Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food Alternatives For An Upset Stomach

In certain dogs, the canine immune system often reacts poorly to protein. However, protein plays a pivotal role in fulfilling the canine nutritional needs and requirements. Hence, protein acts as a vital component of the canine diet. 

Protein constitutes the muscles, hormones, and disease-fighting antibodies, and several other things in a canine body. The dog’s body obtains the protein needs and requirements from the protein-rich food. Further, the body breaks the protein into amino acids. Additionally, the canine body combines those amino acids into new proteins that it has taken in. 

However, some canine immune systems react abnormally to proteins. Hence, the food makers mostly use Hydrolysis to break the protein. Moreover, the process chemically breaks the protein into nano pieces. Hence, the immune system no longer reacts abnormally to the tiny protein fragments. 

The dog’s body easily derives its protein needs and requirements without harmfully reacting to it.  

From a layman’s perspective, hydrolyzed protein food is a dog food for a sensitive stomach. However, most hydrolyzed protein foods on the market come with a massive price tag.  

Thus, we at The Pet’s Magazine have brought to you some of the most reliable alternatives that provide a cheaper solution for your dogs. 

Why Do The Vets Prescribe Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food

The veterinarians mostly prescribe hydrolyzed protein dog food for primarily two reasons. One of the main reasons is food allergies. On the other hand, the other important reason remains inflammatory bowel diseases. Dog food for sensitive stomach is a sine qua non in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. 

1. Dog Food Allergies  

The canine gastrointestinal tract works as the ultimate gatekeeper. Thus, the tract protects the dog’s system against anything that may be harmful, such as microbes. But, at the same time, the tract allows the necessary microorganisms to get in through the tract. 

However, the canine body at times gets absolutely confused. Thus, the dog’s gut misidentifies benign dietary proteins as potential health hazards. Hence, the immune system starts reacting against them. 

The food allergies in the dogs can develop various symptoms, such as itchiness, hair loss, lesions on the skin, recurrent infections on the skin and ear. 

However, the dog often develops various digestive issues, including vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive gas.  

2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease  

The symptoms of food allergies and Inflammatory Bowel Disease are similar. Oftentimes, the inflammatory bowel disease is caused by food allergies. 

Most of the time, the dogs with IBD have an abnormal inflammation of their gastrointestinal tract. The inflammation is often widespread or even localized. Inflammations can cause mild problems, but in some cases, they become severe. 

Thus, the symptoms of IBDs tend to vary depending on the intensity of the condition that the dog is facing.  

Dogs can suffer from inflammatory bowel disease at any age. However, most veterinary experts report finding symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease in dogs in their middle to old age. 

The vets have to conduct a proper biopsy of the affected tissues in case of inflammatory bowel disease. 

Hydrolyzed protein dog food helps the dog meet its nutritional needs in both cases. Thus, most vets prescribe the food in which the protein is hydrolyzed as a dog food for sensitive stomach. 

Cost Vs Sustainability In The Case Of Hydrolyzed Food As Dog Food For Sensitive Stomach

Vets mostly prescribe several hydrolyzed foods for the allergies as well as the GI issues. However, most of the hydrolyzed food brands cost immensely high.  

Moreover, the Royal Canin Hydrolyzed dog food bag, 17.6 lb, costs around $110.99. On the other hand, a 16.5 lb bag of Purina Pro costs around $90. Thus, many pet parents often find it very costly to purchase. 

Hence, several dog parents search for alternatives to the costly, branded hydrolyzed food as dog food for sensitive stomachs. 

1. Why Do Vets Prescribe Hydrolyzed Protein As Dog Food For Sensitive Stomach? 

Since the dog’s body is allergic to certain proteins, they often get allergic to certain types of protein. Thus, the manufacturers break the proteins into microscopic particles. Hence, the body’s immune system fails to recognize them as allergens. 

Moreover, the doctors prescribe these types of food for allergies, chronic diarrhea, and IBD. 

2. What Is The Problem With The Prescribed Dog Food For Sensitive Stomach? 

The veterinary experts mostly prescribe dog food for a sensitive stomach from only a handful of brands. Ironically, they are very costly. The immense cost of these products makes it very difficult to grow sustainably.  

