How Hydrolysed Dog Food Works
Standard dog food proteins — even high-quality ones — are made up of long amino acid chains. In dogs with food allergies or intolerances, the immune system identifies these chains as threats and mounts an inflammatory response. That is what drives the itching, loose stools, ear infections and skin flare-ups.
Hydrolysis breaks those protein chains down into peptides so small that the immune system no longer recognises them as allergens. The proteins are still nutritionally complete — your dog absorbs the same amino acids — but the allergenic trigger is removed at the molecular level.
Every recipe in this range uses freshly prepared hydrolysed protein as the primary ingredient, cooked using our Freshlock™ process at 82°C to preserve nutritional value without harsh high-temperature processing.
Our hydrolysed recipes have been tested in a live feeding study conducted by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Ghent University, measuring 95% protein digestibility. For context, most standard dry dog foods score between 75% and 82%. A digestibility score of 95% means almost all of the protein your dog eats is absorbed and used — rather than passing through as waste.
No Prescription Required
Most hydrolysed dog foods are only available through a vet, on prescription, at significantly higher prices. Ours are not.
Our hydrolysed recipes are complete, balanced and vet-approved to FEDIAF nutritional standards — available to buy directly, without a vet visit, without a prescription, and without ongoing veterinary fees. If your dog has already been assessed and a hydrolysed diet recommended, you can switch immediately. If you are trialling a hydrolysed diet because your dog has persistent symptoms that have not responded to standard grain-free food, you can do that too.
Not sure if hydrolysed is the right choice? Read: Hydrolysed Dog Food: The Complete Guide
Six Condition-Specific Recipes
Rather than a single one-size-fits-all hydrolysed recipe, we have developed six formulations targeting different presentations of food sensitivity:
- Digestive Care — for dogs with persistent loose stools, gas or digestive upset after eating
- Skin Allergies & Coat Support — for dogs with itchy skin, redness or a dull coat linked to dietary triggers
- Low Fat with Joint Support — for overweight dogs or those with joint issues alongside food sensitivity
- Hydrolysed Salmon — a novel protein option for dogs that have reacted to poultry-based diets
- Dental Health — supports oral health alongside the standard hydrolysed benefits
- Hydrolysed Sample Pack — try all five recipes before committing to a full bag
Not sure which recipe suits your dog's age? Read: Hydrolysed dog food by life stage — puppies, adults and seniors
Real Dogs, Real Results
Here is what owners have seen after switching to our hydrolysed range:
Mia — Digestive Care
“The change in her is very noticeable. More energy, shiny coat and, best of all, no runny stools or constipation!”
Mia had three months of persistent digestive issues before switching to Hydrolysed Digestive Care. Read Mia's full story →
Edith — Digestive Care
“Her overall wellbeing is much improved.” Her vet declined a follow-up blood test — Edith was doing so well it wasn't needed.
Edith, a Border Terrier, suffered frequent flare-ups including blood in stools before switching to Hydrolysed Digestive Care. Read Edith's full story →
Luna — Weight Control & Joint Support
“We are very happy we've found a product that Luna likes and that controls her condition so she is happier and healthier.”
Luna was diagnosed with Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE) — a serious condition causing severe protein loss through the gut. She was switched to Hydrolysed Weight Control & Joint Care with White Fish. Read Luna's full story →
Hydrolysed vs Grain Free vs Hypoallergenic — Which Does My Dog Need?
The three are often confused. Here is how they differ:
Grain free removes cereal grains (wheat, barley, corn) — a common trigger for mild sensitivity. A good first step for dogs with occasional digestive upset or itching.
Hypoallergenic goes further — reducing total allergen load, using controlled protein sources, and actively supporting the gut lining and skin barrier. The natural next step if grain free has not fully resolved symptoms. Browse our hypoallergenic range.
Hydrolysed is the most advanced option. Rather than controlling which proteins are present, it breaks them down at the molecular level so the immune system cannot identify them as allergens at all. If your dog has tried grain-free and hypoallergenic food and still shows symptoms, hydrolysed is the next step. It is also what vets mean when they recommend a protein elimination diet or food trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hydrolysed dog food?
Hydrolysed dog food uses proteins broken down by water and enzymes into very small peptide chains. Because these peptides are too small for the immune system to identify as allergens, they do not trigger the inflammatory response that causes food allergy symptoms such as itching, loose stools and recurring ear infections.
Can I buy hydrolysed dog food without a vet prescription?
Yes. Our hydrolysed range is available to buy directly without a prescription. All recipes are complete and balanced to FEDIAF nutritional standards and vet-approved for everyday feeding — but sold direct, so you pay for the food rather than the consultation.
How long does it take to see results on a hydrolysed diet?
Most dogs show noticeable improvement within 6 to 8 weeks on an elimination diet. Digestive changes are often visible within 2 to 3 weeks. Skin and coat improvements typically take longer — allow 8 to 12 weeks as the skin barrier rebuilds.
Is hydrolysed dog food suitable for all breeds?
Yes. Our hydrolysed recipes are formulated for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. The Low Fat with Joint Support recipe is particularly suited to larger breeds prone to weight gain or joint stiffness, and the Salmon recipe is useful for dogs that have previously reacted to poultry-based proteins.
Can dogs stay on hydrolysed food long-term?
Yes. Our hydrolysed recipes are complete and balanced for everyday long-term feeding. They are not a short-term therapeutic fix — they are designed to replace your dog's current food permanently if that is what suits your dog best.
What is the difference between hydrolysed dog food and prescription dog food?
Prescription hydrolysed dog food (such as Royal Canin Anallergenic or Hills z/d) requires a vet prescription and costs significantly more, partly because the prescription model adds a layer of cost. Our recipes use the same hydrolysed protein technology and meet the same FEDIAF complete nutrition standards — without the prescription requirement or the price premium.