What is a Hydrolysed Diet for Dogs? A Comprehensive Guide
If your dog is suffering from food allergies or intolerances, your veterinarian might recommend a hydrolysed diet. But what exactly is a hydrolysed diet, and how can it help your pet? In this blog, we’ll delve into the benefits of hydrolysed diets for dogs, how they work, and review popular brands to help you make an informed decision.
What is a Hydrolysed Diet for Dogs?
A hydrolysed diet is a type of prescription dog food where the proteins are broken down into smaller pieces (or peptides) through a process called hydrolysis. This process alters the protein structure so that the immune system does not recognise them as allergens, thereby preventing allergic reactions.
Hydrolysed diets are often used for dogs with:
Food allergies: Conditions where dogs are allergic to specific proteins (e.g., chicken, beef).
Food sensitivities: Non-allergic adverse reactions to certain food ingredients.
Chronic gastrointestinal issues: Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can cause discomfort and digestive problems.
How Does a Hydrolysed Diet Work?
When dogs are allergic or sensitive to certain proteins, their immune systems overreact, leading to symptoms like skin irritation, itching, digestive upset, vomiting and more. By breaking down the protein into smaller peptides that are too small for the immune system to detect, the dog's body won’t trigger an allergic reaction. This allows the dog to consume nutritious food without the adverse effects. It can be an effective way to help dog’s heal whilst the underlying cause is pin pointed.
Additionally, hydrolysed diets are often formulated to be easily digestible, which can be helpful for dogs with gastrointestinal issues, making it easier for their bodies to absorb nutrients.
Popular Hydrolysed Diet Brands for Dogs
There are several reputable brands offering hydrolysed dog foods. Below is an overview of some of the most popular options, each designed to cater to different dietary needs:
1. Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Veterinary Diet
One of the most well-known brands in the hydrolysed diet category is Royal Canin. They offer a hydrolysed protein formula designed specifically for dogs with severe food allergies or digestive issues. This formula uses hydrolysed soy protein, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions. It also includes prebiotics and omega-3 fatty acids, which help to promote a healthy digestive tract and skin health.
Pros: High-quality ingredients, contains beneficial fatty acids, suitable for severe allergies. Comes in dry and wet formulas.
Cons: Price can be high compared to non-prescription dog foods and palatability may be an issue
Best for: Dogs with both skin and gastrointestinal symptoms of food allergies.
2. Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d
Hill’s offers a hydrolysed formula known as z/d. This diet is specifically designed for dogs with adverse food reactions and chronic skin conditions. The main protein source is hydrolysed chicken liver, and it’s fortified with essential nutrients like vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids to help nourish the skin.
Pros: Clinically proven to manage food allergies and skin issues. It comes in dry and wet formulas
Cons: Chicken-based, which may not work for all dogs with severe protein allergies.
Best for: Dogs with food sensitivities and chronic skin conditions.
3. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed
Purina’s HA Hydrolyzed Formula uses a single hydrolysed protein source (soy protein isolate) and low-allergen carbohydrates to reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction. It’s designed for long-term feeding and can be used for elimination diets—a diagnostic tool where dogs are fed a diet free of suspected allergens to see if their symptoms improve.
Pros: Ideal for food elimination trials, easy on the stomach.
Cons: Limited ingredient options compared to other brands and palatability issues
Best for: Dogs with mild to moderate allergies and those undergoing food trials.
4. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet HF (Hydrolyzed Food)
Blue Buffalo’s HF formula offers a holistic option for dogs needing a hydrolysed diet. It contains hydrolysed salmon as its protein source, making it suitable for dogs with common meat protein allergies (like chicken or beef). The recipe is also grain-free, which may be beneficial for dogs with grain sensitivities.
Pros: Natural ingredients, grain-free, includes antioxidant-rich nutrients.
Cons: Only available in certain countries and may not be suitable for dogs with sever fish allergies
Best for: Dogs with most protein allergies and grain sensitivities.
5. Iams Veterinary Formula Skin & Coat Plus Response KO
This hydrolysed diet from Iams uses kangaroo protein, which is rarely found in conventional dog foods. Kangaroo is considered a novel protein and is ideal for dogs with multiple protein allergies. It is also designed to improve coat and skin health with a blend of essential fatty acids.
Pros: Novel protein, great for skin and coat health.
Cons: Kangaroo can be difficult to source, and the diet may not always be suitable for all dogs.
Best for: Dogs with multiple protein allergies and sensitive skin.
How to Choose the Right Hydrolysed Diet for Your Dog
When selecting a hydrolysed diet for your dog, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian. These diets are often prescribed based on your dog’s specific health needs, allergy symptoms, and any other underlying conditions. Some dogs may require an elimination diet before a final decision is made, which involves feeding your dog a hydrolysed or novel protein diet for several weeks or months to monitor for improvement.
Benefits of a Hydrolysed Diet
Hydrolysed diets are a highly effective solution for many dogs with food allergies and digestive problems. Some of the key benefits include:
Reduces allergic reactions: Breaking down proteins into smaller components helps prevent the immune system from triggering an allergic response. They can help create a break in any symptom cycles whilst the underlying cause is found
Easier digestion: These diets are formulated to be gentle on the digestive system, which is particularly helpful for dogs with IBD or other gastrointestinal issues.
Nutritionally balanced: Despite the hydrolysis process, these diets still provide complete and balanced nutrition.
Conclusion
Hydrolysed diets offer a targeted approach for dogs suffering from food allergies, sensitivities, and gastrointestinal issues. With a variety of reputable brands like Royal Canin, Hill’s Prescription Diet, and Purina Pro Plan, you have several options to choose from based on your dog’s unique needs. Always work closely with your veterinarian to find the best hydrolysed diet for your dog’s health. There are other options for conducting an elimination diet if you suspect food intolerances as well and you can discuss these with your vet or a canine nutritionist By understanding the science behind hydrolysed diets and reviewing clinical research, you can confidently make the best choices for your dog's health.
Peer-Reviewed Studies and References
Verlinden, A., Hesta, M., Millet, S., & Janssens, G. P. (2006). Food allergy in dogs and cats: A review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 46(3), 259-273. doi: 10.1080/10408390591001117
Olivry, T., & Bizikova, P. (2010). A systematic review of the evidence of reduced allergenicity and clinical benefit of food hydrolysates in dogs with cutaneous adverse food reactions. Veterinary Dermatology, 21(1), 32-41. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3164.2009.00775.x
Jackson, H. A., & Hammerberg, B. (2002). Evaluation of a soy protein-based hydrolyzed diet for the management of dogs with food allergy. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 220(11), 1596-1599. doi: 10.2460/javma.2002.220.1596
Roudebush, P., & Guilford, W. G. (2009). Food hypersensitivity in dogs and cats: A review and report of 43 cases (1992-1998). Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 45(1), 14-22. doi: 10.5326/0450014