Understanding Allergy diets for cats
Allergy diets are recommended for cats showing food allergies (with dermatological and/or gastrointestinal signs) and food intolerances. They are also useful for cats suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), diarrhoea and those who have been on a food elimination trial.
Feeding a nutritional, allergy specific diet is the foundation of managing food sensitivities, intolerances and digestive tract disorders. The importance of feeding only the recommended diet should be stressed to everyone who comes into contact with the cat and all treats should be avoided.
Nutritional structure
Single source animal protein, such as chicken, duck or blue whiting, are used to avoid the initial allergic sensitization and the subsequent allergic reaction. These ingredients rarely cause a reaction and are not commonly found in feline food. Single source carbohydrates such as tapioca or refined maize starch are used for the same reason.
Increased essential fatty acids help to nourish the skin and coat and the integrity of the intestinal mucosa. The diets high digestibility ensures nutrient availability for cats with compromised digestive tracts. Antioxidants also help to reduce harmful free radicals which can cause damage to skin cells.
The majority of these diets are wheat, gluten and lactose free to reduce the risk of reaction.
Available allergy diets
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Feline Sensitivity Control Wet
Formulated to assist in the investigation and management of dietary hypersensitivity and dietary intolerance, it is also suitable for the management of some types of diarrhoea and has been clinically proven to be effective in the dietary management of idiopathic chronic colitis, atopic dermatitis and acute gastroenteritis (Lactose free).
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Feline Sensitivity Control
Highly digestible, hypoallergenic diet for kittens & cats and has been formulated to assist in the investigation and management of dietary hypersensitivity and dietary intolerance. It is also suitable for the management of some types of diarrhoea and has been clinically proven to be effective in the dietary management of idiopathic chronic colitis, atopic dermatitis and acute gastroenteritis. Single source of named meat or fish protein
Hills z/d is recommended for the nutritional management of cats with food allergies and intolerances that can cause serious skin and stomach problems. This condition is usually an abnormal response to a specific protein in food. Hills Prescription Diet Feline Z/D Low Allergen has an exclusive ingredient called Hill’s Hydrolyzed Protein System, a process that eliminates intact animal proteins and significantly reduces the possibility of an adverse reaction to food. For cats, most allergic reactions occur as a result of beef, dairy products and fish. Hills Prescription Diet Feline Z/D Low Allergen eliminates these
Hills Prescription Diet Feline D/D
Food allergy and intolerance is an abnormal response to food that can cause a variety of uncomfortable and even painful skin and stomach problems in your cat. This condition is typically caused by the protein in pet food.
This article is intended as a guide only. Always seek advice from your vet who will be able to advice the best type of food for your dog’s nutritional needs.