Novel Protein Diets for Dogs

A novel protein is one your dog had never had, like rabbit or kangaroo. At Beach Paws Boutique, we carry FROMM Family Pet Food, a small family owned company that specializes in unique

recipes including old standards and novel proteins.

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The "best" novel protein depends upon your individual dog. Below is a summary, read the full blog here https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/food/what-is-the-best-novel-protein-diet-for-dogs/

Finding a Novel Protein for Your Dog

A novel protein diet refers to foods that contain a protein source that your dog has never consumed before. The rationale behind using an unfamiliar protein is to reduce the likelihood of triggering an immune response, as allergic reactions occur when the body recognizes a benign substance as foreign or harmful.

Common protein sources such as chicken, beef, lamb, and turkey are frequent culprits for food allergies, simply because they appear so frequently in commercial dog food. By switching to a novel protein, such as rabbit, venison, duck, kangaroo, alligator or ostrich, you reduce the chance of including the ingredient responsible for the allergic response.

Novel Protein Diets

• Use proteins like rabbit, venison, duck, kangaroo, alligator, or ostrich to reduce allergic reactions.

• Common proteins like chicken, beef, lamb, and turkey often cause allergies.

• Choosing diets with a single, clearly identified novel protein is crucial.

• Several brands offer limited ingredient, novel protein formulas, but label reading is essential.

Elimination Diets

• Involve feeding a limited ingredient diet with one novel protein and carbohydrate source.

• Last 8-12 weeks, with no treats or supplements, to allow symptoms to resolve.

• Reintroduction of ingredients helps identify specific triggers.

• Conducted under veterinary guidance for accuracy.

Additional Notes

• Food sensitivities may cause chronic skin issues, ear infections, or digestive problems.

• Some dogs react to fillers like peas and potatoes, not just proteins.

• Proper diet management can improve quality of life and resolve persistent symptoms.

About Caryn Self Sullivan, PhD: Dr. Caryn is an animal behaviorist serving the Greater Fredericksburg & Northern Neck areas of Virginia since 2010. She owns Beach Paws Boutique, A Place for Pets & their People, at 116 Hawthorn Street in Downtown Colonial Beach VA. Credentials include a Ph.D. in Animal Behavior from Texas A&M. TEXT her at (540) 287-8207 to set up a free 20-minute phone consult.