Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

10 Best Cat Foods for Allergies in Australia — 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Brooke Bundy

By Brooke Bundy

A Persian cat eating dry food

Besides the usual allergy signs of wheezing, coughing, and sneezing, things such as itchy skin, GI upset, and bald patches can all be signs of allergies in cats. It can be incredibly frustrating to try to figure out what exactly is ailing your cat since the trigger could be environmental, dietary, or even an extreme allergic reaction to fleas. Besides flea prevention and eliminating any known irritants from your house, there’s really nothing else you can do for environmental allergies except to ask your veterinarian to prescribe medication.

Typically, though, your vet will want to rule out a food allergy first since it’s easier to determine and treat. If your vet thinks food allergies may be to blame, they’ll likely recommend a limited ingredient diet that eliminates chicken, beef, fish, and/or dairy, the most common culprits1 of food allergies in cats. If you live in Australia, here are the ten best cat foods for allergies that are free of some or all of these ingredients.

A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
ZiwiPeak Air-Dried Mackerel & Lamb Recipe Cat Food ZiwiPeak Air-Dried Mackerel & Lamb Recipe Cat Food
  • Formulated for all life stages
  • Limited ingredients
  • Mackerel and lamb are the only two meat proteins
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Taste of the Wild Prey Turkey Recipe Taste of the Wild Prey Turkey Recipe
  • Five types of probiotics added after the food is cooked
  • Turkey is the main ingredient
  • No dairy, fish, or beef
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Real Duck Pate Canned Cat F Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Real Duck Pate Canned Cat F
  • Duck is the only meat protein
  • Pea protein adds a vegan source of protein
  • Wet food is easier to digest
  • Best for Kittens
    ZiwiPeak Canned Venison Recipe Cat Food ZiwiPeak Canned Venison Recipe Cat Food
  • Formulated for all life stages
  • Eases your kitty's transition
  • Venison is the only meat protein
  • Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Adult Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Adult
  • Chicken is the only meat protein
  • Added oat fiber and prebiotic fibers support gut health
  • The 10 Best Cat Foods for Allergies in Australia

    1. ZiwiPeak Air-Dried Mackerel & Lamb Recipe Cat Food – Best Overall

    Ziwi Peak Daily Cat Cuisine Mackerel and Lamb Pouches

    Main ingredients Mackerel, Lamb, Lamb Heart, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Liver
    Protein content 43%
    Fat content 25%
    Calories 4,800 kcal/kg

    Of all the foods on our list, ZiwiPeak Air-Dried Mackerel & Lamb is our best overall choice for cat foods for allergies in Australia. It can be challenging to find a special diet featuring limited, wholesome ingredients, but this one fits the bill. Since it’s formulated for all life stages, you won’t have to hunt for a new formula as your cat ages.

    Mussels and meats comprise 96% of the ingredients in this recipe. There is no corn, wheat, soy, potatoes, or meat meals, ensuring your cat receives a mostly carnivorous diet that they were created for. Additionally, mackerel and lamb are the only two meat sources, which is a plus if you’re avoiding common allergens such as chicken or beef. Of course, this wouldn’t be the formula for you if your cat is allergic to fish since mackerel is one of the main ingredients. The air-drying process retains more nutrients than conventional kibble processing methods, such as roasting at super-high temperatures.

    You’ll pay a little more for Ziwi than standard cat food. However, we actually expected it would cost even more than it does considering Ziwi doesn’t take the typical shortcuts such as using filler ingredients and cheaper cuts of meat like most cat food brands.

    Pros
    • Formulated for all life stages
    • Limited ingredients
    • Mackerel and lamb are the only two meat proteins
    • Air-dried instead of roasted at high temperatures
    Cons
    • More expensive than the average bag of cat food
    • Not an option for cats who are allergic to fish

    2. Taste of the Wild Prey Turkey Recipe for Cats – Best Value

    Taste of the Wild Prey

     

    Main ingredients Turkey, Lentils, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavor, Salmon Oil
    Protein content 33%
    Fat content 15%
    Calories 3,689 kcal/kg

    Tasty turkey gives your cat a feast any day of the week. Since it’s formulated for all life stages, you can begin feeding Taste of the Wild Prey to your kitten as soon as they’re weaned with no worries of having to find another formula down the road. We think it’s the best cat food for allergies in Australia for the money.

