Last Updated on January 7, 2024 by Pauline G. Carter
Are you a cat owner dealing with the challenges of autoimmune disease in your beloved feline companion? If so, you understand the importance of finding the right nutrition to support your immune system and overall well-being. Choosing the best cat food for autoimmune disease can make a significant difference in managing their condition and promoting optimal health. We will explore the top options available, carefully crafted to provide essential nutrients, boost immunity, and alleviate symptoms associated with autoimmune disorders in cats. Whether you’re seeking wet or dry food, we’ve got you covered with recommendations that prioritize your cat’s health and happiness.
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Autoimmune Diseases In Cats
Cats are susceptible to many diseases, including autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues in your cat’s body. This can cause a disturbance in your cat’s overall health, leading to various symptoms.
It is essential to recognize the signs of autoimmune disease in your cat and seek medical assistance.
What Is An Autoimmune Disease In Cats?
An autoimmune disease in cats is a condition that arises when the immune system erroneously attacks healthy cells and tissues in your cat’s body. The immune system can misinterpret these healthy cells as intruders, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage.
What Are The Symptoms Of Autoimmune Disease In Cats?
The symptoms of autoimmune disease in cats are incredibly diverse. It can be anything from physical conditions to neurological diseases. Here are some common signs to look out for:
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Changes in skin
- Chronic infections
- Joint pain and swelling
Common Types Of Autoimmune Diseases In Cats
There are several types of autoimmune diseases that affect cats. Here are a few of the most common:
- Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
- Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
How Diet Affects Autoimmune Diseases In Cats?
Diet plays a vital role in your cat’s overall health, and it can even affect the severity of autoimmune diseases. Here are some ways diet affects autoimmune diseases in cats:
- Dry food can irritate the digestive tract and cause digestive issues, leading to inflammation.
- Certain foods may trigger allergic reactions or cause a flare-up of your cat’s autoimmune disease.
- An appropriate diet can provide essential nutrients and aid healing.
It is crucial to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best food that suits your cat’s needs. They can also advise on dietary changes that may help manage your cat’s autoimmune disease.
9 Best Cat Food For Autoimmune Disease In 2024
1. IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult Indoor Weight Control
- Brand: Iams
- Manufacturer: MARS Petcare US
- Color: Indoor
- Dimensions: Height: 18.25 Inches Width: 8.63 Inches Length: 5.38 Inches Weight: 7.0 Pounds `
Features
IAMS Proactive Health Adult Indoor Weight & Hairball Care Dry Cat Food, a 7 lb bag, provides an ideal dietary solution for your indoor cat. Its primary ingredient, chicken, enriches your pet’s diet with protein, supporting strong muscles and promoting healthy play. Enhanced with l-carnitine, this product aids in weight management. Our proprietary blend includes beet pulp to curb hairballs. An essential part of a balanced diet, it ensures weight control and reduces hairball formation. With 10% less fat than IAMS Healthy Adult Original, it’s an optimal protein source. Finally, a perfect Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio nourishes for a healthy, shiny coat.
Pros:
- Protein-Rich: With chicken as the primary ingredient, this cat food supports strong muscles and provides energy for play.
- Weight Management: The formulation includes l-carnitine, which helps indoor cats maintain a healthy weight.
- Hairball Reduction: The proprietary fiber blend with beet pulp aids in reducing hairball formation.
- Balanced Diet: The product promotes weight control, making it an essential component of a balanced diet.
- Promotes Healthy Coat: The optimal Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acid ratio contributes to a soft, shiny, and healthy coat.
Cons:
- Diet-Specific: This product is specifically designed for indoor cats, making it potentially unsuitable for outdoor cats.
- Reduced Fat: With 10% less fat compared to IAMS Healthy Adult Original, some cats needing a higher fat diet may not benefit.
- Potential Allergens: Cats allergic to chicken, turkey, or any other ingredient used might experience adverse reactions.
2. Solid Gold High Protein Dry Cat Food
- Brand: Solid Gold
- Manufacturer: Solid Gold Pet LLC
- Dimensions: Height: 13.0 Inches Width: 7.0 Inches Length: 4.0 Inches Weight: 3.0 Pounds `
Features
Indigo Moon by Solid Gold is a high-protein, gluten and grain-free dry cat food that provides superior digestive support for kittens and adult cats alike. With 42% crude protein, it is a top choice for active felines. Sourced from fresh-caught Alaskan Pollock and Salmon, it also delivers essential Omega-3 fatty acids. Additional nutrients from whole eggs promote a healthy metabolism. Notably, it includes prebiotics and patented live probiotics for comprehensive digestive and immune support. Moreover, the formula is packed with vitamins, superfoods, antioxidants, and Omega 6 fatty acids (DHA), ensuring overall coat health and immunity for cats of all ages and sizes.
