Cat Food With hydrolyzed Protein Which Cats Is It Best For?

As a cat owner, you may have heard of cat food with hydrolyzed protein, while looking for the best diet options to keep your cat healthy.

So what is the meaning of hydrolyzed protein?

Hydrolyzed protein is when certain proteins are broken down into smaller components using the process of hydrolysis.

Okay, but what does this have to do with cat food?

What Does Hydrolysis Mean In Hydrolyzed Protein Cat Food?

The process of hydrolysis involves adding water to the protein molecule and breaking the chemical bonds that hold the molecule together.

This results in the creation of smaller peptides that are more easily digested by animals, including cats.

Hydrolyzed protein is often used in cat food as a source of protein, especially for cats with food allergies or sensitivities.

Hydrolyzed protein canned cat food, refers to a type of cat food that contains hydrolyzed protein as one of its ingredients.

Because the protein has been broken down into smaller peptides, it is it is easier to digest and less likely to cause an allergic reaction in cats, who are sensitive to certain types of protein.

In terms of cats specifically, feeding hydrolyzed proteins can help them feel full faster, support their cardiovascular system, and provide relief if they have food sensitivities or allergies.

Hydrolyzed protein can be derived from a variety of sources, including meat, poultry, and fish.

It is important to carefully read the ingredient list on cat food labels to determine the source of the hydrolyzed protein and to ensure that it is appropriate for your cat’s needs and dietary restrictions.

Hydrolysed protein is an important part of a balanced cat diet and all cats can benefit from it.

Which Cats Will Benefit From Hydrolyzed Protein?

Cats that have special dietary needs may find that hydrolysed protein is especially beneficial.

Senior cats with sensitive digestion systems or skin issues are likely to benefit from hydrolyzed proteins as they provide nutrients while avoiding further irritation.

Kittens and older cats that lack the digestive enzyme necessary to break down larger proteins are also good candidates for this type of food source. 

Cats suffering from food allergies or kittens recovering from surgery are just some of the groups who may experience the particular advantages of this type of diet.

Hydrolysed proteins are partially broken down prior to the production of cat food so that they are more easily digested by cats with health concerns.

In addition, hydrolyzed proteins are more likely to be hypoallergenic than other proteins because they eliminate large peptide molecules, which can trigger allergic reactions.

Which Brands Of Cat Food Offer Hydrolyzed Protein?

There are several brands of cat food that offer hydrolyzed protein. Some examples include:

1.Royal Canin: This brand offers a line of hypoallergenic cat food that is formulated with hydrolyzed soy protein to minimize the risk of allergic reactions. This is dry cat food. No prescription required.

2.Purina Pro Plan: This brand offers a line of cat food formulated with hydrolyzed protein, including both wet and dry options. No prescription required.

3.Hill’s Prescription Diet: This brand offers a line of cat food formulated with hydrolyzed protein, including both wet and dry options. No prescription required.

4.Blue Buffalo: This brand offers a line of cat food formulated with hydrolyzed protein, including both wet and dry options. Prescription required.

More Details Cat Food Containing Hydrolyzed Protein

1. Royal Canin

The protein in this cat food is hydrolyzed soy protein. If your cat has a problem with soy, this is not the cat food for you.

It is 100% worth spending some time reading the reviews for this exact product on Chewy’s site.

The reason I say this is because when choosing a specific type of cat food like this, cat owners are looking to solve a problem, for example, a food allergy. Other cat foods may have been tried and failed.

Your vet may have suggested this food, and now you want to find out more about it from other cat owners. You want to find something that will work for your cat.

The reviews are usually specific and go into detail about how the food affected the cat before and after the diet change.

This is dry food. If your cat likes wet food, the suggestion here is to add water to the kibble so that it softens and becomes like wet food.

Note: This product has had a bag design change; both bags clearly say “hydrolyzed protein” on the front. This is a non prescription hydrolyzed protein cat food.

2. Purina Pro Plan

The protein in this cat food is hydrolyzed soy protein isolate.

Food allergies or sensitivities can occur at any stage of a cat’s life. The cat may have been eating the same food for a long time and is then one day is unable to tolerate the food or has an allergic response.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA is designed to help manage food sensitivities in cats that may have food allergic gastroenteritis or dermatitis, food intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease, or pancreatitis.

There’s more information here about this hydrolyzed protein cat food. Read the reviews, positive and negative. It’s good to read a range of opinions.

This is a non prescription hydrolyzed protein cat food

3. Hill’s Prescription Diet

The protein in this cat food is hydrolyzed chicken liver.

As a cat owner, there are benefits feeding your cat the Hills hydrolyzed protein diet. The hydrolyzed protein in the cat food is chicken liver. There is a single carbohydrate source, which can be beneficial for pets with food sensitivities or allergies.