    As our best value choice, this recipe is a high-quality kibble that features limited ingredients and adds five types of beneficial probiotics after cooking to encourage optimal gut health. We’re not a super big fan of the high amount of lentils since cats mostly need meat, but it’s normal to have higher amounts of plant-based ingredients in budget-friendly food. While this food does avoid some common allergens such as dairy, fish, and beef, it’s important to note that although this is predominantly a turkey recipe, it does contain chicken fat, so it wouldn’t be a good choice for a cat with poultry sensitivities.

    Pros
    • Five types of probiotics added after the food is cooked
    • Turkey is the main ingredient
    • No dairy, fish, or beef
    • AAFCO-certified for all life stages
    Cons
    • Contains chicken fat
    • High amount of lentils

    3. Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Duck Cat Food – Premium Choice

    Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet

    Main ingredients Deboned Duck, Water for Processing, Natural Flavor, Pea Protein, Calcium Carbonate
    Protein content 8%
    Fat content 4%
    Calories 928 kcal/kg

    Our premium choice truly eliminates all known cat allergens. Duck is the only meat protein in this limited ingredient diet. While we usually don’t prefer peas as one of the main ingredients, the pea protein in this wet food substitutes for some of the typical ingredients your cat may be allergic to, such as extra meat proteins like chicken, fish, or beef.

    Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-free Real Duck Pate is AAFCO-certified for all life stages, so your kitty will be ready to dig into this premium plate any time after they’re weaned.

    Wet foods like this one are more expensive than kibbles as a general rule. However, they’re fantastic options for kitties with sensitive stomachs since they’re typically more palatable and easier to process than dry food.

    Pros
    • Duck is the only meat protein
    • Pea protein adds a vegan source of protein that’s safe for your cat’s allergies
    • AAFCO-certified for all life stages
    • Wet food is easier to digest, making it a suitable choice for cats with sensitive tummies
    Cons
    • More expensive than kibble

    4. ZiwiPeak Canned Venison Recipe Cat Food – Best for Kittens

    Ziwi Peak Canned Venison Recipe

    Main ingredients Venison, Venison Broth, Venison Tripe, Venison Liver, Chickpeas
    Protein content 10%
    Fat content 4%
    Calories 1,200 kcal/kg

    ZiwiPeak Canned Venison Recipe is formulated for all life stages so there’s no need to switch as your kitten grows up. Plus, this wet food recipe has some extra perks exclusively for kittens. Typically, a soft formula such as this pate, makes an easier transition from milk to solid food than kibbles. Of course, every cat has personal preferences, so there’s a chance your kitten might want to jump into dry food instead.

    Venison is the only meat in this recipe. Additionally, there are no other known allergens such as dairy or wheat. If you or your vet suspect a common food allergy, your kitten should be safe on this formula.

    We usually don’t promote chickpeas as one of the main ingredients, since there may be a potential link between peas and other legumes in dog and cat foods and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, they don’t bother us too badly in this instance since they’re one of the only plant-based ingredients in the mix. These claims are also still being investigated. You may wish to talk to your vet if you have any concerns about this.

    Pros
    • Formulated for all life stages
    • Eases your kitty’s transition to whole food more comfortably than kibbles
    • Venison is the only meat protein
    • Avoids common allergens such as chicken, beef, dairy, fish, and wheat
    Cons
    • Chickpeas are one of the main ingredients

    5. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Cat Food

    Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach dry cat food

    Main ingredients Chicken, Brewer’s Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken Fat
    Protein content 29%
    Fat content 17%
    Calories 4,800 kcal/kg

    If your cat is okay with chicken, they may benefit from this sensitive stomach and skin formula. This food is another good choice for adult cats suffering from stomach or skin issues. Brewer’s rice is known to be gentle on the digestive system, and oat fiber and added prebiotic fibers boost your cat’s gut health.

    While it’s free from fish and beef, you should know that this food does contain other common cat allergens such as chicken and dairy, as well as controversial cheap ingredients such as corn and soy. It’s not exactly a limited ingredient diet, but it can help if you’re looking for a vet-approved, relatively low-cost food with a single protein source.