Pros:
- High Protein Content: With 42% crude protein, Solid Gold Indigo Moon cat food caters excellently to the nutritional needs of active cats.
- Grain and Gluten-Free: This formula ensures that cats with grain or gluten sensitivities can safely consume this product.
- Digestive and Immune Support: Its unique blend of prebiotics and live probiotics supports healthy gut flora, digestion, and the immune system.
- Quality Ingredients: Made with fresh Alaskan Pollock and Salmon, whole eggs, superfoods, vitamins, and antioxidants, it offers a balanced and nutritious diet.
- Promotes Coat Health: The inclusion of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids enhances coat health and boosts overall immunity.
Cons:
- Price: As a premium product with high-quality ingredients, it may be more expensive than other cat food options on the market.
- Taste Preference: Some cats may not prefer the taste of Pollock fish or the specific blend of ingredients in this product.
- Allergenic Potential: Despite being grain and gluten-free, some cats may have allergies or intolerances to certain proteins or other ingredients in the formula.
3. Delectables Bisque Non-Seafood
- Brand: Hartz
- Manufacturer: Hartz
- Color: Variety
- Dimensions: Height: 5.315 Inches Width: 3.46 Inches Length: 4.375 Inches Weight: 0.0875 Pounds `
Features
Spoil your feline friend with Delectables Bisque Non-Seafood Lickable Wet Cat Treats. This 12-count variety pack, made with authentic ingredients, delivers a sauce so irresistible, your cat will clean the bowl! The unique blend of meat and sauce creates a succulent wet texture, ensuring the entire treat is consumed, not just the sauce. Ideal as a cat food topper, a quick snack, or an enticing treat, it is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Available in a Stew & Bisque texture, the pack offers an assortment of delightful chicken flavors, providing a satisfying feast for your cat.
Pros:
- Made with Real Ingredients: This assures that your cat gets a treat that is close to their natural diet.
- No Seafood: Ideal for cats allergic to seafood or for owners who want to limit their cat’s seafood intake.
- Versatile Use: The product can serve as a cat food topper, a quick snack, or a special treat, making it a flexible addition to your cat’s diet.
- Enticing Texture: The unique blend of meat and sauce is designed to ensure your cat eats the whole treat, offering a satisfying eating experience.
- Variety Pack: The multiple flavors of chicken provide variety, preventing meal monotony.
Cons:
- Limited Diet Suitability: Cats on a seafood-based diet may not find this product as appealing.
- Allergy Risks: Some cats may be allergic to chicken, limiting the suitability of this product for all felines.
- Pouch Size: At 1.4 ounces per pouch, some owners might find the serving size too small for their cat’s appetite.
4. Wellnes CORE Digestive Health Grain-Free Natural Wet Cat Food
- Brand: Wellness
- Manufacturer: Simmons Toronto
- Color: Salmon & Whitefish
- Dimensions: Height: 6.38 Inches Width: 5.5 Inches Length: 8.25 Inches Weight: 0.1875 Pounds `
Features
Wellness CORE Digestive Health Grain-Free Wet Cat Food is the perfect choice for cats with sensitive stomachs. It’s crafted with high-quality protein and prebiotic fiber to support gut health, while Omega 3 fatty acids enhance skin and coat condition. This 12-pack includes Salmon and Whitefish Pate varieties – completely smooth and deliciously appealing to your feline friend. As a wet cat food, it promotes healthy hydration, especially when served at room temperature. Free from corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives, it’s a natural choice. Formulated by nutritionists and veterinarians, it offers complete, balanced nutrition to nourish your pet’s wellbeing.
Pros:
- High-quality Protein: Made with real salmon and whitefish, it provides the protein necessary for your cat’s overall health.
- Supports Digestive Health: Formulated with prebiotic fiber, it aids in maintaining gut health, especially in cats with sensitive stomachs.
- Enhanced Skin & Coat: Enriched with Omega 3 fatty acids, it helps nourish your cat’s skin and coat.
