Seeking Alternative to Royal Canin Prescription PR & PV (Rabbit & Venison) - skin allergies

My cat has terrible cat acne/skin reactions around her chin and head.  The vet has prescribed Royal Canin prescription food -- either PV (Venison) or PR (Rabbit).  Her reasoning is she needs to have something she's never had before and eliminate all the things she's previously had, since she could be irritated by commercial foods.  Up until now, I've fed her common food like Friskies (chicken, beef, fish, salmon, as well as the other things typically in commercial mass produced foods).

This stuff is $55 for an 8lb bag or 24 cans.  While I am willing to buy it if there is no other alternative, I would like to find something cheaper (wet and dry).  According to the vet, it would have to be venison or rabbit, but with no chicken, beef, fish, salmon, etc.

I would love to hear any suggestions. Thanks.

Your vet's reasoning is good, but I am surprised she recommended any dry. It's hard to eliminate all the common allergens with dry food. Dry food as a general rule is not good for cats. They must contains grains or starches in order to bind the food together. These are all common allergens because they are not species-appropriate ingredients for cats who are obligate carnivores who need a wet meaty diet.

There are some alternatives to the Rx food. They are cheaper although a few brands are almost as expensive. I would look at canned or raw, single source protein if you can, very limited ingredients. EVO, Hound & Gatos come to mind. Nature's Variety Instinct and Natural Balance also have some novel proteins although both have pesky veggies.

What kind of container are you feeding her out of? Plastics cause acne in some cats.

I have eliminated the plastic dishes already.  The water bowl is metal, dry food bowl is ceramic, and wet food goes on paper plates.
 

I like the new Nature's Variety limited ingredient cans. They are expensive but less than $55 for 24 cans. They come in turkey, duck or lamb flavors. They have better ingredients too. I also think an all wet diet will really help with allergies and overall health.

Good luck finding what works for your cat .

I myself have 3 cats with food allergies. I feed Instinct Limited ingredient. This comes in duck, rabbit and turkey in dry....duck, rabbit, turkey and lamb in canned. Single source carb as well. This was not available when I had to do food trials; but, I wish it had!