Cat Food Allergy: What You Need to Know and How to Treat It at Home

In my veterinary practice, one of the most common signs I noticed in cats with food allergies was the presence of skin lesions, especially around their face. A typical example includes scratching at the base of the ear or having a swollen chin, also known as Feline Acne. My own cat, Cassian, exhibited both of these symptoms, and it turns out I was feeding him the #1 cat food allergen: Tuna.

The #1 Food Allergen in Cats: Fish (Tuna)

Since discovering this, I have stopped feeding him Tuna immediately. If you’re concerned that your cat may have a food allergy, here’s a more detailed guide to help you assess the situation and a treatment plan I’m currently using with Cassian at home.

How to Rule Out a Cat Food Allergy

Up to 15% of allergic cats may have food allergies. You should be especially suspicious of food allergies if your cat is also showing intestinal symptoms along with the common skin lesions like itching, scratching, or hair loss. In cases where cats have facial itching, vomiting, or diarrhea, over 40% of these cases may be related to a food allergy.

Signs of Food Allergies in Cats

The following signs may indicate that your cat has a food allergy:

• Over-grooming (excessive grooming, especially on the face or neck)
• Swollen chin (Feline Acne)
• Hot spots (eczema on the skin)
• Hair loss
• Gastrointestinal issues such as soft stool, diarrhea, vomiting, or gas
• Increased frequency of bowel movements
• Watery eyes or other eye discharge
• Redness of the eyes
• Sneezing or reverse sneezing
• Swelling of eyes or face

While many of these signs can also be caused by other common allergies (like environmental allergies or flea bites), food allergies should also be considered, especially when multiple symptoms are present at the same time.

Common Food Allergens in Cats

The most common food allergens in cats are proteins. These include:

• Fish
• Dairy
• Beef
• Chicken

Other, less common food allergens include:

• Wheat
• Corn
• Lamb
• Egg
• Barley
• Rabbit

Virtually any food ingredient can cause an allergy in cats, but proteins are by far the most common culprits. Other substances and additives in pet foods may also be responsible.

What You Can Do: Diets for Food Allergies

There are no truly “hypoallergenic" diets, but we do have some options that are very close. The best option is typically a hydrolyzed protein diet. In these diets, protein molecules are broken down into such small pieces that they are no longer recognizable by your cat’s immune system. Some of the veterinary hydrolyzed protein diets I recommend include:

• Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d®
• Royal Canin Hypoallergenic Hydrolyzed Protein® or Anallergenic™
• Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed®

These diets are designed to reduce allergic reactions and are available through veterinarians.

A Simple Homemade Cat Food Trial

If you’re looking for an alternative, a homemade food trial can be a simple way to rule out food allergies in your cat. Here’s a recipe for a ground turkey-based food that I’ve used with great success:

Ground Turkey Cat Recipe:

• 1 pound of ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon sunflower oil
• 500mg Omega 3 fatty acid, Krill oil
• 1/4 teaspoon taurine powder (essential for cats) or 1 – 500mg taurine tablet

Instructions:

1. Sauté the ground turkey in sunflower oil until thoroughly cooked.
2. Mix in the Krill or Fish Oil and taurine supplement once the mixture has cooled.
3. Store in the refrigerator.

Feeding Instructions: The average cat will eat about 1/3 of a cup of this recipe (well-packed) twice daily. If they’re hungry, they may eat the entire batch in one day, as this recipe makes about 1 cup. Feed this as the ONLY food for a minimum of 6 weeks, ideally for 12 weeks, to see if symptoms improve.

Dr. Jones’ Treatment Plan for Cassian

For Cassian, I’ve taken the following steps to help him heal from his food allergy:

1. Stop feeding Tuna/Fish: I switched to a single protein source (Canned Turkey) to eliminate the potential allergens.

2. Topical Treatment for Itchy Skin: I’m using Dr. Jones’ SKIN RELIEF Balm on Cassian’s itchy skin. It’s safe for cats, reduces inflammation, and helps heal the swollen chin (Feline Acne).

3. Essential Fatty Acids: I’ve started him on Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE OMEGA 3 Formula, giving him 500mg daily. This will help support his skin and immune system and reduce inflammation.

Heal Your Pet at Home!

Food allergies are common in cats, and addressing them early can prevent long-term discomfort. If your cat is itching and you’re feeding them fish, it’s time to stop. Consider switching to a long-term supplement like essential fatty acids to help manage allergies and promote overall health.

P.S. If you’re currently feeding your cat fish and they’re itching, stop immediately. Food allergies are common in cats, and switching to a different protein source can make a big difference. Don’t forget to add an essential fatty acid supplement to help improve your cat’s skin health.

P.P.S. Now is a great time to try our Essential Fatty Acid supplement for your cat. It’s not only helpful for allergies but also beneficial for joint support, immune support, and even recurring ear infections.

Check out Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE Omega 3 Formula for Dogs and Cats—the perfect supplement for your cat’s health!