Whether your cat struggles with a sensitive stomach or you simply want to try the more naturalistic approach to feeding your cat, limited ingredient cat food is becoming more praised and popular. The first step to keeping your cat healthy is to provide them with balanced food that meets their needs. Limited cat foods can offer your cat a complete diet without the addition of unnecessary or potentially harmful ingredients. We understand that it can be difficult to find a cat food that truly has limited ingredients.
Fortunately, in this article, we will be reviewing some of the best limited ingredient cat foods on the market today. Each product in this review has been certified as a limited ingredient food by the manufacturer, which means that these are products you can guarantee will not expose your cat to excess additives.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Smalls Fresh Cat Food Subscription
Human-grade food
Animal protein as first ingredients
Free from fillers, preservatives, and byproducts
Click to Save 40% Use code: PetKeen2023
Best Value
Blue Buffalo Basics LID Cat Food
Affordable
Ideal for sensitive cats
No-allergy formula
Check Price
Instinct LID Dry Cat Food
Minimal processing
First raw coated kibble
Complete holistic cat food
Check Price
Natural Balance Dry Cat Food
Grain-free
Balanced diet
Wholesome ingredients
Check Price
Best for Kittens
Instinct Grain-Free Kitten Food
High in protein
Wholesome ingredients
Ideal for sensitive kittens
Check Price
The 8 Best Limited Ingredient Cat Foods
1. Smalls Fresh Cat Food Subscription – Best Overall
Save 40% on Smalls - Click Here & Use Code Petkeen2023
Protein content: 54.6%
Fiber content: 0.3%
Fat content: 6.6%
Flavor: Chicken
Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Bird is the overall best choice for limited-ingredient cat food for cats with food sensitivities or allergies. The food is human-grade and features chicken thigh, breast, and liver as the first ingredients. To support overall health, the formula also contains green beans, organ meat, kale, and a concentration of vital nutrients and vitamins like vitamin E, copper, biotin, selenium, and vitamin B12.
Like other Smalls products, the Human-Grade Fresh Bird food is formulated to meet nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. All ingredients are USDA-certified, humanely harvested, and sustainably sourced, free from preservatives, fillers, and byproducts. Nearly half of the caloric intake comes from animal protein, which supports skeletal, muscular, and organ health in your cat. Fresh Bird is available in smooth and ground texture formulas to suit your cat’s preferences and needs. The food is expensive and only available through a subscription, however.
Pros
Human-grade food
Animal protein as first ingredients
Two textures for picky cats
Free from fillers, preservatives, and byproducts
Cons
Expensive
Only available through a subscription
Blue Buffalo Basics is our best product for the value of money. In comparison to competitors’ products, this cat food is on the more affordable side while offering a decent portion of cat food that can last a good few months. This limited ingredient food features real duck as a single animal protein source with the addition of pumpkin and potatoes for gentle digestion. This product contains no gluten-containing grains which make it ideal for cats with sensitive stomachs. Natural fiber sources have been included to meet the natural fiber requirements without any allergen-containing ingredients such as chicken, beef, corn, or wheat.
Human-grade food
Animal protein as first ingredients
Two textures for picky cats
Free from fillers, preservatives, and byproducts
- Human-grade food
- Animal protein as first ingredients
- Two textures for picky cats
- Free from fillers, preservatives, and byproducts
Expensive
Only available through a subscription
- Expensive
- Only available through a subscription
Protein content: 30.0%
Fiber content: 6.0%
Fat content: 14.0%
Flavor: Duck & potato
Check Price on Chewy
This product also provides your cat with a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that have been selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists. Which makes it a reliable cat food you can trust. A downside to this cat food is that it does contain products that may be undesirable for some cat owners.
Affordable
Ideal for sensitive cats
No-allergy formula
- Affordable
- Ideal for sensitive cats
- No-allergy formula
Contains byproducts
- Contains byproducts
Another great choice in this category is the Instinct limited ingredient dry cat food. This cat food has so many holistic benefits to offer your cat. This natural cat food was created for sensitive cats who are prone to a wide range of allergies when it comes to their diet. It is the first raw coated kibble, and each piece is coated in freeze-dried raw ingredients for picky eaters. The main noticeable ingredient is a rabbit which has been chosen for its easy digestibility while providing your cat with all the essential amino acids they require. Each raw ingredient has been minimally processed and packed with protein. A quick look at the guaranteed analysis indicates that this food is low in fat, so it is better suited for obese cats or cats who can maintain a stable weight.