- Promotes Hydration: As a wet cat food, it helps increase your cat’s moisture intake, promoting daily hydration health.
- Free from Harmful Additives: No corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives are included, making it a natural choice.
Cons:
- Limited Flavor Variety: Comes in only two flavors which may not cater to all cats’ palates.
- Requires Refrigeration: Unused portions need to be refrigerated, which could be inconvenient for some cat owners.
- Price: Premium ingredients and careful formulation may make this product more expensive than other cat food options.
5. Wet Cat Food Kidney RENAL ACTIWET
- Brand: Forza10
- Manufacturer: Forza10
Features
Experience the perfect blend of taste and health with Wet Cat Food Kidney RENAL ACTIWET with Lamb. Expertly crafted for felines with renal and cardiac issues, this recipe features pasture-raised New Zealand lamb combined with therapeutic plants and fruits. It’s designed to address stomach sensitivity while offering a delectable taste. Made from 100% natural, digestible, and GMO-free ingredients, this cat food avoids corn, wheat, soy, by-products, and artificial additives. This vet-formulated, science-backed diet was developed after 30 comprehensive studies. The effectiveness of our products is guaranteed, made in-house in our facilities in Iceland and Italy. Give your cat the vitality it deserves!
Pros:
- Specialized Recipe: It’s specifically formulated for cats with renal and cardiac issues, which can support their special dietary needs.
- High-Quality Ingredients: The wet cat food is made with pasture-raised New Zealand lamb, ensuring premium quality.
- 100% Natural: The food is GMO-free, with no corn, wheat, soy, by-products, artificial colors, flavors or chemical preservatives.
- Vet-formulated and Science-backed: Developed by world-renowned veterinarians and nutritionists, this formula is backed by over 30 scientific studies.
- Enhanced Taste: The blend of therapeutic plants and fruits enhances the taste, making it appealing to felines.
Cons:
- Limited Protein Source: With lamb as the sole protein source, cats allergic to this meat may not be able to consume this product.
- Price: Given its high-quality ingredients and specialized formulation, it might be pricier than standard cat food.
- Availability: As the product is made in Iceland and Italy, there may be availability or shipping issues in certain regions.
6. Purina Fancy Feast Grain Free Pate Wet Cat Food
- Brand: PURINA Fancy Feast
- Manufacturer: Nestle Purina Pet
- Color: Classic Poultry & Beef
- Dimensions: Height: 7.6 Inches Width: 7.85 Inches Length: 5.2 Inches Weight: 0.19 Pounds `
Features
Introducing Purina Fancy Feast’s Grain Free Pate Wet Cat Food Variety Pack, Poultry & Beef Collection, comprised of thirty 3 oz. cans. This selection tantalizes your cat with three distinct recipes featuring turkey, chicken, or beef. Each serving provides a 100% complete and balanced diet for your adult cat, enhanced with essential vitamins and minerals. The pleasing pate texture will have your feline friend purring with delight. Endorsed by Purina, a revered name in pet food, this assortment ensures delicious tastes your cat will adore. The multi-can variety pack is a practical choice for stocking your pantry, guaranteeing mealtime satisfaction for your pet.
Pros:
- The product offers variety, including turkey, chicken, or beef, catering to different tastes and preventing mealtime monotony.
- Each serving delivers 100% complete and balanced nutrition, supporting your cat’s overall health.
- The grain-free pate texture not only is pleasing to cats but also beneficial for those with grain sensitivities.
- Backed by Purina, a trusted leader in pet food, you can be confident in the product’s quality and nutritional adequacy.
- The multi-can pack makes it convenient for bulk purchasing and pantry stocking.
Cons:
- Some cats may prefer chunkier textures over the pate-style offered in this collection.
- Cats with specific dietary needs or allergies may not be able to consume all three types of protein (turkey, chicken, beef) included in the variety pack.
- As it is a bulk pack, if your cat does not favor one or more of the flavors, some cans might go to waste.
