Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Feline Hydrolyzed Protein Adult Dry Cat Food, 17.6 lb Bag
Royal Canin · 17.6 lb · Cat
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Overview
Key features
- Features hydrolyzed soy proteins, broken into tiny peptides that are highly digestible and unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction.
- Formulated with specific nutrients to help reinforce the skin barrier, which is a crucial line of defense for cats with dermatological sensitivities.
- Contains a tailored complex of B vitamins and amino acids to support skin health from the inside out.
- Designed as a veterinary-exclusive diet for the nutritional management of adult cats with conditions like food allergies, food intolerances, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- This is a prescription diet that should only be fed under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Pros
- Serves as a critical tool for veterinarians conducting an elimination diet to identify the source of a cat's food allergies.
- The hydrolyzed protein base is scientifically proven to be effective in managing adverse food reactions, reducing common symptoms like itching and digestive upset.
- Formulated as a complete and balanced diet, allowing for long-term feeding to manage chronic conditions once a diagnosis is established.
- Produced by Royal Canin, a brand with decades of scientific research and a strong reputation in therapeutic pet nutrition.
Cons
- Requires a prescription or authorization from a licensed veterinarian to purchase, making it inaccessible for casual use.
- The price-per-pound is substantially higher than standard cat foods, reflecting its status as a specialized, therapeutic product.
- Some cats may find the unique flavor profile of a hydrolyzed diet less palatable than their previous food, potentially requiring a careful transition period.
- Specifically formulated for adult cats with particular health issues; it is not suitable for kittens, pregnant/nursing cats, or healthy adult cats.
Best for
This therapeutic food is intended for adult cats under veterinary care who have been diagnosed with or are suspected of having adverse food reactions. It is ideal for use during an elimination diet trial to pinpoint allergens or for long-term management of conditions like food allergies, food intolerance, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that benefit from a hydrolyzed protein source.
Feeding guide
As a veterinary diet, the feeding directions on the bag and your veterinarian's specific recommendations are paramount. A general guideline for adult cats is approximately 1/3 to 1/2 cup of food per 8-10 lbs of ideal body weight daily. This total portion should be divided into two or more meals to align with a cat's natural grazing behavior. Always monitor your cat's weight and body condition, adjusting the feeding amount as needed to maintain a lean physique. Constant access to fresh, clean water is essential.
Ingredients & nutrition note
The ingredient profile of a prescription diet like Royal Canin HP is purpose-driven. The central component is hydrolyzed soy protein, which is processed to be hypoallergenic. The recipe is built around this protein with a specific selection of carbohydrates, fibers, and essential nutrients designed to support digestive health and skin integrity. We do not publish the full ingredient list or guaranteed analysis; for the most accurate and complete information, please consult the product's packaging and discuss the formulation with your veterinarian.
Price comparison
Understanding the cost of this specialized diet is important. At $8.86 per pound for this 17.6 lb bag, the Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein formula is positioned at the premium end of the market. Across a sample of 139 medium-sized bags of dry cat food, the average price-per-pound is $4.75, with a median price of just $4.14. This product's higher cost is a direct reflection of its advanced formulation as a therapeutic veterinary diet, which involves significant research, development, and specialized ingredient processing far beyond that of standard maintenance foods.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need a veterinarian's authorization to buy this food?
Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein is a therapeutic diet designed to manage specific medical conditions. A veterinarian's diagnosis is essential to ensure this is the correct food for your cat's health needs and to rule out other issues. It is not intended for healthy pets.
What does 'hydrolyzed protein' actually mean?
Hydrolysis is a process that uses water to break down proteins into much smaller pieces (peptides and amino acids). These pieces are so small that the cat's immune system typically does not recognize them as allergens, preventing an allergic reaction.
Can my cat stay on this food long-term?
Yes, this food is formulated to be complete and balanced for adult cats, making it suitable for long-term feeding to manage chronic food sensitivities. You should always follow your veterinarian's recommendation for the duration of feeding.
How is this different from a 'limited ingredient' or 'sensitive stomach' food I can buy in a pet store?
Over-the-counter 'sensitive' diets typically use a novel, intact protein (like duck or venison). This veterinary diet uses a conventional protein (soy) that has been technologically altered to be hypoallergenic. This makes it a more reliable choice for true food allergies and for use in diagnostic elimination trials.
Is a 17.6 lb bag a good value?
While the initial cost is high, purchasing a larger bag size like this one often provides a lower cost-per-pound compared to smaller bags. For a cat that will be on this diet long-term, the 17.6 lb bag can be a more economical choice over time.
What if my cat refuses to eat this food?
Palatability can be a concern with specialized diets. It is crucial to transition your cat slowly from their old food to the new food over a period of 7-10 days. If your cat still refuses to eat it, you should consult your veterinarian for alternative strategies or diets.
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