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Best Hypoallergenic Cat Foods for Allergies 2025
Written by Wag! Staff
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 02/23/2024, edited: 01/21/2025
The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.
Food allergies can have a massive impact on your cat’s quality of life. From itchy and inflamed skin to gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, food allergies can turn even the happiest of kitties into a miserable mess.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way. There are several hypoallergenic cat foods on the market that are specifically designed for cats with sensitivities to certain ingredients. And while some of them are only available with a prescription, there are also plenty of over-the-counter limited-ingredient formulas that reduce the risk of your pet suffering any unpleasant food reactions. These recipes feature minimal ingredients and novel animal protein sources, but they still provide all the nutritional goodness your kitty needs for optimal health.
If you’re searching for the best cat food for allergies, check out these 5 “pawsome” options!
Overview
- Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Grain-Free Duck and Potato Recipe
- Nulo MedalSeries High Protein Kibble Limited Ingredient Diet Chicken Recipe
- Stella & Chewy’s Absolutely Rabbit Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Morsels
- Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe
- Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Duck and Green Pea Recipe
- FAQ
Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Grain-Free Duck and Potato Recipe
5
Vet recommended
If your cat’s food allergies are driving them crazy, there are lots of good reasons why you should check out Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Recipe.
This chicken-free recipe features duck as its only animal protein source, and it features easy-to-digest carbs to look after your pet’s GI tract. It’s also a good source of omega fatty acids to help maintain skin and coat health.
This chicken-free recipe features duck as its only animal protein source, and it features easy-to-digest carbs to look after your pet’s GI tract. It’s also a good source of omega fatty acids to help maintain skin and coat health.
Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, pet nutrition expert and one of Wag!’s veterinary consultants, recommends Blue Buffalo cat food to her clients. “Blue Buffalo provides wet and dry recipes tailored to various life stages, including high-protein and grain-free choices,” she says.
“Catering to special dietary needs, they offer limited ingredient varieties such as Blue Basics without common allergens such as chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy and eggs. With real meat, omega fatty acids and plenty of antioxidants, Blue Buffalo recipes are a good option for felines with delicate digestive tracts. Be mindful of the higher carbohydrate and low moisture content with some formulas if your cat has specific medical conditions.”
This recipe is available in 5lb and 11lb bags, so keep an eye out for it wherever you buy your cat food.
Blue Buffalo Cat Food
Why Wag! loves it
- Single animal protein source.
- Contains fish oil to support skin and coat health.
- No corn, wheat, or soy.
Considerations & concerns
- There are cheaper foods available.
- Some cats might prefer larger-sized kibble.
- Some pet parents complain that this food caused smelly poop for their cat.
What pet parents say about Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Grain-Free Duck and Potato Recipe
“My cat had diarrhea everyday for almost year and a half. I give him vitamin B-12 injection weekly, probiotics and fiber everyday, but it wasn't improving his stool. We also tried 3 different prescription foods which took 12 weeks each until we saw no change in his stool. Anti-diarrhea medicine only worked temporarily, and I was tired of cleaning the floor and his paws. Then about 2 months ago, I came across this one (with much less ingredients on the list compared to those prescription food). It's been a few weeks since he's eating this dry food exclusively, and a few days ago, I noticed his stool was not a puddle anymore, and his stomach is not making the constant grumbling sound. I am so thankful that we found a diet that works for him. I know it really depends on individual cats, but here's my review, and I just want to encourage those [people] that are going through this to keep trying!”
“Cats love it! Less vomiting and poop doesn’t smell as bad. My kitty with skin allergies has definitely improved on this food too!”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Blue Buffalo Company Ltd.
Nulo MedalSeries High Protein Kibble Limited Ingredient Diet Chicken Recipe
5
Vet recommended
This Nulo MedalSeries recipe has been specially crafted to keep its ingredient list nice and short. Chicken is its sole animal protein source, and it uses organ meats like chicken hearts and livers to provide essential nutrients for your pet.
Dr. Georgia Jeremiah also recommends Nulo cat food to her clients. “Nulo is known for its high-quality, animal-based protein recipes and offers low-carb, grain-free options that are free from artificial additives and fillers,” she says. “Rich in essential amino acids, it supports lean muscle development and is specially formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of cats.”
Nulo Cat Food
What pet parents say about Nulo MedalSeries High Protein Kibble Limited Ingredient Diet Chicken Recipe
“I knew this would be a winner from the moment I took it out of the box. My kitten, Simba, almost ripped the package out of my hands. I made the mistake of spoiling him and now he is very picky. He is also allergic to whitefish, which this doesn't have. I love how the ingredients are healthy and there are no bs additives. I feel confident giving him this knowing his coat will be shiny and his stomach will be full of nutrient-rich ingredients. There was no issue switching him over to this brand. I will definitely be buying again or I will be hearing from Simba The Boss at all hours.”
“Chino was really struggling with the chunky bits of other foods I tried. He just was not thriving. Thinking it was his age, I was skeptical a new food would work but it DID! He's regular, low odor, more playful energy even for a cat 16 years old. He's happy and so are we! Glad I tried your products!”
Read more reviews on Petco.
