What is a Hydrolyzed Diet for Dogs?

If your dog is suffering from food allergies or inflammatory bowel disease, a hydrolyzed diet might be best for their GI tract.

What is a Hydrolyzed Diet?

A hydrolyzed diet is dog food that has been chemically altered through a process called hydrolysis. Hydrolysis uses water to separate protein molecules into their base components: amino acids and peptides. Doing this breaks each protein down so much that the immune system won’t recognize them. Food allergies and inflammatory bowel disease are two main reasons owners will choose a hydrolyzed diet for their dogs. 

Allergies to Dog Food

The gastrointestinal tract in a dog can be sensitive. It allows in nutrients while fighting off diseases, corrupt microorganisms, and other harmful substances. Although like any other mammal, this system can get confused. Dog food allergies develop when the gut begins identifying benign dietary proteins as potential health risks and starts an immune response against them. 

Food-allergic dogs can develop a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Itchiness in major areas or around the entire body
  • Hair loss
  • Skin lesions
  • Recurrent skin or ear infections

Sometimes: 

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea 
  • Gassiness

Inflammatory Bowel Disease 

Dogs who are diagnosed with IBD tend to have abnormal inflammation in their GI tract. Everyday a different severity of swelling occurs, whether it is localized or widespread, which is why it’s difficult to tell if your dog is suffering from allergies or inflammatory bowel disease. IBD can develop at any age but it is more commonly seen in middle-aged to older dogs. Boxers and German Shepherds are more likely to be diagnosed with IBD. If your dog is suffering from these symptoms, you should reach out to your vet as soon as possible:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Weight loss
  • Increased or decreased appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Noisy gut sounds
  • Increased gas production

Conclusion

A dog’s diet is important for gut health, aging, a strong body, and overall physical health. It is important to know how your dog’s food affects him or her. A hydrolyzed diet can can be good for those with allergies or IBD, but should not be taken unless directed by your veterinarian. 

Same answer, different question(s)

  • What is hydrolyzed food?
  • How long can a dog be on a hydrolyzed diet?
  • What are examples of hydrolyzed protein?
  • What is the purpose of a hydrolyzed diet?

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