergens. Each recipe is carefully formulated by food scientists and nutrition specialists, ensuring that the food is safe to eat and has the required nutrients for your cat.

One unique aspect of Open Farm is its Catch-of-the-Season Whitefish recipe. This option varies depending on ocean fish availability, reflecting the brand's commitment to sustainability. However, for cats with allergies, it's important to check the specific fish used in each batch.

What Makes It Special?

As noted in our expert review, all ingredients in Open Farm's products are traceable, similar to Raised Right. This transparency is crucial for owners of cats with allergies, as it allows for informed choices about their cat's diet.

All proteins used in its recipes are raised humanely, emphasizing Open Farm's ethical sourcing. For cats with allergies, the humane treatment of protein sources can often mean higher quality and fewer allergens. It also has a recycling program with Terracycle to reduce packaging waste, aligning with sustainable practices.

Open Farm offers a quiz to recommend suitable products for your cat, though you have the option to choose your own. This flexibility is helpful when selecting the right food for a cat with allergies, allowing for personalized choices based on specific sensitivities.

Is It Good Value?

Open Farm offers a full refund within 15 days of your first order, which is reassuring if you're trying it for the first time for a cat with allergies. This policy shows confidence in the quality of the products and respect for the customer's satisfaction.

Autoship is available for convenience, streamlining the process of regularly purchasing cat food for allergies. Prices start at $7/day with free shipping on orders over $50 or a $5.99 shipping fee.

5. JustFoodForCats – Best Tailored Nutrition for Cat Allergies

JustFoodForCats specializes in providing cat food with tailored nutritional profiles, making it an ideal choice for cats with allergies. Its focus on individual dietary needs ensures that cats with sensitivities receive the right balance of nutrients.

What’s on Offer?

Its Fish and Chicken recipe is specifically designed for cats with allergies. The limited ingredients and lack of preservatives make it a safe choice. With 42 calories per ounce, it's both gluten- and grain-free, catering to cats with allergies and sensitive gastrointestinal tracts.

JustFoodForCats also offers Salmon Bark treats and other single-ingredient treats suitable for cats with allergies. These treats complement the main meals by providing additional, safe snack options. However, its menu is somewhat limited; for more variety and kitten-specific options, I suggest considering Smalls.

For cats with unique dietary needs, it offers the option of a custom diet. This diet is created after a consultation with your vet, ensuring it meets the specific requirements of your cat with allergies. This personalized approach is particularly beneficial for cats with complex dietary needs.

What Makes It Special?

JustFoodForCats provides human-grade cat food options. As highlighted in our detailed review, these foods are crafted in kitchens open to the public, ensuring transparency and quality. This aspect is crucial for cats with allergies, as it guarantees the safety and purity of their food.

The food is lightly cooked to maintain nutrition and then frozen for delivery. This process preserves the natural nutrients essential for cats, especially those with allergies. Recipes are created with specialists to ensure they’re healthy and meet AAFCO standards for the maintenance of adult cats.

You can order the food in small or medium boxes, and the recipes should be used within 3 days of opening. This freshness is vital for maintaining the quality of the food, especially for cats with allergies, ensuring they always have access to fresh, safe meals.

Is It Good Value?

Prices for JustFoodForCats start at $6.45, and shipping is free for orders over $99. This pricing makes it an accessible option for those seeking specialized food for cats with allergies, offering both quality and convenience.

The option to sign up for autoship comes with perks like free shipping. Additionally, you get 40% off the first autoship order and 5% off recurring orders. These discounts make it a cost-effective choice for long-term feeding plans, especially for cats with allergies who require consistent, high-quality diets.

6. Chewy – Wide Selection of Brands for Cats With Allergies

Chewy provides a broad selection of brands and products specifically for cats with allergies. Its extensive range caters to various allergy-related needs, making it a go-to destination for cat owners seeking specialized options.

What’s on Offer?

You can find hundreds of items for cats with allergies on Chewy. This includes foods designed for sensitive stomachs and itchy skin, along with grain-free options. Its extensive selection ensures that you can find the right food to manage your cat's allergies effectively.

