dog hydrolyzed protein diet treats

What Treats Can I Give My Dog on a Hydrolyzed Protein Diet ?

Just like humans, dogs suffer from allergies. Not all pets but a good majority of them do. When your pet suffers from an allergy, it can be put on a hydrolyzed protein diet by your vet.

Hydrolyzed protein diets are formulated to be high in protein and low in fat, so youll want to make sure your pup isnt missing out on all his favorite foods. Try healthy additions such as fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Here are some great options: dried or fresh liver shaped into bones, beef or chicken jerky, beef or fish bones, green beans, liver pate truffles (you can find these at your local pet store) or hot dog sticks.

Scattered throughout the house or yard are always fun and easy-to-find treats for dogs on a hydrolyzed protein diet: raw grated sweet potatoes mixed with raw grated carrots, and raw ground flaxseed mixed with water.

These diets will restrict the amount of other food you can feed your hungry dog. Knowing what to feed your dog will help ease the suffering from allergic reactions and still provide your pet with a healthy menu.

To learn what to feed your dog when on a hydrolyzed protein diet, just continue to read our article. It has the information you need to know.

Should you make Homemade Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Treats ? Click here to find out.

How Long Can a Dog Be On Hydrolyzed Protein?

The first thing that needs to be mentioned here is that the hydrolyzed diet is very safe for pets. There are some side effects to this diet plan but if you keep your eye out for those negative issues, you can prevent anything bad from happening.

Depending on your pet and what is wrong with them, your dog can start to come off their hydrolyzed diet in about 2 to 3 weeks. This is the time frame where your dogs problems should have been resolved.

Make sure to wean your pet off this diet so as to not cause them any discomfort. This process may take several days to complete due to the nature of a dogs stomach. If you are not sure how to do this weaning, talk to your dogs vet for advice and guidance.

Also, you may start seeing positive results after only 2 to 3 days of their being on this diet. However, you need to wait until about 3 weeks before your pet is 100% better.

Hydrolyzed Protein Vs Hypoallergenic Diet

There are some similarities between these two dietary plans, but they are not the same. The main difference between them is that the hypoallergenic diet may have some novel proteins added to the ingredients to help stop allergic reactions.

This is done even though the hypoallergenic food is corn, soy, and grain free. The hydrolyzed diet plan uses one main protein like beef, lamb, and so on as well as grains and vegetables.

However, those food items are broken down into smaller bits making them easier for your dog to digest and go unnoticed in your dogs digestion system. Your pet still gets the nutrition it needs just in a different form.

Both are good for your pet and help them fight their allergies.

Want to make your dog some special frozen treats? Make them some of these Homemade Frozen Dog Treats with Yogurt.

Are There Any Negative Side Effects?

This topic is still under study at the moment as currently, not many long-term side effects are known. While your dog will get increased energy, it may also get increased flatulence due to the change in its food.

That side effect is temporary and will go away in a couple of weeks or so. Then, your pet may need to go to the bathroom more often and their stool size may increase while on this diet. These two effects are also temporary and only last until your dogs stomach gets used to the change in food.

If these side effects last longer than normal, then talk to your vet and see what can be done about them. The hydrolyzed diet is not dangerous for your pet in almost all cases. There may be an odd exception, but those exceptions do not spoil the positive work this diet performs.

Tips to Help You Start and End This Diet

1. Gradually add the new food to your dogs current menu. You start with small amounts and slowly increase those amounts over time. This gives your dogs stomach time to adjust to the new food.
2. If your dog doesnt like the taste of the new food, cover it up with the old food until they get used to the taste.
3. It takes time for your dog to adjust so be patient. It can take a few days or a week or more for your dog to adjust to the new food
4. If there is a digestion issue, talk to your vet and see what they say. They may change their diet.

Some Final Words

When you put your dog on this diet alternative, do not expect to see immediate results. It will take time for the dog to adjust to the new food. Plus, it will take time for the new diet to help resolve the problem.

For the most part, 2 to 3 weeks is all that is needed to help your dog get better. In the meantime, you may put up with some foul-smelling side effects, but it is worth it. Talk to your vet to get all the details on how to administer this diet plan.

