If your cat has ever scratched herself raw, sported bald patches, or left you scrubbing vomit off the carpet at 2 a.m., you already know that food allergies are more than a nuisance—they’re a welfare issue. The good news? Limited-ingredient diets (LIDs) have moved from “prescription only” to grocery-aisle mainstream, and Koha is one of the brands repeatedly whispered about in vet corridors and cat-centric Reddit threads alike. Below, we’ll pull back the curtain on what makes Koha’s limited-ingredient lineup tick, how to match a formula to your individual cat’s immune quirks, and the red flags that separate marketing fluff from genuine allergy relief—so you can shop smarter before your feline shopper (or her gut) votes with her feet.
Top 10 Koha Limited Ingredient Cat Food
Detailed Product Reviews
1. KOHA Limited Ingredient Diet Chicken Pate for Cats – Single Meat Wet Cat Food for Sensitive Stomachs – Pate Cat Food with No Fillers – 3oz Pack of 24
Overview: KOHA’s chicken pâté is a veterinarian-trusted limited-ingredient diet built for cats with touchy tummies. Each 3-oz can is 96 % single-source chicken, delivering high-protein, low-carb nutrition without grains, potatoes, or gums that commonly trigger GI upset.
What Makes It Stand Out: The recipe keeps things almost absurdly simple—one meat, one texture, zero fillers—then layers in functional extras (New Zealand green-lipped mussel, pumpkin, cranberry) that target joints, digestion, and urinary health in one smooth spoonful.
Value for Money: At roughly $0.60 per ounce it sits mid-premium, but because the food is so nutrient-dense most cats need smaller portions; the 24-can case usually lasts a single-cat household a full month, making the daily cost comparable to grocery-store “premium” brands that still hide peas and carrageenan.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: ultra-short ingredient list, high moisture (82 %), palatable even to convalescing cats, clear labeling for elimination diets.
Cons: pâté texture can dry out once opened, cans are not resealable, and chicken is still a common allergen for truly atopic cats.
Bottom Line: If your cat’s issues are grain- or additive-related rather than poultry-specific, this is one of the cleanest, most convenient therapeutic foods you can buy without a prescription.
2. KOHA Limited Ingredient Diet Duck Pate for Cats – Single Meat Wet Cat Food for Sensitive Stomachs – Pate Cat Food with No Fillers – 3oz Pack of 24
Overview: KOHA swaps chicken for duck in this mirror-image limited-ingredient pâté, giving owners a novel-protein option when poultry stops working. The same 96 % meat formula stays grain-free, gum-free, and filler-free while keeping carbohydrates under 2 % on a dry-matter basis.
What Makes It Stand Out: Duck is still considered a “low-reactivity” protein by most veterinary dermatologists, yet it’s rich enough to entice even picky eaters who turn up their noses at rabbit or venison. Added green-lipped mussel supplies natural glucosamine for older joints.
Value for Money: $0.70 per ounce is a 17 % premium over the chicken recipe, reflecting pricier raw duck. For elimination-diet candidates, that upcharge is still cheaper than repeated vet visits or prescription hydrolized diets that run $1.20+ per ounce.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: single animal source, excellent omega-3 ratio, smooth texture mashes easily under warm water for cats that won’t chew.
Cons: stronger odor may offend human noses; duck fat content can loosen stools in cats with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency; no bulk size beyond 24-pack.
Bottom Line: A smart second-step protein when chicken fails, delivering prescription-level cleanliness at near-retail price.
3. KOHA Limited Ingredient Diet Rabbit Au Jus for Cats, 96% Rabbit Sensitive Stomach Cat Food, No Fillers High Protein Wet Food for Cats, Trial Pack (3 Cans)
Overview: Packaged as a three-can trial, KOHA’s rabbit “au jus” offers the brand’s most hypoallergenic recipe in a stew-style shred. Rabbit is classified a true novel protein for the vast majority of North American cats, making this the go-to diagnostic food for severe IBD or cutaneous food allergies.
What Makes It Stand Out: The formula remains 96 % rabbit muscle and organ, but the light broth increases moisture to 84 %—helpful for cats with concurrent urinary issues or CKD that still need high protein. Pumpkin, cranberry, and green-lipped mussel round out the functional package.
