Royal Canin Hypoallergenic is formulated for cats with food intolerances, food allergies or food adverse reactions. It is also beneficial in the management of inflammatory bowel disease and chronic diarrhoea.

Signs of a Food Adverse Reaction:

• Itchy, red and inflamed skin
• Recurrent ear infections
• Vomiting or diarrhoea

It is a common misconception that food sensitivities in pets occur in response to additives or preservatives. Food allergies or adverse reactions in pets are most commonly caused by a protein contained in a food that they have eaten for a long period of time. Over time an abnormal response from the immune system causes it to become sensitised to the proteins from the food. As the food is digested and absorbed by the body, protein molecules react with receptors on immune cells to trigger an allergic response. The food ingredients that are most commonly associated with adverse reactions in cats are beef, dairy and fish.

Diagnosis of food allergy in cats can be difficult as there are no accurate laboratory tests available. Food adverse reactions or allergies are diagnosed by a food elimination trial. This means that the cat is fed a diet with a novel (new) or hydrolysed protein source for a period of time, generally a minimum of 8 weeks. A hydrolysed protein is a protein that has been treated by a process called hydrolysis to break it into smaller molecules that do not react with receptors on the cells of the immune system that trigger allergies. If the symptoms reduce or disappear on the elimination diet, a diagnosis of food allergy or intolerance can be made. The only way to determine the possible cause of the allergy is to slowly re-introduce components of the old diet one at a time to challenge the cat and see if the symptoms re-occur. An alternative approach is just to continue feeding the diet used in the elimination trial for life, provided that it is complete and balanced and provides the cat with adequate nutrition.

Royal Canin Hypoallergenic is made from hydrolysed soy protein to reduce the risk of an adverse food reaction or allergy. It contains the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA to help support skin and coat health and reduce symptoms of skin inflammation. Hypoallergenic is also formulated with Royal Canins patented skin barrier complex which helps to strengthen the skins natural barrier function. In order to ensure optimal digestive health, Hypoallergenic contains a combination of highly digestible proteins, prebiotics, beet pulp, rice and fish oil. It is a complete and balanced diet suitable for long term feeding.

Key Benefits:

• Hydrolysed soy protein to reduce the risk of an adverse food reaction or allergy
• Skin support complex and omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health
• Formulated to maintain digestive health
• Suitable for long term feeding