Would you recommend Happy Scratch for my pet fed a hydrolyzed protein diet?
Introduction:
In the world of pet care, finding the right food for animals with food allergies can be a challenging task. Recently, we received an inquiry about Happy Scratch, a pork product, and its suitability for pets with food allergies fed a hydrolyzed diet. While we haven’t specifically studied this scenario, we believe that the choice depends on the specific food antigens to which the animal is allergic as Happy Scratch is a pork product.
Understanding allergies and dietary management:
Animals, like humans, can develop allergies to certain foods, leading to various clinical symptoms. Managing these symptoms often involves choosing an appropriate diet. If an animal’s clinical symptoms are effectively managed with a hydrolyzed diet, it might be prudent to avoid introducing new elements such as Happy Scratch, just to err on the side of caution. It’s essential to prioritize the well-being of our furry friends.
What is a hydrolyzed diet?
A hydrolyzed diet for pets is a specialized form of pet food designed to address food allergies and sensitivities. This type of diet undergoes a process called hydrolysis, which breaks down proteins into smaller fragments, known as peptides. The goal is to reduce the size of protein molecules to a level where they are less likely to trigger allergic reactions in pets. Common allergenic proteins found in traditional pet foods, such as chicken or beef, are broken down into smaller, less allergenic components. Hydrolyzed diets are often prescribed by veterinarians for pets with food-related issues, aiming to provide essential nutrients while minimizing the risk of allergic reactions, making them a valuable component of comprehensive allergy management in pets.
Scientific trials:
As of now, we have not received any reports of adverse reactions to Happy Scratch. However, anecdotal evidence is only part of the picture. To delve deeper, a clinical trial was conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Veterinary Hospital Dermatology service. The trial focused on dogs that were non-responsive to standard dermatitis treatments. Astonishingly, improvements in clinical symptoms were observed in 40% of patients fed Happy Scratch in this trial. Furthermore, studies performed in multiple species, including a safety trial conducted in dogs, showed no adverse reactions to Happy Scratch. This information provides additional reassurance regarding the product’s safety profile.
Conclusion:
Please see a summary of some of our Happy Scratch trial data on “The Science” page. The well-being of our pets is of utmost importance, and making informed decisions about their nutrition is a key aspect of responsible pet ownership.