Value for Money: At $1.00 per ounce the sticker shock is real, yet the three-can sampler lets you confirm tolerance before investing in a full case; compared to veterinary rabbit cans at $1.40–$1.60/oz, it’s actually the economical route.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: extremely rare allergen, shred texture appeals to texture-fussy cats, small trial size reduces waste.
Cons: broth can separate and look “watery,” rabbit supply shortages cause periodic stock outages, price per calorie is highest in the KOHA line.
Bottom Line: The gold-standard elimination-diet protein in a risk-minimizing trial size—buy it, test it, then celebrate when the vomiting stops.
4. KOHA Pet Limited Ingredient Bland Diet for Cats, Chicken and White Rice Recipe Sensitive Stomach Wet Cat Food, Gentle Formula Easy to Digest Bland Diet Cat Food, 2.8 oz Pack of 12
Overview: When vets say “bland diet,” they usually mean boiled chicken and white rice—KOHA simply canned it. This gentle recipe pairs easy-to-digest chicken with steamed white rice and a touch of pumpkin, creating a ready-to-serve therapeutic meal for acute gastroenteritis, post-antibiotic recovery, or stress colitis.
What Makes It Stand Out: Unlike homemade bland diets that lack taurine or trace minerals, KOHA’s version is AAFCO-complete for adult maintenance, so you can feed it long-term if your cat’s gut never fully rebounds. No peas, potatoes, carrageenan, or artificial gums keeps irritation to a minimum.
Value for Money: $0.77 per ounce lands between the chicken and duck pâtés, but you’re paying for convenience: no shopping, no boiling, no nutrient balancing—just pop, plate, and soothe. A 12-pack lasts most cats through the average 5-7 day bland-diet protocol.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: highly palatable during nausea, rice provides low-residue energy, resealable 2.8-oz cans reduce leftover waste.
Cons: not grain-free (obviously), lower protein (8.5 % vs 10 %+) means it’s unsuitable for growing kittens or hypercatabolic patients, limited flavor variety.
Bottom Line: Keep a case in the pantry for the next stomach bug; you’ll spare yourself midnight cooking and get your cat eating again within hours.
5. KOHA Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey Paté for Cats, 95% Turkey Sensitive Stomach Cat Food, Duck Recipe for Cats, Trial Pack (3 Cans)
Overview: KOHA’s turkey paté trial pack delivers a 95 % single-meat formula in a petite three-can format. Positioned between common chicken and exotic rabbit, turkey offers a moderately novel protein with lower fat than duck, making it ideal for weight-controlled elimination trials.
What Makes It Stand Out: The recipe mirrors KOHA’s other pâtés—pumpkin for regularity, cranberry for urinary acid balance, green-lipped mussel for joint support—but trims calories to 78 kcal per 2.8-oz can, helpful for indoor cats battling both itchy skin and the bulge.
Value for Money: $0.83 per ounce is middle-ground for KOHA trials; you spend only $15 to confirm turkey tolerance before graduating to the 24-can case, avoiding the $50 gamble that comes with duck or rabbit multipacks.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: leaner than duck yet richer than chicken, smooth texture mixes effortlessly with water for extra hydration, single-can size perfect for small appetites.
Cons: turkey is still poultry—true poultry-allergic cats will react; 95 % meat (vs 96 %) reflects minor rice-starch binder; limited broth means less aromatic enticement for anosmic seniors.
Bottom Line: A sensible “next step” protein when chicken fails but rabbit feels too exotic—test it, track it, and move forward with confidence.
6. KOHA Minimal Ingredient Duck Stew for Cats, High Protein Limited Ingredient Wet Cat Food, 5.5oz Cans (Case of 24)
Overview: KOHA Minimal Ingredient Duck Stew offers relief for cats struggling with food sensitivities. This grain-free wet food features duck as its sole protein source, served in a hydrating gravy that appeals to picky eaters. Each 5.5oz can provides complete nutrition without common allergens.
What Makes It Stand Out: The stew’s simplicity is its strength—just duck, broth, and beneficial supplements like pumpkin, turmeric, and cranberries. Unlike many limited-ingredient foods that cats reject, the shredded texture and rich gravy make this genuinely palatable. The case of 24 ensures you won’t run out during dietary transitions.
