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Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food Review 2024: Recalls, Pros & Cons

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food Review

Our Final Verdict

We give Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein dog food a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

Royal Canin is a dog food brand that has developed formulas that target specific health issues with your pup. Although there are many issues this range can help with, we wanted to give you a closer look at one of the more popular formulas.

The Hydrolyzed Protein dog food is designed to keep your pet energetic and healthy without subjecting them to meats that could cause sensitivities or allergies that would affect their well-being. Additionally, the cuisine helps promote their overall well-being.

In the guide below, we will share all of our research on the formula and the brand itself. We will look into recalls, ingredients, and even what other customers think of the meals. Not only that, but we will go over how to get your hands on this product if you feel it is right for your pet.

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At a Glance: The Best Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food Recipes:

Image Product Details
Royal Canin Canine Urinary SO + Hydrolyzed Protein Royal Canin Canine Urinary SO + Hydrolyzed Protein
  • Highly digestible
  • Composed of low molecular weight peptides
  • Minimizes signs associated with food sensitivities
  • Royal Canin Hypoallergenic Hydrolyzed Protein Royal Canin Hypoallergenic Hydrolyzed Protein
  • Helps reduce itching
  • hair loss
  • and digestive issues
  • Supports overall skin health with essential nutrients
  • Manages digestive upset
  • Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Moderate Calorie Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Moderate Calorie
  • Uses hydrolyzed protein
  • Help calm the GI tract and aid in digestion
  • Moderate calorie content
  • Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Dog Treats Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Dog Treats
  • Helps reduce skin and GI reactions
  • Helps maintain a healthy urinary environment
  • Support healthy skin in dogs with skin sensitivity
  • Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food Reviewed

    Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein is a dog food that is available in both wet and dry varieties. It is designed to give your pet all the protein they need to remain active and healthy while eliminating the actual meat proteins that can cause digestive issues, skin sensitivities, and other issues.

    Before we go further into the details of this formula, however, let’s take a closer look at Royal Canin first.

    Who Makes Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein and Where Is It Produced?

    In 1968, a veterinarian named Dr. Jean Cathasry wanted to help dogs and cats by formulating a brand of pet food that would be based on scientific research and study. Pet food that would not be for the generalized public of pets, but a targeted and specific diet for your pup.

    As a result of that, Royal Canin was brought to the market, and it quickly went global with manufacturing facilities all over the world. Eventually bought out by Mars PetCare, Royal Canin still relies on professional research studies to formulate its products.

    Their US-based headquarters are located in Missouri, and they manufacture there, as well. They also source many of their ingredients in Missouri plus South Dakota, but it is unclear where the remainder of their ingredients come from.

    Which Types of Dogs Is Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Best Suited For?

    As mentioned, this formula was specifically designed for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to different proteins. Many pets can have trouble digesting heavy levels of protein, and in some cases, they can also develop skin rashes or other maladies that are tied to meat.

    This formula is part of Royal Canin’s Veterinary Diet line which means it will require a vet’s prescription before you feed it to your dog. You can buy this option through your pet’s doctor’s office, or you can purchase it from sites like Chewy.com. You will need to scan in a copy of the prescription, but the process is pretty quick and frustration-free.

    Besides that, this formula comes in a few different varieties, not to mention, you can choose from either a wet or dry recipe. The different meals are made for the above purposes but also help contain other issues, as well. Take a look at these options below.

    • Moderate calorie: This is an important recipe as it is meant for dogs that are overweight or are in danger of becoming so. They use fewer carbohydrates and other ingredients to keep the calorie count on the low side.
    • Multifunction satiety: This option is a step above the moderate calorie formula. It is designed for dogs that are obese. Not only does it have a lower calorie count, but it is also low-fat with fewer sugars, carbs, and other ingredients that can keep your pet unhealthy.
    • Urinary SO+: This particular recipe is formulated to prevent crystals from forming in the bladder which can cause a host of different health issues in your pet.
    • Multifunctional renal support: Besides keeping allergies at bay, this formula also promotes a healthy appetite with a stronger scent, and kidney health, as well.

    Which Types of Dogs Might Do Better with a Different Brand?

    The first thing we want to mention is this formula is more expensive. In fact, it is on the high side of dog products, in general. If you are on a budget, this might be a hard product to swing. Beyond that, Royal Canin is well-known for providing specific nutrition based on size, age, and breed.

    The Vet Diet line typically does not follow this dictate, however. Although, you can find it for small breeds and in treat form. Again, this is a food that will be prescribed by your vet, so if your pet is not the right age for the food, the brand does not have various options to choose from beyond the ones stated above.

    Finally, one of the main ingredients in the hydrolyzed protein chow is soy. Many dogs suffer from soy sensitivities, so caution is recommended before you opt for this brand. Note; we will dive deeper into the soy contents in a short while.

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    Nutritional Value

    Regardless of the formula’s intended purpose, the nutritional value is still an important factor. The AAFCO has mandated guidelines for nutritional value in pet food. Although the AAFCO does not have any authority to enforce their recommendations, advertising laws require that brands not add verbiage such as “AAFCO approved nutritional guidelines” unless it is true; which Royal Canin does.

