Limited Ingredient Diet (LID) cat food is formulated with a minimal number of ingredients, usually with just one primary protein source.
The purpose of LID cat food is to minimize potential allergens and food sensitivities while still providing essential nutrients for cats.
By reducing the number of potential allergens in the diet, LID cat food aims to prevent adverse reactions in cats prone to food-related issues such as skin allergies, digestive upset, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
LID cat foods typically avoid common fillers and unnecessary additives that may not contribute to a cat’s nutritional needs and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives are often minimized or eliminated.
Despite having fewer ingredients, LID cat foods are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cats at different life stages. They contain essential nutrients such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to support overall health and well-being.
Many LID cat foods are grain-free, which may benefit cats with grain sensitivities or those prone to digestive issues. Instead of grains, these foods often use alternative carbohydrate sources such as potatoes, peas, or tapioca.
Limited ingredient diet cat food can be a suitable option for cats with specific dietary needs or sensitivities, but it’s essential to choose a high-quality, balanced formula and ensure it meets your cat’s nutritional requirements.
See our list below of the best limited ingredient diet cat foods to help you.
Our top picks
- Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet (Wet) Jump to review
- Natural Balance Limited Ingredient (Dry) Jump to review
- Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Pate (Wet) Jump to review
- Amazing Grace (Fresh) Jump to review
- Koha Limited Ingredient Diet (Wet) Jump to review
- Answers Pet Food (Raw) Jump to review
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Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet (Wet)
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet cat food range receives the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is made up of two recipes in a product range manufactured by Instinct Pet Food, a company founded in 2002 in Lincoln, Nebraska. This limited ingredient diet option provides excellent protein levels and is rich in moisture.
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Real Turkey was chosen to represent the other recipes in the line for a detailed nutrient analysis. It derives the bulk of its protein from turkey, a meat which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 47.9% protein, 29.2% fat and 14.9% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 61%.
This food provides cats with a low carbohydrate diet. It is free from grains, carrageenan and has added vitamins and minerals.
Read our review of the full Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet (Wet) range hereThings we like
- High in protein
- First ingredient listed as animal meat
- Good moisture content
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, peas, pea protein. Texture Wet Type Pate Protein Percentage 47.9% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Cats Sample buyer review...
"My cat has been eating Instinct LID turkey 5.5oz cans for more than half a year. It helped her get recover from itchy skin"
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Natural Balance Limited Ingredient (Dry)
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4 stars.
This product range made by Natural Balance includes three dry recipes.
The Grain Free Salmon & Green Pea recipe was chosen to represent the other products in the line for a detailed nutrient analysis. It derives the bulk of its protein from salmon, an oily marine and freshwater fish not only high in protein but also omega 3 fatty acids. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 33.3% protein, 13.3% fat and 45.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 40%.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient range is made from high-quality ingredients with a single-source animal protein. It is also rich in fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Natural Balance Limited Ingredient dry range.
Read our review of the full Natural Balance Limited Ingredient (Dry) range hereThings we like
- Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Wheat and soy free
- Quality protein ingredients
Main Ingredients Salmon, salmon meal, peas, chickpeas, lentils. Texture Dry Type Kibble Protein Percentage 33.3% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Cats Sample buyer review...
"I, and more importantly my cat, love this dry food! I've always given my girl grain-free. However, she still has a bit of a tender tummy, and the vet recommended trying a limited ingredient food. I found this brand, and my girl really likes it and it's easy on her tummy. We're both happy!"
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Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Pate (Wet)
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet cat food range receives the Cat Food Advisor’s rating: 4 stars.
It is made up of four pate recipes which are all rich in fat and moisture and include protein from good quality animal meat and organs.
The duck recipe was chosen to represent the other formulas for a detailed nutrient analysis. It derives the bulk of its protein from duck. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 40.9% protein, 13.6% fat and 37.5% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 33%.
This food is free from grains, carrageenan, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
Read our review of the full Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Pate range.
Read our review of the full Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Pate (Wet) range hereThings we like
- Contains good quality animal meat
- Includes animal organs
- Rich in fat and moisture
Main Ingredients Deboned duck, water, pea protein, natural flavor Texture Wet Type Pate Protein Percentage 40.9% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Cats Sample buyer review...
"Opening the cans, it looks and smells like human food. My cats lick their bowls clean after every serving."
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Amazing Grace (Fresh)
Amazing Grace All Natural cat food received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It made up of two recipes and the first three ingredients are listed as animal protein. Other ingredients are minimal, but they provide good sources of vitamin A and C.
The All Natural Chicken Recipe was chosen to represent the other products in the line for a detailed nutrient analysis. The bulk of its protein is derivedfrom chicken.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 58.3% protein, 25% fat and 8.7% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 43%.
This food provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein and is made with a limited amount of natural, wholesome ingredients, free from grains, carrageenan, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
Read our review of the full Amazing Grace All Natural Fresh range.
