When your pet suffers from severe food allergies, every meal becomes a potential trigger. The relentless scratching, chronic ear infections, gastrointestinal distress, and skin lesions aren’t just uncomfortable—they’re life-altering for both you and your companion. In these challenging cases, veterinary-exclusive hydrolyzed-protein diets emerge as the gold standard for definitive diagnosis and management. These aren’t your average specialty foods; they’re scientifically formulated therapeutic tools designed to outsmart even the most hyper-reactive immune systems.
Understanding what makes these diets effective—and how to navigate the complex landscape of options—can mean the difference between years of frustration and finally finding relief for your allergic pet. Let’s explore the critical features, protocols, and considerations that will help you work effectively with your veterinarian to conduct a successful food allergy trial.
Top 10 Hydrolyzed-Protein Diets for Severe Food Allergies
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Purina HA Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food Dry Salmon Flavor Formula - 16.5 lb. Bag
Overview: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food offers a salmon-flavored alternative for dogs struggling with food sensitivities. This 16.5-pound bag delivers hydrolyzed protein in a highly digestible kibble designed to minimize adverse reactions while promoting optimal nutrient absorption. The formulation uses a single carbohydrate source and includes antioxidants to support overall health.
What Makes It Stand Out: The salmon flavor sets this apart from typical soy or chicken-based hydrolyzed diets, providing a novel protein option for dogs who may react to more common ingredients. Purina’s veterinary-grade manufacturing standards ensure consistent quality, while the hydrolyzed protein is broken down into components too small to trigger immune responses. The “great tasting” claim addresses a common challenge with prescription diets—palatability.
Value for Money: At $6.00 per pound, this sits in the mid-range for prescription hydrolyzed diets. While the $98.99 bag price seems steep, it’s comparable to other veterinary-exclusive formulas. The cost reflects the specialized processing required for hydrolyzation and the research backing. However, the prescription requirement adds the hidden cost of veterinary consultation.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include the novel salmon protein source, trusted Purina brand reputation, and focus on palatability. The single carbohydrate source simplifies allergen avoidance. Weaknesses include the mandatory prescription, which creates accessibility issues and added expense. The price point may strain budgets for large dogs requiring long-term feeding. Some dogs may still react to salmon, despite hydrolyzation.
Bottom Line: This salmon-based hydrolyzed diet excels for dogs needing a novel protein prescription formula. It’s best suited for pet owners committed to veterinary-guided nutrition management who want an alternative to soy-based options. The 16.5-pound size works well for medium-sized dogs or as a trial before committing to larger bags.
2. SquarePet Veterinarian Formulated Solutions Hydrolyzed Protein Skin and Digestive Support Dry Dog Food, Help with Hot Spots, Itchiness Pork Flavor 4.4lbs
Overview: SquarePet’s hydrolyzed pork formula provides a premium, prescription-free solution for dogs with food sensitivities, skin issues, and digestive concerns. This 4.4-pound bag offers a limited ingredient diet featuring hydrolyzed protein and a single carbohydrate source, specifically targeting hot spots and itchiness through nutritional management.
What Makes It Stand Out: The most significant advantage is the no-prescription-needed accessibility, eliminating veterinary appointment barriers and costs. The pork flavor offers a novel protein alternative to common chicken, beef, or soy options. The inclusion of crucial omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, including DHA and EPA, directly addresses skin and coat health while supporting immune function and brain health—benefits often missing in basic hydrolyzed diets.
Value for Money: At $7.50 per pound, this is the most expensive option per pound in this category. The $32.99 bag price appears affordable initially, but the small 4.4-pound size means frequent repurchases for ongoing feeding. The value proposition hinges on avoiding prescription costs and veterinary markups, which can offset the higher per-pound price for many owners.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include accessibility without prescription, targeted skin support through omega fatty acids, and the novel pork protein source. The small bag size allows for affordable trial periods. Weaknesses include the highest per-pound cost and limited size options for multi-dog households or large breeds. As a newer brand, it lacks the long clinical history of competitors. The small kibble quantity requires frequent reordering.
Bottom Line: SquarePet is ideal for pet owners seeking immediate access to hydrolyzed nutrition without veterinary hurdles. It’s particularly valuable for dogs with concurrent skin issues needing omega support. While expensive per pound, the convenience factor and comprehensive formulation justify the cost for many. Best for small to medium dogs or as a diagnostic trial.
3. Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Low Fat Dry Dog Food, Hydrolyzed Soy Recipe, 8 lb. Bag
Overview: Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Low Fat Dry Dog Food delivers a clinically formulated solution for dogs with food sensitivities requiring reduced fat intake. This 8-pound bag features hydrolyzed soy protein designed to avoid common allergens while supporting dogs with pancreatitis or fat metabolism issues. The recipe is developed by Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians for maximum efficacy.
What Makes It Stand Out: The low-fat formulation distinguishes this from standard hydrolyzed diets, making it essential for dogs with concurrent pancreatic or fat digestion disorders. Hill’s clinical research backing provides confidence in its therapeutic claims. The inclusion of essential fatty acids supports skin barrier function despite the low-fat content, while clinically proven antioxidants bolster immune health—critical for dogs with compromised systems.
Value for Money: At $7.25 per pound, this is among the pricier options, though the $57.99 bag cost seems moderate due to the smaller size. The low-fat specialization justifies the premium for dogs with specific medical needs. However, the prescription requirement adds consultation costs. The 8-pound size serves as an economical trial before committing to larger bags.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include the specialized low-fat design, extensive clinical validation, and trusted Hill’s veterinary brand. The hydrolyzed soy protein effectively reduces allergen exposure. Weaknesses include the mandatory prescription, limited protein source (soy may not suit all dogs), and high per-pound cost. The small bag size is impractical for large breeds long-term. Some dogs find soy-based formulas less palatable than meat-based options.
Bottom Line: This low-fat hydrolyzed diet is unmatched for dogs requiring both allergen management and fat restriction. It’s a veterinary necessity rather than a convenience choice. Best for dogs with diagnosed pancreatitis alongside food sensitivities. The 8-pound size is perfect for initial trials or for very small dogs.
4. Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Low Fat Dry Dog Food, Hydrolyzed Soy Recipe, 25 lb. Bag
Overview: Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Low Fat Dry Dog Food in the 25-pound bag offers the same clinically proven hydrolyzed soy formula as its smaller counterpart, designed for long-term management of food sensitivities in dogs requiring reduced fat intake. This bulk option provides extended feeding for households committed to this therapeutic diet.
What Makes It Stand Out: The 25-pound size delivers the lowest per-pound cost in this entire category at $5.52, making long-term prescription feeding financially sustainable. The low-fat, hydrolyzed soy formulation remains the gold standard for dogs needing simultaneous allergen avoidance and fat restriction. Hill’s extensive feeding trials and veterinary endorsement provide unmatched clinical confidence for chronic conditions.
Value for Money: At $137.99 per bag and $5.52 per pound, this represents exceptional value for a prescription hydrolyzed diet. The bulk pricing significantly reduces the monthly feeding cost compared to smaller bags. While the upfront investment is substantial, it eliminates frequent reordering and maximizes savings for dogs requiring permanent dietary management. The prescription cost remains the only additional expense.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include the best per-pound pricing, bulk convenience, proven clinical efficacy, and specialized low-fat design. The hydrolyzed soy protein minimizes allergen exposure effectively. Weaknesses include the high initial purchase price and mandatory prescription requirement. Soy as the sole protein may not suit all dogs, and palatability can be an issue for some. Storage space for the large bag may be a consideration.
Bottom Line: This bulk option is the most economical choice for long-term prescription hydrolyzed feeding. It’s ideal for large dogs or multi-dog households with ongoing dietary needs. The significant upfront cost is quickly offset by per-pound savings. For dogs thriving on the z/d formula, this is the smartest financial decision for sustained therapeutic nutrition.
5. Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Low Fat Dry Dog Food, Hydrolyzed Soy Recipe, 17.6 lb. Bag
Overview: Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Low Fat Dry Dog Food in a 17.6-pound bag bridges the gap between trial-size and bulk options for dogs requiring hydrolyzed soy protein and reduced fat intake. This mid-size offering maintains the same clinically formulated approach to managing food sensitivities while providing a more manageable quantity for medium-sized dogs or extended feeding trials.
