You may have read, seen, or heard about various types of diet in articles or even been advised by your pet’s regular veterinarian, but have you come across hydrolyzed protein? We all know the importance of protein and how it benefits your dog, such as building and repairing muscles, strengthening the immune system, growing hair, and many more.
Protein is an essential component of balanced nutrition and must be included in pet food recipes. However, research indicates that a small percentage of dogs (1-2%) experience food allergies, often due to certain types of proteins, including those found in dairy, beef, chicken, chicken eggs, soy, or wheat gluten. As a solution, hydrolyzed protein can be an excellent source of dietary protein for your dog and is often recommended by veterinarians.
Why is hydrolyzed protein perfect for dogs with food sensitivities?
Proteins are crucial for a dog’s health, aiding in muscle development, hormone regulation, and disease resistance. Dogs require 22 amino acids to produce necessary proteins, with half of these being synthesised internally, and the other half coming from their diet. Inadequate amino acids may lead to health problems, and some dogs may develop food allergies due to certain dietary proteins. Hydrolysis is a method that breaks down proteins into smaller components, making them “invisible” to a dog’s immune system, potentially reducing the risk of triggering an immune response. While hydrolyzed protein dog food can be helpful for managing food allergies, veterinary consultation is advised.
6 Benefits of Choosing Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food
Benefit 1: Reduce food sensitivities & allergenicity, hence the happy owners
The main objective of hydrolyzing proteins for specialised diets is to modify their structure and reduce allergens, preventing immune recognition and subsequent allergic or inflammatory reactions. Hydrolyzed proteins are engineered to evade the immune system, thus avoiding allergic responses caused by specific allergens. By breaking down proteins into smaller components, hydrolysis makes them too small to bind with receptors that trigger allergic reactions. Feeding your pet hydrolyzed protein food can significantly reduce adverse food reactions and manage food sensitivities and allergies in dogs. Hydrolyzed proteins are considered more hypoallergenic compared to other proteins, making them a good option for pets with allergies.
Benefit 2: Reduce food trials, ease your mind
Hydrolyzed protein diets play a crucial role in the elimination phase of food trials, helping to purify the body of existing food allergens and return the immune system to a stable state. In addition to managing food allergies, studies have shown that these diets can also be beneficial for dogs with atopic dermatitis (widely known as eczema, where you can spot inflammation, redness, and irritation of the dog’s skin). By using hydrolyzed protein diets during elimination trials, the immune system is given a chance to recover from the allergic response and reset to its normal state. This reduces inflammation and paves the way for veterinarians to reintroduce different proteins and potential allergens into the diet, pinpointing the specific issue and diagnosing the food allergy.
Benefit 3: Highly digestible, never overload the digestive system
Hydrolyzed protein dog food provides ease of digestion for dogs by breaking down complex proteins into simpler amino acids and peptides. This pre-digested form of protein is easier for dogs with sensitive digestive systems to process and assimilate, reducing the workload on their gastrointestinal tract. Dogs are biologically adapted to consume prey and lack the ability to process large quantities of plant-based foods. Hydrolyzed protein pet food can alleviate digestive problems by reducing the strain on the digestive system, thus lowering the risk of diarrhoea and vomiting. It is a safe and easy-to-digest option that can improve a dog’s overall health and energy levels, providing a happier, more comfortable life.
Benefit 4: Improve absorption of nutrients, gain all the goodness for optimal wellness
By carefully selecting high-quality dog food, pet food manufacturers can ensure that their formula contains the perfect proportions of amino acids and proteins needed for a balanced diet. However, it is not just about the quality of the ingredients. It is also about how they are processed. Through the hydrolysis process, proteins are broken down into smaller components, such as amino acids and peptides, which can be more easily absorbed by the body. This increased absorption accessibility not only ensures that dogs are getting the nutrients they need, but it can also be especially beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. By breaking down the proteins into smaller components, hydrolyzed protein food is easier for pets to digest, thus promoting more effective nutrient absorption to ensure your dog is getting the nutrients it needs in the right amount.
Benefit 5: Highly palatable, licking the bowl clean
Hydrolyzed protein can play a significant role in enhancing the palatability of dog food. The hydrolysis process breaks down proteins into smaller peptides, which can reduce bitterness and increase the taste and aroma of the food. This enhances the food’s palatability and can boost the dog’s desire to consume it, leading to better nutrition and overall health. In addition, hydrolyzed protein formulas can be tailored to specific dietary needs, ensuring that dogs receive optimal nutrition without compromising taste or texture. This can be particularly beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies who require specialised diets.
Benefit 6: Reduce the risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, promote long-term digestive health
Hydrolyzed protein diets have shown impressive results in alleviating the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs. The protein molecules are broken down into their basic building blocks, making it easier for the gut to absorb essential nutrients and reducing the severity of chronic gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea. Moreover, research indicates that prolonged use of hydrolyzed protein diets can even enhance the integrity of the intestinal lining, promoting long-term digestive health for your furry friend
Choose ProBalance® Dry Foods with Hydrolyzed Protein, Keep your dog Happy and Healthy!
Hydrolyzed protein diets are the perfect solution for pet owners looking to provide their furry friends with a diet that is both nutritious and tasty. Thanks to the numerous benefits that come with hydrolyzed protein, ProBalance® has taken things a step further by incorporating it into our dog food formulas. With the addition of hydrolyzed protein, ProBalance® has been able to create dog food products that are not only high in nutritional value but also delicious, ensuring that your furry friend stays healthy and happy. The ProBalance® Single Source Meat Protein Adult Dry Dog Food Range and ProBalance® Single Source Meat Protein Small Breed are products that have been designed to provide dogs with the perfect balance of protein and other essential nutrients that promote muscle growth and boost the immune system. By incorporating these products into your dog’s diet, you can rest assured that your canine buddy will remain energetic, healthy, and happy, allowing you to enjoy More Play with your beloved canine companion.
