Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food: Buying Guide, Reviews & Top Picks

Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food Benefits

What Is hydrolyzed protein dog food?

Hydrolyzed protein dog food is a type of food that has been specifically designed for dogs who have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients. The hydrolyzed process breaks down the proteins into smaller pieces, making them easier for your dog’s digestive system to break down and absorb. This can help to prevent an allergic reaction or sensitivity in your dog.

Best Hydrolyzed Dog Food Brands (Dry & Wet)

Benefits of hydrolyzed protein

Veterinarians generally recommend hydrolyzed protein diet for dogs with food allergies, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), sensitive stomachs, or other digestion problems.

A food allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a particular protein. Common symptoms include itching, skin irritation, hair loss, and gastrointestinal upset. Hydrolyzed protein dog foods are made with proteins that have been broken down into smaller pieces, making them less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The exact cause is unknown, but it’s thought to be an overreaction of the immune system to a food protein or other substance in the environment. Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and lack of appetite. Hydrolyzed protein dog foods can be used as part of a treatment plan for IBD. They’re thought to be beneficial because the smaller protein pieces are less likely to trigger an immune reaction.

Dog food with hydrolyzed protein may also be recommended for dogs who are picky eaters or have trouble digesting certain ingredients. Because the proteins have been broken down into smaller pieces, they’re easier for the digestive system to absorb. This can make hydrolyzed dog food a good option for finicky eaters or dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Side effects of hydrolyzed food for dogs

When switching your dog’s diet, it is possible that they might experience an increase in flatulence or be excessively gassy. However, this will only last for 2-3 weeks as their body gets used to the new ingredients and becomes accustomed to the new diet.

Additionally, since it changes the way nutrients are digested and used within the body, your pooch may experience an increase in stools or frequent bathroom trips. This also is usually temporary and will subside once their body gets used to the new nutrients from the new diet.

Hydrolyzed protein diets are safe and most dogs will not experience any side effects when starting a hydrolyzed protein diet but you should always keep an eye on them to make sure they are not having problems. If anything seems off or if the symptoms continue longer than expected (or get worse), consult your veterinarian immediately as he/she can pinpoint the source much faster than you could!

 

What is the best hydrolyzed protein dog food?

If you’re looking for the best hydrolyzed dog food, you’ve come to the right place! We have evaluated dozens of top-rated hydrolyzed dog food brands on the market to provide you with our top picks. Read through our reviews and recommendations to see which brands we recommend.

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Highlights:

Highlights:

Highlights:

Highlights:

  • Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food
  • Specially formulated by Hill’s veterinarians to support your dog’s skin and food sensitivities
  • Clinically tested to help avoid skin and digestive signs of adverse food reactions
  • Highly hydrolyzed animal protein and single purified carbohydrate source help avoid common food allergens
  • Essential fatty acids assist to promote a healthy skin barrier
  • Antioxidants help support a healthy immune system.
  • 25 lb bag.

Highlights:

  • Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Wet Dog Food
  • Formulated to support your dog’s skin and food sensitivities
  • Clinically tested to help avoid skin and digestive signs of adverse food reactions
  • Highly hydrolyzed animal protein and single purified carbohydrate source help avoid common food allergens
  • Enriched with essential fatty acids and promotes a healthy skin barrier
  • Clinically proven antioxidants assist to support a healthy immune system
  • 12 can, each 13 oz.

Highlights:

  • PURINA Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Dog Food
  • Chicken Flavor
  • Formulas has hydrolyzed protein sources to reduce the risk of allergic reaction
  • Single low-allergen carbohydrate source assist to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction
  • Highly digestible to promote optimal nutrient absorption
  • Contains medium chain triglycerides (13-26.5% of fat), a source of fat which is easily digested and absorbed to provide readily available energy.
  • 25 lb bag.

Highlights:

  • PURINA Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed  Wet Dog Food
  • Chicken Flavour
  • Premium protein formulation that is highly digestible.
  • Hydrolyzed wet dog food in sauce is good for all breeds of dogs in any stage of life
  • Hydrolyzed protein has been broken down into smaller components to help avoid adverse food reactions.
  • Contains a single high quality carbohydrate source and healthy antioxidants..
  • 12 cans, each can is 13.3 oz.

Highlights:

  • BLUE BUFFALO Hydrolyzed For Food Intolerance.
  • Hydrolyzed salmon which is a readily digestible protein source that helps minimize the chances of adverse reactions to food.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseed support healthy skin and coat.
  • Has vitamins E and C, plus antioxidant-rich ingredients including blueberries and cranberries to support a healthy immune system.
  • No grains 
  • Good for All Life Stages of your dog.
  • 22 lb bag.

Highlights:

  • BLUE BUFFALO Veterinary Diet HF Hyrolyzed for Food Intolerance, Wet Dog Food
  • Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food
  • Hydrolyzed salmon which is a highly digestible protein source that helps minimize the chances of adverse reactions to food.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseed support healthy skin and coat.
  • Antioxidants with vitamins E and C including blueberries and cranberries help support a healthy immune system.
  • Made without the grains
  • Wholesome, nutritious diet that dogs will love.
  • 12 cans, each can is 12.5 oz.

Highlights:

  • DIAMOND Care Sensitive Skin Formula Adult Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
  • Hydrolyzed single source, high quality protein from hydrolyzed salmon to help limit allergens that may aggravate skin sensitivities.
  • Complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs
  • Added vitamins and minerals, plus antioxidants like vitamin E
  • Proprietary probiotics that survive and thrive in the GI tract to support immune and digestive health.
  • 25 lb bag.

FAQs on Hydrolyzed Dog Food

Question: Will my dog gain weight on hydrolyzed protein food?

It is possible for your furry companion to gain weight on a hydrolyzed protein diet for dogs, but it is not as likely as it is with other types of food. Be sure to monitor your dog’s weight and adjust portions as needed.

Question: Is hydrolyzed protein bad for dogs?

Hydrolyzed protein is not bad for dogs. In fact, it can be beneficial for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients. The hydrolyzed process breaks down the proteins into smaller pieces, making them easier for your dog’s digestive system to break down and absorb. This can help to prevent an allergic reaction or sensitivity in your dog. 

Question: How Long Will It Take For A Dog To See Improvement?

After a dog has been switched to a hydrolyzed protein diet they will notice an improvement in digestion and elimination problems within two weeks. They may also see an increase in energy levels as well as a better coat. If a dog with food allergies is put on this type of diet the effects are fairly immediate, though it can take some time for your pet’s immune system to adjust itself. So while you may start to see positive results after only 2-3 days, it may be up to 3 weeks before you experience 100% relief from symptoms caused by the allergies.

Final Thought on Dog Food with Hydrolyzed Protein

There are many benefits to feeding your dog a hydrolyzed protein diet. For many years, veterinarians have used hydrolyzed protein meals to treat pets’ digestive difficulties, and they remain an effective choice today. If your veterinarian prescribes a hydrolyzed protein diet for your pet, you may rest confident that it is safe to put them on the new meal plan right away. But start by gradually adding small amounts of the new food to your dog’s old food. This will help their digestive system adjust to the new diet. Be patient as it may take a few days or weeks for your dog to adjust to its new diet.

Caroline Stowe is the co-founder of Dog Lovers Pup, a public service website designed to help dog parents make informed decisions when purchasing dog products. She is a dog enthusiast, a dedicated dog mom to her fur-kid. She loves to spend time researching and reviewing the best products and share her knowledge freely with all dog lovers who desire to give the best to their dogs and puppies.
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