Is Hydrolyzed Dog Food the Best Solution for Allergies?

February 19, 2025

How to Choose the Right Diet for Your Sensitive Dog

What Is Hydrolyzed Dog Food and Why Is It Recommended for Allergies?

If your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, you’ve probably come across hydrolyzed dog food as a potential solution. But what exactly is it?

Hydrolyzed dog food contains proteins that are broken down into smaller components through a process called hydrolysis. This makes the protein molecules small enough that your dog’s immune system doesn’t recognize them as allergens—reducing the risk of an allergic reaction.

Veterinarians often recommend hydrolyzed food for dogs with chronic allergies, digestive issues, or unexplained skin irritations. But while it may work for some pets, others don’t see improvement, leading many owners to explore alternative diets like raw food.

Does Hydrolyzed Dog Food Actually Work?

For some dogs, hydrolyzed food can be an effective solution—but it’s not a guaranteed fix. Many pet owners report that while their dog’s allergies improved slightly, symptoms like itching, ear infections, or digestive upset persisted.

Why does this happen? Because food allergies aren’t always the root cause. Environmental allergens, poor-quality ingredients, and a lack of natural nutrients can all contribute to symptoms, even if a hydrolyzed formula is used.

Raw diets provide an alternative approach, focusing on natural, whole-food ingredients that eliminate unnecessary fillers and artificial additives—two common triggers of food sensitivities. At All Raw Dog Food, we offer hypoallergenic raw dog food options like duck, wild game, and single-protein meals designed to support sensitive dogs.

How Long Should Your Dog Be on Hydrolyzed Food?

A common question among pet owners is: “How long does my dog need to stay on hydrolyzed dog food?” The standard recommendation is 6–10 weeks, followed by a food reintroduction process to identify allergens.

But what if your dog doesn’t show improvement—or what if hydrolyzed dog food is too expensive to maintain long-term?This is where raw feeding becomes a sustainable alternative. Instead of relying on processed formulas, a natural raw diet provides:

✔ Limited ingredients to avoid common allergens
✔ High digestibility for sensitive stomachs
✔ Essential nutrients without synthetic additives

Transitioning from hydrolyzed dog food to a raw, single-protein diet can provide a more long-term solution for allergy-prone pets.

What Are the Side Effects of Hydrolyzed Dog Food?

Hydrolyzed dog food is often seen as a safe choice, but many dog owners don’t realize that it can have side effects. Some dogs experience:

Gastrointestinal issues (bloating, diarrhea, or constipation)
Reduced palatability—many dogs refuse to eat hydrolyzed food because of its processed taste
Artificial processing—since hydrolyzed food is chemically altered, some pet owners worry about the long-term health effects

If your dog is struggling with hydrolyzed food or refusing to eat it, consider switching to a fresh, raw diet that mimics what dogs are naturally meant to eat.

Why Is Hydrolyzed Dog Food So Expensive?

One of the biggest pain points for pet owners is the high cost of hydrolyzed dog food. The specialized processing involved makes it significantly more expensive than traditional dog food—sometimes even more costly than a high-quality raw diet.

If you’re looking for an affordable, allergy-friendly alternative, a raw, hypoallergenic diet can provide similar benefits without the high price tag. At All Raw Dog Food, we offer cost-effective solutions, allowing pet owners to provide their dogs with premium, natural nutrition without breaking the bank.

How a Raw Diet Supports Allergy-Prone Dogs

If hydrolyzed dog food hasn’t delivered the results you expected, a raw diet could be the next step. Dogs with food sensitivities often thrive on raw, limited-ingredient diets, especially those featuring novel proteins like:

Duck – A lean, hypoallergenic protein ideal for dogs with sensitivities
Wild game – Novel proteins that reduce allergy risks
Single-protein meals – No unnecessary fillers or allergens

Our carefully crafted raw formulas eliminate common allergens found in processed dog foods, making them an ideal natural alternative to hydrolyzed diets.

Which Diet Is Right for Your Dog?

If your dog has allergies, you want the best possible diet to ensure their long-term health. While hydrolyzed dog food is a common solution, it’s not the only option.

At All Raw Dog Food, we believe that nutrition should be simple, natural, and species-appropriate. Our hypoallergenic raw food options provide the nutrients dogs need—without the artificial processing or high costs of hydrolyzed diets.

Ready to Find the Best Diet for Your Dog?

If you’re searching for a natural, allergy-friendly alternative to hydrolyzed food, we can help.

📍 Visit us at: 42-812 Pitt St. Cornwall, ON K6J 3S2
📧 Email: allrawdogfood@hotmail.com
📞 Call us at: (613) 935-8246
🌍 Learn more at: allrawdogfood.ca