Most cats with food allergies are reacting to specific animal proteins — often chicken, beef or fish.
One common approach is to try a novel protein: a protein your cat hasn’t eaten before. Because the immune system hasn’t been exposed to it, the chance of a reaction is lower.
In the UK, rabbit and venison are among the most widely available novel proteins, and many foods using these are also limited ingredient, with just one main protein source.
Some cats do well on foods such as fish or lamb, although these aren’t always considered true novel proteins as they are commonly used in standard cat foods.
You can browse UK options for each protein below.
Proteins often used first. These foods are commonly used for elimination diets, as many cats will not have eaten them before.
Rabbit cat food
Venison cat food
Kangaroo, insect and other exotic proteins
Proteins that may still work for some cats. These foods are more commonly found in standard cat foods, so some cats may already have been exposed to them.
Duck and turkey cat food
Lamb cat food
Beef and veal cat food
Fish-based cat food
Every cat is different. Some will do well on the first food you try, while others may need a few different options before finding the right fit. If you’re unsure where to start, rabbit or venison are often good first choices.
One challenge with novel protein diets is that cats can be fussy, and buying a full box of a new food doesn’t always work out. I’ve put together a few small trial packs so you can try different options before committing to a larger order. Check out details here.
If your cat has more severe symptoms, your vet may recommend starting with a hydrolysed diet instead.
Please get in touch if there’s a food you think should be listed on the site.