Best food for cats with asthma! Cats with asthma can have trouble breathing, and many of the symptoms mirror those of their human counterparts.
While perfectly healthy cats may suffer from various issues, they typically respond well to lower protein and fat food.
If your cat has asthma, some foods may help reduce the symptoms and make their lives more comfortable.
Essentially all animals with respiratory allergies share these same symptoms. Cats need everything on this list for optimal health, including plenty of fresh water and an exercise wheel.
Table of Contents
What is the best food for cats with asthma?
When it comes to food for cats with asthma, there are 3 main options: High protein, low fat, low carbohydrate diets. Cat food is made with high levels of fish and chicken. Foods with the most omega-3 fatty acids, including fish oil
If your cat has asthma, some foods may help reduce the symptoms and make their lives more comfortable.
These foods can supplement your cat’s diet, which should always remain of high quality.
1) White Fish
Fish is low in fat and rich in protein– two things that are good for cats with asthma! Whitefish like tilapia, cod, or sole are great options. Also, try flounder, another white fish.
2) Eggs
Eggs are low in fat and a great source of protein. Try to find omega-3 enriched eggs, which are even better for your cat.
3) Turkey
Turkey is a great lean protein source for cats. It’s also high in vitamin B6, which can help reduce asthma symptoms. Turkey breast is best – and avoid using turkey as a main source of protein if you feed it every day.
4) Fish Oil
This contains omega-3 fatty acids and can be taken internally or applied topically.
5) Healthy Fats
Omega-3 fatty acids are good for asthma symptoms, and you can find them in salmon and flaxseed oil. Olive oil is also a healthy option.
6) Poultry and Meat Alternatives
Buy the leanest possible poultry or meat options. Choose white meat, chicken, or rabbit instead of red meat, and remove excess fat before feeding it to your cat.
7) Pumpkin
Pumpkin is known to be the best food for cats with asthma. Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, about 30 times more than spinach, and beta-carotene is a very important vitamin involved in healing tissue injuries. This vitamin helps to heal tissues, which helps prevent asthma from getting worse.
8) Artichoke
It’s high in folate and is a good vitamin B6 and potassium source. Studies have shown that this can be beneficial for cats with airway inflammation. Best to feed your cat every other day, so they do not become deficient.
9) Rice
Himalayan or pinto rice are great options. Himalayan rice is high in fiber, which will help your cat’s natural immune system function properly.
10) Quinoa and Amaranth
These have a high percentage of protein and are gluten-free. Amaranth also contains protein, but it has a higher fatty acid content than quinoa. These two can be fed to cats that do not tolerate grains well, as they are packed with fiber.
5 Best Food For Cats With Asthma
Not all diets are equal, and the key is to pick a diet specifically designed for an individual cat. There are also special diets available from your veterinarian.
Here are the best 5 food for cats with asthma:
1. Nulo Adult & Kitten Grain-Free Canned Wet Cat Food
Nulo cat food is a great option for your cat if you have asthma because it is grain-free, and the ingredients are natural. Nulo cans come in a variety of flavors for different life stages.
Nulo Recipe is made in the USA and guarantees all-natural ingredients. This recipe is an utterly well-balanced diet for cats; it includes zero corn, wheat, soy, or potato. This formula is also free of meat by-products, chicken digest, and artificial preservatives.
Canned food is great because it’s healthy and smells delicious, encouraging your cat to eat. It’s a great choice if you have an older cat who has trouble chewing dry food.
Nulo cat foods come in different flavors, like a southern-style chicken with rice and garden vegetables in gravy (a good treat for cats with asthma).
Pros:
◉ High-quality meat
◉ Grain-free
◉ The strong odor that stimulates appetite
◉ Fiber-rich content
Cons:
◉ No organic option
◉ Higher price point ($1.50 per ounce)
2. Blue Buffalo Grain Free food with chicken
This is a grain-free food, but it also does not contain any poultry by-products, corn, wheat, or soy. Blue Buffalo’s Chicken and Chickpea Recipe is high in protein (and can help minimize asthma symptoms) and low in fat. And it’s made in the USA!
Pros:
◉ Grain-free
◉ Low-calorie content
◉ Suitable for cats with grain sensitivities
Cons:
◉ Contains chicken by-products and artificial flavors
◉ A limited number of flavors
◉ Higher price point ($2.95 per ounce)
3. Wellness CORE dry cat food
Wellness CORE dry foods are specifically designed for cats with bad breath and respiratory conditions like asthma, so it’s a good choice if you want to try it out!
