canine hydrolyzed protein diet

What is a Hydrolyzed Protein Diet for Dogs?

You might think your dog feels fine in cold weather, thanks to their thick coat, but they can definitely feel the chilland when they arent warm and comfortable, they could develop serious problems like hypothermia. So, its important to know the signs that your dog is cold, and to take steps to keep your pet comfy, whether theyre indoors or outside.  Although any dog can be affected by cold temperatures, wind, and snow, some are going to feel the drop in temperature sooner or more intensely. Puppies and seniors, as well as small dogs and those with short coats, are a few examples, along with hairless dogs and those who are ill or have chronic medical conditions.Signs Your Dog Is ColdHere are some of the ways to tell if your dog is cold:Your dog feels cold to the touch An easy way to tell if your dog is cold is by petting them and feeling the temperature of their body. A good place to check is their ears, but also touch their paws, belly, and skin under their fur. If their body is cool to the touch, there are ways to warm them up.Your dog doesnt want to be active If your dog isnt as active as they usually are, they might be feeling the chill in the air. Feel their body, as discussed above, to see if theyre cold, and take steps to make them warm. A dog whos moving more slowly than normal while outside should be brought inside right away. Your dog is shivering Just like people shiver when theyre cold, dogs will too, so this is an obvious sign that your pet needs to be warmed up as soon as possible. If your dog is trembling, consider the temperature inside your home, as you might need to turn the heat up. And if your dog is shaking while outside in the cold, bring them inside right away.Your dog is searching for ways to stay warm If your dog wants to lie down next to the fireplace or heater, or they want to snuggle up next to you or under a blanket, theyre looking for ways to get warm. In addition, your dog might be reluctant to go outside, whether for a walk or to go potty. If theyre outside and you see them trying to find some shelter to warm up, bring them in immediately.  Your dogs body language and vocalizations change If you know your pets normal behavior and demeanor, it should be easy to tell when theyre cold. There will be signs that theyre uncomfortable, and they might exhibit anxious behaviors that let you know something is wrong. For example, your dog may tuck their tail, have a hunched posture, or curl up in a ball, and they might also bark or whimper. What To Do if Your Dog Is ColdWhenever your dog is showing signs of feeling cold, take action right away. Remember, a dog who gets too cold is at risk of hypothermia. Also, the cold can make some dogs, such as those with arthritis, experience even more discomfort. If your dog is outside, bring them inside. And if theyre wet from rain or snow, dry them gently.If your dog is already inside, move them to a warmer area, such as near a heat source and away from drafts.Help your dog feel warm and cozy indoorsYou can rub and massage your dog to help generate some warmth with your hands. Give your pet a cozy bed to rest in, and cover them with a blanket. You can also lie down next to your dog to help them warm up.There are heated dog beds you can use whenever your dog is chilly, along with dog heating pads that can work well toojust be sure to use these products as directed for safety and so your pet wont get too hot. Keep your dog warm while outsideBefore heading outside with your dog, check the temperature. Generally, if its colder than 45F (7C), you should take additional precautions to ensure your pet wont get too cold. But you know your individual dog best, so youll know when they need extra protection and less time outside.There are various jackets, sweaters, and boots made for dogs of all breeds and sizes. Put these on your canine companion before heading outside so they can stay warm while they go potty or go for a short walk.If its too cold for a walk or play session outside, dont force your dog to stay out there. Instead, find ways to play with your dog indoors until the weather warms enough to be safer and more comfortable for your pooch.Use products that help your dog warm up and stay warmHere are a couple of items to consider buying for your dog: K&H Self-Warming Crate Pad

Best Hydrolyzed Dog Food: Sensitive Skin, Wet, Alternative & More

You, like me, are not alone if you have never heard of hydrolyzed dog food. Many of us only learn about this specially formulated nutritional option if our pup needs it. Hydrolyzed dog food is a specialty product, often available by veterinarian prescription, with the protein broken down into tiny particles, making it easier to digest.

Dogs generally only need this diet if they are experiencing food intolerance, allergy, or irritable bowel disease. So, what exactly is hydrolyzed protein dog food? I explain what it is and discuss some top picks.

What Is Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food?

Hydrolyzed protein is not simply chopped up small or even ground up. Hydrolysis is a chemical process in which water is added to the protein to break apart the molecules and remove the identifiers that tell a dog what it is, like chicken or beef. The process reduces the proteins into base components, and the body can no longer identify the specific animal it originated from. Hydrolysis makes it much easier to digest, and dogs can get the nutritional benefits without digestive upset.