Protein content: 35.5%
Fiber content: 4.0%
Fat content: 16.5%
Flavor: Rabbit
Minimal processing
First raw coated kibble
Complete holistic cat food
- Minimal processing
- First raw coated kibble
- Complete holistic cat food
Low in fat
- Low in fat
The best overall product in this category is the Natural Balance salmon and green pea flavored limited ingredient cat food. This food has been formulated specifically to provide your cat with a complete and balanced diet without any excess harmful or unnecessary ingredients. This cat food is grain-free and contains a single animal protein source which is beneficial for cats who have sensitive stomachs. The ingredients aim to support your cat’s fur and skin to produce the appearance of a shiny coat. The main ingredient is chicken which is a reliable protein source for proper muscular development in cats.
Protein content: 30.0%
Fiber content: 4.5%
Fat content: 12.0%
Flavor: Salmon & green pea
No fillers have been added to the food, even after the formula change. This food can be fed to cats who have sensitivities towards other foods or if you prefer to feed your cat foods that contain no unnecessary additives.
Grain-free
Balanced diet
Wholesome ingredients
- Grain-free
- Balanced diet
- Wholesome ingredients
Formula change
Pricey
- Formula change
- Pricey
This food is specifically formulated for kittens under 12 months of age. It contains a range of healthy and organic ingredients that will aid in a young kitten’s growth and development. This is a grain-free cat food that contains natural animal ingredients and nutritious oils. Some other wholesome ingredients that are included are fruits and vegetables. This food contains probiotics for digestive and immune health, with omegas for skin and coat health. This product is great for kittens with sensitive stomachs as it excludes some common allergens like soy, corn, wheat, and grains. This is a natural kitten food that is coated with raw ingredients and packed with chicken protein. It is on the pricier side in comparison to other kitten foods.
Protein content: 42.5%
Fiber content: 3.0%
Fat content: 22.5%
Flavor: Chicken
High in protein
Wholesome ingredients
Ideal for sensitive kittens
- High in protein
- Wholesome ingredients
- Ideal for sensitive kittens
Low in fiber
Pricey
- Low in fiber
- Pricey
This is a single-sourced animal protein that contains real deboned turkey. The Merrick limited ingredient food is a wet adult cat food with a turkey flavor. It has simple ingredients for cats with food sensitivities and fish is excluded from the formula as it has the potential to trigger allergies in cats. This grain and gluten-free formulation make this wet cat food easy to digest while providing omega 3 & 6 for healthy skin and fur. This food should be served at room temperature but should be refrigerated after its opening to which can last around 2 to 3 days. It is quite expensive for a small portion of canned food, but the overall quality and benefits are worth it. It is a pate cat food, but juicy enough to entice cats that refuse to eat dry cat food.
Protein content: 9.0%
Fiber content: 1.4%
Fat content: 5%
Flavor: Turkey
Contains essential fatty acids
Supports a healthy coat
Limited ingredient wet cat food
- Contains essential fatty acids
- Supports a healthy coat
- Limited ingredient wet cat food
Expensive
Low in protein
- Expensive
- Low in protein
The Merricks limited ingredient dry cat food is excellent for cats who are sensitive to certain ingredients. This food targets cats with food allergies and it features a grain-free recipe with a single protein source which is chicken. The main protein source is deboned chicken, and peas and chickpeas have been used to replace grains that are typically used in cat food. This helps to limit any ingredients that can cause digestive issues or allergies in adult cats. Chicken fat has been added as a source of fatty acids which are ideal for cats. This food contains decent protein content, with a low amount of fat and carbohydrate content.
