Features
- Hydrolyzed salmon as the first ingredient and only animal protein
- Mean molecular weight of 2kDa
- 97.3% of proteins less than 10kDa2
- Appropriate protein levels to support skin healing and hair regrowth
- ELISA performed on base ingredients and final diet to assure no cross-contamination
- Mixed fiber sources to support a variety of gastrointestinal conditions
- Elevated levels of EPA and DHA
ST-O-ne GUARD formulated to manage urolithiasis1
Recommended For
Dermatologic
- Chronic Otitis Externa
- Cutaneous Adverse Food Reactions (CAFR)
- Eosinophilic Granulomatous Disease
- Chronic Non-Seasonal Pruritic Dermatitis
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Pruritic Dermatitis
Gastrointestinal
- Diet-Responsive Chronic Enteropathy
- Intestinal Dysbiosis
- Colitis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- PROBLEM
Disease State Education
Often times the ingredient exclusions in a diet are just as important as the inclusions. This is essential in cases of true food allergies as well as food intolerance.
Food hypersensitivity (allergy) is the term used to describe the clinical disease induced by food ingestion in which there is an immunological reaction. This response is typically due to IgE-mediated type I hypersensitivity; however, types III and IV also are highly suspected.1 The immunological reaction is usually attributed to dietary water-soluble glycoproteins that have molecular weights ranging from 10 to 70 kDa.2, 3
Food intolerance (also known as food sensitivity) is the term used for an adverse reaction to food due to a non-immunological abnormal physiological response. Digestive enzyme deficiencies, garbage ingestion, vasoactive amines, contaminants such as bacteria, and metabolic, toxic, idiosyncratic or pharmacological effects of foods or food additives all can contribute to food intolerance.1, 4, 5
In a clinical setting, food allergy and food intolerance are rarely differentiated and frequently respond to a similar dietary approach. Because the precise immunologic processes of most adverse food reactions are usually not known4, 6, 7, on a practical level, the phrase adverse food reactions (AFR) is used to reference both conditions.
Common presenting complaints and clinical findings include pruritus, especially of the face and head, eosinophilic granuloma complex, miliary dermatitis, GI disease such as vomiting, diarrhea, and more subtle signs. Uncommonly, a food allergic patient may experience anaphylaxis, asthma, conjunctivitis, hypersalivation, and nasal discharge. Due to persistent exposure to the offending antigen, clinical signs are typically nonseasonal, but may be exasperated by concurrent atopic dermatitis.
Protein Hydrolysates
In cases of suspected or diagnosed adverse food reactions, hydrolyzed protein sources, or protein hydrolysates, are a mainstay of treatment. In fact, studies have shown that 50% to 80% of dogs allergic to intact proteins have clinically improved when fed foods with protein hydrolysates.8, 9, 10 Such proteins are hydrolyzed into smaller molecular weights sufficient to avoid detection by the immune system. Hydrolyzation methods include enzymatic, chemical, and thermal processing.
Avoiding Common Allergens
Since allergies are inappropriate or abnormal reactions of the immune system against a normal protein, allergies can form to any protein. The most common food allergens are proteins with a molecular weight between 10 kDa and 70 kDa.2, 3 Smaller proteins are normally too little to elicit an immune reaction, while larger proteins cannot normally access the body across the GI mucosa. The most commonly identified food allergens in cats are listed below. Reactions to carbohydrate sources, such as corn, rice and potato, have been reported but appear to be much less common.10
BLUE HF is routinely ELISA and PCR tested to detect the presence of common protein contaminants.
Most Commonly Identified Food Allergens in Cats6
Beef
Dairy
Chicken
Wheat
Lamb
Corn
Fish
Enhanced Digestibility
The use of highly digestible proteins has long been recommended for managing food allergies. Hydrolysis of a protein enhances digestive efficiency and studies show that BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ HF is highly digestible as well as results in ideal stool quality.12
- EVIDENCE
BLUE Clinical Data
- EVIDENCE
BLUE Clinical Data
- 1. Finished Product ELISA-TEK™ Antigen Testing
- 2. AAFCO Feeding Trials16
- 3. Protein Polypeptide Hydrolysates Molecular Weight Analysis
- 4. Urine Relative Supersaturation (RSS) Evaluation
- 5. Nutrient Analysis And Digestibility
- 6. Determining Stool Quality
Finished Product ELISA-TEK™ Antigen Testing
Purpose
Ensure that BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance dry formula does not contain other common protein sources that might elicit an immune response.