Additionally, Chewy offers supplements and medications targeting key allergies. This holistic approach is beneficial for comprehensive allergy management in cats. With a good range of protein options, including fish, chicken, and lamb, you can choose the best fit for your cat's specific needs.

Brands available on Chewy include well-known names like Hill’s Science Diet, Purina, and JustFoodForCats. This variety allows you to select from trusted brands, ensuring high-quality food for your cat with allergies.

What Makes It Special?

Chewy's intuitive filters, as highlighted in our expert review, include life stage, food texture, flavor, and specific health features. This detailed categorization allows you to easily navigate and find the most suitable food for your cat with allergies.

Orders on Chewy aren’t personalized, but the flexibility to choose items yourself is a significant advantage. You can also order a wide range of cat-related items, including toys and accessories, making it a one-stop shop for all your cat's needs.

For cats with allergies, Chewy also offers a good selection of pharmacy items. This convenience is particularly useful if your cat needs specific medication, as you can order both food and medication from the same platform.

Is It Good Value?

Prices on Chewy start at <$2 per meal, and there’s no minimum order requirement. You can sign up for autoship to receive an initial discount on your first order and 5% off future orders, making it a cost-effective choice for regular purchases.

Shipping for one-time orders is $4.95 or free on orders over $49. This pricing structure is convenient and budget-friendly, especially if you're buying multiple items for your cat with allergies. Chewy’s ability to provide a range of items for your cats and other pets enhances its overall value.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Food for Cats With Allergies

Finding the best food for a cat with allergies can be a complex task. To assist you, I've gathered tips that focus on key aspects to consider.

• Consider your cat’s needs: Age, medical conditions, and dietary restrictions are crucial factors. For instance, Smalls offers specially formulated meals for kittens, adults, and senior cats, addressing different life stages and health requirements. Tailoring the diet to your cat's specific needs can significantly improve their allergy management and overall health.

• Consider the food type: It's important to evaluate the nutrients and food types, such as raw, dry, fresh, or slow-cooked. Additives and fillers should be minimal. The Honest Kitchen, for example, offers human-grade, minimally processed options, providing a variety of choices to suit your cat's needs while ensuring they get the necessary nutrition without aggravating allergies.

• Consider ingredient quality: Opt for high-quality ingredients and limited-ingredient recipes. Raised Right emphasizes USDA-certified ingredients, which can be beneficial for cats with allergies due to the reduced likelihood of containing allergens. High-quality ingredients often translate to better digestibility and fewer allergic reactions.

• Consult with your vet: Always talk to your vet when transitioning foods, especially if your cat has digestive issues or if you're considering a raw food diet. Every provider on the list offers options that may be suitable, but a veterinarian can provide personalized advice based on your cat's specific health profile and allergies.

FAQ

What’s the best cat food for a cat with allergies?

The best cat food for a cat with allergies depends on the specific allergens. Services like Smalls offer customized meal plans tailored to your cat's needs. When choosing food for a cat with allergies, it's important to consider their unique sensitivities and preferences. High-quality, limited-ingredient diets are often recommended to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

What’s the best novel protein cat food?

The best novel protein cat food typically includes ingredients like rabbit, duck, or venison. These proteins are less common in cat food, making them ideal for cats with allergies to more typical proteins like chicken or beef. Many services on this list offer novel protein options, which can be particularly beneficial for cats with food sensitivities or allergies.

What ingredient in cat food causes allergies?

Common allergens in cat food include beef, dairy, and seafood. Grains like wheat and corn can also cause allergies in some cats. Each cat is unique, so allergens can vary. It's essential to identify the specific allergens affecting your cat and choose a diet that avoids these ingredients.

What’s the best dry cat food for cats with itchy skin?

The best dry cat food for cats with itchy skin often contains omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients help improve skin health and reduce irritation. Look for dry cat foods that list fish oil or flaxseed oil as ingredients. Some brands offer dry food formulas specifically designed to support skin health in cats with allergies.

Best Food for Cats With Allergies in 2024 — Final Score