Protein content: 34.0%
Fiber content: 4.0%
Fat content: 14%
Flavor: Chicken
Free from artificial ingredients
Supports digestive health
Grain-free recipe
- Free from artificial ingredients
- Supports digestive health
- Grain-free recipe
Contains high amounts of plant protein
Poor moisture content
- Contains high amounts of plant protein
- Poor moisture content
This limited ingredient pate wet cat food is suitable for cats who have sensitivities towards grain and gluten ingredients. The ingredient list is short, and it is easy to distinguish what exactly is in this food. It features a single source of real turkey to support the energy requirements of an adult cat. This food excludes chicken and beef which are potential allergens in cats. The Blue Buffalo Basics pate cat food is made of the finest ingredients and enhanced with vitamins and minerals. It has a smooth texture and turkey flavor that entices fussy cats who do not enjoy eating dry cat foods. Blue Buffalo Basics uses no wheat products in this formula which is a common thickening agent in other limited ingredient cat foods. This food is helpful for cats who suffer from digestive issues due to poor quality ingredients, and it is also known to help cats with mild allergies. This food should be refrigerated after being opened, however one tin will not last very long once it has been opened and exposed to air. It can also become dehydrated after being exposed to air for a few hours.
Protein content: 8.0%
Fiber content: 1.5%
Fat content: 6.0%
Flavor: Turkey & potato
Grain and gluten-free
Limited ingredient recipe
Allergy sensitive formula
- Grain and gluten-free
- Limited ingredient recipe
- Allergy sensitive formula
Quickly dehydrates when exposed to air
Expensive
- Quickly dehydrates when exposed to air
- Expensive
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Limited-Ingredient Cat Food
Why Choose Limited Ingredient Cat Food?
There are many unnecessary ingredients added into cat food, and this can be avoided by choosing foods that claim to have limited ingredients on the packaging. This means that the food itself has easy-to-understand ingredients without exposing your cat or kitten to unnecessary or harmful additives.
Limited ingredient cat foods are better suited for cats who have allergies and food sensitivities. Many triggering ingredients such as wheat, soy, grains, gluten, corn, and artificial colors are excluded from the recipe to support sensitive cats and promote proper digestion.
What Types of Limited Ingredient Cat Foods Are There?
Choosing the right limited ingredient food for your cat depends on what type of food interests them.
Dry Food
This is the most popular type of cat food on the market. This type of cat food lasts for a long time and has a more diluted taste and smell than other cat foods. Dry limited ingredient cat foods are simple yet effective at offering your cat the main benefits of a limited ingredient cat food.
This type of food is typically higher in protein, fat, and fiber in comparison to wet or minced cat foods
Recommended: Natural Balance Diets Dry Adult Cat Food
Giving your pet the highest quality nutrition is a top priority, so why not give them a food and water dish to match? We think the Hepper Nom Nom Bowl is too good not to share.
Made from food-safe stainless steel, you can ensure that your pet is consuming the best nutrition out of the finest bowls on the market. Click here to get yours.
At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Kitten Formula
This type of limited ingredient cat food has been specifically formulated with ingredients necessary for a young kitten’s growth and development. Kittens have faster metabolisms than adult cats and require more protein to fuel their energy levels and muscular development.
Recommended: Instinct Grain-Free Kitten Food
Wet (Pate) Food
Wet cat foods are tailored towards more fussy cats who do not like the crunchy texture of kibble. Wet cat foods are more luxurious and have a higher moisture content. Another plus is that wet cat foods contain a concentrated level of protein, fat, and fiber so you can tell how much nutrition your cat is getting from each feeding.
Recommended: Merrick Grain Free Limited Ingredient Real Meat Canned Cat Food
Mince and Gravy-Based Foods
This type of cat food is similar to wet pate cat foods, however, the mince pieces are finely chopped and separated. The texture may be more appealing to cats who refuse other types of foods. It is less slimy than wet cat foods and contains more moisture in the form of gravy.
Recommended: Instinct Grain-Free Minced Cat Food With Gravy
What Allergenic Ingredients Should You Avoid in Cat Foods?
If your cat is prone to allergies, these ingredients should ideally be avoided in their food:
- Wheat
- Grains
- Soy
- Gluten
- Chicken
- Pork
- Artificial colors and flavors
Most limited ingredient cat foods will exclude this from the food’s formula, except if the flavor of the food is pork or chicken.
- Want to know how various cat foods stack up against one another? Read the Best Cat Foods (Updated)
Conclusion
We have chosen two of our most favorite and recommended cat foods that contain limited ingredients that are wholesome and chosen wisely from the manufacturer. Our top pick is the Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Bird for it’s ultra-high protein content and all-natural ingredient list. Our second favorite is the Blue Buffalo Basics. These two foods contain minimal and easy-to-read ingredients that are more beneficial to your cat’s health and no unnecessary additives are included.
Featured Image Credit: kholywood, Shutterstock
