How to Develop Hypoallergenic Pet Food? Learn All the Details

Date: 25/06/2024

Introduction

Pet nutrition is a growing concern among pet owners, especially when it comes to pets with food sensitivities or allergies. Hypoallergenic pet foods emerge as an effective solution to minimize allergic reactions, promoting pets' health and well-being. This article explores the main ingredients used in hypoallergenic pet foods, their advantages, and how they contribute to a balanced diet for sensitive pets.

What are Hypoallergenic Pet Foods?

Hypoallergenic pet foods are formulated to reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions in pets. These foods avoid common ingredients that frequently cause allergies, substituting them with alternatives less likely to trigger adverse reactions. Ingredients like soy, wheat, corn, and certain types of meat are often eliminated or replaced with less allergenic protein and carbohydrate sources.

Common Ingredients in Hypoallergenic Pet Foods

Novel or Exotic Proteins

Examples: Lamb, rabbit, duck, venison, and fish are common in hypoallergenic pet foods.

Benefits: Since these ingredients are less common in traditional pet diets, the likelihood of food sensitivities is lower. Novel proteins are less likely to have been encountered by the pet’s immune system, reducing the chance of an adverse reaction.

Alternative Carbohydrates

Examples: Sweet potatoes, peas, lentils, and rice are often used instead of wheat, corn, or soy.

Benefits: Alternative carbohydrates are less likely to cause allergies and are more easily digestible. They also provide a sustainable source of energy and fiber, promoting digestive health.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Sources: Fish oil, flaxseed, and evening primrose oil.

Benefits: These essential fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation caused by allergies. They are also beneficial for the pet’s skin and coat.

Prebiotics and Probiotics

Function: Prebiotics and probiotics promote gut health, improving digestion and nutrient absorption.

Benefits: A healthy gut is crucial for overall immunity, helping to prevent allergic reactions and other digestive diseases.

Hydrolyzed Proteins

Example: BioActio Health & Performance Hydrolyzed Chicken Protein.

Definition and Functioning: Hydrolyzed proteins are proteins that have been broken down into smaller fragments through a chemical process. This process makes the proteins less recognizable to the pet’s immune system, reducing the chance of an allergic reaction.

Benefits: Besides reducing allergic reactions, hydrolyzed proteins are easy to digest, which benefits pets with sensitive digestive systems.

Learn About BioActio Hydrolyzed Proteins

BioActio Hydrolyzed Chicken Proteins are a functional ingredient, rich in bioactive peptides that promote maximum performance and health for aquaculture, swine farming, and pet food.

Made with fresh raw materials from BRF's 100% integrated supply chain, they are produced through enzymatic hydrolysis and provide:

Animal health: Bioactive peptides promote high digestibility and specific functionalities such as immunomodulatory, antihypertensive, and antioxidant activity, and contain 15% free amino acids and enhance palatability.

Hypoallergenicity: With smaller peptide chains, 100% below 3,000 Da, this protein source is hypoallergenic, reducing the likelihood of causing allergic reactions.

Yield and productivity: Bioactive peptides help improve nutrient metabolism, decreasing lipogenesis and improving protein deposition.

Feed conversion: Resulting from the potentiation of carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism in the feed.

Survival: Antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities in the bioactive peptides strengthen animal immunity.

Conclusion

Hypoallergenic pet foods play a crucial role in managing food allergies in pets. Ingredients such as BioActio hydrolyzed proteins, novel proteins, alternative carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, prebiotics, and probiotics are essential components of these foods, offering a balanced diet and being less likely to cause allergic reactions. Choosing suitable hypoallergenic pet foods can transform the quality of life for pets with food sensitivities, providing them with a healthier and happier life.