If you own a cat with asthma, you know how important it is to manage their condition well-managed. One essential factor in managing feline asthma is selecting the appropriate cat food.
When selecting cat food for cats with asthma, there are a few key factors to consider, such as high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, avoid allergens.
This article offers valuable insight into the top 5 best food choices for cats suffering from this respiratory condition.
Ready to help your furry friend breathe easier? Let’s dive in!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
For a quick recommendation, check out our product list or scroll down for more detailed reviews.
1148
HOURS OF RESEARCH
188
BRANDS VETTED
5
FEATURES REVIEWED
5
TOP
PICK
 Best Indoor | Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Cat Food |
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 Best Dry | Taste Of The Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free |
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 Best for Senior Cats | Instinct Original Grain Free Recipe |
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 Best Wet | Whiskas Purrfectly Chicken |
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 Premium Choice | Purina Pro Plan Allergen Reducing |
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Best Food for Cats with Asthma: Our Top 5 Picks
1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein – Best Indoor
Brand: Blue Buffalo | Form: Dry | Flavors: Chicken | Life Stage: Adult
What We Liked:
– Contains Blue’s exclusive LifeSource Bits for immune system support;
– Specially formulated grain-free recipe to meet the unique needs of indoor cats;
– Packed with real chicken to help build and maintain lean muscle mass.
What We Didn’t Like:
– Some cats may not enjoy the taste or texture of the food.
Product Highlights
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein is a top-tier choice, securing the No.1 spot for its superior formulation designed to cater to your adult indoor cat’s dietary needs.
Crafted from real meat with an extra dose of chicken, this dry cat food is a protein powerhouse that’ll help maintain lean muscle mass in your furry friend.
The grain-free nature of this product stands out as it reflects a thoughtful approach towards avoiding potential allergens like corn, wheat, and soy, ensuring healthier digestion.
Beyond satisfying your pet’s wild side, the Blue Wilderness blend integrates BLUE’s exclusive LifeSource bits into this formula – a savvy combination of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals curated by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists for bolstering immune system health.
It’s worth mentioning that plenty of customers have seen positive differences in their cats’ energy levels and overall health after switching to Blue Buffalo. There can’t be better first-hand evidence than satisfied feline companions!
Lastly, don’t forget the convenience factor. With one 5-lb bag, you have ample supply ready for use, while its easy-to-store packaging ensures lasting freshness.
2. Taste Of The Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free – Best Dry
Brand: Taste of the Wild | Form: Dry | Flavors: Rocky Mountain | Life Stage: Adult
What We Liked:
– Nutrient-rich with vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat;
– Specially formulated grain-free recipe to meet the unique needs of indoor cats;
– High protein content helps support bones, joints, and a lean body condition.
What We Didn’t Like:
– Some cats may not enjoy the taste or texture of the food.
Related Post: Top 10 Best Soft Dry Food For Cats With No Teeth or Bad Teeth
Product Highlights
The Taste Of The Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free is a top-notch option for feline companions. Crafted with expertise in the USA, it features quality ingredients like roasted venison and smoke-flavored salmon to satisfy your cat’s innate carnivore cravings.
With family-owned origins, this product leaves no room for compromise on your pet’s health by including species-specific proprietary probiotics.
This feature promotes healthy digestion while antioxidants drawn from fruits and superfoods boost their overall wellness.
Our pick of this delectable feast as No. 2 on our list lies in its nutritional value and irresistible flavors appealing to humans and cats alike! Its high protein content – an impressive 42% – ensures optimal bone strength, joint health, and lean body condition.
Elevating these points further is the inclusion of peas and sweet potatoes, rendering it grain-free, which boosts digestibility, especially for active cats-a bonus often missed by conventional brands.
Being more than just food but a taste experience relished by domesticated pets craving wild memories makes this product a truly unique find.
3. Instinct Original Grain Free Recipe – Best for Senior Cats
Brand: Instinct | Form: Dry | Flavors: Chicken | Life Stage: All Life Stages
What We Liked:
– Contains probiotics to support healthy digestion;
– Promotes a shiny coat and healthy skin with added omegas;
– Grain-free formula that is free from artificial colors or preservatives.
What We Didn’t Like:
– Relatively expensive.
Product Highlights
The Instinct Original Grain Free Recipe is a high-quality dry cat food that paves the way for feline nutrition. With responsibly sourced cage-free chicken as its main ingredient, this recipe delivers an 81% real animal ingredients mix to satisfy your pet’s carnivorous cravings.
