1. Acana Wild Atlantic Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Key Features
Calories: 443 kcal per cup
Crude Protein (minimum): 36%
Crude fat (minimum): 18%
Crude fiber (maximum): 4%
Moisture (maximum): 10%
First three ingredients: whole mackerel, whole herring, whole hake
When it comes to cats you can’t go wrong with a fish flavor meal to appease their appetite. Acana’s grain-free limited ingredient dry cat food comes packed with protein drawn from fresh and/or raw whole mackerel, redfish, pollock, white fish, and more. With a recipe that relies on fish, you can also guarantee that your cat will receive a healthy and beneficial amount of omega fatty acids to nourish its skin and coat.
The use of EPA, DHA, and taurine will also help to support your cat’s eye and heart health. This grain-free, gluten-free, limited ingredient cat food not only aims to aid your cat’s skin, coat, eyes, and heart but also provides enough protein and natural fiber to support their digestive health. This can be especially effective if your cat has struggled with a sensitive stomach in the past.
Pros
Made in the USA
Made with taurine, natural fiber, and protein.
Made with 75% raw and fresh fish ingredients
Suitable for all life stages
7 wild-caught fish varieties in the recipe
Cons
Not the best choice for picky eaters
Some have stated that the food has a strong smell
Contains fish which is an allergen to some cats
2. Instinct Limited Ingredient Pate Real Rabbit Canned Cat Food
Key Features
Calories: 156 kcal per can
Crude Protein (minimum): 10%
Crude fat (minimum): 3.0%
Crude fiber (maximum): 1.5%
Moisture (maximum): 76%
First three ingredients: Rabbit, water, pea protein
This specially formulated pate supplies felines with only one animal protein to ensure that your cat doesn’t suffer an allergic reaction. Beef, chicken, and fish can commonly upset sensitive stomachs, so this real rabbit and pea recipe is easily digestible and makes sure to supply enough protein without provoking unnecessary skin or stomach problems.
This limited ingredient canned food is balanced with a healthy source of vitamins and minerals to support their overall health and can even be used as a meal topper. All ingredients are sourced globally for optimal pet nutrition and made in the USA.
Pros
Uses farm-raised rabbit.
No fillers
No grain, corn, chicken, beef, eggs, fish, dairy, soy, wheat, or potato.
No artificial preservatives or colors
Cons
Some have noted a change in recipe negatively impacting quality which pets have not liked.
Not a great choice for picky cats
Contains salt which has been known to irritate sensitive stomachs
High in calories compared to some canned cat foods
4. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Wet Cat Food
Key Features
Calories: 109 kcal per can
Crude Protein (minimum): 9.0%
Crude fat (minimum): 7.0%
Crude fiber (maximum): 1.5%
Moisture (maximum):78%
First three ingredients: Turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver
Blue Buffalo combines potato and pumpkin together to provide cats with a great source of nutrients. Together these features will help to aid digestion gently and will not be compromised by harsh ingredients. Blue Buffalo basics leave out corn, dairy, wheat, soy, and eggs and feature turkey as its primary protein source to provide essential energy and nutrients.
With the help of fish oil, your cat will also get a healthy supply of omega fatty acids to promote healthy skin and fur. This works in conjunction with other vitamins and minerals to support all aspects of your cat’s health including taurine, vitamin E supplement, as well as vitamins B1, C, B6, and B12.
Pros
No artificial flavors or preservatives
No chicken/poultry by-product meals
Suitable for kittens
Cons
Contains fish oil, potato, and guar gum which some cats can be allergic to
Contains salt which can act as an irritant
One flavor available
5. Taste Of The Wild PREY Dry Cat Food
Key Features
Calories: 418 kcal per cup
Crude Protein (minimum): 33%
Crude fat (minimum): 15%
Crude fiber (maximum): 3.0%
Moisture (maximum): 10%
First three ingredients: Turkey, lentils, sunflower oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols)
Taste of the Wild PREY dry cat food is grain-free and contains no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. Its recipe is great not only for adult cats but kittens too as it’ll provide complete and balanced nutrition needed to develop lean and healthy muscles and organs. A blend of good bacteria, fiber, and prebiotics will aid your cat’s GI tract and the probiotics will promote a healthy gut, immune system, and hormone function.