Value for Money: At $0.42 per ounce, this sits in the premium range but delivers prescription-diet quality without veterinary markup. For cats with chronic digestive issues, it can reduce expensive vet visits and wasted food from rejected meals.
Strengths and Weaknesses: The single-protein formula eliminates guesswork for elimination diets, while added moisture supports urinary health. However, some cats may find the shredded texture challenging if they’re pate-preferers. The price point requires commitment, though bulk buying helps.
Bottom Line: For cats with suspected food allergies or chronic digestive upset, this duck stew is worth every penny. It transforms mealtime from a stress point into a joy while providing therapeutic nutrition. Highly recommended for sensitive cats.
7. KOHA Limited Ingredient Diet Duck Pate for Cats, 96% Duck Recipe, Sensitive Stomach Cat Food, Trial Pack (3 Cans)
Overview: KOHA’s Duck Pate offers a streamlined solution for cats with extreme food sensitivities. This trial pack contains three 5.5oz cans of 96% duck pate, specifically formulated for cats requiring novel protein diets. The smooth texture suits cats with dental issues or texture preferences.
What Makes It Stand Out: With 96% meat content, this isn’t just limited-ingredient—it’s practically pure protein. New Zealand Green Mussel provides joint support rarely found in limited-ingredient foods. The trial size lets you test compatibility before investing in larger quantities, crucial for sensitive cats.
Value for Money: At $0.83 per ounce, this represents premium pricing, but the trial pack mitigates financial risk. Compare favorably to veterinary prescription diets that often cost more while containing similar ingredients.
Strengths and Weaknesses: The single-protein formula and pate texture make this ideal for elimination diets. Added pumpkin and cranberries support digestive and urinary health. However, the high price per can adds up quickly for multi-cat households. Some cats may find the richness overwhelming initially.
Bottom Line: Perfect starting point for cats with mysterious digestive issues or suspected food allergies. The trial pack format shows confidence in their formula while respecting your budget. Start here before committing to larger quantities.
8. KOHA Limited Ingredient Diet Chicken Paté for Cats, 95% Chicken Sensitive Stomach Cat Food, Duck Recipe for Cats, Trial Pack (3 Cans)
Overview: KOHA’s Chicken Pate provides another single-protein option for sensitive cats, featuring 95% chicken in a smooth, digestible format. This trial pack offers three cans to test your cat’s tolerance to chicken, a common but often problematic protein for allergic cats.
What Makes It Stand Out: While chicken seems ubiquitous, finding truly single-source chicken food without fillers proves surprisingly difficult. This formula maintains KOHA’s high meat content while using chicken as a novel protein for cats who’ve reacted to other poultry. The trial size is perfect for elimination diet protocols.
Value for Money: Matching the duck version at $0.83 per ounce, this positions itself as premium food. The trial pack prevents wasting money on full cases if your cat rejects or reacts to chicken—a common occurrence worth avoiding.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Chicken often proves less allergenic than expected when served without typical fillers or mixing proteins. The pate texture works for most cats, and added supplements support overall health. However, truly allergic cats may still react to chicken, making the trial pack essential. The price requires budgeting for long-term feeding.
Bottom Line: An excellent second option for elimination diets after trying duck or turkey. The trial pack format makes testing chicken’s suitability risk-free. Worth trying for cats who’ve failed other limited-ingredient diets.
9. KOHA Pure Shreds Cat Variety Pack, High Protein Wet Cat Food – 5 Flavors – Beef, Duck, Chicken & Duck and Chicken & Salmon Food for Cats – 2.8 oz Cans, Pack of 12
Overview: KOHA Pure Shreds Variety Pack delivers five single-protein options in an appealing shredded format. This 12-can assortment includes beef, duck, chicken, chicken & salmon, and chicken & duck combinations, all served in savory broth for hydration.
What Makes It Stand Out: Unlike typical variety packs that focus on flavor alone, each recipe maintains KOHA’s limited-ingredient philosophy. The shredded texture in broth appeals to cats who’ve rejected pates, while the 2.8oz size prevents waste from finicky eaters. The low-fat formulation suits weight-conscious feeding.
Value for Money: At $0.68 per ounce, this offers mid-premium pricing while providing five proteins to test. The variety prevents food boredom and helps identify preferred proteins for future purchases. Smaller cans reduce waste from rejected flavors.
