Asthma is a respiratory condition affecting cats of all ages and can be extremely difficult to manage.
One of the best ways to help your feline friend with asthma is to provide a diet supporting their respiratory health.
The best food for cats with asthma should contain natural ingredients to help reduce symptoms and allergens that may be triggering the condition and essential fatty acids like omega-3 for immune system health.
Our favorite choice is Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Cat Food.
It is a grain-free recipe with real chicken as the number one ingredient. The high-quality proteins in this food help reduce inflammation caused by allergens in the airways, making it an excellent choice for cats with asthma.
While it’s an excellent option, we have listed all our top picks to ensure your furry friend gets the best nutrition possible to improve their respiratory health.
Our Top Picks: Best Dry Food For Cats with Asthma
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Cat Food (Best Overall Food)
- Taste of the Wild Rocky Dry Cat Food (Best Premium Food)
- Purina ONE True Instinct Dry Cat Food (Best Grain Free Food)
- Purina Beyond Dry Cat Food (Best For Sensitive Digestion)
- Instinct Original Dry Cat Food (Best Natural Food)
- Crave Adult Grain-Free Dry Cat Food (Best For Indoor Cats)
6 Best Dry Foods For Cats with Asthma Reviewed
The dry cat food brands we have reviewed are all-natural, grain-free options that offer complete nutrition for cats with asthma and support respiratory health.
They also follow the standard AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines. However, always consult your vet before changing your cat’s diet, especially if they have asthma.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 40% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
Caloric Content: 443 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch, Peas
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Grain-Free, High-Protein, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Natural
Pros:
- Contains real deboned chicken as the number one ingredient
- High-quality proteins
- Grain-free formula with natural ingredients
- Fortified with omega-3s
- Crafted for both indoor and outdoor cats
Cons:
- Contains hard peas
This premium dry food from Blue Buffalo is ideal for cats with asthma. It contains real deboned chicken as the number one ingredient. This ensures your cat gets the best quality proteins for their respiratory health.
It boasts a crude protein content of 40%, one of the highest among the brands we reviewed. Proteins provide your cat with energy to stay active.
The recipe is fortified with omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseed to support your cat’s immune system. Omega-3s also help reduce inflammation, a major symptom of asthma in cats.
With no grains added, this recipe is free from potential allergens like wheat, corn, and soy. It also features Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource Bits, a unique blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your cat’s overall health.
The inclusion of probiotics is another plus, as they help maintain your cat’s digestive health. Cat parents love that this recipe is made with natural ingredients and offers all the features cats with asthma need to support their respiratory health.
Unfortunately, some cats may find the hard peas difficult to digest. Most cat parents report that their cats have no issues with the peas in this formula.
Taste of the Wild Rocky Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 42% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 425 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Fat, Pea Protein
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Grain-Free, High-Protein
Pros:
- Protein-rich formula
- Contains omega fatty acids and is high in antioxidants
- Grain-free recipe
- Enriched with probiotics for digestive health
Cons:
- Bottom of the bag may contain crumbly pieces
Taste of the Wild Dry Cat Food offers your cat with asthma a high-protein formula that’s full of antioxidants.
It contains roasted venison and smoke-flavored salmon, which are high-quality proteins and provide your pet with the essential amino acids to build lean muscles.
Other affordable protein sources include ocean fish and chicken meals to give your cat a protein-packed diet.
Thoughtful ingredients include tomatoes, blueberries, and raspberries, which makes it highly nutritious. These ingredients are rich in antioxidants that help keep your cat’s immune system healthy.
A total of not less than 80,000,000 CFU/lb of probiotics in the formula helps support your cat’s digestive health.
This grain-free recipe contains omega fatty acids for coat health. Omega fatty acids also reduce inflammation in cats with asthma, making it an ideal choice for respiratory health.
I love that this recipe features dried chicory root as a source of dietary fiber. The downside is that the bottom of the bag may contain crumbly pieces, which some cat parents find unpalatable, but this does not affect your cat’s health.