This food is rich in vegetables, fruits, and more, and it can help your cat keep her breath fresh so that she won’t be coughing as much. It’s also free of carbs, gluten, corn, and poultry by-products.
Wellness CORE Indoor Health Dry Cat Food is a grain-free food formulated to address the special needs of adult cats.
It’s made with fresh chicken, turkey, and chicken meal, rich in high-quality protein and omega fatty acids for optimal skin and coat health. It is an excellent source of Omega 3, which supports joint health and overall wellness.
However, if you’re looking for wet food with less gelatin, you can also check out their Wellness CORE Vitality line.
Pros:
◉ Simple ingredients
◉ Good for cats with respiratory issues
◉ It can be used in combination with other foods on this list
Cons:
◉ Expensive ($45.99 for a case of 24 cans)
4. Purina Pro Plan High Protein Grain Free Adult Wet Cat Food
You can’t go wrong with Purina Pro Plan High Protein Grain Free Adult wet cat food! This food is particularly beneficial for cats that suffer from stomach disorders and allergies. Its primary ingredients are chicken, turkey, and tuna, which are great for people with asthma.
This product uses high-quality ingredients and is made in the USA. It’s also free of antibiotics, wheat, and corn.
Pros:
◉ Grain-free and low carb
◉ Flavorful consistency that cats will love
◉ Available in a variety of flavors (chicken, turkey, salmon)
◉ No preservatives and colors added
◉ No fish component
◉ Well-balanced nutrition
◉ Support immune system
Cons:
◉ High-fat content (only one flavor is low in fat)
◉ Carrots added
5. Whiskas
Whiskas is a good option if you’re looking for lower-cost cat food that can also help your asthma-stricken cat. It’s formulated to provide balanced nutrition with constant energy throughout the day.
It has a natural chicken flavor, making it easier to transition to as your cat adjusts. It also contains grains and no artificial flavors or colors, so it’s good for cats with grain sensitivities.
Whiskas are made in the USA and come in various flavors so that you can pick and choose.
Pros:
◉ Grain-free
◉ The natural chicken flavor that cats will love
◉ No preservatives or artificial flavors
Cons:
◉ Caloric content is lower than other options, so it’s a good idea to feed this only as a treat
◉ Not all flavors are available in cans.
5 Ways To Help Your Cat With Asthma
Not all cats will respond well to asthma treatment, so it’s important to know your cat’s diet and lifestyle. Here are 5 things you can do to help your cat with asthma:
1. Avoid known triggers for your pet (smoking near the home is a major trigger).
2. Keep the temperature in the home low – shelter from direct sunlight in warm weather.
3. Eliminate strong odors in the home (for example, removing fishy smells from litter boxes).
4. Give your pet alone time in a quiet room, away from other pets and people.
5. Get rid of dust mites in your home.
Cats with an asthma life expectancy
According to the Global Pet Asthma Interest Group (GPAIG), cats with asthma live an average of 18 years. However, certain cats may have shorter or longer lifespans than the average.
Cats with severe asthma often live longer than other cats, and those with milder cases can still enjoy a long and healthy life.
If your cat has breathing problems, contact your veterinarian to discuss any available treatments or resources you can use in your home.
Can cat food cause asthma?
There is no evidence that specific cat food can cure or cause asthma symptoms. However, you should avoid feeding your cat a lot of protein, increasing allergies and asthma attacks.
And if your cat has other respiratory issues (such as allergies), you should consider switching her to grain-free food.
What Should I Feed My Cat With Asthma?
If your cat has asthma, follow these steps to create a healthy diet:
1. Provide a variety of foods containing different proteins, fats, and carbohydrates so your cat can get the nutrients she needs.
2. Lower the meat intake, which may trigger asthma symptoms because it contains fat and protein.
3. Switch her to grain-free food if you notice her having frequent or severe breathing problems or coughing too often.
4. Avoid feeding your cat raw or uncooked meats or fish.
5. Try to keep her caloric intake between 1,200 and 1,800 calories per day, depending on her weight.
6. Provide additional vitamins and minerals that may support asthma symptoms.
What should you not feed your feline friends?
Avoid foods high in carbohydrates, poly-saturated fats (found in fish oil, tuna oil, and other fatty fish), and salt. Avoid sugary treats that could be stored in your kitty’s belly and cause gas. And if your cat has severe asthma, don’t give her treats like chocolate.
Asthma is a serious health problem that needs to be taken seriously. After all, a cough can lead to respiratory infections and pneumonia.
