Cat Food Allergies: Elimination Diet Guide

Allergies vs. Intolerance

Food allergies involve the immune system (skin symptoms). Food intolerances cause digestive symptoms. Both are managed through dietary elimination.

Common Allergens

• Beef: Most common allergen
• Fish: Second most common
• Chicken: Third most common
• Dairy: Lactose intolerance (not allergy)

Elimination Diet Protocol

• Phase 1 (8-12 weeks): Novel protein or hydrolyzed diet. No treats.
• Phase 2 (Challenge): Reintroduce original food. Symptoms returning confirms allergy.
• Phase 3 (Identification): Single proteins one at a time.

Prescription vs. OTC

Prescription hydrolyzed diets are most reliable. OTC limited ingredient foods may have cross-contamination.

What Doesn't Work

• Blood tests: high false-positive rate
• Grain-free: grains are rarely the allergen
• Switching brands: same protein = same problem

Long-Term Management

Lifelong avoidance of identified allergens. Most cats eat a healthy, varied diet with their triggers removed.