Apart from that, the dogs often do not like the taste of the food. The manufacturers make these foods with soy or feather-based proteins. Thus, the dogs tend to refuse to eat these types of food. 

3. Can We Switch To Over-the-Counter Food? 

Dog parents can definitely find alternative foods that aren’t ready-made. However, it varies by case. The caregivers should have an in-depth understanding of the novel protein diets that the dogs need.  

However, switching to home-cooked food and other alternatives may not always be right for all types of diseases. 

What is A Novel Protein Diet, And How Does It Make A Suitable Dog Food For Sensitive Stomach? 

The dogs can be allergic to certain types of protein. Moreover, the canines develop protein allergies after eating the same diet for a very long period of time. Thus, the dog’s parents should switch to certain different types of proteins that the dog has never tried. 

The research published in BMC Veterinary Research shows that some of the most common proteins in dogs are derived from meat, dairy, chicken, wheat, lamb, and other sources. 

In exceptional cases, dogs can even become allergic to soy, corn, eggs, or pork.  

Thus, in layman’s words, a Novel protein is basically the protein that your dog has not consumed yet.  

Hydrolyzed Protein Food Vs Novel Protein: Which Serves Better As A Dog Food For Sensitive Stomach? 

Hydrolyzed protein and Novel Protein can both be effective, depending on the dog’s condition. Both sources of proteins have their limitations as well as benefits.  

The Novel protein tries to fulfill the protein needs and requirements of the dog while providing it with sources that are completely foreign to the dog’s body.   

On the other hand, hydrolyzed protein tries to provide the dog with protein in disguise. The dog’s body does not recognize the protein as it gets broken into multiple fragments.  

Thus, the immune system no longer identifies the protein properly, and hence it cannot react negatively to the protein. 

However, both of them have certain limitations. The manufacturers often use soy as the source of hydrolyzed protein.  

Hence, the dogs usually reject these types of protein. As a result, the dogs typically eat less than what they should. This also causes malnutrition in the dogs. 

Why Does Limited Ingredient Diet (LID) Matter?

A limited ingredient diet (LID) is a diet that contains only a single source of protein and a single source of carbohydrate. This kind of diet is well-suited for puppies with allergies to specific protein sources.  

Hence, the diet eliminates those ingredients that have been acting as allergens. The ingredients used in these diets are designed to avoid things that may upset the stomachs while evoking the unwanted symptoms in the dogs. 

The dog’s parents should take their doggo to the vet to learn about the allergens in the dog’s body. Thus, this will prevent the dogs from any future problems. Thus, the  Limited Ingredient Dog is a suitable dog food for sensitive stomach that acts great for Hydrolyzed Dog Food. 

However, the benefits of LID differ from dog to dog. Moreover, vets find it difficult to guarantee the results. Some dogs show very positive changes. In contrast, various dogs show no positive change. Additionally, the vets discover several new allergens in the dogs. 

But here are some of the potential benefits of LID (Limited Ingredient Dog Food) 

1. It Potentially Helps Dogs With Food Sensitivity  

The dogs often have digestive issues with certain types of protein or carbohydrate sources. Thus, the LID can be very helpful in these situations for dogs. Thus, the LID diet aims to replace that particular source of protein or carbohydrate with a novel one that is absolutely new to the dog’s body. 

2. It Improves Absorption Of Nutrients In The Dogs  

LID diets often help dogs absorb nutrients from their food more effectively. Replacing the source of protein and carbohydrates improves nutrient absorption. 

3. Relieve Skin Problems  

Sensitivity to certain types of food ingredients often causes certain skin problems in dogs. This can also create some hot spots on their skin. Thus, removing ingredients considered allergens by the body can reduce skin sensitivity in dogs. 

4. Improves Digestion In The Dogs 

Certain diets in dogs often cause irregular bowel movement or diarrhea. Hence, replacing the regular diet with a LID dog food for sensitive stomachs can be beneficial for the dog. The dogs tend to have more regular, consistent stool. 

Which Are The Best Non-Prescription Dog Food Alternatives For Hydraulized Dog Food Alternatives?

The most common dog food in India consists of Chicken and Beef. However, the dog’s body often develops resistance to these types of protein. However, people can try certain exotic protein types for dogs that are Novel to the dog’s body. 

