Veterinary Diet Item

Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Original Flavor Dry Cat Food - 4 lb Bag product detail number 1.0

At a Glance

Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities Dry Cat Food is specially formulated by Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians to avoid causes of food sensitivities
Formulated to help avoid skin and digestive signs from adverse food reactions
Very tasty hydrolyzed animal protein designed to help avoid common food allergens
Promotes a healthy skin barrier
Natural fiber to help normalize stool

Hill's Prescription Diet

Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Original Flavor Dry Cat Food

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Veterinary Diet Item

At a Glance

Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities Dry Cat Food is specially formulated by Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians to avoid causes of food sensitivities
Formulated to help avoid skin and digestive signs from adverse food reactions
Very tasty hydrolyzed animal protein designed to help avoid common food allergens
Promotes a healthy skin barrier
Natural fiber to help normalize stool

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About this product

1. What can I feed my cat with food sensitivities?

Answer

If your cat has food sensitivities, you need to find a suitable diet that avoids the ingredients causing the sensitivities. Limited Ingredient Diet (LID) cat foods typically contain a limited number of ingredients to minimize the risk of triggering sensitivities. Look for products that feature novel protein sources (such as duck, rabbit, or venison) and alternative carbohydrate sources (such as sweet potatoes or peas). Some cats may have sensitivities to grains like wheat, corn, or soy. Grain-free cat foods replace these grains with alternative carbohydrate sources like potatoes, peas, or tapioca. Hydrolyzed Protein Diets have proteins that are broken down into smaller molecules, making them less likely to trigger an immune response. Hydrolyzed protein cat foods are often prescribed by veterinarians for cats with severe food allergies. Preparing homemade meals also allows you to have complete control over the ingredients. Consult with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure the diet meets your cat's nutritional needs and avoids specific allergens.

2. Can cats be sensitive to dry food?

Answer

Yes, cats can be sensitive to dry food. Some cats may develop sensitivities or allergies to specific ingredients commonly found in dry cat food. These sensitivities can manifest as digestive issues, skin problems, or other allergic reactions. Dry cat food often contains a variety of ingredients, including grains, meat by-products, fillers, and artificial additives. Some cats may have sensitivities to certain grains like wheat or corn, while others may be sensitive to specific proteins or additives. If you suspect that your cat is sensitive to dry food, you can try switching to a different brand or formulation that uses different ingredients. Look for cat foods labeled as "limited ingredient," "grain-free," or "hypoallergenic," as they may be more suitable for cats with food sensitivities. However, not all cats will have sensitivities to dry food. Many cats can thrive on a well-balanced dry food diet.

3. What are the most common cat food sensitivities?

Answer

Cats can develop sensitivities to certain proteins, especially those commonly used in cat food such as chicken, beef, fish, or dairy products. Protein allergies can cause symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, skin issues, or itching. While cats are obligate carnivores and do not require grains in their diet, some individuals may have sensitivities to grains like wheat, corn, or soy. Grain allergies can lead to digestive disturbances, skin problems, or allergic reactions. Despite the popular image of cats and milk, many adult cats are lactose intolerant. Consuming dairy products can lead to digestive upset, including diarrhea and vomiting. Some cats may be sensitive to artificial additives such as food colorings, preservatives (like BHA or BHT), or artificial flavors. These additives can cause gastrointestinal issues or allergic reactions. Cats with sensitive stomachs may have trouble digesting certain fillers or by-products commonly used in cat food, such as corn gluten meal or meat by-products. These ingredients can contribute to digestive problems or food sensitivities.

4. How do you treat food intolerance in cats?

Answer

When treating food intolerance in cats, the primary approach involves identifying and eliminating the specific ingredient(s) causing the intolerance. Consult with your veterinarian to discuss your cat's symptoms and concerns. They can help determine if food intolerance is the underlying issue and guide you through the treatment process. An elimination diet involves feeding your cat a novel protein and carbohydrate source that they have not been exposed to before. This can be a commercial hypoallergenic diet or a homemade diet recommended by a veterinary nutritionist. The goal is to identify and eliminate the specific ingredient(s) causing the intolerance. During the elimination diet, strictly avoid all other foods, treats, and supplements. Feed your cat the elimination diet exclusively for about 8-12 weeks. During this period, closely monitor your cat's symptoms to see if they improve. If the symptoms disappear or significantly reduce, it suggests that the previous diet contained an ingredient causing the intolerance. After the trial period, you can begin reintroducing individual ingredients, one at a time, to identify the specific trigger(s). Start with small amounts of the suspected ingredient and closely monitor your cat's response. If symptoms reoccur, it indicates an intolerance to that ingredient. Once the trigger ingredient(s) are identified, you can create a long-term diet plan that avoids those ingredients. This may involve feeding commercial hypoallergenic diets, limited ingredient diets, or homemade diets with the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist. Ensure that the diet meets your cat's nutritional requirements.

5. What is a good dry food for cats with allergies?

Answer

When selecting a dry food for cats with allergies, look for options that are formulated to be hypoallergenic or limited ingredient diets. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Selected Protein Adult PD dry cat food features a limited number of carefully selected proteins and carbohydrates to minimize the risk of triggering allergies. It is designed for cats with food sensitivities and provides complete and balanced nutrition. Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Original Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Cat Food is formulated with hydrolyzed proteins, which are broken down into smaller molecules to reduce the chance of an allergic response. It is highly digestible and can be beneficial for cats with known food sensitivities or allergies. Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Duck Dry Cat Food is made with a novel protein source (duck) and a single carbohydrate source (green peas). It avoids common allergens like grains, chicken, and beef. It's suitable for cats with food sensitivities and is grain-free. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Indoor Fish & Potato Dry Cat Food is formulated with a limited number of ingredients to minimize the risk of triggering allergies. It features a novel protein source (fish) and is grain-free. It's suitable for cats with food sensitivities and provides balanced nutrition.

What is Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Original Flavor Dry Cat Food?

Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Dry Cat Food is clinical nutrition specially formulated to help avoid skin and digestive signs from adverse food reactions in cats. It’s made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust, and was developed by Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians.

This therapeutic nutrition requires a prescription. Please consult your veterinarian for further information on how Prescription Diet foods can help your cat continue to enjoy a happy and active life.

Suitable for:

Cats (Adult, with food sensitivities)

Benefits:

Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities Dry Cat Food is specially formulated by Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians to avoid causes of food sensitivities
Formulated to help avoid skin and digestive signs from adverse food reactions
Very tasty hydrolyzed animal protein designed to help avoid common food allergens
Promotes a healthy skin barrier
Natural fiber to help normalize stool

How does Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Original Flavor Dry Cat Food work?

This cat food contains highly hydrolyzed animal protein and a single carbohydrate source, which are easy to digest. It also has high levels of vitamin E and natural fiber, as well as essential fatty acids that are enriched. The minerals are controlled to promote bladder health. Moreover, it is formulated without any additives that are known to cause food allergies in cats. Additionally, it has clinically proven antioxidants that help support a healthy immune system. This food is designed to create an environment that makes it difficult for struvite and calcium oxalate crystals to form in the cat's urinary tract. Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Dry Cat Food is a complete and balanced food that provides all the nutrition your cat needs.

Caution:

To prevent suffocation, keep the packaging out of the reach of pets & children.

How should I store this product?

Protect from moisture. Store in a cool, dry place.