Study Design
Samples of BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance finished product from every production run are subjected to protein contaminant testing by commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA-TEK™.13 This highly sensitive testing is designed to detect the presence of common food protein sources including beef, poultry, egg and soy. Test samples are also collected throughout the production run to verify each run prior to release and to validate the effectiveness of steps taken in the manufacturing process, such as equipment cleanout and burnout (a high-heat process to sterilize the equipment), before and after each manufacturing run.
Results12
This testing continues to show results that meet Blue Buffalo’s strict standards for evidence of contaminating proteins prior to release of the finished product and validates the manufacturing cleanout procedures. In summary, by utilizing salmon as the protein source for hydrolysis, BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ HF uniquely addresses both nutritional approaches for AFR: protein hydrolysis AND avoidance of common food allergens. This combined benefit of a novel protein source and a low molecular weight helps reduce the risk of immune responses or other adverse reactions to food.
AAFCO Feeding Trials16
Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance provides complete and balanced nutrition for maintenance of adult dogs and cats.
Clinical Impact
The studies discussed in this Clinical Report provide evidence supporting the molecular weight analysis, antigen testing, digestibility, ideal stool scores, RSS for urinary health, and clinical study of efficacy in dogs with CAFR for BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ HF. These findings support that BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance provides an ideal approach to nutritionally manage pets with adverse food reactions while satisfying pet owner preferences for quality, natural ingredients.
Protein Polypeptide Hydrolysates Molecular Weight Analysis
Purpose
To show that BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance is formulated to reduce the risk of immune responses, with highly hydrolyzed salmon protein as the sole animal protein source.
Study Design
Salmon hydrolysate intended for use in BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance formulas is regularly subjected to molecular weight analysis by conventional testing methodology at AGROBIO Laboratories.11
Results12
The majority of the protein hydrolysis products from the salmon hydrolysate in BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance have a mean molecular weight of 2 kDa or less. 78.2% of the water-soluble peptides in the salmon hydrolysate ingredient sample had a molecular weight of 2 kDa or less. 97.3% of the water-soluble peptides in the salmon hydrolysate ingredient sample had a molecular weight of 10 kDa or less.
Urine Relative Supersaturation (RSS) Evaluation
Purpose
To show that feeding BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ HF foods can result in clinically significant urine RSS values to help manage urolithiasis.
Study Design
Two groups of adult dogs (n=10 each for Canine RSS Studies 1 and 2) and 2 groups of adult cats (n=10 each for Feline RSS Studies 1 and 2) were enrolled in the studies. All animals selected were clinically healthy. Animals were maintained in standard, species-appropriate housing and managed consistently during the study, including providing access to activity/exercise. The study protocols were reviewed and approved by the research facility’s institutional animal care and use committee. Animals were fed the species appropriate dry BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance food for 23 days. An amount of food calculated to maintain body weight was offered once daily and available for 1 hour for dogs and for 20 hours for cats. On day 22, a 24-hour urine sample was collected from each animal using a metabolism cage with a urine collection system for dogs and a specialized litter box for cats. From that sample, urine pH was measured via pH meter and 2 aliquots were frozen and shipped to The University of Tennessee for RSS analysis.15 Those aliquots included a 1-ml sample that was diluted with 1.5 ml 1N HCl, and a 10- to 15-ml sample placed in a sterile container. For the RSS analysis, urine sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, citrate, oxalate, ammonia, pH, creatinine, and uric acid were measured.
Results16
Feeding BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance dry formula for dogs and canned formula for cats resulted in a struvite RSS of <1, indicating these diets are appropriate for both prevention and dissolution of struvite urolithiasis. BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet HF dog canned formula, and dry cat formula resulted in struvite RSS <2.5, indicating these formulas are appropriate for prevention of struvite urolithiasis. BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet HF dog dry and canned, as well as cat dry and canned formulas all resulted in calcium oxalate RSS values less than 10, indicating that these formulas are appropriate for the prevention of calcium oxalate urolithiasis.