Although this cat food seems to tick every box, it’s important for cat owners to understand that this pet food is made in a facility that manufactures other foods that contain grain and other common allergens. Therefore there is the possibility of cross-contact during the manufacturing process and some batches may contain trace amounts of these ingredients.
Pros
Suitable for all life stages
No added by-products meals
No GMO ingredients
Grain-free
Cons
Contains salt which can act as an irritant
Contains fish oil
The facility that manufactures this cat food also makes foods containing harmful ingredients such as grain. Trace amounts of these ingredients may be present in the cat food.
6. I And Love And You Lovingly Simple Dry Cat Food
Key Features
Calories: 362 kcal per cup
Crude Protein (minimum): 36%
Crude fat (minimum):16%
Crude fiber (maximum): 5.5%
Moisture (maximum): 12%
First three ingredients: Salmon, menhaden fish meal, peas
For cats that cannot tolerate chicken, beef, or poultry, this dry food recipe contains salmon as its one protein source. Instead of artificial colors, preservatives, flavors, and other harmful features, this high-protein, limited ingredient cat food is formulated with helpful antioxidants to strengthen and build their immune system. This brand has carefully selected ingredients containing omega fatty acids that will keep the skin healthy and nourish its coat.
I and Love and You dry cat food is made by cat lovers and wants to provide felines with food sensitivities a great source of nutrition. This company offers customers a great taste guarantee if your feline isn’t happy- See packaging for details.
Pros
Suitable for all ages, breeds, and sizes
Prebiotics and probiotics to promote healthy digestion
Poultry-free
36% Protein
No chicken or beef
Cons
Contains fish which some cats may be sensitive to.
Includes salt which can be irritable for some felines
Uses salmon meal and menhaden fish meals
7. Natural Balance L.I.D Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Key Features
Calories: 410 kcal per cup
Crude Protein (minimum): 29.5%
Crude fat (minimum): 11.5%
Crude fiber (maximum): 5%
Moisture (maximum): 10%
First three ingredients: Green peas, duck, duck meal
Natural Balance limited ingredient cat food contains only one source of animal protein to ensure that an allergic reaction isn’t triggered by the unnecessary addition of other proteins. This high-protein, dry food alternative contains a healthy mixture of essential vitamins and minerals as well as green tea extract as a source of natural antioxidants. Green tea’s antioxidants contain anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic qualities that can have positive benefits to your cat’s digestive system.
The use of duck as the cat food’s primary protein source will help maintain lean and strong muscles as well as provide essential amino acids to nurture your cat’s skin and coat. Previous customers have rated this product well with most commenting on its high-quality protein and its ability to support cats with sensitive stomachs.
Pros
Only one protein source (duck)
Suitable for all breeds
No fillers, potatoes, corn, wheat, soy, and is grain-free
Available in other flavors and sizes
Cons
Contains salt which can be an irritant as well as fish oil, flaxseed.
Some have noted a change in recipe negatively impacting quality which pets have not liked.
Only suitable for adult cats
8. Halo Natural Dry Cat Food, Sensitive Stomach Recipe
Key Features
Calories: 414kcal per cup
Crude Protein (minimum): 32%
Crude fat (minimum): 16%
Crude fiber (maximum): 5%
Moisture (maximum): 10%
First three ingredients: Whitefish, salmon, dried egg product
Halo Natural dry cat food provides felines with a recipe that is made from fresh, MSC-certified fish sourced from reliable fisheries. The presence of real whole whitefish and salmon will supply cats with a healthy amount of protein to protect digestive health as well as enough minerals and omega oils to keep skin and coats in great condition.
