Even though cat allergy can cause great problems, it can be ameliorated with proper diet. In cases where the allergy is a diagnosis for your furry family member, selecting the best cat food for allergies is recommended. This guide will aid understanding of how allergies in cats can be tackled from diet and where to find the best food products.
About Cat Food Allergies
Food allergies in cats take place as a consequence of ingestion of some food elements a feline is allergic to and upon which the defenses of the body are triggered off. These allergies are associated with several symptoms and depend on the immune response of the cat concerning the skin, the gut and general well being of the cat. Here the most important thing is to separate food allergies for cats and food intolerances. Food allergies involve inflammation to the immune system whereas food intolerances are generally related to just ill effects on the digestive system.
Common symptoms of food allergies include:
- Red, dry, and itchy skin or scratching: this is usually the first visible sign of a food allergy.
- Bald patches or sudden patches of hair loss: which is often as a result of constantly scratching or inflammation of the skin.
- Nausea and vomiting: which can occur when the body is trying to expel the allergens through the mouth.
- Red face, paws, or ears: this comes from allergy symptoms and infection conditions.
- Recurrent ear infections: these are as a result of allergies which are not diagnosed and treated.
Common allergens for cats are usually contained in such foods as Chicken meat, Fish, Dairy products, and Grains. Taking such actions can help contain the effects on the cat.
How to Diagnose Food Allergies in Cats
An important point in the process of diagnosing food allergy includes activating the following steps. The first step that should be taken is to see the veterinarian. Your veterinarian will do tests and establish whether it is food allergies that are causing symptoms in your cat.
Another useful tool for identifying allergens is an elimination diet. This means that the diet you will give your cat does not include any common allergens. Usually, eliminating the exposure to allergens last 8-12 weeks. At the end of that period, one ingredient is added back to the food for feeding to see if symptoms occurred.
It is also very important to keep track of your cat’s symptoms throughout this period. Care ought to be taken in sooth any behaviors that were once aggressive or any that seem remorseful over time. This data is going to help your veterinarian in dietary management for the ideal cat food for allergies.
Types of Cat Foods for Managing Allergies
In the case of the allergies, it is very essential to know the right type of cat food to use. Here are several types of diets designed to help:
a. Hypoallergenic Cat Food
The hypoallergenic cat food is made to decreases, or, avoid any allergic responses on the pet. Such food formulation tends to be devoid of several ingredients and avoids most of the allergens. They tend most cases to be suitable for the cats that have allergies to some ingredients in their food.
Some of the Recommended brands include:
- Hill’s Prescription Diet: Well established in treating allergies.
- Royal Canin Hypoallergenic: range of products available with many, each suited to different allergies.
b. Novel Protein Diets
Novel protein diets make use of protein sources that have become follicular are really hard to find, As in venison Or rabbit As they are not fed to the cat hence there is very low risk of allergy.
Some of the Recommended brands include;
- Blue Buffalo Basics: Use limited ingredients and varieties of proteins.
- Natural Balance L.I.D. (Limited Ingredient Diet): Has very good novel protein choices and excellent.
c. Grain Free Cat Food
Grain free cat food provides excludes typical grains such as wheat, corn and such as there are cats with allergies to them. These diets emphasize the protein ingredients and hence still appropriate for sensitive stomachs.
They include the following that are popular:
- Wellness CORE: Comprehensive high protein grain free range.
- Merrick Grain-Free: Offers an array of grain-free selections for management of allergies.
d. Hydrolyzed Protein Diets.
The aim of hydrolyzed protein diets is to prevent provoking allergic reactions by breaking down proteins into smaller molecules called peptides. These diets are often advised in case of severe allergies and are mostly prescribed by the veterinarian.
The following brands are advised:
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets: The leading brand in regards the particular protein hydrolysate prepared diets.
- Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d: Uses hydrolyzed proteins in the treatment of food allergies.
Every food category has its benefits. Joint planning with the veterinarian will enable you pick the right cat food for allergies considering the requirements of your feline.
Main Ingredients to Look for in Allergy-Friendly Cat Food
In a clear cut understanding of allergies in your feline, means and selection of the cat food for allergies come easier. A change which would rely on a focus on ingredients.
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Single Animal Protein Source
Using a single animal protein source in a cat food limits the volume of possible allergens further lowering chances of the cat developing allergies. This method in itself simplifies the diet making the identification and avoidance of allergens easy.
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No Artificial Additives
No artificial additives means no GMOs, bright colored packets, no flavor packets or preservatives. Some of these additives are allergens or increase allergic responses.
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Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are important in the preservation of the skin as well as in providing relief in painful conditions. These fatty acids are of a particular importance to the cats with allergies and suffer from related skin problems.
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Limited Ingredient Diet (LID)
Limited Ingredient Diet (LID) presents the food using a number of its ingredients to the least possible level. As a result, opportunistic allergies can be minimized, and the existing ones controlled in the cat.
How to Transition Your Cat to an Allergy – Friendly Diet
Changing your cat to a new diet should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset. Follow these steps for a smooth change:
- Days 1-3: New food should take up 25 percent and current food 75 percent.
- Days 4-6: 50 percent new food and current food for 50 percent
- Days 7-9: New food (75 percent), current food (25 percent).
- Day 10: New food 100 percent coverage.
Some of the things that you might really start improving your cat’s condition on include the diets you provide or the reaction of your cat during this change. Any change, whether improvement or worsening, requires corresponding actions such as taking the cat to a veterinarian.
Additional Tips for Managing Cat Allergies
Other than changing diets, other things might assist you in seeing that your cat is not suffering from allergic reactions:
- Regular Vet Check-Ups: Regular check-up of the cat will help so as to address the allergic symptoms that the cat experiences.
- Cross-Contamination Prevention: Make sure that exposure to the allergens found in other sources like shared bowls or surfaces does not occur.
- Allergy-Conscious Poufs and Treats: Purchase poufs, as well as treats, which share a similar allergy-friendly diet.
- Symptom Charting: Record your cat’s symptoms and any changes or introduction of foods in order to help with allergy management.
Conclusion
It is paramount to restrict your cat to the best food for allergies in order to enhance their health or offer them comfort. Nasal allergy symptoms can be minimized by understanding what feeds are suitable for your feline. Ask the assistance of your veterinarian to help you with the best options on the market suited for your cat.