Nutrient Analysis And Digestibility
Purpose
Demonstrate that BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance dry formula is a highly digestible.
Study Design
Three groups of adult dogs (n=6 each for Canine Digestibility Studies 1, 2 and 3) and 3 groups of adult cats (n=7 each for Feline Digestibility Studies 1, 2 and 3) from a commercial research facility were enrolled in the studies. All animals selected were clinically healthy. Animals were individually fed the species-appropriate BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance dry diet once daily as their sole source of nutrition for 10 days. Animals were maintained individually in standard, species-appropriate housing and managed consistently during the study, including providing access to activity/exercise. Food consumption was monitored daily and body weights were recorded on days 1 through 6 and on day 10. On the last day of the study, a fecal sample from each animal as well as a sample of BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance diet was sent to a commercial laboratory for nutrient analysis. The results of these analyses were used to calculate digestibility values, including dry matter digestibility. Digestibility analysis was performed according to the recommended protocol for use in the determination of metabolizable energy of pet food as defined by AAFCO.14
Results12
Mean results from three studies in each species showed that BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance dry formulas are highly digestible.
Determining Stool Quality
Purpose
These 5 studies were conducted to show that feeding BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance dry formula would result in ideal stool quality (fecal consistency) in healthy dogs and cats.
Study Design
Three groups of adult dogs and 2 groups of adult cats (n=10 each for Canine Stool Quality Studies 1, 2 and 3 and for Feline Stool Quality Studies 1 and 2) were enrolled in the studies. All animals selected were clinically healthy. Animals were individually fed the species-appropriate BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance dry diet once daily as their sole source of nutrition for 7 days. For cats, diets were made available over a 4-hour period. Animals were maintained individually in standard, species-appropriate housing and managed consistently during the study, including providing access to activity/exercise. Food consumption was monitored daily and body weights were recorded prior to study initiation and on study days 1, 3 and 5. Stool quality observations were made at least twice daily and scores were recorded. The scoring scale ranged from 1 for diarrhea to 5 for hard, dry crumbly feces and was aided by photographs of examples. In this study, a stool score between 3 and 4 is considered to represent ideal fecal consistency for dogs and cats.
Results12
Overall, feeding dry BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance dry formulas in both dog and cat studies resulted in stools characterized as between moist, formed (score of 3) and well-formed, sticky (score of 3.5), which are considered ideal in dogs and cats.
Nutritional Information
Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance for Cats provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult maintenance.
Nutritional Analysis
| Nutrient | As-Fed (Average) |
Dry Matter Basis (Average) |
Per 100 kcals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 34.54% | 37.14% | 9.29 g |
| Crude Fat | 15.39% | 16.55% | 4.14 g |
| Carbohydrate (NFE) | 36.83% | 39.60% | 9.91 g |
| Crude Fiber | 2.95% | 3.17% | 0.79 g |
| Total Dietary Fiber | 6.70% | 7.20% | 1.80 g |
| Insoluble Fiber | 6.36% | 6.84% | 1.71 g |
| Soluble Fiber | 1.32% | 1.42% | 0.36 g |
| Ash | 6.57% | 7.06% | 1.77 g |
| Calcium | 0.77% | 0.83% | 0.21 g |
| Phosphorus | 0.67% | 0.72% | 0.18 g |
| Sodium | 0.50% | 0.54% | 0.13 g |
| Chloride | 0.93% | 1.00% | 0.25 g |
| Potassium | 1.00% | 1.08% | 0.27 g |
| Magnesium | 0.10% | 0.11% | 0.03 g |
| Iron | 224.00 mg/kg | 240.86 mg/kg | 6.03 mg |
| Copper | 19.40 mg/kg | 20.86 mg/kg | 0.52 mg |