This limited ingredient dry cat food recipe rejects non-GMO vegetables and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives in addition to unnecessary by-product meals. The formula itself may still hold some ingredients that some cats’ stomachs may not agree with such as grains, dried egg product, and potato so it’s always worth checking the ingredients list to ensure your cat will approve of the recipe.
Pros
Wild-caught seafood from reliable sources
No animal or fish meal or by-products
Non-GMO vegetables used
No artificial flavors, preservatives, colors, or fillers
Cons
Contains egg, potato, soy, and grain derived ingredients
Some picky cats may not like the food
9. Stella And Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Morsels For Cats
Key Features
Calories: 182 kcal per cup
Crude Protein (minimum): 45%
Crude fat (minimum): 25%
Crude fiber (maximum): 5%
Moisture (maximum): 5%
First three ingredients: Chicken (ground with bone), chicken liver, chicken gizzard
Rehydrate these tasty chicken morsels for your cat’s dinner for them to receive a number of helpful probiotics, taurine, and essential amino acids. This raw limited ingredient cat food will help to protect teeth, gums, skin, fur, and muscles no matter what age. All ingredients are responsibly sourced and made in a USA kitchen. Each product is efficiently tested before packaging to ensure the food maintains its great taste and is safe for your cat.
If your cat is particularly sensitive to gluten and grain this recipe may be the one to try as there is not a shred present in the ingredients list. This freeze-dried recipe contains 98% chicken, bone, and organs which offer cats a good amount of protein to promote vitality and stamina.
Pros
Can be used as a meal or as a food topper
Grain and gluten-free
Suitable for all life stages
Handy resealable packaging
Raw, cage-free chicken
Cons
Can be expensive compared to other brands
Contains ground bone which some owners are opposed to
10. Merrick Grain-Free Real Meat Limited Ingredient Wet Cat Food
Key Features
Calories: 131 kcal per can
Crude Protein (minimum): 8%
Crude fat (minimum): 5%
Crude fiber (maximum): 1.4%
Moisture (maximum): 78%
First three ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver
If you’re looking for a wet cat food diet for those kitties with allergies it may be worth considering Merricks’ grain-free real chicken recipe. This limited ingredient canned cat food is packed with protein and an ample amount of prebiotics, probiotics, and easily digestible carbohydrates to protect your cat’s overall health.
Other fillers and potentially damaging ingredients such as rice, GMO, dairy, and potato are absent from this recipe which makes it a suitable candidate for your cat’s diet. Although this is a chicken-flavored wet food Merrick also offers additional flavors however be sure to always check the ingredients before purchase.
Pros
Made with deboned chicken
Easy to digest proteins and carbohydrates
Free from grains, gluten, corn, soy, and wheat
No artificial preservatives
Cooked in the USA
Cons
Only suitable for adult cats
Some customers have noted a decline in quality
Contains guar gum and flaxseed oil
Contains salt which can be an irritant
Buying Guide & FAQs
What is L.I.D Cat Food?
Essentially L.I.D means 'limited ingredient diet'. The purpose of which is that most sources of vitamins and minerals remain the same whereas the carbohydrate and protein sources are reduced significantly to avoid an allergic response. Other potentially harmful ingredients are also removed in some formulas however there are a few that are often included as these can offer benefits to cats that are not sensitive to them.
Novel Proteins And Alternative Carbs
Some limited ingredient diets will use a single protein source that isn't common in cat foods such as rabbit, venison, or duck. These are known as 'novel proteins'. There will still be limited ingredient cat food formulas that feature a typical protein source (e.g. chicken, salmon, or beef) however these recipes will still contain fewer ingredients and won't be combined with other proteins. These proteins exist in limited ingredient diets because cats are unlikely to be allergic to all protein variants and can still enjoy traditional flavors.
Limited ingredient cat foods will also contain a single carbohydrate source such as potatoes or peas. However, it's important to know that it is also possible for cats to be allergic to potatoes.
Similar to the hypoallergenic cat food diet, a limited ingredient cat food diet is often used to determine the cause of cat allergies. Pinpointing a specific allergy can be difficult, but a limited ingredient cat food diet is a step in the right direction and can help owners narrow down a potential culprit faster.