Hills cat food with hydrolyzed protein is also high in vitamin E, for healthy skin and a strong skin barrier. It also contains natural fiber, essential fatty acids, and controlled minerals for overall health.

This diet is also formulated to improve stool quality and help eliminate food-related causes of skin irritation. It is formulated to help reduce the risk of struvite and oxalate stones, which can be a common issue in pets.

As a cat owner, you may find that this diet is a great choice for your furry friend.

This is a non prescription hydrolyzed protein cat food

4. Blue Buffalo

The protein in this food is hydrolyzed salmon.

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet HF (hydrolyzed for food intolerance), grain-free dry cat food, is an excellent choice for your cat. It is formulated for cats with food sensitivities. It contains hydrolyzed salmon, a highly digestible protein.

This grain-free diet has omega-3 fatty acids to help maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat. It also includes vitamins E and C and antioxidant-rich ingredients like pumpkin and kelp to support the immune system.

This prescription-only food is made with natural ingredients and has both beneficial nutrition and a taste your cat will love.

About Buying Prescription Items on Chewy

This information is from Chewy’s website

Simply provide your pet and vet clinic information at Checkout and we’ll follow up with your veterinarian to confirm. If you have a copy of your authorization, you can expedite the process by uploading a scan or photo of it to the Prescriptions section in your account or your order confirmation. You can also email it to vetdiet@chewy.com.

It is important to carefully read the ingredient list on cat food labels to determine the source of the hydrolyzed protein and ensure that it is appropriate for your cat’s needs and dietary restrictions.

You should also consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your cat.

Are There Any Cats That Should Not Eat Hydrolyzed Protein?

In general, hydrolyzed protein can be a suitable protein cat food for most cats, including those with food allergies or sensitivities.

Cats with certain medical conditions or dietary restrictions may not be able to tolerate hydrolyzed protein or may need to have a different type of protein in their diet.

For example, cats with kidney disease may need a low-protein diet, and hydrolyzed protein may not be appropriate in this case.

Always check with your vet before embarking on a new diet regime, particularly if your cat has health concerns.

Does Hydrolyzed Protein Cat Food Cost More?

Cat food with hydrolyzed protein may cost more than cat food made with other protein sources, such as whole meat or meat meal.

This is because the process of hydrolyzing protein can be more expensive than other methods of preparing protein for use in pet food.

However, it is important to keep in mind that the cost of cat food can vary for many reasons, including the quality and source of the ingredients, the type of protein used, and the manufacturing process.

It is important to choose a cat food that meets your cat’s nutritional needs and fits within your budget.

If you have any concerns about the cost of cat food or if you are having difficulty affording a suitable diet for your cat, it is important to consult with a veterinarian for guidance.

How To Transition A Cat To Eat Hydrolyzed Protein Cat Food

If you are considering transitioning your cat to a cat food that contains hydrolyzed protein, it is important to do so slowly and gradually to give your cat time to adjust to the new diet.

Here are some steps you can follow to transition your cat to hydrolyzed protein cat food:

A 7-day plan transition plan is suggested.

On the first and second days, mix 75% of the old food with 25% of the new food and serve it in a separate bowl from the old food. Cats may not accept mixed diets, so it is recommended to keep the old and new food separate.

On the third and fourth days, mix 50% of the old food with 50% of the new food.

On the fifth and sixth days, use a mixture of 25% old food and 75% new food.

On the seventh day, you can give your pet only the new food.

Observe your cat’s appetite and behavior during the transition. If they seem to be eating the new food without any problems, you can continue increasing the amount of new food and decreasing the amount of old food.

If your cat refuses to eat the new food or has digestive issues or allergy symptoms, you may need to go more slowly or consider switching to a different brand or formula of hydrolyzed protein cat food.

Offer small, frequent meals during the transition period to help your cat adjust to the new diet.

Consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns about your cat’s diet or if you notice any changes in your cat’s health during the transition.

It is important to be patient and allow your cat time to adjust to the new diet.

Are There any Side Effects to Cats eating hydrolyzed protein cat food?

Some cats may experience gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, when first transitioning to a hydrolyzed protein diet.

This is because their digestive system may need time to adjust to the new food. Just be aware of this when you are transitioning to the new diet.

If A Kitten Starts Eating Hydrolyzed Protein Do They Have To Always Eat Hydrolyzed Protein Cat Food?

It is generally safe for kittens to eat hydrolyzed protein cat food as a source of nutrition. Hydrolyzed protein can be a good option for kittens with food allergies or sensitivities, as it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than other protein sources.

Kittens have different nutritional needs than adult cats and may require a different balance of nutrients in their diet.

It is generally recommended that kittens be fed a diet specifically formulated for growth and development.

These diets are formulated to meet the higher protein and nutrient requirements of growing kittens.