Probiotics in the formula ensure healthy digestion, while omegas enhance skin and coat health – a beneficial feature notably preferred by discerning pet owners.
This product stands out as it combines nutritious oils with vegetables, fruits, and other wholesome ingredients resulting in complete and balanced nutrition.
Not only does it limit potential allergenic triggers by excluding grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, or by-product meals; but it also offers cats all life stages a tasty treat coated with freeze-dried raw meat for an intense burst of flavor.
Furthermore, the lack of artificial colors or preservatives reassures conscientious buyers looking for natural options.
We’ve ranked the Instinct Original Grain Free Recipe as No. 3 on our list primarily due to its impressive blend of quality raw ingredients providing optimal nutritional value without unnecessary fillers – hence delivering excellent value for money while keeping cats healthy and happy.
Despite being positioned third, there’s no compromise on taste: even picky kitties have been reported to adore it!
This stellar combination of factors makes it one-of-a-kind among its peers within the natural dry cat foods domain.
4. Whiskas Purrfectly Chicken – Best Wet
Brand: Whiskas | Form: Wet | Flavors Variety Chicken | Life Stage: Adult
What We Liked:
– Sealed pouches lock in flavor and juices, ensuring fresh and tasty meals every time;
– Protein-rich formula promotes strong and healthy cats;
– Nutritionally complete and balanced for adult cat maintenance.
What We Didn’t Like:
Product Highlights
Whiskas Purrfectly Chicken is worth considering if you want to show extra love to your purring companion.
This variety pack combines the choicest selections of chicken, beef, and duck, all prepared in natural juices to deliver an unmistakable aroma and taste your cat will adore.
What sets Whiskas apart from other brands is its Flavor-Lock pouch design, which guarantees the freshness of each serving while offering you absolute convenience.
This nutritionally balanced cat food hits all the right notes regarding your furry friend’s health. A notable 9% crude protein content indicates how it can help maintain muscle mass and overall wellness in adult cats-a significant advantage over comparable products.
The discerning selection: Chicken Entrée, Chicken & Beef Entrée, and Chicken & Duck Entrée ensure enough variety to keep even picky eaters interested!
In conclusion, Whiskas Purrfectly Chicken Variety Pack offers more than just a meal; it provides an engaging culinary experience for cats while ensuring their nutritional needs are met with every bite.
5. Purina Pro Plan Allergen Reducing – Premium Choice
Brand: Purina Pro Plan | Form: Dry | Flavors: Salmon & Rice | Life Stage: Adult
What We Liked:
– Promotes healthy skin and coats with salmon as the first ingredient;
– Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics for digestive and immune health;
– Contains a key protein from eggs that neutralizes Fel D 1, a common allergen in cat saliva.
What We Didn’t Like:
Product Highlights
Purina Pro Plan Allergen Reducing is more than just a meal for your feline friend. It’s specifically formulated to combat cat hair and dander allergens while ensuring optimal nutritional balance.
The unique blend leverages the power of proteins derived from eggs that neutralize Fel D 1 – the common allergen found in cats’ saliva, making it an excellent choice for households dealing with allergies.
Unlike many dry food products, this one has salmon as its primary ingredient which aids muscle support given its high protein content.
In addition, it comes fortified with live probiotics to boost digestive health and immunity. From my experience, this product isn’t just feeding your cat but also looking after your family’s and pet’s wellbeing by significantly reducing allergens by an average of 47 percent within three weeks of daily feeding!
Carrying the Purina mark provides reassurance of quality, known globally for its research-backed animal wellness products. This formula was discovered after over a decade of research, indicating how much thought goes into developing these foods to ensure they’re safe and effective.
So if you seek a healthy, innovative solution that actively reduces allergy triggers while keeping your cat nourished and satisfied – Purina Pro Plan is well worth consideration.
Understanding Asthma in Cats
Cat asthma is a respiratory condition that can cause difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, and other symptoms.
Causes and Symptoms
The exact causes of cat asthma remain a topic of debate among experts, but it’s largely believed to be triggered by allergic reactions to certain substances a cat breathes in.
This includes common allergens like pollen, grass, mold, dust mites, household items such as tobacco smoke, certain types of cat litter, and various cleaning products.
Importance of Proper Nutrition
Proper nutrition is essential to a cat’s overall well-being and is pivotal in managing feline asthma. A high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids comes highly recommended for cats with this condition.
Opting for premium protein sources like chicken, turkey, fish, and lamb provides muscular support for their respiratory health.