7. Reveal Natural Wet Cat Food
- Brand: REVEAL LIMITED INGREDIENTS APPROVED BY CATS
- Manufacturer: Reveal
- Dimensions: Height: 5.3937007819 Inches Width: 5.1968503884 Inches Length: 4.0157480274 Inches Weight: 0.154375 Pounds `
Features
Reveal Natural Wet Cat Food provides a wholesome dining experience for your feline. This 12-pack variety is made with 100% natural ingredients and high-quality protein, delivering a grain-free, limited ingredient meal free from artificial additives. Reveal’s delicious fish flavors satisfy even the fussiest of eaters. Serving as an excellent supplement to any dry food, it ensures a balanced diet. The pack includes 4 cans each of Real Tuna Fillet, Real Tuna Fillet with Seaweed, and Real Ocean Fish in a Natural Broth. Each can weighs 2.47oz. Treat your cat to the natural goodness of Reveal’s cat food.
Pros:
- 100% Natural Ingredients: This cat food only uses natural ingredients, ensuring a wholesome meal without any harmful substances.
- Grain-Free and Simple: Ideal for cats with allergies or food sensitivities, it contains no grains and is free from artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- Variety of Flavors: The fish variety pack caters to fussy eaters, providing a delicious range of flavors to keep your cat interested.
- Complements Dry Food: This wet cat food is an excellent addition to dry food, resulting in a complete, balanced diet.
- High Protein Content: Made with real tuna fillet and ocean fish, it provides essential proteins needed for your cat’s health and vitality.
Cons:
- Limited Nutritional Variety: As it only contains fish flavors, it might not offer a comprehensive spectrum of nutrients compared to food with more ingredient diversity.
- Small Can Size: The 2.47oz cans might not provide a full meal for larger cats, requiring multiple cans per serving.
- May Not Appeal to All Cats: While the fish variety is excellent for cats who enjoy seafood, cats preferring other flavors like chicken or beef might not find it as appealing.
8. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Signature Selects Wet Cat Food
- Brand: Wellness
- Manufacturer: IPB Thailand
- Color: Shredded Chicken & Chicken Liver in Sauce
- Dimensions: Height: 2.953 Inches Width: 5.748 Inches Length: 8.307 Inches Weight: 2.1 Pounds `
Features
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Signature Selects Wet Cat Food offers top-quality, natural nutrition for your feline friend. This protein-dense, grain-free recipe features shredded chicken and chicken liver, providing the meaty flavor cats love. The hydrating formula offers essential moisture to support your cat’s hydration health. Free of corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives, it ensures your cat receives only what they need for optimal health. Nutritionally balanced and crafted by experts, this wet food delivers a wholesome, flavorful meal your cat will adore. One pack contains twelve 2.8-ounce cans, ensuring your pet’s meals are always fresh and appetizing.
Pros:
- Grain-Free: Ideal for cats with grain sensitivities, this food is completely free from corn, wheat, and soy, reducing the risk of allergies.
- High Protein Content: With shredded chicken and chicken liver as the primary ingredients, this product ensures a high-protein diet, essential for maintaining a healthy, lean body.
- Hydration Support: The wet food format provides additional hydration for your cat, supporting kidney and urinary health.
- Nutritionally Balanced: Crafted by nutritionists and veterinarians, this cat food is balanced to meet all of your cat’s nutritional requirements.
- No Artificial Additives: It does not contain artificial colors or preservatives, making it a healthier choice for your pet.
Cons:
- Single Protein Source: The focus on chicken and chicken liver means that cats with poultry allergies may not be able to consume this product.
- Wet Food Consistency: Some cats may prefer dry food over the texture of wet food.
- Requires Refrigeration: Unlike dry food, unused portions of this product must be refrigerated, which might be inconvenient for some pet owners.
9. Wellness Complete Health Gravies Grain Free Canned Cat Food
- Brand: Wellness
- Manufacturer: Simmons Emporia
- Color: Salmon Entree
- Dimensions: Height: 1.75 Inches Width: 8.25 Inches Length: 10.75 Inches Weight: 2.25 Pounds `
Features
Wellness Complete Health Gravies Grain Free Canned Cat Food, Salmon Entree, is a protein-dense, grain-free feast designed to cater to your feline’s needs. First-rate protein from real salmon aids muscle development while essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids deliver balanced nutrition. This corn, wheat, and soy-free recipe indulges your cat’s palate with rich, savory gravy, and promotes daily hydration. Developed by expert nutritionists and veterinarians, this canned food has no added carrageenan, artificial colors, or preservatives, offering your pet complete, nourishing sustenance. Relish the peace of mind that comes with feeding your cat premium, healthful food.
Pros:
- Grain-Free: This formula is completely free from grains, making it an ideal choice for cats with certain dietary restrictions or sensitivities.
