Feline Hydrolyzed Protein HP Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 4, 2026
This is a veterinary prescription dry diet for adult cats that uses hydrolyzed soy protein, which is broken down into very small pieces to help reduce the chance of triggering food-related skin or digestive issues. It provides moderate protein and fat with brewers rice as the main carbohydrate source, along with added omega-3 fatty acids to support skin and gastrointestinal health. It is designed as a complete and balanced maintenance diet for adult cats under veterinary guidance.
A well-formulated veterinary prescription diet that is specifically designed for adult cats with suspected or confirmed food-related skin or digestive problems. The use of hydrolyzed soy protein is a proven strategy in managing many adverse food reactions, and the diet includes supportive fiber and omega-3 fats for gut and skin health. This is best suited for cats who need a hydrolyzed-protein diet as recommended by their veterinarian, rather than for healthy cats without these issues.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Uses hydrolyzed soy protein, which is often well-tolerated in cats with food sensitivities because the protein fragments are too small to be recognized by the immune system in many cases.
- Complete and balanced for adult maintenance according to AAFCO nutrient profiles, so it can be used as a sole diet for adult cats under veterinary supervision.
- Includes added omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and fish oil, which can help support skin and gastrointestinal health.
- Contains prebiotic fiber sources such as beet pulp and fructooligosaccharides to help support a healthy gut microbiome and stool quality.
Considerations
- Main protein source is soy rather than animal-based protein, which is appropriate for a hydrolyzed diet but may not be ideal for healthy cats who do not need this type of formula.
- Includes chicken fat and fish oil, which generally do not cause issues but could be relevant if a cat is extremely sensitive to poultry or fish components.
- Protein level is moderate rather than high, which is usually fine for most adult cats but may be lower than some higher-protein therapeutic or maintenance diets.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Brewer's Rice
Brewer’s rice is a milling byproduct of rice processing made up of small broken white rice kernels commonly used in pet foods as a highly digestible carbohydrate source, filler and binder that provides readily available energy for dogs and cats while contributing little protein, fat or fiber. It is generally gentle on the stomach and cost‑effective, but diets using it must supply other ingredients for essential nutrients; pet owners should note its relatively high glycemic load (relevant for weight or diabetic pets), the potential for trace environmental contaminants associated with rice, and not confuse it with brewer’s yeast.
02
Soy Protein
Soy protein is a concentrated plant-based protein commonly used in pet foods to boost protein content, improve texture and binding, and provide a cost-effective alternative to animal proteins. It supplies substantial protein for dogs and can be used in cat diets when formulas are properly balanced, but its amino-acid profile and digestibility are generally lower than animal proteins (often requiring supplementation such as taurine for cats), and some pets may have soy sensitivities or be affected by soy compounds, so diets with soy should be formulated and processed appropriately.
03
Chicken Fat
Chicken fat is used in dog and cat foods as a concentrated energy and flavor source that supplies essential fatty acids (notably linoleic acid) and aids absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins, improving palatability and supporting skin and coat health. Because it is calorie‑dense, diets must account for added fat to prevent weight gain, and quality (proper rendering and antioxidant protection to prevent rancidity) is important; although fats are less commonly allergenic than proteins, pets with poultry sensitivities may still react in some cases.
04
Cellulose Powder
Cellulose powder is an insoluble, plant-derived fiber commonly used in pet foods as a bulking agent, binder and calorie-diluting texturizer to help control weight and improve stool formation; it is not digestible by dogs or cats and contributes negligible energy or vitamins. While it can aid stool consistency and manufacturing performance, cellulose is non‑fermentable so offers little prebiotic benefit, and high inclusions can reduce palatability or displace nutrients—formulations, especially for cats with lower fiber tolerance, should be balanced accordingly.
05
Natural Flavor
Natural flavor is used primarily as a palatability enhancer in pet foods to improve taste and aroma and is not intended to provide significant nutrients, typically coming from concentrated extracts of meat, poultry, plant, or fermentation sources. While it can increase acceptance in picky dogs and cats, manufacturers are not required to disclose specific sources so pets with known sensitivities or allergies may react, and presence of natural flavor should not be taken as a guarantee of overall product quality.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
Royal Canin is a premium pet food brand offering highly specific diets tailored to different breeds, life stages, sizes, and health conditions of dogs and cats. The brand is known for its science-driven approach and collaboration with veterinarians and pet professionals.
Visit Royal CaninWSAVA publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer (qualified nutritionists, feeding trials, published research); it does not certify or endorse brands.
Manufacturer
Royal Canin operates manufacturing facilities globally with strict quality control processes and adheres to ISO certification standards. The company maintains full traceability of ingredients, follows HACCP principles, and complies with local and international pet food safety regulations including EU and FDA requirements.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Royal Canin Feline Hydrolyzed Protein HP Dry Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Royal Canin ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Royal Canin. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.