Method of making hypoallergenic pet food

A process for preparing a solid hypoallergenic pet food providing a maintenance diet for pets, comprising the steps of:

• (a) preparing a basal mix including a proteinaceous component comprising proteins that have been hydrolyzed under conditions such that said component has an average molecular weight below about 18 kD, at least a portion of said component but not more than about 20 percent, by weight, having a molecular weight above 20 kD, whereby said component is rendered hypoallergenic to a pet, and then
• (b) agglomerating said mix with an agglomerating agent to promote efficient extrusion.