Understanding the Difference: Derm Complete vs. Hydrolyzed Diets
When managing a dog’s allergies, veterinarians often recommend either a hydrolyzed protein diet or a novel protein diet. While both aim to reduce allergic reactions, their methods are fundamentally different. Derm Complete falls into the novel protein category, using egg as its single animal protein source.
A hydrolyzed protein diet involves breaking down proteins into tiny components, called peptides and amino acids, that are too small for the immune system to recognize and react to. This effectively 'hides' the protein from the body's immune response. Hydrolyzed diets are primarily used for diagnostic food trials to pinpoint the exact food allergen, or for pets with severe or multiple food allergies where intact proteins are a high risk. Hill's offers a truly hydrolyzed diet called z/d.
In contrast, a novel protein diet, like Derm Complete, relies on a protein source that the dog has likely never encountered before, making an allergic reaction unlikely. Since most food allergies develop over time with repeated exposure, introducing a brand-new protein can effectively avoid an immune response. Derm Complete utilizes egg, a protein that is a very uncommon allergen for dogs.
The Unique Approach of Derm Complete
Beyond simply being a novel protein diet, Derm Complete features the proprietary Histaguard Complex, a unique blend of bioactives and phytonutrients. This complex is designed to address a dog's response to environmental allergens, which are the more common culprits behind allergic skin disease.
How the Histaguard Complex Works
The Histaguard Complex functions by normalizing the immune system's reaction to environmental irritants. Allergies, whether food-related or environmental, are a result of the immune system overreacting. By using this blend, Derm Complete helps dampen the overall immune response that leads to scratching, itching, and inflammation. This means it provides comprehensive support for dogs with concurrent food and environmental allergies, simplifying the management process for pet owners.
The Benefits of Derm Complete
- Visible skin improvement: In dogs with food sensitivities, visible skin healing can be seen in as little as 21 days.
- Reduced scratching: Owners have reported a reduction in night scratching and improved sleep quality for their dogs.
- Support for the skin barrier: High levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help support a healthy skin barrier, which acts as a defense against environmental irritants year-round.
- Urinary health support: The diet also features S+OXSHIELD, which promotes a urinary environment that reduces the risk of struvite and calcium oxalate crystal formation.
Comparison: Derm Complete vs. Hydrolyzed Diet
| Feature | Derm Complete | Hydrolyzed Diets |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Limited ingredient, intact novel protein (egg) | Protein is broken down into small peptides and amino acids |
| Primary Use Case | Management of food and environmental allergies | Elimination trials to diagnose food allergies; severe or complex cases |
| Manufacturing | Limited ingredient formula, but proteins are intact | Proteins are enzymatically broken down into smaller components |
| Targeted Support | Contains Histaguard Complex for environmental allergies | Focuses primarily on avoiding food-based immune reactions |
| Common Allergens | Avoids most common allergens like chicken and beef | Can use commonly allergenic proteins like chicken or soy because they are broken down |
| Palatability | Made with palatable ingredients | Taste can sometimes be less appealing to pets |
Making the Right Choice with Your Vet
When a dog suffers from allergies, whether food-related, environmental, or both, Derm Complete offers a clinically tested nutritional solution to simplify management. Because it addresses both common allergy types, it can be a highly effective, long-term option for dogs with concurrent sensitivities. However, for a proper diagnosis of food allergies, a food elimination trial using a hydrolyzed diet like Hill's z/d may be necessary first. A veterinarian can help determine the best approach, whether it's a diagnostic trial or direct transition to a long-term management diet like Derm Complete.
Conclusion: A Novel, Not Hydrolyzed, Solution
In summary, Derm Complete is not a hydrolyzed diet. It is a prescription diet that uses a novel, limited-ingredient protein source (egg) to avoid adverse food reactions while also featuring the Histaguard Complex to manage a dog's response to environmental allergens. This dual-action approach makes it a valuable tool for veterinarians and a practical solution for pet owners managing their dog's year-round allergies. While hydrolyzed diets have their place in diagnostic testing, Derm Complete offers a comprehensive management strategy for dogs with both food and environmental sensitivities. The choice between a novel protein and a hydrolyzed diet should always be made in consultation with a veterinary professional to ensure the best outcome for the dog's specific health needs.
What are some of the other diets offered by Hill's?
In addition to Derm Complete, Hill's offers several other specialized diets to address various pet health concerns, often requiring a veterinarian's prescription. These include Hill's Prescription Diet d/d for food sensitivities, Hill's Prescription Diet z/d for highly suspected or diagnosed food allergies needing a hydrolyzed approach, and Hill's Prescription Diet Derm Defense, which is specifically formulated for environmental allergies with the Histaguard Complex. Understanding the differences between these options, particularly the distinction between Derm Complete's novel protein approach and z/d's hydrolyzed formula, is essential for informed decision-making regarding a pet's long-term health and wellness. Ultimately, the correct diet choice hinges on an accurate veterinary diagnosis of the underlying cause of a dog's allergies.
Visit a veterinary professional to discuss the best nutritional plan for your pet's allergies
A Quick Recap of Derm Complete's Allergy Management
For dogs struggling with both food and environmental sensitivities, Derm Complete offers a single dietary solution. Its use of a novel protein helps avoid food-based reactions, while its proprietary Histaguard Complex supports the immune system's response to environmental triggers. This makes it a comprehensive tool for long-term allergy management. A veterinarian can guide pet owners on whether this diet, or a different specialized formula, is the most appropriate course of action based on a dog's specific diagnosis and symptoms.
