For pet owners dealing with chronic skin or digestive problems in their dogs, navigating food options can be overwhelming. One solution that vets often recommend is hydrolysed dog food. But what does that really mean? Is it safe, effective, and suitable for your dog long-term?
In this blog, we’ll explain exactly what hydrolysed dog food is, how it works, and whether it might be the right choice for your pet. We'll also cover how long your dog can stay on this type of diet, potential side effects, and how to find the best hydrolysed dog food available today.
What is Hydrolysed Dog Food?
Hydrolysed dog food is a type of specialist diet designed for dogs with food allergies or intolerances. The key feature of these diets is the use of hydrolysed proteins, which are proteins that have been chemically broken down into smaller fragments—called peptides and amino acids—through a process called hydrolysis. These smaller protein molecules are much less likely to trigger an immune response, meaning dogs with sensitivities can often tolerate them without the risk of a reaction.
This makes hydrolysed food ideal for managing chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, and immune-related skin disorders. It is often used as part of an elimination diet under veterinary supervision to determine whether food allergies are at the root of a dog’s symptoms. If you're looking for trusted, vet-approved options, Calibra offers a high-quality selection of hydrolysed protein dog food formulas that provide balanced nutrition without common allergens.
Does My Dog Need Hydrolysed Dog Food?
Not every dog needs a hydrolysed diet, but for those struggling with chronic issues that haven’t responded to other dietary changes, it can make a significant difference. If your dog frequently experiences digestive discomfort, such as bloating, diarrhoea, or vomiting, or if you’ve noticed ongoing skin problems like itching, redness, or ear infections, your vet may suspect a food allergy or intolerance. In such cases, a switch to a hydrolysed protein dog food can help reduce inflammation and reset your dog’s system. If you’re unsure as to whether your dog has a food allergy, our latest article ‘How do I Know if my Dog Has a Food Allergy’ should be able to help you take the correct steps to identify a problem.
It’s important to remember that this type of diet is typically prescribed by a veterinarian after a thorough consultation. In some instances, it may be used alongside other specialised diets. For example, if your dog also suffers from liver problems, you might explore Calibra’s targeted hepatic dog food range, which supports liver function while providing complete and gentle nutrition.
Is Hydrolysed Food Good for Dogs?
Yes, hydrolysed dog food is not only safe but often highly beneficial—particularly for dogs with underlying health concerns related to digestion or immunity. Because the proteins are broken down into their simplest form, they are much easier for the digestive system to process, which can be a major advantage for dogs with sensitive stomachs or compromised gut health. This type of food can also be incredibly helpful in reducing the risk of flare-ups in dogs with previously diagnosed food allergies.
What makes it even more appealing is that most veterinary-grade hydrolysed wet dog food and dry formulas are designed to meet all of your dog’s nutritional needs. They contain essential vitamins, minerals, and energy sources, so your dog doesn’t miss out on anything while following an elimination or hypoallergenic diet. You can explore a variety of options, including convenient dry dog food formats or wet dog food pouches, depending on your pet’s preferences and feeding habits.
How Long Can a Dog Be on Hydrolysed Dog Food?
Dogs can be on a hydrolysed diet for several weeks, months, or even for the rest of their lives, depending on their individual needs. Most vets will recommend an initial feeding trial period of 6–8 weeks, during which time your dog should eat nothing else—no treats, table scraps, or supplements—unless specifically approved. If symptoms improve during this time, your vet may confirm a diagnosis of food-related sensitivity and recommend continued use of hydrolysed food as a long-term solution.
In many cases, hydrolysed food becomes a permanent part of a dog’s diet, particularly if reintroduction of traditional proteins leads to a return of symptoms. Fortunately, Calibra’s range of hydrolysed dog food products are formulated to be nutritionally complete, so you can feed them confidently every day without needing to supplement with additional foods. For treats or occasional variety, always check options within our complete dog food and dog treats collection to ensure they’re compatible with a hypoallergenic diet.
Are There Any Side Effects of Hydrolysed Dog Food?
For most dogs, there are few, if any, side effects associated with hydrolysed protein dog food. In fact, dogs with sensitive stomachs often experience fewer digestive issues once they switch to a hydrolysed formula. That said, as with any dietary change, some dogs may need a short transition period to adjust to their new food. This might include mild gas, slightly softer stools, or changes in appetite — all of which usually resolve within a week or two.
Palatability can also be a concern for some pet owners, as hydrolysed foods may taste slightly different due to the altered protein structure. However, Calibra's wet dog food hydrolysed options are designed to be both gentle on the stomach and tasty, making them a great choice for fussy eaters or dogs recovering from digestive issues.
What Is the Best Hydrolysed Dog Food?
The best hydrolysed dog food is one that meets your dog’s individual health needs while offering complete, balanced nutrition. At Calibra, our hydrolysed formulas are developed with veterinary input and use carefully selected ingredients to minimise allergens without sacrificing quality or palatability. Whether your dog prefers kibble or canned food, our collection of hydrolysed dog food includes both wet and dry formats, offering flexibility and consistency in their feeding routine.
If you’re still unsure about whether hydrolysed food is right for your dog, or if you're exploring other specialist options such as hypoallergenic dog food diets or sensitive dog food diets, our expert team is happy to guide you. You can also browse our complete range of dog food and treats to find tailored nutrition that supports a wide variety of health concerns and life stages.
Final Thoughts
Hydrolysed dog food is more than just a trend—it's a scientifically supported dietary solution for dogs with complex health needs. Whether your dog is dealing with long-term allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, or unexplained skin issues, a hydrolysed protein dog food diet may help restore comfort and vitality. At Calibra, we are committed to delivering high-quality, vet-recommended nutrition that supports your pet’s unique health needs at every stage of life.
For more information or to find the best option for your dog, visit our full selection of diet-specific dog food or get in touch with any questions.