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Homemade Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Treats

It is on the market.You will be able to find commercial hydrolyzed protein dog treats in your supermarket or pet food store. They can be quite expensive, and it is tempting to try to make your own.

However, it may be difficult to duplicate the special process dog food proteins must go through to become hydrolyzed proteins. It may not be a smart idea to copy this formula as those changed proteins do not taste that good or do much in the way of helping your dogs health.

Keep reading to find out more.

Pros & Cons of Hydrolyzed Dog Treats

Pros:

1. Helps fight allergies and still get the nutrition to your pet
2. Highly digestible
3. Cuts inflammatory bowel symptoms
4. Stops new allergies from rising

Cons:

1. These treats are more expensive due to the specialized process to make them
2. They do not heal any health issues
3. Can taste bitter and contribute to diarrhea

There have been no significant scientific studies done on the negative effects of hydrolyzed dog food or treats. However, there are some noticeable benefits that come with feeding your dog these types of treats.

What Treats Can I Give My Dog on a Hydrolyzed Protein Diet? Click here to learn more.

The Benefits of Hydrolyzed Dog Treats

1. The body does not detect these hydrolyzed proteins which means your dog gets the nutrition without triggering any of their allergies.

2. They are easier for dogs with sensitive stomachs to digest. That way more nutrients get to where they need to be, and your dog remains healthy.

3. Helps dogs suffering from exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This condition is where the pancreas does not produce enough or the proper enzymes to break down food. The hydrolyzed proteins are already broken down and are easy to digest.

4. Helps you manage your dogs irritable bowel syndrome illness and severe enteritis.

The cost may be worth the expense as the results help your treasured pet be healthier and not suffer from different ailments as much.

Want to make your dog some special frozen treats? Make them some of these Homemade Frozen Dog Treats with Yogurt.

What to Look for When Buying Hydrolyzed Dog Treats

The title says when buying instead of making and there is a reason for this. There were no recipes for homemade hydrolyzed dog treats nor any websites saying this process can be done at home.

You can make your own hypoallergenic dog treats which may produce the same results but those dog treats are not exactly the same as hydrolyzed ones. Here is what you should look for when buying these treats:

1. Read the ingredients list to make sure the treats are well-balanced and meet AAFCOs recommendations.

2. Has a limited amount of proteins and no fillers.

3. Contains zero artificial flavors, dyes, preservatives, and so on. You want 100% natural dog food ingredients.

4. Has carbohydrates from sweet potato, brown rice, white potatoes, or millet as these ingredients do not usually cause allergies.

5. Is high in protein and amino acids to promote healthy skin and fur.

Does your dog love crunchy treats? Make them some of these Homemade Crunchy Dog Treats.

How Do You Know Your Dog Is Suffering from Allergies?

Here are some of the signs that indicate they have food allergies:

1. They Have Skin Issues- Those issues include lesions, irritated skin, and recurring ear infections. Also, you may see these signs in other parts of the body.
2. Your Dog Scratches A Lot- Itchiness is one sign as is constant licking of specific parts of their body or incessant scratching off specific areas of their body.
3. Stomach Issues- Your dog frequently has diarrhea, vomiting, gas, and so on.
4. A Lack of Growth- Your dog may be undersized for its age. Plus, you see wheezing, sneezing, and similar health problems.

Are Homemade Probiotic Dog Treats good for dogs? Click here to find out.

Hydrolyzed Dog Treat Side Effects

It would be nice if everything you fed to your pet was perfect. But this is not going to be the case any time soon. Even specialized dog treats will give some dogs problems, especially if they eat too much of them.

While this dog treat style is basically healthy for dogs to eat, some dogs may have trouble when their stomachs make the wrong identification of the proteins.

When this happens, the stomach triggers an immune reaction to fight off the misidentified proteins. This could cause some problems for your dog. If you do try to make your own hydrolyzed dog treats, this reaction may be more frequent than if you bought the commercial version.

Some Final Words

Hydrolyzed dog treats are supposed to be healthier to feed your pet. But it does not always work out that way. Unfortunately, to make this type of treat a special process is required.

You may not be able to use that process at home. Making your own is generally out of the question.

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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.

Tagged With: Allergies, Comparison, Food Delivery