Ensuring the health and well-being of our furry friends involves paying particular attention to their diet, especially if the dogs are suffering 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. Please note, however, that these diets only work when fed alone (e.g., no treats or other foods), and it can take up to 8 weeks for them to take effect

These are the top 10 hydrolyzed dog food brands, exploring their unique features, pros and cons, and providing a detailed look at each ingredient list.

This post may include affiliate links.

1. Diamond Care Sensitive Skin Formula

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Diamond Care Sensitive Skin Formula is a limited-ingredient common dog food for dogs with sensitive dog’s skin and stomachs. 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.

Ingredients List

• Hydrolyzed salmon, peas, potato, sunflower, flaxseed, fish, dried chicory root, and yucca schidigera extract.

2. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein HP

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Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein HP is tailored for dogs with food sensitivities and digestive issues. Available in both dry kibble and canned forms, it aims to support optimal health.

Pros

• Highly digestible hydrolyzed protein.
• Formulated for dogs with food sensitivities.
• Variety in dry and canned options.

Cons

• Relatively higher price.
• Taste preferences may vary.

Ingredients List

• Hydrolyzed soy protein isolate, brewer rice, chicken fat, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp, monocalcium phosphate, fish oil, and vegetable oil.

3. Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities Wet Dog Food

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Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities Wet Dog Food is formulated with hydrolyzed protein to minimize 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 dislike the wet texture.
• Higher cost compared to traditional food.

Ingredients List

• Hydrolyzed chicken liver, rice starch, soybean oil, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, vitamins, and minerals.

4. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA

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Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA offers a dry and canned formula enriched with hydrolyzed protein to support digestive health. It’s 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.

Ingredients List

• 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 Dog

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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 tiny mouths.

Cons

• Higher price for a breed-specific formula.
• Availability may vary.

Ingredients List

• Hydrolyzed soy protein isolate, brewer rice, chicken fat, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp, fish oil, vegetable oil.

6. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein

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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 food sensitivities 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 specific sensitivities.
• Relatively higher cost.

Ingredients List

• Hydrolyzed soy protein isolate, brewer rice, chicken fat, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp, fish oil, vegetable oil.

7. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Hydrolyzed Protein Loaf Canned Dog Food

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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 sensitivities.
• Loaf texture for easy consumption.
• Highly digestible hydrolyzed protein.

Cons

• Some dogs may dislike the wet food texture.
• Higher cost compared to traditional food.

Ingredients List

• 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

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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’re made with a hydrolyzed protein source for easy digestion.
• No poultry by-product meals.

Cons

• Higher price for a grain-free formula.
• Availability may vary.

Ingredients List

• 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

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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 sensitivities.
• Balanced nutrition for overall health.

Cons

• Limited flavor options.
• Higher cost compared to regular food.

Ingredients List

• 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

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Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Chicken Flavor HA is a chicken-flavored 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.

Ingredients List

• Hydrolyzed soy protein isolate, canola oil, corn starch, calcium carbonate, mono and dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, vitamins, and minerals.

Things to Consider Before Choosing Hydrolyzed Food for Your Dog

Before selecting a hydrolyzed dog food for your furry friend, it’s essential to consider a few factors to ensure your pet’s optimal health and well-being.

Consult Your Veterinarian

Before making any changes to the dog’s diet, consult your veterinarian. They can provide valuable insights into your dog’s needs, potential sensitivities, and the most suitable hydrolyzed food options.

Identify Your Dog’s Sensitivities

Take note of 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 for Breed and Size Specific Formulas

While many hydrolyzed protein dog food brands cater to dogs of all breeds and sizes, some offer formulas specifically designed for smaller or larger breeds. Consider your dog’s size and breed to choose a formula that meets their unique requirements.

Variety of Options

Hydrolyzed dog food is available in various formats, including dry kibble, canned, and wet options. Consider your dog’s preferences and choose a format that aligns with their eating habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I consider hydrolyzed dog food for my pet?

Hydrolyzed protein dog foods are designed to address dogs’ food sensitivities and dogs with food allergies. They contain proteins that have undergone hydrolysis, breaking them down into smaller, easily digestible components.

How do I know if my dog needs hydrolyzed food?

If your dog experiences recurrent digestive issues, skin problems, or allergic reactions to conventional dog foods, it might be beneficial to consider hydrolyzed dog food.

Consult your veterinarian to determine if a hydrolyzed diet suits your pet and identify specific sensitivities.

Are hydrolyzed dog food’s suitable for all breeds and sizes?

Many hydrolyzed dog food brands offer options suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes.

Some brands, like Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Small Dog, even provide formulas tailored explicitly for smaller breeds.

Conclusion

Choosing the right hydrolyzed dog food is crucial for your canine companion’s health.

Each brand in our top 10 list offers unique features and benefits, catering to specific dietary needs.

Remember to consult with your veterinarian to determine the most suitable option for your dog’s optimal health and well-being.

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