Purina ONE True Instinct Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 35% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 2% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
Caloric Content: 356 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Starch, Cassava Root Flour, Soy Protein Isolate
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: High-Protein, Grain-Free, Natural
Pros:
- Protein-rich formula
- Highly digestible and grain-free recipe
- Contains meaty morsels for flavor
- Contains added vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and antioxidants
Cons:
- The formula may have changed
This recipe features real chicken as the first ingredient, which makes it an excellent source of protein. It packs enough punch at 35% crude protein to help your cat build lean muscles.
Meaty morsels are added to the formula to give your cat a flavorful meal. It is also grain-free and packed with highly digestible natural ingredients.
Added omega fatty acids boost skin and coat health and reduce inflammation in cats with asthma. The inclusion of vitamins A and E supports your cat’s vision and immune system.
The formula is enriched with calcium for strong bones and teeth, while taurine supports the heart and eyes.
Unfortunately, some cat parents have reported changes in the formula. Despite this, it is still a good option for cats with asthma.
Purina Beyond Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 35% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
Caloric Content: 392 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Hake, Chicken Meal, Cassava Root Flour, Dried Egg Product, Pea Starch
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Gluten Free, Grain-Free, High-Protein, Sensitive Digestion, Natural
Pros:
- Protein-rich formula
- Gluten-free and grain-free recipe
- Contains real ocean fish as the first ingredient
- Enriched with natural probiotics
Cons:
- Kibble pieces may be too large for some cats
Purina Beyond features real ocean hake as the first ingredient, which makes this recipe high in proteins. It also contains other affordable sources of proteins like chicken meal and dried egg products.
These proteins help to maintain your cat’s lean muscles and provide her with energy for an active life.
A unique feature of this recipe is that kibble pieces boost a caloric content of 392 kcal/cup, providing your cat with the energy she needs to stay healthy.
The addition of natural probiotics helps to maintain your cat’s digestive health and support her immune system. Omega fatty acids are also added to this recipe, helping to reduce inflammation in the airways of cats with asthma.
This grain-free formula includes dried sweet potatoes as a dietary fiber source, which helps keep your cat’s digestive system functioning correctly.
Cat parents love that this formula is all-natural and grain-free. Unfortunately, the kibble pieces may be too large for some cats, so you might need to break them into smaller pieces.
Instinct Original Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 41% Crude Protein, 21% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
Caloric Content: 505 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Peas
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Grain-Free, Gluten Free, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Natural, High-Protein, Premium
Pros:
- Contains real animal protein
- Enriched with omega fatty acids and probiotics
- All natural, grain-free recipe
- Added fruits and veggies for antioxidants
- Delicious freeze-dried bites
Cons:
- Pricey
Instinct Original offers an all-natural, grain-free diet with high-quality proteins. The first five ingredients are real animal proteins like chicken and turkey meal, which provide your cat with essential amino acids for strong muscles.
The inclusion of freeze-dried bites adds yummy flavor to the recipe, making it an ideal choice for picky eaters.
This recipe contains omega fatty acids, which help maintain your cat’s skin and coat health and reduce inflammation in your cat’s airways.
It also features live probiotics to support your cat’s digestive system, while antioxidants from fruits help keep her immune system healthy.
Apples and cranberries supply your cat with natural sources of vitamin C, which helps her to build a robust immune system. However, it may be a bit pricey for some cat parents looking for a more cost-effective option.
Crave Adult Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 40% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 6% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 379 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Split Peas, Chicken Fat, Tapioca
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Grain-Free, High-Protein, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Indoor
Pros:
- Contains real chicken and salmon
- Highly digestible all natural ingredients
- Grain-free recipe
- Complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats
Cons:
- Just a single flavor is available
Crave Grain Free Dry Cat Food provides your cat with complete and balanced nutrition. It contains real chicken as the first ingredient, giving your cat an excellent source of protein.
This formula also contains chicken and salmon meals, which are high-quality proteins that supply her with essential amino acids for building lean muscles.
It includes natural ingredients like chicory root and beet pulp, which are rich dietary fiber sources. Chicory root helps to keep your cat’s gut functioning properly.
Flaxseed is added to this formula, providing your cat with omega fatty acids for coat health. Omega fatty acids can also promote brain development and respiratory health in cats.
