Owners are becoming more aware of the ingredients and preparation of their 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 reviews of hydrolyzed dog food to help you determine the best option for your pet.

A Glance at Our Winners in 2024

The 9 Best Hydrolyzed Dog Foods

1. Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Original Flavor Dry Dog Food — Best Overall

The Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Original Flavor Dry Dog Food is our pick for the best overall 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, though, so it requires approval from your vet, and it can be expensive for pet owners on a budget.

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2. Diamond Care Sensitive Skin Formula Adult Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Dog Food — Best Value

Diamond Care Sensitive Skin Formula Adult Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is the best hydrolyzed dog food for the money. The main ingredient in this recipe is peas. Some studies suggest that 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 food sensitivities, 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.

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3. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance Grain Free Dry Dog Food — Premium Choice

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

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4. Purina HA Hypoallergenic Vegetarian Dog Food — Best for Puppies

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

Purina HA requires a prescription and vet approval. However, Gentle Snackers, a diet-compatible treat in this same formula, is available for your dog and does not require a vet’s approval. Like other prescription foods, Purina HA Hypoallergenic Vegetarian Dog Food can be on the expensive side.

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5. Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Low Fat Dry Dog Food

Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Low Fat Dry Dog Food is formulated to be highly digestible and has been developed by vets and nutritionists. It’s also low in fat to reduce digestive upset.

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

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6. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Hydrolyzed Protein PS Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Hydrolyzed Protein PS Dry Dog Food is a veterinarian-approved diet that 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 requires authorization from your veterinarian to purchase. Based on reviews, though, many dogs enjoy the taste, and it’s free from peas. However, it is a little pricey.

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7. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Hydrolyzed Protein for Small Breed Dog Food

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Hydrolyzed Protein for Small Breed Dog Food has M&M-sized kibble that is easy for small dogs to chew, or you can add 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. Most owners said that their dogs are happy with the taste. This food is prescription only and a little on the pricey side. There’s also no variety in recipes.

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8. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Hydrolyzed Protein HP Dry Dog Food

After trying Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Hydrolyzed Protein HP Dry Dog Food, customers saw remarkable results in their dogs. They had improvement in skin and digestion and formed stools rather than diarrhea. Many reviewers also said their dogs enjoyed the food.

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

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

With Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Hydrolyzed Protein Loaf Canned Dog Food, customers notice their dogs scratching less and enjoying the taste of the food. Some owners suggest using the Royal Canin wet food for meals and the hydrolyzed dry kibble for treats. We would, however, recommend discussing that idea with your vet.

This food is only available with a prescription, but it’s appropriate for all ages. It’s also expensive, though, 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. After all, we want our pets to be healthy and happy. Unfortunately, diet plays a big part in causing problems or promoting good health. If you have ever owned a dog with food sensitivities, you know that problems like skin sores and chronic diarrhea can seem endless. Hydrolyzed protein may be the answer for you.

Hydrolysis is the process of using water to break proteins into tiny pieces. Since 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.

Manufacturers of hydrolyzed dog food have strict measures in place to prevent ingredients that are not on the label from getting into the specialized food.

Conclusion

For dogs with allergies and irritable bowel syndrome, our top pick among these food reviews is Hill’s Food Sensitivities Hydrolyzed Dog Food. For those of us who don’t have much wiggle room in our budget, the best-value pick is Diamond Care Sensitive Skin Formula, and 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, and Hill’s I/D Digestive Care Dry Dog Food is our digestive low-fat chicken dry food choice to help improve your dog’s skin and poop.

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Featured Image Credit: DegrooteStock, Shutterstock