- High-Quality Protein: Made with real salmon as the primary ingredient, it provides an excellent source of protein to support muscle growth and overall health.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, this canned cat food offers a complete and balanced diet.
- Hydration Support: The gravy in this food helps increase your cat’s moisture intake, supporting overall hydration.
- No Harmful Additives: Free from corn, wheat, soy, carrageenan, artificial colors, and preservatives, it promotes a cleaner and healthier diet.
Cons:
- Texture: Cats can be picky eaters, and some may not prefer the texture of wet food.
- Refrigeration: The unused portion needs to be refrigerated, which might not be convenient for everyone.
- Price: Given its high-quality ingredients and the absence of grains or harmful additives, it might be priced higher than other commercial cat foods.
How To Choose The Right Cat Food For Autoimmune Disease?
To choose the right cat food for autoimmune disease, consult with a veterinarian and carefully review the ingredient list and nutritional value of the food. Finding the right cat food for autoimmune diseases can be a challenge for pet owners.
It’s important to ensure that the cat’s diet meets its specific nutritional needs and does not aggravate its condition. Consulting with a veterinarian is the first step toward finding the right food. They can provide recommendations based on the cat’s individual needs and health history.
Looking For Cat Food That Supports Autoimmune Health
When selecting cat food for cats with autoimmune diseases, it is essential to choose a brand that supports their overall health. Here’s what to look for:
- Choose brands with high-quality protein. Cats require a lot of protein in their diets, so choosing cat food with high-quality meat is a must.
- Check for added supplements. Some brands include omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and other important nutrients that can help boost a cat’s immune system.
- Avoid grains and gluten. Many autoimmune conditions can be exacerbated by grains and gluten, so it’s best to opt for grain-free options.
- Look for natural preservatives. Avoid cat foods with artificial preservatives, which can trigger inflammation and other health issues.
Cat Food Labels, Ingredients, And Nutritional Requirements
Cat food labels can be confusing, but understanding them is crucial when choosing the right food for a cat with an autoimmune disease. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Check the ingredients list. Look for specific pieces of information such as high-quality meat as the main ingredient and natural preservatives.
- Choose food that fits with your cat’s nutritional requirements. Cats need a mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, so look for a food that offers a balanced mixture of these nutrients.
- Check for aafco compliance. The Association of American feed control officials ensures that cat food meets certain nutritional guidelines, so be sure the food is aafco-compliant.
Tips For Choosing The Right Cat Food For A Cat With Autoimmune Disease
Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding on cat food:
- Work with your vet. Your vet can help you find the best cat food for your cat’s specific autoimmune condition.
- Look for limited-ingredient diets. A limited-ingredient diet may help prevent allergic reactions and relieve symptoms in cats with autoimmune conditions.
- Opt for wet food. Wet food provides more moisture than dry food, which is important for cats with autoimmune diseases who may struggle with dehydration.
- Try different things. If your cat doesn’t respond well to one type of food, try a different brand or formula. Every cat is different, so finding the right food may take some trial and error.
Choosing the right cat food for an autoimmune cat can be tough, but with a little research and guidance from your vet, you can ensure your furry friend is getting all the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is An Autoimmune Disease In Cats?
An autoimmune disease occurs when a cat’s immune system attacks healthy body cells.
What Are The Symptoms Of Autoimmune Disease In Cats?
Common symptoms include skin rashes, hair loss, inflammation, and overall weakness.
How Does The Right Cat Food Help With Autoimmune Disease?
The right cat food can boost the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body.
What Ingredients Should I Look For In Cat Food For Autoimmune Disease?
Look for foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and high-quality proteins.
Can I Make My Own Cat Food For Autoimmune Disease?
While it’s possible to make homemade cat food, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian or nutritionist to ensure a balanced diet.
Conclusion
As a cat owner, it is imperative to take your feline friend’s autoimmune disease seriously. Their diet plays a crucial role in managing the symptoms and promoting their overall health.
Always start by consulting your vet and taking their advice on which type of food is best suited for your cat’s condition. Look for the Best Cat Food For Autoimmune Disease that is high in protein and free from harmful additives, chemicals, and artificial preservatives. It is also important to read food labels carefully and keep an eye on your cat’s reaction.
By following these guidelines, you can help your feline friend to live a healthy and comfortable life. Keep adjusting the diet as needed and monitor their condition closely to ensure that they are getting the appropriate nutrition at all times.