    Pros
    • Chicken is the only meat protein
    • Added oat fiber and prebiotic fibers support gut health
    Cons
    • Contains several cat allergens such as dairy and chicken
    • Meets the nutritional requirements for adults only
    • Contains controversial corn and soy

    6. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Sea-Licious Salmon & Cod

    Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Sea-Licious Salmon and Cod Cat Dinner

    Main ingredients Salmon with Ground Bone, Cod with Ground Bone, Cod Liver Oil, Pumpkin Seeds, Potassium
    Protein content 45%
    Fat content 28%
    Calories 4,460 kcal/kg

    You can feed Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Sea-Licious Salmon and Cod Cat Dinner to any cat at any age, but it will be especially beneficial to felines who need a limited ingredient diet. Salmon and cod are the only meat proteins, and pumpkin is the sole vegetable. We’re happy about this choice because pumpkin can actually help settle your cat’s upset tummy in moderate amounts. As long as your cat isn’t allergic to fish, salmon and cod are excellent choices of protein that are also rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Probiotics are added for even more digestive benefits and can also influence your cat’s skin in a positive way.

    This freeze-dried food is probably one of the most nutritious on the list, especially since the process preserves more vitamins and minerals naturally than conventional methods of preparing kibble. However, as we expected, this food carries a heavier price tag than normal cat food.

    Pros
    • Salmon and cod are the only meat proteins
    • Pumpkin and probiotics are helpful ingredients for sensitive stomachs
    • Freeze-drying preserves more nutrients than conventional methods
    Cons
    • More expensive than typical cat food

    7. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Wet Cat Food

    Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Pate Real Turkey Recipe Natural Wet Canned Cat Food

    Main ingredients Turkey, Turkey Broth, Turkey Liver, Peas, Pea Protein
    Protein content 5%
    Fat content 7%
    Calories 1,266 kcal/kg

    This limited ingredient diet is crafted without common allergens such as chicken, beef, or fish. Turkey is featured as the sole meat protein that your cat is sure to savor. Peas are the only vegetable ingredient, which is good news considering cats are obligate carnivores. However, we wish it were swapped with something a little more nutritious and not so carb-heavy, such as pumpkin or cranberries.

    Cats of all ages may eat this food, but you might want to consult your vet first if you have a senior cat. Due to the high protein content and a moderately high amount of fat, this food might not be the best choice for more sedentary or older cats who need help regulating their weight.

    Pros
    • Formulated for all life stages
    • Only one vegetable ingredient
    • Turkey is a safe, allergy-friendly protein
    Cons
    • Contains a lot of peas
    • May not be the best fit for senior cats

    8. “I and love and you” Nude Super Food Limited Ingredient for Cats

    I and love and you Nude Dry Cat Food

    Main ingredients Turkey, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Pea Protein, Chicken Fat
    Protein content 44%
    Fat content 18%
    Calories 3,732 kcal/kg

    We’re a fan of the superfoods, prebiotics, and probiotics that can all help tame your kitty’s inflammation. Flaxseed, coconut oil, and olive oil are all excellent anti-inflammatory ingredients that provide your cat with natural sources of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Turkey is the first ingredient, but this Nude Super Food also contains chicken and fish. The chicken and turkey meat meals aren’t our top choice, as they’re less expensive meat products that companies use to keep their prices low.

    We wouldn’t exactly call this a limited ingredient diet, especially considering all the heavily starched vegetables such as peas, chickpeas, red lentils, and sweet potatoes further down the list. However, we’re happy to see that this food doesn’t contain any beef, so it’s great if your cat is allergic to beef and nothing else. This food is formulated for all life stages for your cat to enjoy at any age.

    Pros
    • Turkey is the main ingredient
    • Prebiotics and probiotics promote gut health
    • Flaxseed, coconut oil, and olive oil are a good source of Omega 3s and 6s
    • Formulated for all life stages
    • Doesn’t contain beef
    Cons
    • Uses cheaper meat meals instead of whole cuts of meat
    • Contains several starchy vegetables

    9. Tiki Cat Aloha Friends Grain-Free Wet Food for Adult Cats & Kittens

    Tiki Cat Aloha Friends Grain-Free

    Main ingredients Tuna, Tuna Broth, Pumpkin, Sunflower Seed Oil, Calcium Lactate
    Protein content 11%
    Fat content 8%
    Calories 744 kcal/kg

    You can let your cat feast on tuna even when they’re not on vacation with this limited ingredient food by Tiki. Free from every common cat allergen except for fish, you don’t have to worry about your cat ingesting chicken, beef, or dairy, and pumpkin is the only vegetable, which is great for their digestive system. Carrageenan is an additive commonly found in wet cat foods as a thickener. However, it can cause GI inflammation1 and some felines are even allergic to it, so thankfully this recipe leaves it out. All cats of any age can enjoy this allergy-friendly recipe since it’s formulated for all life stages.

