Limited Ingredient Diet for a Feline

From skin allergies to gastrointestinal problems like Irritable Bowl Disorder (IBD), the most effective way to combat your cat's flair-ups is by feeding it a limited ingredient diet.

A limited ingredient diet is free of by-products, fillers and preservatives and uses only two main ingredients - one protein and one carbohydrate. If your cat has IBD, it is best to ensure the diet is low in fat, carbohydrates and gluten.

  1. Find a Good Prescription Dry Food

    • When setting your cat on a limited ingredient diet, the first thing is to determine what is causing your cat to have allergies or gastrointestinal issues. This can be solved by initiating a 10 to 16 week trial of one of the available brands of prescription food.

      Since protein sources like chicken and beef are common causes of flair-ups, it is recommended to offer a food with a source of protein that your cat has never had before. Two food brands that include a new protein are Hill's Prescription Diet d/d for skin allergies and DVP's Natural Balance. Both offer duck and venison varieties. Hill's also has a rabbit variety.

      Cats can also have reactions to corn and wheat, therefore requiring a grain-free diet. To help this allergy, try feeding your cat DVP's Natural Balance Green Pea and Duck Formula.

      For cats with IBD or that need a gluten-free diet, try Royal Canin's hypoallergenic food HP 23. It is limited to one protein source (chicken) and uses rice as a carbohydrate source. HP 23 is especially good for cats with IBD as it offers a higher rate of healthy fatty acids like omega-3. Higher levels of fatty acids in a limited ingredient diet are shown to ease symptoms of IBD.

      Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Low Allergen is also a good alternative for cats with IBD or a gluten allergy.

    Offer Organic or Grain-Free Wet Food

    • When feeding your cat a limited diet, it doesn't mean it is stuck with dry prescription food as their everyday meal. Wet food is a great way to add variety to your cat's diet. It is also a good source of fat, protein and hydration.

      One type of wet food to look for is organic. Brands like Evanger's use one protein source and one carbohydrate source. However, some organic foods may not be limited in their protein and carbohydrate sources. Read the label to ensure you aren't bringing home the wrong ingredients to your cat.

      Another kind of wet food is grain-free. Grain-free foods may have two protein sources, like Wellness Healthy Indulgence food packets in flavors such as Turkey and Duck. If you want to keep your cat on one protein or away from a certain protein, make sure to pick grain-free wet food wisely.

    Try Raw Food

    • Cats are not meant to be carbohydrate eaters and those on a limited ingredient diet can benefit from eating raw food. After finding out what your cat is allergic to, you can then prepare raw food meals from their favorite meat.

      Raw cat food can be found at local pet supply shops or you can make your own. Make sure to slowly introduce this food source into your cat's diet before changing it completely.