What Makes It Stand Out: This size offers a practical compromise—more economical than the 8-pound bag but less intimidating than the 25-pound investment. The low-fat, hydrolyzed soy formulation remains uniquely positioned for dogs with concurrent pancreatitis or fat metabolism issues. Hill’s commitment to clinical validation ensures each bag delivers consistent therapeutic benefit for sensitive dogs.
Value for Money: At $6.14 per pound and $107.99 per bag, this sits between the other Hill’s sizes in terms of cost-effectiveness. It’s more economical than the 8-pound option for ongoing feeding, yet avoids the high upfront cost of the 25-pound bag. The per-pound price remains competitive with non-prescription alternatives when factoring in veterinary consultation savings.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include the moderate bag size, proven low-fat hydrolyzed formulation, and trusted veterinary brand reputation. The 17.6-pound quantity reduces reordering frequency without requiring excessive storage space. Weaknesses include the prescription requirement, soy-only protein source that may not suit all dogs, and middling per-pound cost compared to the bulk option. Palatability issues sometimes reported with soy-based diets persist.
Bottom Line: This mid-size bag is the practical choice for dog owners committed to the Hill’s z/d Low Fat formula who want better value than the 8-pound size without bulk commitment. It’s ideal for medium-sized dogs on long-term therapy or for owners wanting to balance cost and convenience. For households with storage constraints or budget limitations, this size hits the sweet spot.
Understanding Severe Food Allergies in Pets: Beyond the Itch
Severe food allergies in dogs and cats represent a pathological immune response where the body mistakenly identifies dietary proteins as threats. Unlike mild sensitivities that might cause occasional soft stools, severe reactions trigger a cascade of inflammatory responses that can manifest as debilitating skin disease, chronic otitis externa, or relentless gastrointestinal symptoms. The immune system essentially develops an exaggerated memory of specific protein structures, launching IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions with each exposure.
These cases demand precision because the threshold for reactivity can be remarkably low. A single contaminated kibble or trace amount of intact protein can derail months of progress. This is why veterinary supervision becomes non-negotiable—self-directed elimination diets using over-the-counter “limited ingredient” foods often fail because of cross-contamination risks and undisclosed ingredients that aren’t reflected on labels.
The Science of Protein Hydrolyzation: Molecular Weight Matters
How Hydrolysis Outsmarts the Immune System
Hydrolyzed protein diets work through enzymatic predigestion, breaking down large protein molecules into peptides so small they evade immune detection. Think of it as taking a complex jigsaw puzzle and reducing it to individual pieces so tiny that the immune system can’t recognize the original picture. The critical factor lies in the molecular weight: proteins must be hydrolyzed to peptides typically under 3,000 to 10,000 Daltons to prevent reactivity in most allergic patients.
The Gold Standard of Molecular Size
Not all hydrolyzed diets achieve the same level of protein fragmentation. Veterinary-exclusive formulations undergo rigorous testing to ensure consistent molecular weight distribution batch-to-batch. This consistency is what separates therapeutic diets from commercial “hydrolyzed” marketing claims. When evaluating options, ask your veterinarian about the specific molecular weight parameters and whether the manufacturer provides batch analysis data—this transparency indicates a truly therapeutic-grade product.
Why Veterinary Exclusivity Is Non-Negotiable for Trials
Manufacturing Controls and Purity Standards
Vet-exclusive hydrolyzed diets are manufactured in dedicated facilities with strict quality control protocols that prevent cross-contamination. Unlike retail pet foods that may produce multiple formulas on shared equipment, therapeutic diets often use segregated production lines with validated cleaning procedures between batches. This matters immensely when your pet’s immune system reacts to protein concentrations measured in parts per million.
The Prescription-Only Advantage
The prescription status isn’t a marketing gimmick—it’s a legal designation that ensures veterinary oversight throughout the process. Your veterinarian becomes a partner in monitoring response, adjusting protocols, and interpreting results. This relationship is crucial because food allergy trials require meticulous adherence and objective assessment that can’t be managed through consumer self-direction alone.
Key Features to Evaluate in Hydrolyzed-Protein Formulations
Protein Source Selection and Hydrolyzation Method
While the specific source (chicken, soy, fish) matters less than the hydrolyzation quality, the origin influences palatability and potential for residual reactivity. Single-source hydrolyzed proteins are preferable to blended sources during initial trials because they simplify identification if reactions occur. The hydrolyzation method—whether enzymatic or acid hydrolysis—also affects peptide profile and bioavailability.
