Your veterinarian may recommend commercially available hydrolyzed foods if your dog is diagnosed with food allergies, atopic dermatitis, or GI tract disorders. What is hydrolyzed food, and why should it be avoided?

All substances, including protein and other food components, can be an allergen, causing an adverse immune response. 

Protein is an essential macronutrient in your dog’s food as it is the structural component of organs, tissues, enzymes, hormones, and antibodies. The body uses the protein from food by breaking it down into individual amino acids. The amino acids build new proteins within the body.  However, for some dogs, this process is interrupted by the body reacting negatively to the protein in the food; an abnormal immune response or allergy occurs. 

Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction that utilizes water for the enzymatic digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fat. 

The hydrolysis breaks down proteins into small pieces to prevent them from stimulating an allergic reaction.  The recommended degree of digestibility of a hydrolyzed protein is 87%.  Because hydrolyzed proteins digest and absorb readily and minimize GI and pancreatic secretions, they can provide the body with essential nutrients with minimal exertion. 

Hydrolyzed dog food is a specialized type of dog food formulated for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. It is often recommended for dogs with adverse reactions to specific proteins or ingredients.

Hydrolyzation involves breaking down the proteins into smaller molecules called peptides. This process makes the proteins less likely to trigger an immune response in dogs with food allergies or sensitivities.

Critical characteristics of hydrolyzed dog food include:

Protein Modification: The proteins in hydrolyzed dog food undergo enzymatic or chemical hydrolysis to break them down into smaller peptides. This process aims to minimize the allergenicity of the proteins while still providing essential amino acids for your dog's nutritional needs.

Hypoallergenic Properties: Hydrolyzed dog food is often called "hypoallergenic" because the protein molecules are broken down to a size where they are less likely to be recognized by the immune system as allergens. This can help reduce or eliminate allergic reactions in dogs with food allergies or sensitivities.

Limited Ingredient Formulation: Hydrolyzed dog food typically has a limited ingredient list with fewer potential allergens. It often excludes common allergenic ingredients such as beef, chicken, dairy, or grains, which are more likely to trigger adverse reactions in sensitive dogs.

Availability and Varieties: Hydrolyzed dog food is available in both dry and wet forms, allowing for different feeding options. Various brands and formulations are available.

Why Would a Vet Recommend Hydrolyzed Food

Veterinarians often recommend hydrolyzed foods for dogs with atopic dermatitis, gastrointestinal tract disorders, and other diseases that would benefit from resting the bowel.

A healthy dog requires a healthy gut, as 75-80% of the immune system resides in the intestinal mucosa. When a dog has a disorder affecting the digestive process, poorly digested proteins cause the immune system to react negatively. Atopic dermatitis or GI tract conditions can occur.  Using hydrolyzed foods during episodes of dermatitis or GI disorders improves the immune response by 50-80%. Hydrolyzed foods are also used in elimination diets to determine food allergies causes.

Why You Should Avoid Using Hydrolyzed Foods

The hydrolysis process drastically reduces the palatability of the hydrolyzed food. The nutritional value is also reduced, so only use hydrolyzed food as a temporary diet during episodes of GI tract or skin disorders. Persistent diarrhea occurs in dogs fed the hydrolyzed diets long-term.

Another potential problem with hydrolyzed diets is owner compliance. Due to the reduced palatability of the food, your dog may be reluctant to eat this food.  Most pet parents find it challenging to refrain from feeding other foods their dog will eat.

While hydrolyzed dog food can be beneficial for managing food allergies or sensitivities, it may not be necessary for every dog. If you suspect your dog has a food allergy or sensitivity, consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and guidance on the most appropriate dietary approach. Finding the root cause of the allergy is essential for long-term relief of clinical signs.

Raw, natural, human-grade food is a healthier alternative to hydrolyzed food. You can provide better quality foods that are more palatable to your dog while still giving rest to the GI tract.  There are numerous diet tips for allergies and GI tract issues using natural foods and remedies. 

Hydrolysis uses water for the enzymatic digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fat.

Veterinarians often recommend hydrolyzed foods for dogs with atopic dermatitis, GI tract disorders, or other diseases that may benefit from resting the digestive tract.

Whole foods and natural remedies are better options for dogs as they are more nutritious and palatable.

Adverse Reactions to Food in Mark Morris Institute 

Effect of sequentially fed high protein, hydrolyzed protein, and high fiber diets on the fecal microbiota of healthy dogs: a cross-over study | Animal Microbiome | Full Text  

Efficacy of hydrolyzed soy dog food and homemade food with original protein in the control of food-induced atopic dermatitis in dogs  

https://www.mypetnutritionist.com/post/what-we-really-think-about-hypoallergenic-dog-diets  

https://www.petmd.com/dog/what-hydrolyzed-protein-dog-food  

Hydrolyzed protein diets for dogs and cats  

If your dog has been diagnosed with food allergies, atopic dermatitis, or chronic gastrointestinal issues, your veterinarian may recommend a commercially available hydrolyzed diet. These diets are often presented as a safe, long-term solution for dogs with food sensitivities, but many dog parents are left wondering what hydrolyzed food actually is and whether it is truly the best option for their dog’s health.

Hydrolyzed dog food

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