How do you know If your cat has asthma?
If your cat has coughing fits or bouts of wheezing, she probably has asthma. If she is constantly breathing fast, it could signify a more serious problem (such as pneumonia).
If your cat has trouble breathing, it’s a good idea to contact your veterinarian for treatment options for your pet with asthma.
How to treat my cat’s asthma naturally?
Asthma symptoms can be alleviated with diet and medication. In most cases, your cat will require an anti-asthma medication from her veterinarian to treat her condition. However, you can also treat your cat at home for asthma symptoms by adding the following supplements.
Garlic:
Garlic has been used for centuries to help treat everything from high blood pressure to asthma. Garlic has antifungal properties that give it a cooling effect on the lungs and fight off infection.
Kelp:
Seaweed contains iodine, which is essential for maintaining cellular metabolism and regulating thyroid activity.
It’s also very high in alginates, which aid the digestive system, reduce the risk of heart disease and help break down excess mucus in your cat’s respiratory tract.
Sage:
Sage has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for asthma. Sage contains volatile oils that relax bronchial spasms and deactivate inflammatory agents. It also contains oils that help reduce allergic reactions and thin mucus. It’s also a natural expectorant.
If you’re going to give your cat any herb, make sure it’s been approved for cats first. Cats are sensitive to many herbs, and some may even be poisonous to them.
The Bottom Line
Since cats essentially eat the same foods we do, they’re at risk of many of the same respiratory problems that humans are. Fortunately, there are many effective treatments for cat asthma, and you’ll find a balance that works well for your pet.
Asthma is both a serious and controllable condition in cats. If you’re worried about your cat’s breathing problems, go to your veterinarian first. He can diagnose her and treat her quickly so she can feel better.
FAQs
What Should Cat With Asthma Avoid?
Calcium supplements and dairy products can cause inflammation in your cat. Lemon is also bad for cats with asthma.
Can An Asthmatic Cat Eat Raw Liver?
A: Raw liver is okay, as long as it has been cooked or preserved properly. Research shows that feeding a diet supplemented with liver may reduce the impact of symptoms and may prevent further lung damage in some cases of chronic bronchitis.
What Can I Do To Help My Cat With Asthma?
It would help if you talked to your veterinarian about the best diet for your cat. A high-protein diet can cause more coughing and wheezing, so you should try to avoid it.
A typical diet for a cat with asthma may include leaner cuts of meat, such as chicken breast and white fish, rather than red meat.
What Makes Cat Asthma Worse?
Asthma is typically caused by an allergy, which can be made worse by stressful situations. Feline asthma attacks are often brought on by exposure to smoke and other contaminants.
What Should I Feed My Cat With Asthma?
If your feline friend has asthma, it’s best to feed her a low-fat diet that doesn’t contain too much protein. Talk to your veterinarian if you’re unsure what food is best — he can advise you on the best diet for your cat with asthma.
Do Cats Need Kibble During Asthma?
It’s safest to feed your cat a highly nutritious diet. Many people like the convenience of kibble, but it may not offer enough variety for a cat with asthma. Kibble doesn’t contain many of the vitamins and minerals your kitty needs, so you should supplement her diet with wet food and vitamins.
Does Asthma Shorten A Cat’s Life?
It’s common for cats with asthma to go into remission and live a long life. However, it can be difficult to control once the asthma is triggered. This means that your pet may require medication for the rest of her life to avoid attacks.
Are There Any Natural Remedies For Asthmatic Cats?
Some natural remedies for asthma include garlic and sage, which are good for suppressing inflammation in the respiratory tract.
What Triggers Asthma In Cats?
Many things can trigger an asthma attack in cats. Your cat’s age, diet, and stress level will impact his risk of developing asthma.
Does Steam Help Asthma In Cats?
Many cats who suffer from asthma benefit from taking steam showers. This has been proven to help clear cat lungs and reduce their stress.
Hi there! My name is Koushik; I am a cat lover. I specialize in writing about pet care & food. I have a wealth of knowledge on cat food niches and related subjects. I have worked in the pet industry for over 5 years and am passionate about helping cat owners provide the best care for their furry friends. With knowledge of cat food and nutrition, I aim to share their insights and help cat owners navigate the world of cat food niches. I enjoy playing with my two cats, reading, and exploring new cat food brands in my free time.
I thought GARLIC was toxic to cats.
Your idea is correct. Garlic as food is harmful to cats but good for medicine. In this case, you can consult a vet.