Hydrolyzed proteins are proteins that have been broken down into smaller molecules, making them easier for pets to digest and less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. This process involves using water and enzymes to split the protein into smaller peptide fragments or amino acids, reducing the immune system’s ability to recognize and react to the protein.
Hydrolyzed protein diets are commonly recommended for pets with food allergies, intolerances, or certain gastrointestinal conditions. These diets help minimize symptoms such as itching, skin irritation, or digestive upset caused by reactions to intact proteins.
While hydrolyzed protein foods are often used in prescription diets, they are not always necessary. Many pets may do well on limited ingredient diets or novel protein options available in commercial foods. Currently, we are not aware of any hydrolyzed diets that are available without a prescription, and it is worth noting that prescription recipes often lack high-quality ingredients. These diets are best used either temporarily as a diagnostic tool to determine if the allergy is food-related or as a last resort when other options, such as limited ingredient or novel protein diets, have not been effective.