Mono-protein food for a dog / cat – what is it and when is it really?
When reading tips for dogs or cats or browsing online stores, we often see descriptions of food saying that it is “mono-protein” or “hypoallergenic”. Many owners wonder what these terms really mean, whether they are regulated by law and whether it is worth choosing such products for your pet. In this post, I will explain what mono-protein food is, how to distinguish it from other foods and dispel doubts related to the term “hypoallergenic”.
What is mono protein food?
A single protein food is a product in which the source of animal protein comes exclusively from one species of animal – whether it is meat or fish, there should be no other sources of animal protein. This means that if the manufacturer declares, for example, “mono-protein food with turkey”, then the meat, offal and any other ingredients of animal origin in the recipe should be exclusively from turkey – without the addition of chicken, beef or fish.
This makes it easier to control what protein goes into the dog’s body. This is especially important in the case of dogs with a sensitive digestive tract, intolerances or suspected food allergies, where we must exclude a specific type of protein.
When is food really mono-protein?
Not all foods labeled as “mono-protein” actually meet these conditions. Sometimes the name suggests mono-proteinity, and the composition includes, for example, fish oil, chicken fat, dried egg white, or other ingredients from another species. This already makes the product not strictly mono-protein. It should also be remembered that fat comes from a specific animal and if it has not been purified, it may contain fragments of animal protein, which is not recommended for our dog or cat.
Therefore, it is crucial to read the label carefully – the list of ingredients must indicate only one species of animal protein.
Hypoallergenic food – what does it mean?
“Hypoallergenic” is a term that suggests that the food has been formulated to minimize the risk of causing allergic reactions. This can mean different production strategies, m.in.:
- use of atypical protein sources or animal proteins considered non-allergenic (e.g. lamb, rabbit, game),
- the use of hydrolyzed proteins – i.e. those that have been “broken down” into smaller molecules, so that the dog’s body is less likely to recognize them as allergens,
- avoiding common allergens (chicken, beef, wheat, dairy).
Important: the word “hypoallergenic” itself is not legally protected or strictly defined in the regulations. The manufacturer can use it for marketing purposes, and the product does not have to be clinically tested for causing or not causing allergies. In some animals it can cause allergies, but in others it may not. Even in the case of veterinary foods based on hydrolyzed protein, they can cause allergic reactions in some animals.
Does mono protein food = hypoallergenic food?
Not in every case. Although mono-protein foods are often used in dogs with suspected allergies, not every mono-protein food is hypoallergenic.
- Monoprotein means one source of animal protein.
- Hypoallergenic means a lower risk of allergy, but it is not clearly related to monoprotein.
For example, food with lamb as the only source of protein can be both mono-protein and hypoallergenic – if the dog has not had contact with lamb before and is not allergic to it.
What do the regulations say?
In the European Union, pet food regulations regulate, among m.in, composition, safety and labelling. However:
- there is no legal definition of “mono-protein” or “hypoallergenic” food,
- Manufacturers can use these terms freely.
This means that the responsibility for the reliability of the declaration rests mainly with the manufacturer. That is why it is so important to choose products that clearly state the composition and do not hide the sources of protein. When choosing a food that contains meat and animal products, you don’t know which animal species the meat comes from.
Also, be sure to read the analytical composition on the labels.
When is it worth reaching for mono-protein food?
- In the case of food allergies and intolerances – a mono-protein diet helps in the so-called elimination diet, when we want to check which protein the dog reacts to.
- With a sensitive digestive system – limiting the amount of ingredients facilitates digestion.
- For fussy dogs – some dogs are better able to accept foods with a simple composition and a distinct taste of one type of meat.
Summary
- Mono-protein food is one that contains only one source of animal protein.
- Hypoallergenic food is a product that, in theory, is supposed to reduce the risk of allergies – but the lack of a strict legal definition means that this term is sometimes overused.
- Mono-protein food can be hypoallergenic, but not always. It all depends on the chosen source of protein and the individual reaction of the dog.
- There are no regulations that clearly define these terms – so it is crucial to consciously read labels and choose proven manufacturers.
- Also, be sure to read the analytical composition on the labels. For your dog or cat, products with a specific analytical composition may be indicated.