Aside from being grain-free, this formula is also free from corn, wheat, and soy. The only downside is that only a single flavor is available, making it difficult to rotate flavors for picky eaters.
3 Best Wet Food For Cats with Asthma Reviewed
If your kitty is a picky eater or simply prefers wet food, here are some of the best options for cats with asthma.
Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Canned Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 10% Crude Protein, 3.5% Crude Fat, 1% Crude Fiber, 82% Moisture
Caloric Content: 77kcal/can
First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Broth, Duck Broth, Turkey Liver, Dried Egg Whites
Type of Product: Wet cat food
Food Texture: Minced
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Grain-Free, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Gluten Free, Low Glycemic, Premium
Pros:
- Grain-free, gluten-free, and chicken-free formula
- Added vitamins and minerals for respiratory health
- Low glycemic carbohydrates to maintain a healthy weight
- High in moisture content
Cons:
- Too brothy
- Pricey
This grain-free formula contains real turkey as the first ingredient, providing your cat with a premium source of protein.
It also includes other high-quality proteins like turkey liver and duck to support her lean muscle mass further. And the low glycemic carbohydrates help your cat maintain a healthy weight.
This recipe has no chicken, making it an ideal choice for cats with allergies or sensitivities to chicken.
This wet food also contains added vitamins and minerals essential for respiratory care, such as zinc, iron, and vitamins A and E.
Prebiotic fibers such as inulin are also included in the ingredients list, which helps support your cat’s digestive health.
Ground Flaxseed provides your cat with omega fatty acids for a shiny coat and promotes lung health.
Thoughtful ingredients such as cranberries, pumpkin, and blueberries provide antioxidants for a healthy immune system. Pumpkin also helps to firm up the stool and alleviate diarrhea in cats.
Cat parents love the minced texture of this food as it makes it easier for cats with dental issues to eat and digest. However, the formula is quite brothy and also on the pricier side.
Fancy Feast Variety Pack Canned Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 9% Crude Protein, 2% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, 82% Moisture
Caloric Content: 65 kcal/can
First 5 Ingredients: Turkey Broth, Turkey, Wheat Gluten, Meat By-Products, Liver
Type of Product: Wet cat food
Food Texture: Chunks in Gravy
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: N/A
Pros:
- Contains real turkey, chicken, and beef
- High-quality natural ingredients
- Added vitamins and minerals
- High moisture content
- Irresistible aroma
- Variety of flavors to choose from
Cons:
- Inconsistent quality control
Fancy Feast is a popular option among cats with asthma due to its affordability and variety of flavors. The variety pack contains natural ingredients like real turkey, chicken, and beef to supply your cat with high-quality proteins.
These proteins are essential for maintaining your cat’s lean muscle mass and keeping her healthy.
This wet food contains necessary vitamins and minerals that support lung health, including vitamins A, E, zinc, and iron.
A delicious gravy smothers the chunks, making them irresistible even to picky cats, and helps increase water intake. The high moisture content of 82% is excellent for cats with asthma, as it can help relieve respiratory symptoms.
Despite these benefits, Fancy Feast has received some complaints about inconsistent quality control from cat parents.
Purina Pro Plan Canned Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 10% Crude Protein, 5% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
Caloric Content: 183 kcal/can
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Water, Liver, Meat By-Products, Fish
Type of Product: Wet cat food
Food Texture: Pate
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Grain-Free, High-Protein
Pros:
- Contains chicken and Fish
- Grain-free recipe
- Rich in omega fatty acids and antioxidants
- Added vitamins and minerals
- Carrageenan free
Cons:
- Fishy aroma
Purina Pro Plan Canned Cat Food contains real natural chicken as the first ingredient and fish, providing your cat with excellent sources of proteins for muscle development.
This recipe also contains natural ingredients like spinach, which provides your cat with antioxidants that support her immune system. It includes omega fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation in cats with asthma and improve their respiratory health.
This formula also has essential nutrients such as linoleic acid and taurine. Linoleic acid helps to keep your cat’s coat healthy, and taurine helps support heart health.
It is grain-free and carrageenan-free, making it a healthier option for cats with respiratory issues.