Check out this hypoallergenic cat food review by PetSide.
Things To Consider When Buying Limited Ingredient Cat Food
Talk To Your Vet First
If you suspect food allergies or food intolerances are affecting your cat's health then always talk to your vet before considering your next steps. Your vet may be able to give you a good recommendation after seeing your feline and discussing their well-being and overall health.
Age
Always check to see if the limited ingredient cat food is appropriate and safe for their age as cats of different life stages will need food to fit their specific needs. Some will directly state if they are intended for adult felines whereas some say all life stages.
Balanced Nutrition
The best limited ingredient cat food will provide a healthy balance of vitamins and minerals as well as other ingredients that will combine to support and maintain your cat's overall health.
How To Spot Food Allergies In Cats
Food allergies can occur at any time of the year, at any stage in life, to any breed of cat regardless of whether they or outdoor or indoor cats. It is currently unknown why some cats develop these allergies
The Difference Between A Food Allergy And Food Intolerances In Cats
The terms food allergy and food intolerance are often used to describe the same thing. Although, when true food allergies are triggered, the immune system responds by communicating various symptoms. A food allergy can be severely dangerous to cats and possibly fatal.
Whereas if a cat is intolerant of certain ingredients their immune system isn't directly affected and tends to take its toll on their digestive system resulting in diarrhea, bloating, or gas.
Symptoms Of An Allergic Reaction
If a cat is suffering from an allergic reaction it will develop incredibly itchy skin. In an attempt to relieve the itch, they will scratch and lick excessively which can cause bald spots and hair loss in the affected areas. In addition to this, cats may also groom themselves to a point where they physically break the skin.
As well as skin conditions, some cats may exhibit gastrointestinal distress accompanied by irritation around the rectum. Allergy sufferers may start to vomit or develop diarrhea and overly groom their rectal area.
Common Allergens In Cat Foods:
- Chicken
- Beef
- Lamb
- Fish/Seafood
- Dairy products
- Grain
- Soy
- Corn
- Wheat gluten
- Flaxseed
Food Trials
A food trial is simply the process of elimination. It may be a difficult process however it is the best step to identifying the root cause of your feline friend's allergy or food intolerance. Unfortunately, a trial may take up to 12 weeks per food type for you to scope whether it is effective or not so you will have to be patient when putting your kitty on one.
Once your cat begins to show clear signs of improvement during a food trial it's important that you stick with the same limited ingredient cat food until you are adamant that they are not showing any signs of food allergies or food intolerance. In some cases, you may have to try a few options over a few months but it'll be worth it to get your cat feeling its best once again.
Food Trial Dos And Don'ts
Gradually Introduce The New Limited Ingredient Cat Food
Most limited ingredient cat foods will include a helpful guide on their packaging to help owners introduce the new food safely. If the food changes abruptly they can simply refuse to eat or react badly to it physically.
Most guidelines will instruct pet owners to include a small amount of the new cat food into the old food and gradually increase it over a number of days until the meal is completely replaced with the new limited ingredient cat food.
Give The New Food A Chance
It is recommended that the new limited ingredient cat foods be trialed for at least 12 weeks for owners to be confident about whether it is the right cat food or not. This is because your cat's body needs time to adjust to the new recipe.
If your cat is showing no sign of improvement and the symptoms of allergies persist, it is crucial you speak to your vet to determine your next steps, whether that's trying a different limited ingredient cat food or an alternative hypoallergenic one.
Assess Your Cat's Previous Food
If you've already trialed numerous cat foods, check to see if these recipes have one common ingredient. Upon entering your cat into a limited ingredient diet, take note of what allergens are not a part of the new recipes formula. This could help you narrow down the offending additive.
No Treats Or Other Supplements
Accuracy is key and you will hinder your food trial if you still continue to feed your cat treats. As difficult as it may seem, you should refrain from all treats and even some supplements as these could potentially include harmful ingredients.