| Manganese | 19.48 mg/kg | 20.95 mg/kg | 0.52 mg |
| Zinc | 113.42 mg/kg | 121.96 mg/kg | 3.05 mg |
| Iodine | 2.36 mg/kg | 2.54 mg/kg | 0.06 mg |
| Selenium | 0.43 mg/kg | 0.46 mg/kg | 0.01 mg |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 2.17% | 2.33% | 0.58 g |
| DHA | 0.28% | 0.30% | 0.08 g |
| EPA | 0.22% | 0.24% | 0.06 g |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.78% | 2.99% | 0.75 g |
| Linoleic Acid | 2.72% | 2.92% | 0.73 g |
| Arachidonic Acid | 0.03% | 0.03% | 0.01 g |
| Taurine | 0.40% | 0.43% | 0.11 g |
| L-Carnitine | 300.32 mg/kg | 322.92 mg/kg | 8.08 mg |
| Vitamin C | 175.18 mg/kg | 188.37 mg/kg | 4.71 mg |
| Vitamin E | 600.63 IU/kg | 645.84 IU/kg | 16.16 IU |
| Vitamin A | 22390.23 IU/kg | 24075.52 IU/kg | 602.37 IU |
| Vitamin D3 | 1892.54 IU/kg | 2034.99 IU/kg | 50.92 IU |
| Glucosamine | 1064.44 mg/kg | 1144.56 mg/kg | 28.64 mg |
| Chondroitin | 1044.40 mg/kg | 1123.01 mg/kg | 28.10 mg |
Metabolizable Energy
| kcal/cup | 430 |
| Grams/cup | 108 |
| kcal/kg (ME Calculated) | 3,717 |
| % ME from Protein | 32 |
| % ME from Fat | 34 |
| % ME from Carbohydrates | 34 |
Feeding Guidelines
| 5 to 9 lbs. | ¼ - ½ cup* |
| 10 to 14 lbs. | ½ - 1 cup* |
*Use standard 8-oz. measuring cup.
Ingredients
Salmon Hydrolysate, Peas, Potatoes, Pea Starch, Canola Oil (source of Omega-6 Fatty Acids), Pea Protein, Flaxseed, Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Sulfate, Fish Oil (source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids), Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, DL-Methionine, Pumpkin, Dried Kelp, Calcium Chloride, Salt, Dried Chicory Root, Taurine, Potassium Sulfate, L-Threonine, Vitamin E Supplement, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, L-Tryptophan, Potassium Chloride, L-Carnitine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.
BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ HF Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance for Cats is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for adult maintenance.
Nutritional Analysis
| Nutrient | As-Fed (Average) |
Dry Matter Basis (Average) |
Per 100 kcals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 11.90% | 42.82% | 11.55 g |
| Crude Fat | 2.69% | 9.68% | 2.61 g |
| Carbohydrate (NFE) | 11.00% | 39.58% | 10.68 g |
| Crude Fiber | 0.24% | 0.86% | 0.23 g |
| Total Dietary Fiber | 1.20% | 4.32% | 1.17 g |
| Insoluble Fiber | 1.08% | 3.89% | 1.05 g |
| Soluble Fiber | 0.12% | 0.43% | 0.12 g |
| Ash | 1.97% | 7.09% | 1.91 g |
| Calcium | 0.29% | 1.04% | 0.28 g |
| Phosphorus | 0.26% | 0.94% | 0.25 g |
| Sodium | 0.17% | 0.61% | 0.17 g |
| Chloride | 0.31% | 1.12% | 0.30 g |
| Potassium | 0.39% | 1.40% | 0.38 g |
| Magnesium | 0.02% | 0.07% | 0.02 g |
| Iron | 46.12 mg/kg | 165.96 mg/kg | 4.48 mg |
| Copper | 9.80 mg/kg | 35.26 mg/kg | 0.95 mg |
| Manganese | 4.90 mg/kg | 17.63 mg/kg | 0.48 mg |
| Zinc | 69.60 mg/kg | 250.45 mg/kg | 6.76 mg |
| Iodine | 0.68 mg/kg | 2.45 mg/kg | 0.07 mg |
| Selenium | 0.17 mg/kg | 0.40 mg/kg | 0.01 mg |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.47% | 1.69% | 0.46 g |
| DHA | 0.15% | 0.55% | 0.15 g |
| EPA | 0.11% | 0.39% | 0.11 g |
| EPA + DHA | 0.26% | 0.94% | 0.25 g |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 0.39% | 1.40% | 0.38 g |
| Linoleic Acid | 0.34% | 1.22% | 0.33 g |
| Arachidonic Acid | 0.02% | 0.06% | 0.02 g |
| Taurine | 0.24% | 0.86% | 0.23 g |
| L-Carnitine | 11.06 mg/kg | 39.80 mg/kg | 1.07 mg |
| Vitamin C | 31.54 mg/kg | 113.49 mg/kg | 3.06 mg |
| Vitamin E | 139.64 IU/kg | 502.48 IU/kg | 13.56 IU |
| Vitamin A | 2243.00 IU/kg | 8071.25 IU/kg | 217.77 IU |
| Vitamin D3 | 857.00 IU/kg | 3083.84 IU/kg | 83.20 IU |
| Glucosamine | 732.00 mg/kg | 2634.04 mg/kg | 71.07 mg |
| Chondroitin | 718.00 mg/kg | 2583.66 mg/kg | 69.71 mg |
Metabolizable Energy
| kcal/5.5 oz. can | 161 |
| Grams/5.5 oz. can | 156 |
| kcal/kg (ME Calculated) | 1,030 |
| % ME from Protein | 41 |
| % ME from Fat | 22 |
| % ME from Carbohydrates | 37/td> |
Feeding Guidelines
| Feed 1 - 1¼ cans | For every 6 to 8 lbs. of body weight per day |
Refrigerate unused portion.