1. Kangaroo Meat  

Kangaroo meat provides extremely limited exposure to protein for the dogs. The canine digestive system finds it to be highly digestible. The Zingnature Kangaroo LID serves as one of the most popular sources of LID meat. 

2. Alligator Meat  

Alligator meat is very lean. Unlike other sources, the meat consists of a very low amount of fat. Thus, it serves as one of the purest forms of meat. The Blue Buffalo Alligator is one of the most popular choices. However, the availability of this food varies by region. 

3. Rabbit  

Rabbit meat has high B12. Rabbit meat acts as a lean source of protein. The doctors often recommend rabbit dog food with lean protein for skin issues. The Instinct LID Real Rabbit is one of the most popular rabbit protein foods in the market. The raw-coated kibbles enhance the palatability for the rabbits. 

4. Duck  

Duck Meat is one of the most accessible novel proteins currently available in the market. Unlike several other types of meat listed here, duck meat is one of the most easily available exotic meats in the market. Ironically, most of the dogs have never actually tried duck meat in their life. Thus, the meat is novel to most dogs. 

The Achana Single Free-Run Duck is one of the most popular choices in the market. 

5. Vegan  

A vegan dog sounds like an oxymoron. This sounds like a creature out of a fairy tale. In contrast, this can be absolutely true. However, my Cooper can not even stay for a single day without protein. 

But there are dogs for whom a vegan diet serves as the last resort. Moreover, this diet eliminates all animal proteins. But the dogs often refuse to eat this kind of meal. Hence, this can cause malnutrition in the dogs. 

What Is The Cost Comparison Between The Hydraulized Food Vs Novel Protein? Which Serves As The Best Dog Food For Sensitive Stomach?

Here is a cost comparison between the hydraulized protein diets and the OCT Novel protein diet. 

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomach	Cost
Hydraulized Protein Dog Food (24.2LB)	$118
Novel Protein Dog Food (25LB)	$98

The price often varies by brand and by product. Certain other forms of novel meat can have different prices.  

How To Transfer Safely To Novel Protein From Hydraulized Protein Food As A Dog Food For Sensitive Stomach?

The transition from the OCT hydrolyzed protein food to RX has to be done sensibly, slowly, and consistently. A sudden change can always trigger problems in the dogs. Here is a complete guide for a proper transition without a shock. 

1. The Ultimate 10 Day Plan For Transition  

Follow these quantities based on the allotted days. Do not exceed the amount. Exceeding the given amount can cause sudden problems in the dogs. 

• Days 1–3: 25% new / 75% Rx 

• Days 4–6: 50% new / 50% Rx 

• Days 7–10: 75% new / 25% Rx 

2. Watching For Changes 

The dog’s parents should monitor for any changes in the ears, paws, stool, and tendencies to scratch. Generally, the canine body takes some time to get accustomed to the new diet.  

Thus, caregivers should avoid reaching conclusions too early. A minimum of two weeks serves the best duration for any kind of observation. 

What Are The Main Gut Healers? 

While you change your dogs’ diet, it is also important to ensure you provide them with something that will heal their gut. Here are some of the gut healers. 

• Probiotics: 

• Saccharomyces boulardii 

• Enterococcus faecium (FortiFlora) 

• Prebiotics: Plain pumpkin purée 

• Bone Broth: Homemade, onion/garlic-free 

When Should You Stop And Check On Your Dog’s Progress? 

The dog’s parents should at least weigh the dog for eight to twelve weeks before taking it to the vet for an opinion. Moreover, the skin cells take more than 8-12 weeks to show any possessive signs.  

Stop immediately if the dog shows weird symptoms like rapid blood vomiting or bloody stool. Additionally, the dogs often show certain subtle signs, such as lethargy. Sometimes, there are hidden signs that people do not notice immediately. The dog’s parents should check for things like lymphoma and possible IBP. 

Keep These Things In Mind While You Choose The Best Dog Food For Sensitive Stomach

Always remember that the prescribed branded, costly food is not the only thing you should keep in mind. There are other healthier and natural ways to deal with allergens. However, dog parents should always consult with vets before switching to any completely new diet. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Food For Sensitive Stomach 

Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about dog food for a sensitive stomach