Hydrolyzed Protein

Hydrolyzed protein is protein that has been enzymatically broken down into small fragments (peptides under 10,000 daltons, sometimes under 1,000 daltons) that are too small for the immune system to recognize and react to. Hydrolyzed protein diets are used in true food allergy diagnosis and treatment because they bypass the immune response. Hill's z/d, Royal Canin Hypoallergenic, and Purina HA are the most common prescription hydrolyzed protein diets. They are expensive and require a vet prescription. They are the gold standard for dogs with confirmed food allergies who have failed novel protein elimination trials.