Limited Ingredient Cat Food: Fix Your Cat’s Health Issues (2022))
Not every cat can handle the complex ingredients and artificial flavors that many cat food brands include.
Many commercial pet foods contain multiple protein sources, additives, by-products and other artificial ingredients that may trigger allergic reactions or cause digestive issues in older cats.
Why You Should Consider A Limited Ingredient Cat Food
If your cat is sensitive to the diet your are giving them, you should switch a vet-recommended limited ingredient cat food. This type of cat food cuts down on the unnecessary ingredients, and removes the filler content that provides no nutritional benefit to your cat.
A limited ingredient formula works the same way as hypoallergenic cat food, except that it’s prepared to manage specific ingredients that trigger allergic reactions.
One of the distinguishing characteristics of a limited ingredient formula is the use of a single-protein source such as chicken, turkey or duck.
The best limited ingredient cat food is prepared using a single protein source, with no additives, colors, or flavors.
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Our Top Picks
| Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Rabbit | Best Rabbit Diet |
| Instinct Limited Ingredient Grain Free Turkey | Best Turkey Diet |
| Merrick Limited Ingredient Grain Free Turkey | Best Wet Food |
5 Best Limited Ingredient Cat Food Varieties
1. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet (Rabbit)
Featuring a high-protein ingredient list, and an all-natural diet in a simple formula, the Instinct LID Grain-Free Rabbit Recipe allows you to manage your cat`s nutritional needs easily.
According to the manufacturer, this diet provides your feline with the optimal nutrition through fewer, but essential ingredients that will allow them to grow strong and healthy.
Each of the elements is uniquely prepared to provide your cat with a balanced nutrition.
The first animal protein ingredient on this diet is real rabbit meat, which is an excellent source of proteins and is a perfect alternative to cats that are allergic to poultry or beef.
This limited ingredient formula also contains easily digestible carbs, omega fatty acids, which are proven to be effective in improving your feline`s immunity as well as their coat and skin.
This formula is a free of known allergens such as grains, gluten, dairy, fish, and preservatives.
And to make the dish more palatable to your cat, this limited ingredient formula contains a unique green tea extract coating for a delectable taste and aroma.
Main ingredient: High-quality rabbit protein.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude proteins (min) 30.5%
- Crude fat (min) 17%
- Crude fiber (max) 3%
- Moisture (max) 10%
Main Features
- Green tea extract provides great taste and aroma.
- Rabbit is the single source of proteins.
- Suitable for adult maintenance.
2. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet (Turkey)
This Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet is prepared using cage-free turkey as its primary protein source and a single vegetable.
Turkey is a rich source of protein that is easily digestible, and is rich in essential amino acids.
This formula does NOT contain dairy products, chicken, beef, grains, fish, corn, wheat, additives or artificial preservatives.
The turkey meal is complemented by fewer essential ingredients, which are not only easily digestible but also provide vital nutrients that improve digestion and promotes the overall health.
For instance, this meal is packed with Omega 3 & 6 fatty acid, which will help in improving your cat`s skin and fur that might get damaged due to the allergic reactions.
In addition, this limited ingredient formula contains taurine, Vitamin B2 &D 3, and minerals, which are essential in strengthening the immunity of your cat against any infections or allergic reactions.
This formula is perfect for cats with food sensitivities and is designed to be as easy on the stomach as possible.
Main ingredient: Real turkey protein.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude proteins (min) 36.5%
- Crude fat (min) 18%
- Crude fiber (max) 2.5%
- Moisture (max) 9.0%
Main Features
- Has one protein and one vegetable source.
- Turkey is the only source of proteins.
- Great choice for cats with fish or beef allergies.
- Added minerals and vitamins for increased nutrition.
3. Merrick Limited Ingredient Real Turkey Recipe
This Merrick limited ingredient diet is a single-source animal protein recipe with real deboned turkey as the primary ingredient.
It is an ideal option for cats with fish allergies and sensitivities.
The real turkey pate formula is not only nutritious but also provides a texture that cats love.
This formula does not contain grains, glutens, artificial colors or preservatives.
This diet also contains plenty of minerals and vitamins. Some of the important supplements include antioxidants and Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and a healthy immune system.
It also contains taurine which helps in improving cognitive abilities as well as coronary health.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude protein (min) 9%
- Crude fat (min) 5%
- Crude fiber (max) 1.4%
- Moisture (max) 78%
- Ash (max) 3%
- Taurine (min) 0.2%
Main Features
- Made with deboned turkey as the first ingredient.
- Low-fat content.
- Delicious pate texture.
- Great pricing.
4. Nature’s Variety Instinct Chicken Recipe 
Nature’s variety chicken recipe is a canned cat food that is prepared using chicken as the main ingredient, also containing turkey and chicken liver.
This formula is recommended for cats that are sensitive or react to fish, beef or lamb proteins.
Some of the wholesome fruits and vegetables in this formula include pumpkin, blueberries, cranberries, tomato, kale, Parsley, broccoli and cabbage.
These ingredients provide vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants.
The fewer number of ingredients in this formula reduces the likelihood of triggering allergies, especially if your cat is allergic to fish or other non-poultry source of proteins.
This formula does not contain grains, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, and preservatives.
Instinct Original Grain Free Wet Canned Cat Food is complete and balanced for your cat’s nutritional requirements, thus meeting AAFCO’s pet food guidelines.
It is prepared in the United States, in the company’s pet food kitchens.
Main ingredient: Chicken.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude protein (min) 11%
- Crude fat (min) 7.5%
- Crude fiber (max) 3.0%
- Moisture (max) 78%
Main Features
- Protein-rich, with chicken as the first ingredient.
- Pate texture that cats love.
- Grain-free.
- Good pricing.
5. Go! Sensitivity + Shine Limited Ingredient Duck Recipe 
Go! Sensitivity + Shine Limited Ingredient Duck Recipe by PetCurian is the ideal all-protein diet that is made using a limited number of ingredients, with the premium-quality duck as the single source of protein.
For an increased immunity and healthy skin and coat, for instance, this diet includes antioxidants and omega fatty oils.
The Go! Sensitivity + Shine is a LID is free of gluten, and grains, or potatoes, and it contains probiotics, which are essential in supporting your feline`s overall regular and digestive health.
In addition to the minerals, this formula will boost the energy in your cat thanks to the chickpeas, lentils, and pea’s flour, all which are excellent sources of starch.
Main Ingredient: Premium quality duck protein.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude proteins (min) 31%
- Crude fat (min) 15%
- Crude fiber (max) 3.5%
- Moisture (max) 10%
- Ash (max) 7.5%
- Magnesium (max) 0.1%.
Main Features
- Grain and gluten free
- Small-sized kibbles.
- Single protein source is duck.
Conclusion
Finding the ideal diet for a cat with food sensitivities can often be a difficult task, especially with the dozens of cat food brands with varying ingredients.
However, knowing the cause of the food sensitivities or allergies can make it easy to choose a diet that manages that problem.
Transitioning from the ordinary diet to a limited ingredient is one of the solutions we recommend to solve food sensitivities and allergies.
These diets are formulated with a single protein source and limited vegetables, since some cats may be sensitive to specific ingredients such as fish, chicken, beef, etc.