Carbohydrate Complexity and Novelty
The carbohydrate component serves as more than just an energy source; it must be novel and highly digestible to avoid confounding results. Look for options using ingredients like potato starch, pea fiber, or tapioca that your pet hasn’t previously consumed. The fiber profile should support gastrointestinal health without introducing new proteins that could trigger reactions.
Fatty Acid Fortification for Skin Barrier Support
Optimal therapeutic diets incorporate precise ratios of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, often including EPA, DHA, and gamma-linolenic acid from borage oil or evening primrose oil. These aren’t just anti-inflammatory agents—they actively rebuild compromised skin barriers, reducing transdermal allergen exposure that can amplify symptoms. The concentration matters: therapeutic levels typically exceed 1% total omega-3 fatty acids on a dry matter basis.
The Elimination Trial Protocol: Precision and Patience
Duration Requirements: Why 8-12 Weeks Is Mandatory
The industry standard 8-12 week trial period isn’t arbitrary—it reflects the time needed for immune system downregulation and skin barrier repair. Mast cell degranulation cycles and epithelial turnover rates mean that symptoms may persist for weeks even after allergen removal. Cutting a trial short at 4-6 weeks is one of the most common causes of false-negative results.
Strict Adherence: The “Nothing Else” Rule
During the trial, your pet must consume only the hydrolyzed diet and water. This means no treats, no flavored medications, no dental chews, no table scraps, and no access to other pets’ food. Even “natural” supplements like fish oil or probiotics can contain protein contaminants that invalidate results. Your veterinarian should provide a comprehensive list of approved flavorless medications and supplements.
Reading Between the Labels: Hidden Considerations
Palatability Enhancers and Their Risks
Many hydrolyzed diets contain hydrolyzed liver or other flavor enhancers to improve acceptance. While these are technically hydrolyzed, they can introduce variable protein sources that complicate trials. Ask whether the diet uses single-source protein hydrolysates throughout or adds separate hydrolyzed flavors that might create confounding variables.
Trace Ingredients and Cross-Reactivity
“Natural flavors,” vitamin premixes, and mineral chelates can harbor hidden proteins. Therapeutic diets should specify that all components, including micronutrient carriers, are either hydrolyzed or protein-free. This level of detail rarely appears on packaging but should be available through veterinary product specialists or manufacturer technical services.
Hydrolyzed vs. Novel Protein: Strategic Decision-Making
When Hydrolyzed Diets Are Superior
For pets with severe, multisystemic symptoms or those who’ve failed novel protein trials, hydrolyzed diets offer a higher probability of success. They’re also preferred when the dietary history is unknown or when previous exposure to numerous protein sources makes finding a truly “novel” protein virtually impossible.
The Cost-Benefit Analysis
Hydrolyzed diets typically cost 30-50% more than novel protein options due to processing complexity. However, this premium is justified when you consider the cost of a failed trial—repeated veterinary visits, medications for symptom control, and the emotional toll of ongoing suffering. Success the first time ultimately saves money and stress.
The Role of Fatty Acids in Allergy Management
Beyond Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Therapeutic hydrolyzed diets incorporate fatty acids at levels that modulate cell membrane composition in skin cells, literally changing how cells respond to inflammatory signals. This is different from simply adding fish oil as a supplement. The precise ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids (typically 5:1 to 10:1) optimizes eicosanoid production toward less inflammatory pathways.
Ceramide and Skin Barrier Restoration
Advanced formulations include ceramides and other lipid complexes that restore the stratum corneum’s brick-and-mortar structure. This is critical for allergic pets whose constant scratching and inflammation have compromised their primary barrier against environmental allergens. A stronger skin barrier means fewer secondary infections and reduced overall itch.
Managing the Transition: From Diagnosis to Maintenance
Gradual Introduction Despite Urgency
Even with severe symptoms, abrupt diet changes can cause gastrointestinal upset that complicates assessment. A 3-5 day transition mixing increasing proportions of the hydrolyzed diet with the previous food allows gut microbiome adaptation. During this period, monitor for both improvement in allergic symptoms and any digestive disturbances.