Such nutritional choices have the added benefit of helping reduce obesity – another factor that can exacerbate asthma symptoms in cats.
Feline obesity can worsen asthma severity, underscoring the need for an apt diet plan tailored to your pet’s needs.
How to Choose the Right Food for Cats with Asthma
To choose the right food for cats with asthma, consult a veterinarian, look for high-quality ingredients and allergen-free options, and consider your cat’s preferences and sensitivities.
Consult with a Veterinarian
Choosing the right food for your feline friend with asthma may seem daunting. Let a veterinarian help you.
These experts possess in-depth knowledge about various cat dietary needs. They can advise you on suitable high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids – ideal food for cats with asthma.
The recommendation could range from top-end brands like Royal Canin, Purina, or Iams to raw food diets depending on what best suits your pet’s condition.
Veterinarians also understand individual cat sensitivities and allergies which could trigger asthmatic attacks. They offer invaluable guidance on potential allergens and irritants one should look for while choosing the correct diet or litter type.
Look for High-quality Ingredients
Opting for cat food made with premium, natural ingredients ensures that your feline companion receives optimal nutrition without any potential triggers.
Avoiding grains like corn, wheat, or rice is particularly important as these ingredients can aggravate asthma symptoms.
Instead, focus on protein-rich options such as chicken or fish, which have anti-inflammatory properties and are beneficial for respiratory health.
Check for Allergens and Irritants
- Look for limited-ingredient cat foods: These types of cat foods are formulated with minimal ingredients, reducing the likelihood of triggering allergies or irritations in cats with asthma.
- Opt for hypoallergenic cat food: Hypoallergenic cat food provides ample nutrients without causing an upset stomach or allergic reactions. It often contains novel protein sources that are less likely to provoke allergies.
- Avoid common allergens: Common allergens in cat food include grains like wheat, corn, and soy, as well as specific proteins like beef and chicken. Opting for grain-free options or alternative protein sources can help reduce the risk of triggering asthma symptoms.
- Check for modified proteins: Some research suggests that modifying proteins in cat food may help prevent them from triggering asthma symptoms. Look for brands that incorporate these modified proteins into their formulas.
- Consider wet food options: Wet food is often recommended for cats with asthma due to its higher moisture content and reduced dust compared to dry kibble. This can help alleviate respiratory issues and provide additional hydration.
Consider Your Cat’s Preferences and Sensitivities
- Taste preferences: Cats can be picky eaters, so finding a cat food that appeals to their taste buds is essential. Look for flavors and textures that your cat enjoys.
- Texture: Some cats prefer wet or canned food, while others enjoy dry kibble. Consider your cat’s preference when selecting the type of food.
- Allergies: Just like humans, cats can have allergies too. Take note of any known allergies or sensitivities your cat may have, and choose a free food from those ingredients.
- Digestive issues: Cats with asthma may also suffer from digestive problems such as sensitive stomachs or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Opt for a food formulated for sensitive digestion if necessary.
- Ingredient quality: Ensure that the cat food you choose contains high-quality ingredients. Look for protein sources such as poultry or fish listed as the main ingredient and natural and beneficial additives like omega-3 fatty acids.
FAQs
What Are The Best Food Options for Cats with Asthma?
The top 5 best food options for cats with asthma include hypoallergenic diets, limited ingredient formulas, grain-free recipes, wet or canned foods, and those that contain omega-3 fatty acids for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Why Are Hypoallergenic Diets Recommended for Cats with Asthma?
Hypoallergenic diets are recommended because they typically eliminate common allergens such as beef, poultry, dairy, and grains which may trigger an allergic reaction in cats with asthma. These diets help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with respiratory conditions.
How Can Limited Ingredient Formulas Benefit Cats with Asthma?
Limited ingredient formulas contain fewer ingredients, reducing the likelihood of triggering an allergic response in cats with asthma.
Why is Wet or Canned Food Better for Cats with Asthma?
Wet or canned food is better for cats with asthma because it has higher moisture content than dry kibble. Adequate hydration helps maintain optimal respiratory health by reducing mucus buildup and promoting easier breathing for asthmatic felines.
Conclusion
Managing feline asthma involves selecting the appropriate cat food. It is crucial to opt for cat food that contains high-quality protein sources and omega-3 fatty acids while avoiding allergens that are commonly found. To alleviate your cat’s asthma symptoms, it is advisable to consider wet food, raw food, or hypoallergenic food.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein and Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free are two recommended options that meet these criteria. Purchasing these products today gives your furry companion the nourishment they need to breathe easier.
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