Ingredients
Salmon Hydrolysate, Water, Potato Starch, Natural Flavor, Pea Fiber, Agar-agar, Calcium Sulfate, Guar Gum, Flaxseed (source of Omega-3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Tricalcium Phosphate, Fish Oil, Cane Molasses, Taurine, Sunflower Oil, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Salt, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Magnesium Sulfate, Menadione Sodium Bisulfate Complex (source of Vitamin K), L-Tryptophan, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Potassium Iodide, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), preserved with Mixed Tocopherols.
References
- Scott, D.W., Miller, W.H., Griffin, C.E. Skin immune system and allergic skin diseases in: Muller and Kirk’s small animal dermatology. 6th ed. WB Saunders, Philadelphia; 543–666, 2001.
- Biourge VC, Fontaine J, Vroom MW. Diagnosis of adverse reactions to food in dogs: efficacy of a soy-isolate hydrolyzate-based diet. J Nutr 134:2062-2064, 2004.
- Puigdemont A, Brazis P, Montserrat S, et al. Immunological responses against hydrolyzed soy protein in dogs with experimentally induced soy hypersensitivity. Am J Vet Res, 67:484-488, 2006.
- Kennis RA. Use of atopic dogs to investigate adverse reactions to food. JAVMA 221(5):638-640, 2002.
- Leistra MHG, Markwell PJ, Willemse T. Evaluation of selected-protein-source diets for management of dogs with adverse reactions to foods. J Am Vet Med Assoc 219:1411-1414, 2001.
- Mueller RS et al. Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (2): common food allergen sources in dogs and cats. BMC Vet Res (2016) 12:9.
- Bryan J, Frank L. Food allergy in the cat: a diagnosis by elimination. J Fel Med Surg, 12:861-866, 2010.
- Roudebush P, Guilford WG, Jackson HA. Adverse reactions to food. In Hand MS, Thatcher CD, Remillard RL, et al. (eds): Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 5th ed, Topeka, Kan, 2010, Mark Morris Institute, p 609.
- Jackson HA. Food allergy in dogs—clinical signs and diagnosis. Eur J Comp Anim Pract. 19: 230-233, 2009.
- Gaschen FP, Merchant SR. Adverse food reactions in dogs and cats. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 41:361-379, 2011.
- GROUPE Qualtech, Agrobio Laboratories analysis report, January 2016.
- Blue Buffalo Co., Ltd., data on file, 2015.
- ELISA-TEK™ Sigma-Aldrich® Elisa Technologies, Inc. Gainesville, FL.
- AAFCO (2015) Official Publication of the Association of American Feed Control Officials Inc., Champaign, IL.
- University of Tennessee Pharmacology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine.
- Blue Buffalo Company Ltd., data on file, 2016-2020.
- Raditic DM et al. ELISA testing for common food antigens in four dog dry food used in dietary elimination trials. J Anim Phsyiol Anim Nutr 2011; 95: 90-97
- Lewis T et al. Evaluation of a new hydrolyzed salmon-based diet in dogs with suspected cutaneous adverse food reaction: a multi-center randomized triple-blinded clinical trial. Presented at NAVDF April 10-13, 2019, Austin, TX.