Objective Monitoring Protocols
Establish baseline measurements before starting: body weight, body condition score, lesion mapping (photographs with scale reference), itch scoring using standardized scales like CADESI-04, and fecal consistency scores. Reassess these metrics every 2-4 weeks during the trial to quantify improvement rather than relying on subjective impressions.
Cost Considerations and Insurance Navigation
Understanding the True Value Proposition
A 12-week trial using therapeutic hydrolyzed diet for a 50-pound dog typically costs $400-600. While substantial, this is often less than the cost of two months of cyclosporine or apoquel, medications that manage symptoms without addressing the root cause. Many manufacturers offer trial rebate programs or satisfaction guarantees—ask your veterinary clinic about these cost-offset options.
Pet Insurance and Prescription Food Coverage
Increasingly, pet insurance policies cover therapeutic diets when prescribed for diagnosed conditions, though often with specific limitations. Some cover only the trial period, while others include maintenance feeding. Review your policy’s “prescription food” or “therapeutic diet” riders, and obtain pre-authorization in writing before starting the trial to ensure reimbursement.
Common Pitfalls That Derail Food Allergy Trials
The Treat Sabotage Scenario
Well-meaning family members giving “just one treat” is the most common trial failure point. Hold a household meeting before starting, post clear instructions on the refrigerator, and provide approved single-source hydrolyzed treats if absolutely necessary. Better yet, use kibble pieces from the main diet as treats to eliminate variables.
Flavored Medications and Supplements
Many heartworm preventatives, pain medications, and supplements are flavored with beef, chicken, or liver. Work with your veterinarian to source unflavored alternatives or gelatin-free capsules. Even topical products can be problematic—some pets react to protein residues in medicated shampoos or ear cleaners.
Palatability Challenges and Acceptance Strategies
Texture and Format Considerations
Hydrolyzed proteins taste different—often bitter or metallic—due to peptide formation. If your pet refuses dry kibble, ask about wet format alternatives or whether adding warm water to release aromas helps. Some pets accept the diet better when it’s fed as small, frequent meals rather than large portions.
When Refusal Becomes a Medical Concern
If your pet goes more than 24 hours without eating, contact your veterinarian. Prolonged food refusal can trigger hepatic lipidosis in cats and stress hyperglycemia in dogs. Your vet may prescribe appetite stimulants or temporary feeding tubes to maintain caloric intake during the adjustment period—never abandon the trial due to temporary acceptance issues without veterinary guidance.
Rechallenge Protocols: Confirming Your Diagnosis
The Critical Importance of Rechallenge
A positive response to the hydrolyzed diet alone doesn’t definitively prove food allergy—symptoms could have improved coincidentally with season changes or other treatments. The rechallenge, where you systematically reintroduce previous diet components, is what confirms the diagnosis. Skipping this step risks condemning your pet to an unnecessary lifelong restrictive diet.
Proper Reintroduction Methodology
After the 12-week trial with documented improvement, reintroduce one protein source at a time for 1-2 weeks while monitoring for symptom recurrence. Start with small amounts (10% of calories) and gradually increase. If symptoms return, you’ve identified a trigger. If no reaction occurs after 2 weeks, that protein is likely safe and can remain in the diet while you test the next component.
Long-Term Management Strategies
Maintenance vs. Rotation Options
Some pets thrive long-term on hydrolyzed diets, while others can eventually transition to commercial limited-ingredient foods after the immune system “resets.” For pets with confirmed single-protein allergies, rotating 2-3 safe protein sources every 3-4 months may prevent new sensitivities from developing—a phenomenon documented in pets fed single proteins continuously for years.
Monitoring for New Sensitivities
Food allergies can develop to new proteins over time. Schedule annual rechecks even for stable patients, and be vigilant for the gradual return of symptoms. Early detection allows for intervention before severe flares occur. Keep a symptom diary to distinguish between normal variation and concerning trends.
Working With Your Veterinary Team for Optimal Outcomes
Communication and Follow-Up Scheduling
Establish a clear communication plan before starting. Will you send weekly email updates? Schedule phone check-ins at weeks 4 and 8? Who should you contact with urgent questions? This partnership approach prevents misunderstandings and ensures timely adjustments to the protocol.