The soft pate provides a texture that cats love, leaving even finicky eaters wanting more. However, some cat parents have mentioned that the fishy aroma of this food might be a bit strong for their cats.
Guide to Buying Food For Cats with Asthma
When buying food for cats with asthma, there are certain factors to consider that can help you make the right decision.
Consult a Vet
The most essential step is to consult a vet about your cat’s dietary needs. Your vet can advise what type and amount of food would suit your cat’s age, weight, and health needs.
Premium Quality Animal Protein
Protein is the most essential component in your cat’s diet, so it should be one of your top priorities when selecting food for cats with asthma.
Protein in cat food should primarily come from natural animal sources such as chicken, beef, and fish. But if your feline is allergic to these ingredients, novel proteins like duck, quail, lamb, and venison are also great options.
Rich in Omega Fatty Acids
Omega fatty acids can benefit cats with asthma by reducing inflammation in the airways and supporting respiratory health. They can also promote coat health and improve immune system function.
Formulas that contain ingredients such as fish oils, coconut oil, fish meal, and flaxseed are excellent sources of omega fatty acids.
Contain Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Certain vitamins and minerals can also help support respiratory health in cats. Vitamins A, E, C, zinc, and iron are vital for cats with asthma as they can reduce lung inflammation and improve lung function.
Look for formulas containing these essential vitamins and minerals or supplement them to ensure your cat gets all the necessary nutrients.
Avoid Potential Allergens
Cats with asthma may have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients. This includes unnecessary fillers like corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, and preservatives. If your cat is allergic to wheat or grains, a grain-free diet would help.
Digestive Issues
If your cat has a sensitive stomach, a formula that is easy on the tummy can help. A good solution would be limited-ingredient diets, which contain fewer ingredients and are more easily digestible than other formulas.
Recipes that contain probiotics can also help provide beneficial bacteria for cats with digestive issues.
Taste Preferences
Consider your cat’s taste preferences when selecting food. Choose a variety pack or a wet formula containing multiple flavors if your cat is picky. You can also make dry food more enticing by adding wet food on top or mixing it with broth.
Causes of Asthma in Cats
Asthma in cats is a common respiratory condition that can cause difficulty breathing due to the narrowing of the airways. While any cat can develop asthma, it often appears in cats between the ages of two and eight.
Certain breeds may also be more susceptible, such as Siamese. However, more research is needed to fully understand the impact of genetics on the development of feline asthma.
An allergic reaction can occur when a cat predisposed to asthma inhales potential triggers such as dust particles, pollen, airborne dust from cat litter, tobacco smoke, airborne particles from household cleaning products, mold spores, dust mites, and mildew.
Even mere exposure to candles, hair spray, room fresheners, detergents, and certain fabric softeners can provoke a flare-up in sensitive kitties.
These triggers cause the feline’s immune system to produce excessive white blood cells called eosinophils. Eosinophils release substances that cause inflammation in the airways, leading to asthma symptoms.
Similarly, certain foods and artificial flavors can exacerbate asthma symptoms and cause an allergic response, leading to an asthma attack. A cat with food sensitivities or intolerances can also experience worsening asthma symptoms if they consume allergic food.
Symptoms of Asthma in Cats
Cat asthma symptoms are often similar to those in humans and can range from mild to severe. The most common symptom is difficulty breathing, which may come with a dry, hacking cough that may be mistaken for a hairball.
Your cat may also display rapid breathing, often through the mouth, and wheezing. In severe cases, your cat may even adopt a crouched posture, with their neck extended and elbows turned out, as they struggle for breath. This is considered a medical emergency.
Additional asthma symptoms can include diminished appetite, weight loss, and lethargy. Your cat might seem less interested in play or more easily exhausted than usual. You may also notice that their gums or tongue have a bluish tint, indicating a lack of oxygen.
While these symptoms may not seem severe, they can quickly escalate and become life-threatening if not addressed promptly. If you notice these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately.
Regular check-ups can also help in the early diagnosis of asthma in cats, leading to more effective management and a better quality of life for your furry friend.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Asthma
Diagnosing asthma in cats can be complex as its symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory conditions. However, your vet can diagnose based on a thorough physical examination, your cat’s medical history, and various diagnostic tests.
