Best Hydrolyzed Protein Cat Food of 2026

Janie Foster Avatar
Janie Foster
Last Updated: Jan 30, 2026

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Hydrolyzed protein cat food is a specialized dietary option designed to cater to the unique needs of cats with food allergies or sensitivities. This type of cat food undergoes a process called hydrolyzation, which breaks down the proteins into smaller components, making them easier for cats to digest and reducing the likelihood of triggering an allergic response. These formulas often use novel protein sources, such as duck or venison, to minimize the risk of common allergens. Hydrolyzed protein cat food can be a beneficial choice for cats with specific dietary requirements, promoting their overall health and well-being.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Purina Pro Plan HA Hydrolyzed Feline Formula Dry Cat Food Cover #TOP 1
Purina Pro Plan HA Hydrolyzed Feline Formula Dry Cat Food
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Blue Buffalo HF Hydrolyzed Wet Cat Food, Salmon, 5.5-oz. Cans (24 Count) Cover #TOP 2
Blue Buffalo HF Hydrolyzed Wet Cat Food, Salmon, 5.5-oz. Cans (24 Count)
ftb score rating icon 9.7
HILL'S PRESCRIPTION DIET z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Wet Cat Food, 24-Pack Cover #TOP 3
HILL'S PRESCRIPTION DIET z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Wet Cat Food, 24-Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 6 Hydrolyzed Protein Cat Food

#TOP 1

Purina Pro Plan HA Hydrolyzed Feline Formula Dry Cat Food

00038100145410
Other
4 Pound (Pack of 1)
Purina Pro Plan HA Hydrolyzed Feline Formula Dry Cat Food Cover
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Feline Formula Dry Cat Food - 4 lb. Bag

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Feline Formula Dry Cat Food is a high-quality dry cat food designed for cats with food sensitivities or allergies. The formula contains hydrolyzed protein sources, which are broken down into smaller components to make them easier to digest. This helps promote optimal nutrient absorption and reduces the risk of adverse reactions. The food also features a single carbohydrate source, further minimizing the potential for allergic reactions. With its highly digestible formula, Purina HA Hydrolyzed Cat Food provides a convenient and reliable option for cat owners looking to address their feline companions' dietary needs. The high-quality protein content ensures that cats receive the essential nutrients they need for overall health and well-being.

What We Like
Designed for cats with food sensitivities
Hydrolyzed protein for optimal nutrient absorption
Single carbohydrate source to minimize allergic reactions
#TOP 2

Blue Buffalo HF Hydrolyzed Wet Cat Food, Salmon, 5.5-oz. Cans (24 Count)

801463
Blue Buffalo HF Hydrolyzed Wet Cat Food, Salmon, 5.5-oz. Cans (24 Count) Cover
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance Wet Cat Food, Veterinarian's Prescription Required, Salmon, 5.5-oz. Cans (24 Count)

This Blue Buffalo Wet Cat Food, known as Blue Buffalo Wet Cat Food, features hydrolyzed salmon as the main ingredient, aiding in better digestion. The formula is designed for food intolerance, supported by Omega 3 fatty acids for skin and coat health. It includes ST-O-NE GUARD to prevent urinary stones. Made without poultry by-products, corn, wheat, or soy, this natural cat food is wholesome and healthy for your pet.

What We Like
Main ingredient: hydrolyzed salmon
Formulated for food intolerance
Supports skin and coat health
#TOP 3

HILL'S PRESCRIPTION DIET z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Wet Cat Food, 24-Pack

HILL'S PRESCRIPTION DIET z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Wet Cat Food, 24-Pack Cover
Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Hydrolyzed Wet Cat Food, Veterinary Diet, 5.5 oz. Cans, 24-Pack

HILL'S z/d Wet Cat Food is a canned cat food that helps with food sensitivities and skin irritation. This food is formulated by Hill's nutritionists and veterinarians to support your cat's health. The hydrolyzed animal protein in the food is designed to avoid common food allergens and promote a healthy skin barrier. Additionally, natural fiber is included to help normalize stool. This food is a great option for cats with food sensitivities and skin issues. As the #1 US Vet Recommended therapeutic pet food, consult with your vet to make sure HILL'S z/d Wet Cat Food is the right choice for your cat.

What We Like
Avoids common allergens
Promotes healthy skin barrier
Normalizes stool

Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Cat Food

7905
White
4 Pound (Pack of 1)
Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Cat Food Cover
Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Hydrolyzed Dry Cat Food, Veterinary Diet, 4 lb. Bag

Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Cat Food is specially formulated to avoid causes of food sensitivities. It helps remove food related causes of skin irritation and promotes a healthy skin barrier. The very tasty hydrolyzed animal protein is designed to help avoid common food allergens. Additionally, it contains natural fiber to help normalize stool. Hill's Prescription Diet z/d is the US Vet Recommended therapeutic pet food, so it is always recommended to consult with your vet to make sure it is the right food for your cat.

What We Like
Avoids food sensitivities
Removes skin irritation causes
Promotes a healthy skin barrier
#TOP 5

Purina Pro Plan HA Hydrolyzed Feline Formula Dry Cat Food

00038100145649
Other
8 Pound (Pack of 1)
Purina Pro Plan HA Hydrolyzed Feline Formula Dry Cat Food Cover
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Feline Formula Dry Cat Food - 8 lb. Bag

Purina Pro Plan HA Hydrolyzed Feline Formula Dry Cat Food is a high-quality dry cat food designed to promote optimal nutrient absorption for your feline friend. With its hydrolyzed protein sources and single carbohydrate source, this formula is highly digestible, making it easier for your cat to absorb the essential nutrients it needs. The high-quality protein in this cat food helps support your cat's overall health and wellbeing. Whether your cat has specific dietary needs or you simply want to provide them with a nutritious meal, Purina Pro Plan HA Hydrolyzed Feline Formula Dry Cat Food is a convenient and beneficial choice.

What We Like
Effective for food sensitivities
Improves digestive health
Helps with skin allergies
Palatable for picky eaters
Hydrolyzed protein formulation
#TOP 6

Hill's z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Cat Food

Hill's z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Cat Food Cover
Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Hydrolyzed Dry Cat Food, Veterinary Diet, 8.5 lb. Bag

Hill's z/d Cat Food is a dry cat food specially formulated to support your cat's skin and food sensitivities. This product is made with highly hydrolyzed single animal protein and single carbohydrate source to help avoid skin and digestive signs from adverse food reactions. It promotes a healthy skin barrier and natural fiber to help normalize stool. With this product, you can provide your cat with the necessary nutrients to maintain a healthy lifestyle while avoiding discomfort from food sensitivities.

What We Like
Supports skin & food sensitivities
Avoids adverse food reactions
Healthy skin barrier
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our hydrolyzed protein cat food research, we found 24 hydrolyzed protein cat food products and shortlisted 6 quality products. We collected and analyzed 17,783 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hydrolyzed protein cat food list. We found that most customers choose hydrolyzed protein cat food with an average price of $30.93.

The hydrolyzed protein cat food are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hydrolyzed protein cat food, including Pro Plan Veterinary Diets, Blue Buffalo, HILL'S PRESCRIPTION DIET. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Janie Foster Avatar

Janie Foster is a writer & pet blogger from Los Angeles, she enjoys living with her two cats and three dogs. She owned her first dog 10 years ago and then started her personal blog to record her dog's daily life. Throughout her personal life, she has developed specialized knowledge in pet care, pet nutrition, feeding habits, and more.