Image sourced from the Nulo website. Copyright Nulo.
Stella & Chewy’s Absolutely Rabbit Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Morsels
5
Best vet recommended raw cat food
Paws up if your cat is allergic to rabbit. We didn’t think so, which is just one of the reasons why these Stella & Chewy’s dinner morsels could be a good choice for your fur-baby. It’s made from 98% rabbit and is free of any peas, lentils, or potatoes.
Dr. Georgia Jeremiah notes, “Stella and Chewy's cat food offers raw and freeze-dried options with high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients that are minimally processed for nutrient retention. It provides a variety of protein sources, is free from artificial additives and grains, and is a trusted choice for raw and natural pet diets,” she says.
Stella & Chewy’s Absolutely Rabbit Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Morsels provide a complete and balanced meal for your pet, so check them out if you’re searching for the best cat food for allergies.
Stella & Chewy's Cat Food
Why Wag! loves it
- Farm-raised rabbit.
- Taurine for healthy heart and eyes.
- Probiotics to aid digestion.
Considerations & concerns
- Expensive.
- Some complaints about inconsistent texture of food.
- You need to rehydrate this food before giving it to your cat.
What pet parents say about Stella & Chewy’s Absolutely Rabbit Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Morsels
“I ordered Stella and Chewy’s Absolutely Rabbit to get a high quality food for a chronically ill cat. I had my veterinarian verify the ingredients and she found it be a very good nutritional choice for my cat. It comes in dehydrated form. I rehydrate it for a few minutes before feeding. My cat really likes it. I did introduce it slowly by mixing it in with his current canned food. I especially find it convenient as I can prepare only what my cat will eat and there is no waste. My cat feels better and has more energy and I feel this food has improved his quality of life. I have offered it to my other cats and most of them also like it.”
“These dinner morsels are wonderful. I have two cats with food allergies and rabbit is now the meat of choice. My cats enjoy them shredded as treats. So happy I found them!!!”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Stella & Chewy's.
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe
4.5
Vet recommended
If your cat prefers the texture of wet food, this Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe from Merrick will have them purring at every meal. This pate is designed to suit cats with food allergies and sensitive stomachs, featuring deboned chicken as its first ingredient. It’s also free of grains and potatoes, and it doesn’t contain artificial flavors or preservatives that could irritate your pet.
Best of all, Dr. Georgia Jeremiah recommends Merrick. “Merrick offers high-protein diets with meat as the primary ingredient,” she says. “Recipes are free from corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives and rich in omega fatty acids and include probiotics for overall feline well-being.”
So why not add this Merrick recipe to your kitty’s dinner bowl and let them be the judge?
Merrick Cat Food
Why Wag! loves it
- Made in the USA.
- Good source of antioxidants for a strong immune system.
- Added taurine for heart health and other benefits.
Considerations & concerns
- Some pets may need an alternative protein source to chicken.
- Some complaints about a changed formula.
- Not a hit with some picky eaters.
What pet parents say about Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe
“My cat has pancreatitis, stage 1 kidney disease, and is post-diabetic. Needless to say, his diet is a challenge. Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Chicken Pate Recipe is one of the few kinds he likes (and doesn't throw up).”
“My cat ended up having an aversion to the prescribed food he was on and we went through several different brands of wet food, many of which upset his stomach. We wanted a low protein wet food as well and found this! My cat loves it, good ingredients, low protein, only 1% more than the prescribed food which is easier on my 17y/o kitty's kidneys. So grateful to find this after a long struggle and my cat is gaining weight. Highly recommended!”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from the Chewy website. Copyright Merrick Pet Care.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Duck and Green Pea Recipe
4
Vet recommended
This Duck and Green Pea Recipe from Natural Balance is packed with all the goodness your pet needs to stay happy and healthy. It features duck as its only animal protein source, green peas and lentils to provide fiber for healthy digestion, and is crafted with minimal ingredients .
Dr. Georgia Jeremiah says, “Natural Balance cat food offers high-protein, grain-free diets that are free from artificial additives. They also provide limited ingredient diets with single protein sources for cats with known dietary allergies."
However, she does offer a word of caution. "In addition to a higher price tag, some formulations contain carrageenan thickeners and guar gum, which may contribute to digestive conditions such as IBD.”
Check out Natural Balance's range of limited ingredient formulas to find the right hypoallergenic cat food for your fur-baby.
Natural Balance Cat Food
Why Wag! loves it
- Good source of omega fatty acids.
- Limited-ingredient formula.
- No wheat, soy, or grain.
Considerations & concerns
- Not cheap.
- Some complaints about this food causing smelly poops.
- Not popular with some picky eaters.
What pet parents say about Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Duck and Green Pea Recipe
"This is the best dry food for cats. The cats love this flavor and I love the limited ingredients that are gentle on their bellies."
"After a search to replace their old limited ingredient food, I finally found one that does not make them vomit! They love this food and I am grateful it is out there!"
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from the Chewy website. Copyright Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc.
FAQ
How can I tell if my cat has food allergies?
What are some of the ingredients that cause cat food allergies?
Does my cat need a limited-ingredient diet?
How does Wag! determine paw ratings for cat food?