These tests may include
Chest X-rays: to identify any abnormalities in the lungs
Bronchoalveolar lavage: to assess airway inflammation
Fecal exams: to check for parasites or bacterial infections
Blood tests: to measure levels of white blood cells (eosinophils)
Allergy tests: to identify any potential allergens
There is no cure for feline asthma, but once diagnosed, treatment aims to reduce inflammation and dilate the airways to ease breathing.
Depending on the severity of the condition, your vet may prescribe steroids and bronchodilators to reduce inflammation and open up the airways.
Other Ways to Help Your Cat with Asthma
While medication can help control symptoms, managing potential triggers to reduce the severity and frequency of asthma attacks is crucial.
- Change the Cat Litter to Low-Dust Cat Litter: Switching to low-dust litter or using a dust-free option can help reduce your cat’s exposure.
We recommend using the World’s Best Litter. It is unscented with no added perfumes and dust-free for cleaner air.
- Open the Windows: Open windows and let fresh air circulate throughout the house to reduce dust particles.
- Use Air Purifier: Consider investing in an air purifier, as this can help remove airborne particles from the air. I usually place mine right beside my cat’s litter box.
We recommend using a Honeywell HPA300 Air Purifier. It has a unique design to remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles such as pollen, dust, smoke, pet dander, and mold spores from the air that passes through it.
- Clean Your Home: Regularly clean your home with natural or non-toxic cleaning products to avoid introducing unnecessary allergens into the environment.
Use a vinegar and water solution to dust and clean. Avoid using bleach and harsh cleaners with strong scents, scented laundry detergent, and fabric softeners with perfumes. Instead, add a small amount of vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser for effective results.
- Keep a Log of Your Cat’s Symptoms: Keeping a log of your cat’s symptoms and environmental triggers can help identify potential allergens causing asthma attacks. This will help you understand the condition better and provide helpful information to the vet when creating a tailored treatment plan.
- Stop Feeding Your Cat Dry Food: Dust mites and other allergens can accumulate in dry cat food more easily than wet food, which can irritate cats with asthma.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Food is Good for Cats with Asthma?
The best food for cats with asthma should be high in quality protein, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and contain limited ingredients to reduce the chance of an allergic response.
Also, hypoallergenic, grain-free, and limited ingredients cat foods can help reduce potential allergens, helping reduce asthma symptoms in cats.
What Foods Should Cats With Asthma Avoid?
Cats with asthma should avoid common allergens such as dairy products, wheat, and soy. They should also avoid foods containing potential allergens, such as artificial flavors, preservatives, food colorings, and dyes.
What Worsens Cat Asthma?
Stress, anxiety, cigarette smoke, weeds, and grass can worsen cat asthma. It is important to watch for environmental changes and reduce exposure to these potential triggers for cats with asthma to promote optimal respiratory health.
What Happens if my Cat’s Asthma goes Untreated?
If your cat’s asthma goes untreated, it could lead to severe respiratory distress. Chronic inflammation may cause permanent damage to your feline friend’s airways, leading to chronic bronchitis or other serious health conditions.
Untreated asthma could even be life-threatening. Therefore, if your cat has asthma, it’s crucial to seek veterinary attention to manage the condition effectively as soon as possible.
Do Cats with Asthma have a Long Life?
Yes, cats with asthma can lead long, active lives if their condition is well managed. Asthma in cats, much like in humans, is a condition that requires ongoing care.
A proper management plan that includes a high-quality diet and lifestyle changes can reduce flare-ups, ensuring your feline friend enjoys a good quality of life.
Regular vet check-ups are also essential to monitor your cat’s condition and adjust treatments as necessary.
Our Verdict
The best food for cats with asthma will provide high-quality nutrition without potential allergens or cause flare-ups.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Cat Food is our number one choice.
It provides quality nutrition and contains all-natural ingredients free from potential allergens.
But all the other options on our list are great too and provide your feline friend with the nutrition they need to manage their asthma and lead healthy, active lives.
Regardless of what food you choose, remember that every cat is unique. You should always work closely with your vet to determine the best treatment plan for your cat’s specific needs.