You and I eat hydrolyzed proteins, too, even if we dont realize it. Hydrolyzed vegetable proteins (HVP) are used in many human food products, for example, as a flavor enhancer in snack foods, sauces, processed meats, and more. Many baby formulas use hydrolyzed whey proteins.

This specially prepared nourishment is not intended for every dog, but it can be helpful for pups that have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or food allergies. By breaking the protein down into the basics of amino acids and peptides, your dogs body does not know it came from chicken, beef, lamb, pork, turkey, or another animal. If the body does not know its eating protein from the allergy-inducing culprit, it will not have an allergic reaction and can still digest and use said protein. Many dogs are allergic to chicken, and this is an option veterinarians can turn to help eliminate bad reactions.

You may need a prescription to purchase many hydrolyzed pet food options from a retailer or manufacturer. If you purchase this food second-hand, this is a significant risk to your pup and not something I would ever advise. Its safer for your pup to work with your veterinarian to find the right food specifically for them.

When Does My Dog Need A Hydrolyzed Protein Diet?

Why would your dog need to eat meals made with hydrolyzed proteins? Your pup may be put on the prescription diet if the vet is working to help relieve allergy symptoms or identify a dietary allergy. This route may also be advised if your pup suffers from digestive distress from irritable bowel disease (IBS) or other conditions.

You may have heard of hydrolyzed protein if your pup is on an elimination diet. An elimination diet is when you feed your dog a bland diet to identify an ingredient that may be causing an adverse reaction. This dietary approach should be done only under your veterinarians supervision.

1. Food Allergy

Canines often experience nutritional intolerances and allergies. These conditions are sometimes also referred to as food hypersensitivities. In these circumstances, a dogs system views a particular ingredient as a problem rather than a nutritional benefit.

Animal proteins are dogs most common cause of dietary intolerance and allergy. Beef, dairy, chicken, and wheat top the list as the most common offenders. Some dogs may have sensitivities to eggs or some produce as well.

Dogs with dietary allergies can experience a range of symptoms, including:

• Itchiness, rash, and hives
• Skin infection
• Ear infection
• Paw infection
• Hot spots
• Hair loss
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

2. Irritable Bowel Disease

Irritable bowel disease (IBD) can be quite distressing in dogs. The condition occurs when dogs have a reaction that irritates their intestinal tract. This condition is chronic, and the intestines will become inflamed. It is hard to pinpoint this specific cause of IBD; it is often idiopathic, but it is thought to be caused by bacterial infection, parasites, or as a reaction to a dietary trigger.

IBD can cause chronic vomiting and diarrhea. Affected dogs can also experience constipation, lethargy, increased gas, and changes in appetite. IBD can last for several weeks, even months. It can cause weight loss, poor appetite, and even behavior issues. Your pet may need a veterinary exam, testing, and sometimes even a tissue biopsy to diagnose IBD. There is no cure for IBD. However, hydrolyzed proteins are often an effective management method.

How Long Can A Pup Eat Hydrolyzed Dog Food?

Hydrolyzed food is not a permanent diet for most dogs. These options are usually given for about 6 to 12 weeks to start. Some pups can be on this type of nourishment longer than that but are taken off when their symptoms have resolved fully. In the case of suspected allergies, the protein, such as chicken or beef, a possible allergen, can then be fed to a pup. If the symptoms and distress return, they are likely allergic to that ingredient.

If your dog is allergic to certain proteins, your veterinarian may suggest a longer-term prescription or special diet.

Our Personal Experience With Dog Eating Hydrolyzed Protein Food

My dog has suffered from anal gland issues, and my vet suspected that it was a result of a food allergy. I tried a number of different vegetarian options, but my picky eater was not a fan. So another specialist he saw recommended he try a hydrolyzed protein food. After running it by his primary vet, they agreed that might be a good solution, and my dog has been a huge fan ever since (plus no more anal gland issues). He gobbles it right up! It makes me happy knowing hes getting the protein he loves and craves but without causing any health issues as a result.

Sadie Cornelius, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog parent, Canine Journal Creative & Content Marketing

Best Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food

Purchasing most hydrolyzed formulas will require a veterinary prescription or approval. Your ultimate decision will depend on your veterinarians recommendations for your pups specific needs. Wet and dry options are available; your vet may prescribe a combination. Below, I review some of the best dog foods with hydrolyzed protein.

Best Overall: Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet HF Hydrolyzed Salmon Review

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Blue Buffalos Natural Veterinary Diet is a grain-free formula using hydrolyzed salmon. The recipe is a single protein, prescription-only kibble. I like that this recipe includes vegetables and fruits like peas and pumpkin, which help digestion. It also includes flaxseed, fish oil, dried kelp, and a variety of added nutrients. These help with the immune system as well as skin and coat health.