Strengths and Weaknesses: The variety helps identify successful proteins while the shredded format appeals to texture-picky cats. Superfood blend adds nutritional value without complicating ingredient lists. However, the mixed pack includes some proteins (chicken, salmon) that commonly trigger allergies. The smaller cans mean more packaging waste.
Bottom Line: Ideal for recently adopted cats or those with unknown preferences. The variety pack approach saves money while discovering your cat’s preferred KOHA formula. Start here if your cat’s sensitivities are mild or unknown.
10. KOHA Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey Pate for Cats – Single Meat Wet Cat Food for Sensitive Stomachs – Pate Cat Food with No Fillers – 5.5oz Pack of 24
Overview: KOHA Turkey Pate provides a novel protein option often overlooked in limited-ingredient diets. This case of 24 5.5oz cans offers 96% turkey in a digestible pate format, specifically designed for cats with extreme food sensitivities who’ve reacted to more common proteins.
What Makes It Stand Out: Turkey serves as an excellent novel protein for cats who’ve failed chicken, beef, or fish-based diets. The 96% meat content ensures nutritional adequacy without fillers, while New Zealand Green Mussel provides joint support unusual in therapeutic foods. The bulk packaging suits long-term feeding.
Value for Money: At $0.49 per ounce, this represents the best value in KOHA’s limited-ingredient line. The bulk purchase brings premium quality to a more accessible price point, especially considering turkey’s status as a novel protein.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Turkey often succeeds where chicken fails, making this invaluable for tough allergy cases. The pate texture suits sensitive mouths, and added supplements provide comprehensive health support. However, turkey’s stronger flavor may require gradual introduction for cats accustomed to milder proteins. The case commitment requires freezer space if your cat eats slowly.
Bottom Line: A smart choice for cats who’ve cycled through other limited-ingredient options. Turkey’s novelty combined with KOHA’s quality standards offers hope for frustrated pet parents. The bulk pricing makes long-term therapeutic feeding financially sustainable.
Why Limited-Inredient Diets Matter for Allergic Cats
Cats don’t get “just a little” allergic. When the immune system mislabels a protein as enemy combatant, every repeat exposure escalates the battle—itchier skin, angrier ears, looser stools. LIDs shrink the ingredient roster to a handful of known quantities, making it easier to pinpoint the culprit and stop the cascade.
The Science Behind Feline Food Allergies
Unlike environmental allergies, food reactions are almost always triggered by intact dietary proteins that sneak through a “leaky” intestinal barrier. The body produces IgE and IgG antibodies, triggering mast-cell degranulation—think hives, head-to-tail itch, and chronic inflammation. Novel or hydrolyzed proteins sidestep this process by presenting a shape the immune system doesn’t recognize … yet.
How Koha Approaches Limited-Inredient Nutrition
Koha keeps each recipe under ten primary ingredients, excludes all major AAFCO-identified allergens, and uses single-source animal protein. Meals are manufactured in a Kansas facility that runs 24-hour allergen-swab cycles—essentially a deep clean between proteins—to prevent cross-contact.
Key Features to Look for in a Koha Formula
Scan for a single named meat, no “flavor” loopholes, added taurine above AAFCO minimums, and functional extras like pumpkin for soluble fiber. Moisture should top 78 %; hydration dilutes urinary crystals and speeds transit time, reducing gut exposure to potential allergens.
Novel vs. Hydrolyzed Proteins: Which Route Fits Your Cat?
Novel proteins (kangaroo, duck, rabbit) work if your cat has never met them. Hydrolyzed proteins are chemically diced into fragments too small to cross-link IgE receptors. Koha sticks to novel, arguing that hydrolysis can create bitter peptides that turn picky eaters into hunger strikers.
Wet Food vs. Dry: Texture Considerations for Sensitive Stomachs
Dry kibble needs starch to extrude—usually a grain or legume, both common allergens. Koha’s limited-ingredient line is 100 % canned, eliminating that bind. The higher water content also reduces renal workload, a hidden benefit for allergic seniors whose kidneys are already inflamed.
Reading the Guaranteed Analysis: Beyond Protein Percentage
Look for phosphorus ≤ 0.3 % on a dry-matter basis if your vet has whispered “early CKD.” Fat-to-protein ratios close to 1:2 moderate caloric density, preventing weight gain when you’re forced to use steroids to quell flare-ups.
