All Raw Dog Food

Is Your Cat’s Food Causing Allergies? How to Spot Common Triggers

Learn which ingredients may be harming your cat and how to find safer alternatives.

Why Your Cat’s Skin Issues May Be Linked to Their Food

If your cat is constantly scratching, losing fur, or dealing with irritated skin, you might be wondering: Is their food to blame? Many pet owners assume skin allergies are caused by fleas or environmental factors, but in reality, food sensitivities are a major trigger for feline skin issues.

In this guide, you’ll learn:
✔ Which ingredients in cat food commonly cause skin allergies
✔ How to tell if your cat’s diet is the root of the problem
✔ What to feed your cat to relieve skin irritation
✔ Natural alternatives to commercial hypoallergenic diets

Let’s start by uncovering the most common hidden allergens in cat food.

Cat’s Skin Issues

The Most Common Cat Food Ingredients That Trigger Skin Allergies

Many cat owners assume that grains are the biggest allergen—but in reality, proteins are the most common cause of food allergies in cats.

The top food allergens for cats include:

  • Chicken – One of the most common proteins in cat food and a frequent trigger for allergies.
  • Beef – Found in many wet and dry foods, beef can cause skin irritation in sensitive cats.
  • Fish – While fish is popular in cat diets, it’s a leading allergen, especially in cats prone to skin issues.
  • Dairy – Milk, cheese, and yogurt can contribute to both digestive upset and itchy skin.

If your cat is experiencing persistent skin issues, it may be time to remove these common allergens and switch to a novel-protein, hypoallergenic diet.

How to Tell if Your Cat’s Food Is Causing Allergies

Food allergies aren’t always obvious, and symptoms can be mistaken for seasonal allergies or flea infestations.

Signs your cat’s diet may be the problem:
✔ Excessive scratching, especially around the face, ears, and neck
✔ Red, inflamed skin or hair loss
✔ Recurring ear infections or head shaking
✔ Frequent vomiting or diarrhea
✔ Overgrooming leading to bald patches

If your cat’s symptoms persist year-round and don’t improve with flea treatments, there’s a good chance food is the culprit.

The Best Diet for Cats with Skin Allergies

When managing a cat with food allergies, the best approach is a limited-ingredient diet that avoids common triggers.

What to Look for in Allergy-Friendly Cat Food:

Raw, single-protein diets – Eliminates unnecessary fillers and allergens.
Novel proteins – Duck, rabbit, and venison are ideal alternatives to chicken and beef.
Omega-rich ingredients – Support skin health and reduce inflammation.
No artificial additives or grains – Many commercial brands contain fillers that can worsen symptoms.

At All Raw Dog Food, we specialize in hypoallergenic, raw cat food that provides the nutrients cats need without common allergens that cause skin irritation.

Cats Raw food

How to Safely Transition Your Cat to a New Diet

Switching to an allergy-friendly diet should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset.

Step-by-Step Transition Guide:

1️⃣ Start by mixing 25% new food with 75% of your cat’s current food for the first 3 days.
2️⃣ Gradually increase the ratio over 7–10 days.
3️⃣ Monitor for changes—positive improvements may take a few weeks.
4️⃣ Avoid giving treats or table scraps that could interfere with the results.

Natural Supplements That Help Reduce Skin Allergies in Cats

In addition to choosing the right food, certain supplements can help improve skin health and reduce allergy symptoms.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids – Found in fish oil and flaxseed, these help reduce inflammation and promote a healthy coat.
Probiotics – Support gut health, which plays a key role in immune response.
Quercetin (Natural Antihistamine) – Helps block histamine release, reducing allergic reactions.
Coconut Oil – Provides essential fatty acids that soothe dry, itchy skin.

Raw vs. Commercial Hypoallergenic Diets – Which Is Better?

Pet owners often turn to commercial hypoallergenic kibble, but not all allergy-friendly diets are created equal.

Comparing Raw and Commercial Allergy Diets:

Feature

Raw Hypoallergenic Diet

Commercial Hypoallergenic Kibble

Protein Source

Whole, fresh, novel proteins

Hydrolyzed or processed proteins

Ingredient List

Minimal, natural ingredients

Long list of fillers & preservatives

Processing

Raw, unprocessed

Highly processed, artificial hydrolysis

Allergy-Friendly?

Yes, eliminates common allergens

Often still contains potential allergens


For pet owners looking for a truly natural approach, a raw, limited-ingredient diet is the best alternative to commercial hypoallergenic formulas.

Flea Allergy vs. Food Allergy – How to Tell the Difference

Many cat owners assume all skin issues are food-related, but flea allergies are actually the most common cause of itching and irritation in cats.

Key Differences Between Flea and Food Allergies:

  • Flea allergies: Symptoms appear seasonally, affecting the lower back and tail.
  • Food allergies: Symptoms occur year-round, affecting the face, neck, and ears.

If your cat’s allergies are food-related, switching to a natural, hypoallergenic raw diet is one of the most effective ways to provide relief.

Finding the Right Allergy-Friendly Cat Food

If your cat is struggling with itchy skin, hair loss, or constant scratching, choosing the right diet can make all the difference.

At All Raw Dog Food, we provide:
✔ High-quality, limited-ingredient raw diets designed for allergy-prone cats
✔ Single-protein formulas featuring duck, rabbit, and wild game
✔ No artificial additives, fillers, or common allergens

Ready to Improve Your Cat’s Skin Health?

If your cat’s food is causing allergies, we can help. Switch to a natural, hypoallergenic raw diet today.

📍 Visit us at: 42-812 Pitt St. Cornwall, ON K6J 3S2
📧 Email: allrawdogfood@hotmail.com
📞 Call us at: (613) 935-8246
🌍 Learn more at: allrawdogfood.ca