Hydrolyzed Diets May Trigger Immune Response in Some Dogs

Hidden triggers in therapeutic diets: Although hydrolyzed protein diets are a common veterinary recommendation for managing canine food hypersensitivity, this study indicates that they may still contain peptides large enough to activate helper T-lymphocytes in certain dogs. Over 28% of tested dogs showed immune cell activation in response to these diets.

Breed and antigen link: Further analysis revealed that dogs reactive to poultry-related antigens were also likely to respond immunologically to hydrolyzed diets. This dual sensitivity raises concerns about the assumed hypoallergenicity of some commercial formulations, particularly those based on poultry derivatives.

Implications for treatment strategies: These findings underscore the importance of personalized diagnostics when managing food sensitivities in dogs. While hydrolyzed diets are still useful tools, veterinarians should monitor immune markers and clinical symptoms closely, especially in cases with incomplete response to elimination diets.