Blue Buffalos veterinary formula is made specifically for dogs experiencing gastrointestinal distress. The recipe is designed to minimize adverse reactions and to provide a taste and texture dogs enjoy with no grains, corn, wheat, or soy. The chicken-free formula is a good pick when chicken is suspected to be a trigger. Blue Buffalos kibble contains 24% crude protein (min) and 12% crude fat (min). It has 368 kcal/cup. Blue Buffalo also makes excellent quality wet veterinary options.

Price

Best Variety: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein HP Review (Dry) Review

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Royal Canin makes numerous varieties of therapeutic, prescription pet nutrition. Specifically, they make seven different varieties of hydrolyzed protein foods for dogs. Several of these products are formulas crafted to address specific needs, including renal support, hypoallergenic, urinary health, satiety, and a formula for small breeds.

For this review, we are focusing on the Royal Canin veterinary diet HP formula. The kibble is designed to be highly palatable and support healthy digestion. It includes brewers rice, hydrolyzed soy protein, chicken fat, dried beet pulp, vegetable oil, and fish oil, among other ingredients. Its a slightly lower protein kibble than some, with 19% crude protein (min). This kibble has 324 kcal/cup and is suitable for adults of all breeds.

Price

In-Depth Review Of Royal Canin Dog Food

Be sure to read our

full review of Royal Canin

for more details on recipes, ingredients, and other special dietary needs Royal Canin serves. You can also learn more about their

dog DNA test

.

Best For Sensitive Skin: Farmina Vet Life HP Derma Canine Review

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The Farmina Vet Life HP Derma Canine formula does require a prescription. It is formulated specifically to help with skin issues like atopic dermatitis, food sensitivities, and IBD. The protein comes from hydrolyzed fish, and the recipe also contains herring oil and rice starch. Farminas recipe has fairly limited ingredients as it is intended only to be used for a short time, about three to eight weeks.

This food is safe for all life stages and all breeds. The kibble contains 17.5% crude protein, 14% crude fat, and 2.9% crude fiber. The limited ingredients and high palatability make this very easy to digest, and it can be a beneficial tool in an elimination diet. This food is made in Italy by a family-owned company. It is formulated by a team of veterinarians and nutrition experts.

Price

• Starting at $38.99 ( 4.4-lb bag)

Best Wet Hydrolyzed Dog Food: Hills Prescription Diet z/d Original Skin/Food Sensitivities Review

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Hills Prescription Diet Wet is a top choice for skin and dietary sensitivities. It has no pea proteins and uses hydrolyzed chicken livers as the primary meat source. The limited-ingredient recipe does not contain many common allergens, making it easy to digest. Fatty acids are added, which support skin and coat health, while antioxidants boost the immune system.

The soft pate is highly palatable, easy to digest, suitable for adults, and can be used with all breed sizes. Hills does require a prescription. They also make a top-quality prescription dry kibble, so your vet may recommend using both. Sticking to the same brand can be important for pups with sensitive stomachs who need these veterinary nutritional options.

Price

Best Nonprescription Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food: SquarePet VFS Skin & Digestive Support Review

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Veterinarians craft the SquarePet hydrolyzed formula specifically to support dogs with dietary sensitivities. Its one of the few that are available without a prescription. The limited ingredients include hydrolyzed pork, brown rice, white rice, sunflower oil, pork fat, natural pork flavor, calcium carbonate, flaxseed oil, and a nutrient blend. The recipe includes other ingredients like dandelion greens, taurine, L carnitine, and dried kelp.

SquarePet kibble is made in the United States, and the pork-based formula is suitable for small, medium, and large breeds. This formula is best for adults. It is crafted for sensitive digestion and contains no peas, corn, wheat, or soy. This recipe does contain grain, which is very important in the digestive process as a source of natural dietary fiber. Though the meat is broken down, the recipe still packs 414 kcal/cup and 22% crude protein (min). It has a good fat and fiber balance without artificial preservatives or ingredients.

Price

Best Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food Alternative: Chippin Cricket-Based Dog Food Review

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Novel proteins are a good alternative if you are unsure about the prescription route. Novel proteins are often ones your pup has not eaten before and are less commonly used. Crickets are one such example. Chippin has created a human-grade, cricket-based dehydrated formula just for pups. The recipe meets AAFCO guidelines for adult dogs and offers complete nutrition. It does not require a prescription and lasts quite a long while.

Chippin uses no meat meals, by-products, legumes, chicken, beef, or dairy. The cricket recipe contains ten essential amino acids. It also uses crickets, oat flour, rolled oats, dehydrated pumpkin, sorghum flour, ground flaxseed, dehydrated apple, dried kale, dehydrated carrot, dried cranberry, and a nutrient blend. Though much different than your regular pet chow, the Chippin cricket formula is a top pick as an alternative to hydrolyzed nutrition. Dogs love the taste, and it is easy to digest.