    The only problem is that wet food isn’t cheap, which can certainly put a damper on your own vacation budget. Also, this formula doesn’t include a taurine supplement, so it might behoove you to give one to your cat separately. We’re actually surprised that there isn’t any added taurine because it’s an essential nutrient that cats can’t make on their own. However, taurine is found naturally in tuna, so this food does contain at least a marginal amount.

    Pros
    • Tuna is the only meat protein
    • Pumpkin is a tummy-friendly vegetable
    • No carrageenan
    • Formulated for all life stages
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • No added taurine

    10. Blue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Coat, Skin & Coat Care

    Blue Buffalo True Solutions

    Main ingredients Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Brown Rice, Pea Protein, Barley
    Protein content 32%
    Fat content 15%
    Calories 3,714 kcal/kg

    If your cat can tolerate fish, we recommend this Dry Cat Food by Blue Buffalo. Salmon is a good source of Omega 3s which can lower your cat’s inflammation, and the prebiotics and probiotics support a healthy gut. We wish the salmon meal wasn’t the second ingredient since it’s a cheaper, more processed meat than whole salmon, but we know that’s one reason why this food is a budget-friendly option.

    While there aren’t any chicken or beef ingredients, there are a bunch of grains, peas, and potatoes, which makes this recipe not the ideal meal for every cat. Additionally, this recipe is only formulated for adults.

    Pros
    • Salmon is the only meat ingredient
    • Budget-friendly
    • Prebiotics and probiotics are beneficial for sensitive cats
    • Good source of Omega 3s
    Cons
    • Contains lots of peas and potatoes
    • Salmon meal is the second ingredient
    • Not formulated for kittens or seniors

    Buyer’s Guide — Buying the Best Cat Foods for Allergies in Australia

    What Makes Cat Food Allergy-Friendly?

    If you suspect your cat has an allergy, your veterinarian should be the first person you should go to for advice. Like humans, felines can have environmental or food allergies, and it can be hard to tell which one is the cause at first. Additionally, allergies can develop slowly over time, so even if your cat has always been exposed to a certain type of tree or has always chowed down on chicken, they could still become allergic at some point in their lives.

    A limited-ingredient diet that steers clear of the most common allergens is the easiest way to determine what type of allergy is ailing your cat. Beef, chicken, fish, and dairy are the biggest culprits in cat food allergies. Corn, soy, and wheat are less likely to be an issue, but are still on the table as possible problems. However, be careful if you choose a grain-free diet. Peas often replace oats and wheat in grain-free diets, and cats don’t need so many carbohydrates since they are obligate carnivores and most of their nutrients should come from meat. It’s best to find a grain-free cat food that uses pumpkin instead of peas, lentils, or potatoes. Pumpkin is great for sensitive tummies and isn’t loaded with carbs.

    Make sure to note what type of cat the food is intended for. Some cat foods are only recommended for maintenance, which is another way of saying it’s formulated for healthy adult cats. While it won’t hurt your kitten to eat adult food, the formula won’t meet their growth and development needs. Conversely, adult cats can eat kitten food, but it typically contains more calories than they require. Senior diets typically contain lower amounts of protein and fat since they’re becoming more sedentary and prone to obesity and kidney issues. It’s best to pick a food that’s formulated for all life stages, or find a formula that’s recommended for your cat’s age.

    Conclusion

    Our best overall choice, ZiwiPeak Air-Dried Mackerel & Lamb, contains 96% meat and mussels. Ziwi uses an air-drying method to preserve the food, so more nutrients are preserved than standard kibble. There’s no chicken, beef, or dairy, but of course it does contain fish. Taste of the Wild Prey Turkey Recipe delivers a limited ingredient kibble that’s packed with probiotics for a low price, which is why it’s our best value option. If you really want to eliminate all known allergens, our premium choice Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-free Real Duck Pate, uses duck as the sole protein and contains very few ingredients overall.

    Determining your cat’s allergies can be challenging, but these recipes eliminate at least one of the four common allergens. Some of the best recipes, such as our premium choice, don’t include any known allergens. However, there are very few of these recipes since cats are usually allergic to a popularly used ingredient. Additionally, not all cats need restricted diets, and restricted diets can be more expensive than standard cat food. Ask your vet to see what they recommend for your cat as you begin your search for the food that works best for them.


    Featured Image Credit: Patrick Foto, Shutterstock

    Related Articles

    Further Reading

    Vet Articles

    Latest Vet Answers

    The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database