Why is Quality Protein Superior to Hydrolyzed Protein?

Just like us, dogs need good nutrition to stay healthy and active. Protein is key in building muscles, supporting the immune system, and keeping their coat shiny. 

But, not all proteins are created equal.

If you’ve ever looked at the ingredients in your dog’s food, you’ve probably come across terms like “quality protein” and “hydrolyzed protein.” 

What do these labels mean? And, more importantly, which one is better for your furry friend?

What is Hydrolyzed Protein?

Hydrolyzed protein is a processed form of protein that has been broken down into smaller peptides and amino acids through a process called hydrolysis.

Unlike whole-food proteins, which keep their natural structure and complete nutrient profile, hydrolyzed proteins undergo extensive processing, often involving heat, chemicals, or enzymes to break them down into tiny fragments.

The main idea behind hydrolyzed protein is that by making the protein smaller, the immune system is less likely to recognize it as a potential allergen. That’s why it’s commonly used in specialized veterinary diets for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. 

While these diets serve a purpose, they often lack the full nutritional value and digestibility of high-quality whole proteins.

Why are Hydrolyzed Diets Recommended for Pets With Sensitivities?

Hydrolyzed diets are commonly recommended for pets with food sensitivities or autoimmune issues like chronic enteritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). These conditions can cause digestive distress, malabsorption of nutrients, and immune system overreactions to specific proteins. 

Since hydrolyzed proteins are broken down into smaller fragments, they are designed to bypass the immune response, reducing the likelihood of triggering an allergic reaction or gastrointestinal upset.

Veterinarians often suggest hydrolyzed protein diets for dogs struggling with chronic digestive issues, as these diets can temporarily relieve food-related sensitivities. However, the benefits come at a cost—hydrolyzed protein diets are highly processed and often contain excessive amounts of synthetic additives, lower-quality ingredients, and carbohydrates that may not support optimal long-term health.

While hydrolyzed diets can serve as a short-term solution, they do not address the root cause of food sensitivities or provide the same level of natural nutrition as whole, high-quality proteins. 

Quality Protein vs. Hydrolyzed Protein: 5 Key Differences

1. Processing

One of the most significant distinctions between hydrolyzed and quality proteins is how they are processed. 

Hydrolyzed proteins undergo extensive chemical processing to break them down into smaller peptides and amino acids. This process is meant to prevent immune system reactions but often strips the protein of its natural integrity and reduces its overall nutritional value.

High-quality proteins from fresh, whole food sources undergo minimal processing. This helps preserve their full range of essential nutrients, amino acids, and natural enzymes—which support muscle growth, immune health, and overall well-being. 

Because these proteins remain intact, they are more bioavailable, meaning your dog’s body can absorb and use them more effectively.

2. Nutritional Integrity

Hydrolyzed protein diets often contain low-quality ingredients that fail to meet optimal nutritional standards. Many major pet food brands use hydrolyzed protein sources that may not even meet AAFCO's minimum protein requirements. These diets often include synthetic additives, fillers, and carbohydrates that dilute the overall nutritional value.

On the other hand, high-quality protein sources—such as fresh meats, organs, and raw diets—provide essential nutrients, probiotics, and enzymes that support gut health, immunity, and muscle maintenance. Whole, natural proteins are far superior to their hydrolyzed counterparts in maintaining nutritional integrity.

3. Immune Response

Hydrolyzed protein is promoted as a solution for dogs with food allergies or digestive issues, but it doesn’t solve the root problem. Instead of addressing what’s causing the sensitivity, it simply breaks the protein down into smaller pieces, making the immune system less likely to recognize it as a trigger.

While this approach may temporarily reduce allergic reactions, it doesn’t necessarily improve a dog’s overall health. Many food sensitivities develop not because of the protein itself but due to prolonged exposure to highly processed, low-quality ingredients. 

By switching to a diet rich in high-quality, fresh protein sources, many food sensitivities can be managed naturally. Fresh, whole-food proteins provide better nutrition, support a stronger immune system, and can help naturally reduce food sensitivities over time.

4. Ingredient Sourcing

Hydrolyzed diets often rely on poor-quality ingredients, such as poultry byproduct meals or grain-based protein fillers. Some hydrolyzed protein sources, like hydrolyzed chicken liver powder, may be more digestible than low-quality poultry byproduct meal, but they still pale in comparison to whole, fresh animal proteins.

Quality protein sources come from real, identifiable meats such as beef, chicken, turkey, and fish. These ingredients provide complete amino acid profiles, are more bioavailable, and better support a dog’s long-term health. High-quality, minimally processed diets use responsibly sourced ingredients that align with a dog's natural dietary needs.

5. Digestibility

While hydrolyzed proteins are chemically processed to be easier to digest, they’re not the best choice for optimal gut health. Dogs rely on natural enzymes, probiotics, and whole-food nutrients to properly digest and absorb their food.

Fresh, high-quality proteins support digestion naturally by providing essential enzymes and bioavailable nutrients. These proteins also help maintain a balanced gut microbiome, reducing inflammation and improving overall health. 

Improve Your Dog’s Diet and Overall Health With Volhard Dog Nutrition!

Dogs thrive on fresh, biologically appropriate diets packed with real animal proteins, natural enzymes, and essential nutrients—exactly what Volhard Dog Nutrition is all about.

Many commercial dog foods rely on highly processed ingredients that strip away essential nutrients. Volhard, however, takes a different approach. Our proprietary single-step cold dehydration process ensures that your dog gets the most natural, nutrient-rich diet possible.

While hydrolyzed proteins can make digestion easier for some dogs, the downside is that this high level of processing depletes essential vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, leaving behind a product that lacks the full spectrum of nutrients that raw ingredients naturally provide.

Volhard preserves the integrity of raw ingredients through a low-temperature, single-step cold dehydration process. This technique maintains the natural aroma, flavor, and texture of whole-food ingredients while safely removing moisture. The result? A nutrient-dense, biologically appropriate raw food diet that supports optimal digestion, immune health, and overall vitality for your pup.

At Volhard, we believe in feeding dogs the way nature intended. Our minimally processed, high-quality protein diets are designed to support your dog’s immune system, digestion, and overall well-being. 

Volhard Dog Nutrition and its expert canine nutrition coaches offer online consultations to help more dog parents discover why and how to feed their dogs the healthiest foods!

Speaking to a Volhard canine nutrition coach will help you understand the inseparable relationship between healthy food, a healthy body, and a healthy mind. 

If you want to contact one of our Volhard canine nutrition coaches, don't hesitate to access our consultation page! 

References

1. Cave, Nicholas J. "Hydrolyzed protein diets for dogs and cats." Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, vol. 36, no. 6, Nov. 2006, pp. 1251–1268, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2006.08.008. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
   

2. Hsu, Clare, et al. "The effects of hydrolyzed protein on macronutrient digestibility, fecal metabolites and microbiota, oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers, and skin and coat quality in adult dogs." Journal of Animal Science, vol. 102, 1 Jan. 2024, https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skae057. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
   

3. Johansen, Kristina. "Facts on Hydrolysed (or Hydrolyzed) Protein Diets for Dogs." Elmo’s Kitchen, 26 Sept. 2024, www.elmoskitchen.com/dog-nutritionist/facts-on-hydrolysed-diets-for-dogs/. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
   

4. "What to Know about Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food." PetMD, www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/hydrolyzed-protein-dog-food. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.