Transitioning Your Allergic Cat Without Triggering a Flare
Gradual switches are outdated for severe allergies; they simply prolong exposure. Instead, perform an abrupt “cold-turkey” change over 24 hours while starting a 6-week elimination trial. Track symptoms in a daily itch score—photos plus a 1-5 scale—to share with your vet.
Elimination Trials: Setting Up a Six-Week Roadmap
Feed only the chosen Koha recipe, tap water, and nothing else—no treats, no toothpaste, no chicken-flavored medications. Re-check weight, stool quality, and ear cytology at weeks 2, 4, and 6. If lesions resolve, you’ve got your baseline; if not, rotate to the next novel protein.
Common Allergens You Won’t Find in Koha Recipes
Beef, dairy, chicken, turkey, whitefish, salmon, wheat, corn, soy, and potato are all excluded from the core LID range. Sweet potato is used sparingly as a low-glycemic binder, but even that can be bypassed with their “95 % meat” pâtés if you’re dealing with a suspected tuber allergy.
Nutritional Adequacy Statements: Decoding AAFCO Language
Look for “formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for Adult Maintenance.” If you’re feeding kittens or queens, insist on “All Life Stages” or rotate to a kitten-specific Koha can midway through gestation.
Price-to-Value Equation: Budgeting for a Prescription-Quality Diet
Limited-ingredient cans run 30–50 % more than grocery staples. Calculate cost per 100 kcal, not per ounce; higher protein density means smaller portions. A 5.5 oz can often feeds an 8 lb cat for two meals, dropping the daily price below that of a Starbucks espresso—cheap compared to cyclosporine.
Vet Collaboration: When to Seek Professional Allergy Testing
If ear infections recur after two novel-protein rotations, ask for either serologic IgE panels or a dermatologist-run intradermal test. Results can direct you toward the safest Koha protein and reveal inevitable environmental overlap (dust-mite dermatitis masquerading as food itch).
Storage and Serving Tips to Preserve Limited-Inredient Integrity
Once opened, Koha cans stay sterile for 48 hours if you press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to exclude oxygen. Transferring to a glass jar prevents metal off-flavors that can cause food aversion—death knell for an already suspicious allergic cat.
Real-World Success Metrics: What Improvement Looks Like at 30, 60, and 90 Days
At 30 days, ear crusting should be 50 % reduced and stools firmed. By 60 days, hair regrowth along the ventrum and tail base is visible. Ninety days out, expect normalized eosinophil counts on bloodwork and a 75 % drop in grooming frequency—objective proof you’re on the right Koha formula.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I rotate between Koha flavors once my cat’s allergies stabilize?
Yes, but wait at least 90 days after full remission, then introduce one new protein every three weeks while monitoring symptoms.
2. Is Koha suitable for cats with chronic kidney disease?
Phosphorus levels are moderate; ask your vet to check bloodwork—many early-stage CKD cats do well on the low-carb recipes.
3. Does Koha contain carrageenan?
The pâté line is carrageenan-free; some stews use a minute amount of undegraded carrageenan for texture, generally tolerated unless your cat has a known GI mast-cell disorder.
4. How long does an unopened can stay fresh?
Best-by dates are 36 months from manufacture; store below 80 °F and avoid humidity to prevent can corrosion.
5. Can kittens eat Koha limited-ingredient formulas?
Select SKUs carry an “All Life Stages” statement; otherwise, supplement with a kitten-specific topper to hit growth calcium targets.
6. My cat is addicted to kibble—any tips for switching to wet?
Crush a tablespoon of old kibble and sprinkle on top of Koha, then gradually reduce the crumble over seven days.
7. Are Koha cans BPA-free?
The manufacturer uses BPA-non-intent linings; independent assays show <0.1 ppb migration, below EU limits.
8. What if my cat refuses every novel protein?
Ask your vet about temporary appetite stimulants (e.g., mirtazapine) or transition through a hydrolyzed therapeutic first, then pivot back to Koha.
9. Do I need a prescription to buy Koha?
No, Koha is sold OTC; however, vet oversight is still advised for bona fide elimination trials.
10. Can I feed Koha to my allergic dog?
Cats have higher taurine and arachidonic acid requirements; sharing an occasional can won’t harm a dog, but long-term use can cause dilated cardiomyopathy in canines.