    The AAFCO recommends that your dog consumes at least 18% protein per day. For fat, the recommendation is between 10 and 20%, while fiber is between 1 and 10% per day. When it comes to calories, your pet should consume 30 calories per pound of body weight.

    The below chart is based on the average nutritional values found in the different hydrolyzed protein formulas. It is also a combination of wet and dry options.

    • Protein: 28%
    • Fat: 7.5%
    • Fiber: 19.4%
    • Calories: 306 kcal

    As you can see, the nutritional values in this product are pretty basic with the notable exception of the fiber content. It is interesting to note how high the value is which leads us to believe it is helping the hydrolyzed protein pass through your dog’s system more quickly in an effort not to cause any other issues. Too much of this nutrient can cause bloating, diarrhea, and gas, however.

    A Quick Look at Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food

    Pros
    • Targets dog with digestive issues caused by protein
    • Helps with skin allergies from protein
    • Is available in other formulas
    • Decent nutritional value
    • Added vitamins and minerals
    Cons
    • Requires a prescription
    • Expensive
    • Questionable ingredients

    Ingredients Analysis

    Now that we have the basics out of the way, we want to go over the feature ingredients in this product to outline the benefits and drawbacks. First, all of the items in this line are made with hydrolyzed soy products. This is the protein substitute that is being used as it quickly absorbs into the digestive tract without enough time to cause a reaction.

    Soy can have some downfalls, as well, however. Many dogs have allergies to this product, plus it is typically not enough to give your pet their full amount of protein per day. Below, we have outlined some other ingredients that are meant to boost protein levels, plus a few that are noteworthy.

    • Pea starch: This is an ingredient that is not as closely related to their raw counterparts as you would think. When found in dog food, it is typically used as an inexpensive filler and protein booster.
    • Brewers rice: This is an ingredient that holds no nutritional value for your pet. It is fragments of white rice and is once again used as a filler.
    • Potatoes: This is not necessarily a bad ingredient, but in these formulas, it is first meaning it is the most concentrated. That is a lot of carbohydrates for your pet.
    • Vegetable oil: This is a low-benefit oil that can help your pet’s skin and coat to a degree, but can cause more harm than good.
    • FOS: This ingredient is used as a prebiotic, but it can cause stomach issues, plus little to no nutritional value.

    These are just a handful of ingredients you should watch out for in the formula. Lean proteins are the best source of energy for your pet. Some experts believe that lower amounts of these meats are more beneficial than higher levels of fillers even if your pet has a sensitivity issue.

    Besides those ingredients, there are some other items that are packed with value. You will also find ingredients such as:

    • Vitamins such as B, C, D, and E
    • Amino Acids
    • Omegas
    • Prebiotics
    • Taurine
    • Biotin
    • Fish Oil
    • Various minerals

    These things will support your dog’s digestive system, skin and coat, immune system, and overall well-being.

    Recall History

    Royal Canin has had three recalls in the United States since its launch in 1989. The first two are connected. In April and May of 2007, the brand voluntarily recalled over 20 recipes due to Melamine contamination. There were several Vet Diets included in the callback.

    The year previous to that, in 2006, there were several varieties of both their dog and cat formulas recalled due to elevated levels of vitamin D3. Keep in mind that these are recalls based on the USA’s FDA guidelines, and it is not an overview of any worldwide issues or recalls.


    boneWhat Other Users Are Saying

    A great way to get some genuine feedback about this product is by looking at comments made by other buyers. We have added some good ones below to give you a better idea of how other dogs have fared with this meal.

    Chewy.com

    “After dealing with horrible allergies in my two-year-old mixed breed and trying elimination diets, raw diets (which we love in this house!), etc., I decided to give this food a try because “Why not?” Stella no longer chews and scratches herself bloody, and has made marked improvements. After 7-8 weeks, this food has provided her with a quality of life again, and I could not be happier. My sweet girl feels good again, and thanks to this food, she isn’t miserable anymore! One of the best decisions I have ever made.”

    Chewy.com

    “My rescue pit has had so many ear infections in the last 5 years and we have probably spent a couple of thousand dollars for doctor visits and medicine. On the advice of our vet, we put him on this food. He loves it and after 2 months he finally is free of ear infections. We are going to keep him on it for a while longer and then investigate what foods we can add back in. So great that my poor dog doesn’t shake his head all the time and isn’t in pain anymore. Expensive but worth it.”

    Customer reviews and opinions would not be complete without Amazon reviews, however. Although you cannot purchase this formula directly through their site, it does not stop people from spreading their comments. Take a look at the comments here.

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    Conclusion

    We hope you’ve gained some valuable information from our review of Royal Canin’s Hydrolyzed Protein dog food. Remember, this is an option that should be vet-approved before you feed it to your pet. If you have any questions about the diet, your veterinarian can help you figure out what is the best course of action.

    Overall, this formula can be a good option for dogs with serious allergies and sensitivities to meat products. Keep in mind though, healthy proteins are the most important ingredient in your pet’s diet, so you want to be careful in what you provide them in lieu of this nutrient.

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