Ensuring the health and well-being of our furry friends involves paying particular attention to their diet, especially if dogs suffer from food sensitivities or dog food allergies.
Hydrolyzed dog foods are designed to address these concerns, offering easily digestible proteins that minimize the risk of allergic reactions.
Here are the top 10 hydrolyzed dog food brands, exploring their unique features, pros and cons, and providing a detailed look at each ingredient list.
1. Diamond Care Sensitive Skin Formula
Diamond Care Sensitive Skin Formula is a limited ingredient standard dog food for dogs with sensitive skin and dog tummies. It focuses on providing essential nutrients without unnecessary additives.
Pros
- Limited ingredient formula.
- Rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
- No artificial colors or preservatives.
cons
- It may not be suitable for severe food allergies.
- Limited flavor options.
List of ingredients
- Hydrolyzed salmon, peas, potatoes, sunflower, flaxseed, fish, dried chicory root, and yucca schidigera extract.
2. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein HP
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein HP is tailored for dogs with food sensitivities and digestive issues. Available in both dry kibble and canned form, it aims to support optimal health.
Pros
- Highly soluble hydrolyzed protein.
- Made for dogs with food sensitivities.
- Various dry and canned options.
cons
- Quite high price.
- Taste preferences may vary.
List of ingredients
- Hydrolyzed soy protein isolate, brewer’s rice, chicken fat, natural flavor, dried plain beet pulp, monocalcium phosphate, fish oil, and vegetable oil.
3. Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities Wet Dog Food
Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities Wet Dog Food is formulated with hydrolyzed protein to reduce allergic reactions. Its wet format provides an alternative for dogs with specific dietary needs.
Pros
- Wet food option for sensitivities.
- Highly hydrolyzed protein.
- Balanced nutrition with added Vitamin A supplement and minerals.
cons
- Some dogs may not like the wet texture.
- The cost is higher compared to traditional food.
List of ingredients
- Hydrolyzed chicken liver, rice starch, soybean oil, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, vitamins, and minerals.
4. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA offers a dry and canned formula enriched with hydrolyzed protein to support digestive health. It is a complete and balanced option for adult dogs.
Pros
- Formulated for digestive health.
- Available in dry and canned forms.
- Complete nutrition for adults.
cons
- Limited flavor options.
- Some dogs may need an adjustment period.
List of ingredients
- Using hydrolyzed soy protein isolate, partially hydrogenated canola oil, corn starch, calcium carbonate, mono and dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, vitamins, and minerals.
5. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Small Dogs
Specifically designed for small breeds, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Small Dog provides easily digestible protein in a smaller kibble size.
Pros
- Tailored for small breeds.
- Easily digestible hydrolyzed protein.
- Small kibble size for small mouths.
cons
- Higher price for a breed-specific formula.
- Availability may vary.
List of ingredients
- Hydrolyzed soy protein isolate, brewer’s rice, chicken fat, natural flavor, dried plain beet pulp, fish oil, vegetable oil.
6. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein
Ideal for older dogs with both food sensitivities and skin issues, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein offers balanced nutrition with hydrolyzed proteins suitable for dogs with both sensitivities food and skin issues.
Pros
- Suitable for itchy skin and food sensitivities.
- Hydrolyzed protein for improved digestion.
- Essential nutrients for overall health.
cons
- It may not be suitable for dogs without particular sensitivities.
- Slightly higher cost.
List of ingredients
- Hydrolyzed soy protein isolate, brewer’s rice, chicken fat, natural flavor, dried plain beet pulp, fish oil, vegetable oil.
7. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Hydrolyzed Protein Loaf Canned Dog Food
This Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Hydrolyzed Protein Loaf Canned Dog Food option is designed for dogs with food sensitivities, offering a loaf texture for easy consumption for your dog’s immune system.
Pros
- Wet food for sensitivity.
- Bread texture for easy consumption.
- Highly soluble hydrolyzed protein.
cons
- Some dogs may not like the wet food texture.
- The cost is higher compared to traditional food.
List of ingredients
- Hydrolyzed soy protein isolate water, natural flavors, vegetable oil, fish oil, dried plain beet pulp, sodium silico aluminate.
8. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet HF is a grain-free formula suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities. It focuses on providing hydrolyzed protein for easy digestion.
Pros
- Grain-free formula.
- They are made with a hydrolyzed protein source for easy digestion.
- No poultry by-product food.
cons
- Higher price for a grain-free formula.
- Availability may vary.
List of ingredients
- Hydrolyzed chicken, peas, pea protein, pea starch, flaxseed, fish oil, dried chicory root, vitamins, and minerals.
9. Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Small Bites
Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Small Bites offers small-sized kibble for easy consumption, designed for dogs with food sensitivities.
Pros
- Small bite-sized kibble.
- Hydrolyzed protein for sensitivity.
- Balanced nutrition for overall health.
cons
- Limited flavor options.
- The cost is higher compared to regular food.
List of ingredients
- Hydrolyzed chicken liver, rice starch, soybean oil, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, vitamins, and minerals.
10. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Chicken Flavor HA Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Chicken Flavor HA is a chicken flavor option for dogs with food sensitivities, offering hydrolyzed protein for improved digestion.
Pros
- Chicken-flavored for variety.
- Hydrolyzed protein source for digestion.
- Complete nutrition for adults.
cons
- Limited flavor options.
- Some dogs may need an adjustment period.
List of ingredients
- Hydrolyzed soy protein isolate, canola oil, corn starch, calcium carbonate, mono and dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, vitamins, and minerals.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Hydrolyzed Food for Your Dog
Before choosing a hydrolyzed dog food for your furry friend, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure your pet’s optimal health and well-being.
Here are some important considerations:
Consult Your Veterinarian
Before making any changes to the dog’s diet, consult your veterinarian. They can provide valuable insight into your dog’s needs, potential sensitivities, and the most appropriate hydrolyzed food options.
Identify Your Dog’s Sensitivities
Note any recurring digestive issues, skin problems, or severe allergies your dog may be experiencing with their current diet.
Identifying specific sensitivities will help you choose a hydrolyzed dog food that addresses these issues.
Check Race and Size-Specific Formulas
While many hydrolyzed protein dog food brands cater to dogs of all breeds and sizes, some offer formulas designed specifically for smaller or larger breeds. Consider your dog’s size and breed to choose a formula that meets their unique requirements.
Various Options
Hydrolyzed dog food is available in a variety of formats, including dry kibble, canned, and wet options. Consider your dog’s preferences and choose a format that fits their eating habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I consider hydrolyzed dog food for my pet?
Hydrolyzed protein dog foods are designed to address the food sensitivities of dogs and dogs with food allergies. They contain proteins that have undergone hydrolysis, breaking them down into smaller, easily digestible parts.
How do I know if my dog needs hydrolyzed food?
If your dog experiences recurring digestive issues, skin problems, or allergic reactions to common dog foods, it may be worthwhile to consider hydrolyzed dog food.
Consult your veterinarian to determine if a hydrolyzed diet suits your pet and identify specific sensitivities.
Is hydrolyzed dog food suitable for all breeds and sizes?
Many hydrolyzed dog food brands offer options suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes.
Some brands, such as Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Small Dog, even provide formulas expressly tailored for smaller breeds.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hydrolyzed dog food is important for the health of your canine companion.
Each brand on our top 10 list offers unique features and benefits, catering to specific dietary needs.
Remember to consult with your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate option for your dog’s optimal health and well-being.
