Hydrolysed Protein: Good or bad?

When it comes to feeding dogs with food sensitivities, allergies, or digestive issues, hydrolysed protein food is often what vets recommend.

But what exactly is hydrolysed protein and is it the right choice for your dog?

Let's take a closer look at the benefits and potential drawbacks of this specialised dog food.

What is Hydrolysed Protein?

Firstly, let’s look at how the body naturally digests protein.

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. They join together in different sequences by peptide bonds to form peptides or proteins. Peptides are shorter chains of amino acids (usually between 2 and 50 amino acids) and proteins are longer (a chain of more than 50 amino acids). 

When a dog eats whole proteins (like chicken or beef), the digestive system breaks the proteins down into peptides and then amino acids through digestive enzymes in the digestive tract. 

Hydrolysed protein is protein that has been broken down into smaller components through artificial means: acids, heat or enzymes. In effect, the protein is 'pre-digested'. 

Advantages of Hydrolysed Protein

Helps manage food allergies

If a dog has an intolerance to a protein, for example chicken, every time the dog eats chicken, this triggers an immune response (it is treated as an allergen - a threat to the body). Hydrolysed proteins are already broken down to the point where the immune system doesn't recognise them as an allergen. This can prevent symptoms like itchy skin, ear infections, and digestive issues.

Easier to Digest

Since the proteins are already broken down, this requires less energy and effort from the digestive system. This can help reduce GI problems such as vomiting and diarrhoea. 

Improved Nutrition Absorption

If a dog is struggling to break down proteins, (maybe due to an issue with digestive enzymes) hydrolysed proteins may improve nutrient absorptions ensuring the dog gets the essential amino acids they need. 

Disadvantages of Hydrolysed Proteins

Less Bioavailability of Nutrients

While hydrolysed proteins are highly digestible, the hydrolysed process can reduce the bioavailability of certain essential nutrients. This means the dog needs to consume nutrients in a much higher quantity to achieve the same benefit. More going in usually means much more coming out too 💩

Reduction of Essential Nutrients

Whole, intact proteins naturally contain beneficial peptides that contribute to muscle development, immune function, and overall health. Breaking proteins down before they enter the body means they no longer have the bonds in place and thus the body will not benefit from these unique nutritional elements  

Higher Cost

Due to the specialised process involved, kibble with hydrolysed protein tend to be more expensive than regular kibble.

Taste and Palatability

The altered protein structure can change the taste and smell, making it less appealing for picky eaters.

Other ingredients

Many kibble with hydrolysed proteins contain synthetic additives preservatives, or fillers that may not be ideal for dogs, especially those with sensitive digestive systems or intolerances. They might limit the itchy skin or GI discomfort but end up causing different issues from poor ingredients. Always check the full ingredients list before making a purchase.

Is Hydrolysed Protein Kibble Right for your Dog?

Hydrolysed protein can be a game changer for dogs with severe food allergies, gastrointestinal issues or inflammatory conditions. However, it may not be the most nutritionally complete option for dogs. 

They should not be used for dogs that do not have any issues as whole proteins provide a more balanced and functional nutritional profile supporting long-term health better than pre-digested options.

If you have tried other option such as raw food and elimination diets and you cannot get on top of your dog's issues, then hydrolysed kibble might be an option. 

It is imperative that when you chose a hydrolysed protein kibble you take into consideration the other ingredients. It might not be the protein causing your dog's issues. Look for one with fewer other ingredients, no cereals, no fillers and fewer synthetic nutrients. Tilly's Peptide range is one of the best on the market - compare the ingredients of this to the ingredients of others. 

Kibble with hydrolysed protein should only be used for a short period of time to allow the digestive system a chance to rest and recuperate. Food sensitivities can resolve if the problematic ingredient is removed from the diet. This means that, after a few months, your dog will begin to tolerate other foods with whole proteins. 

Work with a registered canine nutritionist to get your dog back on whole proteins as soon as possible.