Read our review of the full Amazing Grace (Fresh) range hereThings we like
- High in protein
- Animal protein listed as first three ingredients
- Green vegetables providing vitamins A & C
Main Ingredients Chicken thigh, chicken liver, chicken gizzard, spinach, green beans. Texture Wet Type Fresh Protein Percentage 58.3 AAFCO Standards Unspecified Best For Adult Cats Sample buyer review...
"Our cat, Robin, loves Amazing Grace cat food. He is so excited whenever we open a new jar of it and give it to him for feeding times!"
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Koha Limited Ingredient Diet (Wet)
Koha Limited Ingredient Diet is a wet cat food range which receives the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of four recipes in a product range made by Koha, a company founded in 2104 in Florida. Each formula contains a minimal number of ingredients, typically focusing on a single protein source and other essential nutrients..
Koha Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey Pate recipe was chosen to represent the other products in the line for a detailed nutrient analysis. It derives the bulk of its protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 45.5% protein, 36.4% fat and 10.2% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 80%.
This food is ideal for cats with food sensitivities, a sensitive stomach, and digestive issues.
Read our review of the full Koha Limited Ingredient Diet (Wet) range hereThings we like
- First ingredient listed as animal meat
- Contains animal organs
- High in protein
Main Ingredients Turkey, water, turkey liver, ground flaxseed, pumpkin. Texture Wet Type Pate Protein Percentage 45.5% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Cats Sample buyer review...
"It's very hard to find food with limited ingredients. Many cats have allergies. This food doesn’t have all the bad ingredients and fillers like other foods. "
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Answers Pet Food (Raw)
Answers Pet Food raw range received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It includes five recipes formulated to provide good quality animal-sourced protein.
The Raw Chicken recipe was chosen to represent the other products in the line for a detailed nutrient analysis and derives the bulk of its protein from chicken.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 55.3% protein, 34% fat and 2.6% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 62%.
The first four ingredients are listed as either animal meat, organ, or muscle and each recipe has been enriched with vitamins.
Read our review of the full Answers Pet Food raw range.
Read our review of the full Answers Pet Food (Raw) range hereThings we like
- High in protein
- Core ingredients are from animal meat, muscle and organs.
- Low in carbohydrates
Main Ingredients Organic chicken, organic chicken heart, organic chicken liver, organic ground chicken bone, organic chicken eggs. Texture Wet Type Raw Protein Percentage 55.3 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Cats Sample buyer review...
"I've been feeding Answers for years and haven't noticed any changes to the food or goat milk. The ingredients and labeling has not changed."
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Best cat foods
What are the main benefits of a limited ingredient diet for cats?
Limited ingredient diet (LID) cat food offers several potential benefits for cats, especially those with food sensitivities, allergies, or specific dietary requirements. Here are some key advantages of feeding your cat an LID diet:
Minimizes Food Sensitivities and Allergies
- LID cat food contains fewer ingredients, typically focusing on a single source of animal protein and a limited number of additional components. By eliminating common allergens such as grains, dairy, and artificial additives, LID diets can help reduce the risk of adverse food reactions in cats prone to allergies or sensitivities.
Supports Digestive Health
- Cats with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues may benefit from LID cat food, which contains simple, easily digestible ingredients. By reducing the variety of potential irritants in the diet, LID food can help promote better digestive function and alleviate symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal discomfort.
Addresses Inflammatory Conditions
- Managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Cats with IBD or other inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract may benefit from an LID diet, as it can help reduce inflammation and irritation by minimizing exposure to potential triggers.
Promotes Skin and Coat Health
- Reduces Skin Allergies: Cats prone to skin allergies or dermatitis may experience relief from symptoms such as itching, redness, or hair loss when fed an LID diet that eliminates common allergens.
- Enhances Coat Condition: LID cat food containing high-quality proteins and essential fatty acids can help support healthy skin and coat, resulting in a shiny, lustrous fur and reduced shedding.
Weight Management and Overall Health
- Healthy Weight Maintenance: LID cat food often contains lean protein sources and limited carbohydrates, making it suitable for cats needing weight management. The balanced nutrition provided by LID diets can help support a healthy body weight and prevent obesity-related health issues.
- Nutritional Balance: Despite having fewer ingredients, LID cat food is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cats at different life stages. It contains essential nutrients such as proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals to support overall health and well-being.
Addresses Urinary Health
- Reduces Urinary Tract Issues: Some LID cat foods are formulated to support urinary tract health by controlling pH levels and mineral content. This can help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and reduce the risk of urinary crystals or stones, especially in cats prone to urinary issues.
Limited ingredient diet cat food offers several potential benefits for cats, including reduced risk of food sensitivities and allergies, improved digestive health, enhanced skin and coat condition, weight management support, and urinary tract health maintenance. However, it’s essential to choose a high-quality LID formula and consult with your veterinarian to ensure it meets your cat’s specific nutritional requirements and dietary preferences.
Sources
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Article reviewed by
Pet Nutritionist
Laura studied BSc (Hons) Animal Science with an accreditation in Nutrition at the University of Nottingham, before working for eight years in the pet food and nutrition industry.