When to Seek Specialist Referral
If your pet doesn’t improve after a properly conducted 12-week trial, or if symptoms are atypical, consider consulting a veterinary dermatologist. Some conditions mimic food allergies, including atopic dermatitis, scabies, and endocrine disorders. A specialist can perform intradermal testing or conduct a home-cooked elimination diet using truly novel proteins like kangaroo or alligator if commercial options fail.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if my pet’s symptoms are severe enough to warrant a hydrolyzed protein trial?
If your pet experiences chronic, year-round itching, recurrent skin or ear infections requiring constant medication, or gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea that persist despite other treatments, they’re likely a candidate. The key is persistence of symptoms regardless of season and poor response to symptomatic medications alone.
2. Can I use an over-the-counter limited ingredient diet instead of a prescription hydrolyzed diet?
Over-the-counter diets, even those labeled “limited ingredient,” frequently contain trace amounts of undeclared proteins due to shared manufacturing equipment and ingredient sourcing. Studies have shown that many contain proteins not listed on the label, making them unreliable for definitive food allergy trials. The prescription status ensures manufacturing controls that OTC products don’t guarantee.
3. Will my pet need to eat this expensive diet forever?
Not necessarily. The hydrolyzed diet is primarily a diagnostic tool. After a successful trial and rechallenge protocol, many pets can transition to less expensive commercial diets that avoid only the identified trigger proteins. Some pets with multiple severe allergies do require lifelong therapeutic feeding, but this is determined through systematic testing, not assumption.
4. What happens if my pet’s symptoms don’t improve during the trial?
Lack of improvement suggests either the symptoms aren’t food-related, the diet wasn’t fed exclusively, or there’s cross-contamination. First, review strict adherence with your veterinarian. If compliance was perfect, your vet may recommend extending the trial to 14 weeks, switching to a different hydrolyzed protein source, or pursuing alternative diagnoses like atopic dermatitis.
5. Are there any side effects of feeding a hydrolyzed protein diet?
Hydrolyzed diets are generally very safe, but some pets experience softer stools initially due to the highly digestible nature of the proteins. Rarely, pets may react to the hydrolyzed protein source itself if the molecular weight isn’t sufficiently low. The most common “side effect” is cost and potential palatability issues, not medical complications.
6. Can I give my pet any treats or supplements during the trial?
For a valid trial, absolutely nothing except the prescribed hydrolyzed diet and water should pass your pet’s lips. This includes flavored heartworm preventatives, joint supplements, and dental chews. Your veterinarian can prescribe unflavored alternatives for medications. Using kibble from the diet as treats is the safest approach.
7. How are hydrolyzed diets different from hypoallergenic diets?
“Hypoallergenic” is an unregulated marketing term that means different things to different manufacturers. True hydrolyzed diets are scientifically defined by their molecular weight profiles. Some hypoallergenic diets use novel proteins but aren’t hydrolyzed, while others use partially hydrolyzed proteins that may not be adequate for severe cases. Always look for molecular weight specifications rather than marketing terms.
8. Is a home-cooked diet an alternative to hydrolyzed diets for trials?
Home-cooked diets using novel proteins can be effective but require precise formulation by a veterinary nutritionist to avoid nutrient deficiencies. They’re often more expensive and time-consuming than commercial hydrolyzed diets. Additionally, grocery store meats can be contaminated with other proteins through processing, making them less reliable than controlled therapeutic diets.
9. How long after starting the diet should I expect to see improvement?
Skin symptoms typically improve gradually over 6-8 weeks, while gastrointestinal signs may resolve within 1-2 weeks. However, some pets show improvement earlier, and some take the full 12 weeks. The key is objective measurement using photographs and scoring systems rather than daily subjective assessment, which can miss subtle but significant progress.
10. Can my other pets eat the hydrolyzed diet, or should I feed everyone separately?
Feeding all pets the hydrolyzed diet won’t harm healthy animals, though it’s costly. More importantly, your allergic pet must not have access to other pets’ food, which would contaminate the trial. If you feed different diets, use separate feeding stations, supervise all mealtimes, and prevent food stealing. Some families find it easier to feed everyone the therapeutic diet during the trial period to eliminate risk.