9 Best Hydrolyzed Dog Foods in 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

Over time, we are becoming more aware of the ingredients and preparation of our pet’s food. Many times, there are products that we have never heard of and processes that we do not understand. One thing is for sure, however. When it comes to our pet’s diet, we want to make good choices for them. This is especially true for dogs with sensitivities to protein.

If your dog suffers from allergies or inflammatory bowel disease, your vet may suggest a hydrolyzed diet. If that is the case, here are our reviews of hydrolyzed dog food to help you determine the best option for your pet.

A Glance at Our Winners in 2023

	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Hill’s Food Sensitivities Hydrolyzed Dog Food	Promotes urinary health Available in wet and dry formula Contains hydrolyzed chicken liver	Check Price
Best Value		Diamond Care Sensitive Skin Adult Dog Food	Contains high quality protein Limited ingredients for healthy skin and coat Contains probiotics to aid in digestion	Check Price
		Blue Buffalo Natural Hydrolyzed Dog Food	Salmon is the main ingredient Helps with skin sensitivities Contains pumpkin and kelp to support immune system	Check Price
Best for Puppies		Purina HA Hypoallergenic Vegetarian Dog Food	Highly digestible Suitable for adult dogs and growing puppies Dogs like the taste	Check Price
Vet’s Choice		Hill’s i/d Digestive Care Dry Dog Food	Dogs like the taste Low fat Improves digestion	Check Price

The 9 Best Hydrolyzed Dog Foods

The Hill’s Prescription Diet is our pick for overall best hydrolyzed dog food. The diet helps to improve your dog’s skin and coat and relieve irritation. It is available in wet and dry formulas. Whichever you choose, it will help with the digestion process, and you will likely see an improvement in your dog’s stool. The formula promotes urinary health and is shown to lower the risk of kidney stones.

The food was formulated by veterinarians and nutritionists to improve the diet of dogs with intolerance and sensitivities to food. This is a prescription diet, so it requires approval from your vet, and it can be expensive for pet owners on a budget.

Diamond Care Sensitive Skin Formula is the best hydrolyzed dog food for the money. The main ingredient in this recipe is peas. Some studies suggest there’s a link between peas and canine heart disease, so talk to your vet to see if this food is right for your dog. The formula contains minerals and vitamins, along with probiotics for healthy digestion and eliminates ingredients that may cause skin irritation.

If your dog has sensitivities to food this may be the product for you. It is made with hydrolyzed salmon and peas as the only source of protein. The hydrolyzed formula does not require a prescription and it is not a subscription plan. It is, however, a dog food that promotes healthy skin and coat and supports digestive health at a cost that is a bit more affordable on a tight budget. Some dogs may not like the taste.

Our premium choice for the best hydrolyzed dog food is Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance Grain Free Dry Dog Food. This premium recipe begins with salmon that is hydrolyzed for easy digestion. It contains omega-3 from fish oil, and flaxseed among other vitamins, minerals and nutrients for healthy skin and a beautiful coat. According to most reviewers, dogs enjoy the taste.

This special formula does require a prescription from your vet, and it’s important to note that peas are one of the main ingredients. This food can be a little pricey for pet owners on a budget as well.

A review of the best hydrolyzed dog food for puppies found that Purina HA Hypoallergenic Vegetarian Dog Food contains low-allergen carbohydrates and simple proteins to limit allergic reactions in dogs that have food sensitivities. It is a highly digestible formula that offers the best nutrition for the special needs of your growing puppy or your adult dog.

The Purina HA does require a prescription and vet approval. The gentle snackers, a diet compatible treat, are available for your dog and do not require a vet’s approval. Like other prescription foods, Purina HA Hypoallergenic Vegetarian Dog Food can be on the expensive side.

Hill’s Digestive Care Low Fat Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food is the vet’s choice for the best hydrolyzed dog food for pets with allergies and digestive issues. This prescription recipe is formulated to be highly digestible and has been developed by vets and nutritionists. It’s also low in fat to reduce digestive upset.

The reviews find that this diet improves stool quality and digestion and promotes a healthy immune system. Many reviewers said their dogs enjoyed the taste as well. It is a prescription diet that requires veterinarian approval, however. It’s also expensive if you’re on a budget for your pet food.

One of our top picks for the best hydrolyzed dog foods is Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Hydrolyzed Protein PS Dry Dog Food. The veterinarian approved diet contains specialized ingredients for dogs with sensitivities to foods. The process of breaking down the proteins to minimize immune system response, helps reduce digestive and skin reactions. It offers nutrients for healthy skin and prebiotics and fibers for easy digestion.

Like several foods on this list, this blend does require authorization from your veterinarian to purchase. Based on reviews, many dogs enjoy the taste and it’s free from peas. It is a little pricey, however.

In reviewing the best hydrolyzed dog food, we picked Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Hydrolyzed Protein for Small Breed Dog Food because even small dogs need special diets. The M&M-sized kibble is easy for small dogs to chew or you can add in some water if needed.

The small breed formula is recommended for dogs under 22 pounds that may have reactions to protein. It supports their urinary tract and helps prevent kidney stones. According to reviews, most pet owners said their dogs are happy with the taste. This food is prescription only and a little on the pricey side. There’s also no variety with recipes.

A review of the best hydrolyzed dog foods found Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Hydrolyzed Protein HP Dry Dog Food among some of the favorites. Customers experienced remarkable results for their pets. Their dogs had improvement in skin and digestion and formed stools rather than diarrhea. Many reviewers said their dogs enjoyed the food as well.

The formula allows for long-term use for dogs that have sensitivity to foods. As mentioned in a previous review, peas may be linked to heart problems, and this food is free from peas. The specialized diet can be costly, however, and it requires approval from your veterinarian.

A review of Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Hydrolyzed Protein Loaf Canned Dog Food finds that dog owners notice their pets scratching less and enjoying the taste of the food. Owners with dogs that have skin and digestion issues have suggested using the Royal Canin wet food for meals and a hydrolyzed dry kibble for treats. We would, however, recommend discussing that idea with your vet.

According to reviews, most dogs enjoy the taste of Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Hydrolyzed Protein Loaf Canned Dog Food. This food is only available with a prescription, but it’s appropriate for all ages. It’s also expensive, like most prescription diets.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Hydrolyzed Dog Food

What Is Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food?

If you have ever owned a pet with health problems, it can be heartbreaking. We want our dogs to be healthy and happy. Unfortunately, diet plays a big part in causing problems or promoting good health for our dogs. If you have ever owned a dog with food sensitivities, you know the drill. The skin sores and chronic diarrhea are endless and hydrolyzed protein may be the answer for you.

Hydrolysis is the process of using water to break proteins into tiny pieces. The pieces are so small, the immune system does not recognize or react to them. The hydrolyzed dog food can be successful in treating dogs with food allergies and inflammatory bowel disease.

Hydrolyzed dog food is made under strict conditions. Manufacturers have strict measures in place to prevent ingredients that are not on the label from getting into the specialized food.

Final Thoughts

For dogs with allergies and irritable bowel syndrome our overall pick is Hill’s Prescription Diet Flavor Dry Dog Food. For those of us that don’t have much wiggle room in our budget, our pick for best value is Diamond Care Sensitive Skin Formula. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Grain Free Dog food is our pick for premium choice. Our pick for best for puppies is Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets . Hill’s Prescription Diet Digestive Care Dry Dog Food is our vet’s choice to help improve your dog’s skin and poop.

Featured Image Credit: DegrooteStock, Shutterstock