Price

• $63.99 (3.5 bag = 10.6 lbs. of food)

In-Depth Review Of Chippin Dog Food

Be sure to read our

full review of Chippin cricket-based

dog food. You will learn a lot more about this novel protein and how it may benefit your pup and help with dietary and digestive issues.

Best Hydrolyzed Dog Treats: Royal Canin & Hills Prescription Diet Reviews

There are fewer options for hydrolyzed doggy treats. Both Hills and Royal Canin make these prescription treats.

Hills Prescription Diet Hypo Crunchy Treats Review

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These tasty tidbits are crunchy biscuits made with hydrolyzed chicken liver. These require a prescription and are suitable for adults of all breeds. Treats have limited ingredients and include vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support skin health. The crunchy biscuits are also helpful in cleaning tartar and plaque from the teeth as a pup chews.

Price

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Hydrolyzed Dog Treats Review

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These are veterinary-formulated treats made with hydrolyzed soy protein and chicken fat. It promotes a healthy urinary system, protects skin and coat health, and is formulated to help reduce skin and GI reactions from meat intolerance. These are easy to digest and great for pets on a hydrolyzed or an elimination diet.

Price

Side Effects Of Hydrolyzed Dog Food

Hydrolyzed nutrition can benefit some pups, but it is not a go-to for allergies or even something some of us will ever need to feed our pets. If a pup is on this specialty nutrition, there are a few potential side effects to watch for. Side effects can include:

• Digestive upset
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Change in appetite
• Nutritional deficiencies

Along with these side effects, sometimes prescription pet foods have a smell, taste, or texture some fur babies do not like. Sometimes, they will not work to alleviate allergies or IBD symptoms. As with any nutritional change, it is often a matter of trying something out to see what happens. Changing foods frequently can cause gastrointestinal issues, pain, and even blood in your pets stool.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Hydrolyzed Dog Food?

Depending on your pet insurance company, itmay include coverage for special diets like hydrolyzed dog food. Prescription food, which hydrolyzed dog food can fall under, is sometimes excluded from coverage by pet insurance providers. If this is something you want included, youll want to ensure you choose a pet insurance company that offers it.

However,pet insurance does cover allergies and IBS, including necessary treatment for the conditions. Treatment can result in the need for a hydrolyzed protein diet. However, if symptoms of allergies or IBS are presented before your pet insurance policys effective date, the condition may be considered pre-existing; therefore, coverage for a hydrolyzed protein diet would be excluded.

Should I Consider A Vitamin Or Supplement For My Dog?

Adding an allergy supplement, vitamin, or digestive enzyme to your pups regimen may be tempting. Probiotics are known to support digestion. Many of us wonder about supplements to boost our dogs mood or to help them calm down. Supplements and vitamins can be beneficial, but discussing them with your veterinarian before starting is best, especially if your pup is on a prescription or veterinary-instructed diet.

Discuss significant dietary changes with your vet first, and consult a pet nutritionist if you need more one-on-one guidance. You can also look into a dog allergy test to help determine the cause of symptoms. I often seek out advice from others who have experienced similar issues. This sharing helps us all be better pet parents. I would love to hear about your experience with specialty and prescription dog food. Please share with us in the comments!

Our Methodology

We analyze hundreds of dog food brands and individual formulas to provide our recommendations for the best nutrition. Each of the following elements helps us determine the best dog food for any dietary need. Our in-depth research includes:

• Scrutinizing all ingredients included in every formula
• Having firsthand experience with our dogs for many of the foods we recommend
• Assessing the guaranteed analysis for every formula, including protein, fat, fiber, and caloric content
• Investigating the latest scientific studies on dogs nutritional needs and benefits of ingredients
• Researching the specific dietary needs for breed sizes and health conditions
• Reading hundreds of customer reviews
• Staying informed on every dog food recall
• Diving into every pet food brands history and reputation
• Keeping on top of pet food trends

Unlike many other review sites, we give unbiased reviews based on countless hours of research. Our goal is to provide our readers with the healthiest options for their pups.

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Danielle has had a special bond with dogs since she was a young child. She has over 30 years of pet care experience. Danielle has worked as a professional researcher for many years and spends countless hours researching the latest science and data-backed research on pet care, health, nutrition, and training developments. Danielle has tested and researched over 100 dog food brands and counting with the enthusiastic help of her two dogs, Daisy and Falkor. She works with a professional and experienced team to bring our readers the best, most accurate, and up-to-date information.

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