novel protein dog food
The Best Novel Protein Dog Food [2024 Update]: Healthy Food for Sensitive Dogs
If you are looking for the Best Novel Protein Dog Food, read on below to know everything about these kinds of meat.
Food allergies and sensitivities are common in dogs of all breeds and sizes, and even life stages.
It is something almost every dog parent has seen in their furry friends. It can be truly heartbreaking to watch our four-legged best friends often suffer from itchy skin or sensitive stomachs.
But although there are other stronger causes of dog's allergies, like environmental factors, parasites, and chemicals, food is often thought of as the prime suspect in most cases.
In fact, some studies suggest that food allergies account for only about 10% of dog allergies.
But some animal ingredients have been found to be common triggers in dog allergies, the most common of which are chicken, beef, eggs, and dairy all popular components in commercial dog foods.
There are also other common dog food ingredients from plant-based sources that can cause an allergic reaction in dogs. Overexposure to these ingredients is said to be the main culprit in causing allergic reactions in dogs.
As a possible solution, dog food manufacturers started trying different animal meats as an alternative to the traditional ones (chicken and beef).
These new sources are mostly animals that have been prey to wolves and wild canines in the wild for centuries. And they have come to be known as novel protein diet for dogs.
Here at DogFood.Guide we have a dedicated mission to provide dog owners like you with well-researched information so they can provide the nutrition and health care towards their dogs.
Our readers rely upon our dog food articles, reviews and recall alerts that we took the time to research. We also routinely update and review our own reviews ensuring that any changes by manufacturers are brought to your attention.
DogFood.Guide is maintained by Mary Nielsen & her staff. Mary is an advocate and lover. She and her staff are passionate about animals and work hard to provide you with a wealth of information for you and your dog.
Our site is supported by our readers. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may earn a referral fee. This helps cover the cost of operating our free blog. Thanks for your support!
What is a Novel Protein Diet for Dogs?
A novel protein diet is dog food made from an animal source thats not common in commercial dog meals for the purpose of preventing food allergies and sensitivities typically linked with traditional animal ingredients like chicken and beef.
Among the new animals being sourced for dog foods are turkey, fish, rabbit, and duck. Even more recently, other animals have been added to the list that includes quail, bison, venison, wild boar, and even kangaroo and alligator.
Lamb used to be a novel protein after being widely used as a third alternative to chicken and beef. But over the years, dogs have also started to develop sensitivities to lamb, although still not as prevalent as with chicken and beef.
Best Novel Protein Dog Food Products
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Our #1 Pick  |
| Check Price Here! |
Blue Buffalo Basics LID Formula Turkey & Potato Recipe
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Wellness Simple LID Duck & Oatmeal Formula
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Selected Protein
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Instinct Original Recipe with Real Rabbit
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Natural Balance L.I.D. Sweet Potato & Venison Formula
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Natural Balance L.I.D. Sweet Potato & Bison Formula
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
CANIDAE PURE LID Wild Boar & Garbanzo Bean Recipe
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Solid Gold Wild Heart Sensitive Stomach
| Check Price on Chewy | |
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Zignature Kangaroo Limited Ingredient Formula
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Alligator
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Rachael Ray Nutrish LID Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon |
If after a trip to the vet, Fido is suspected of having food allergy or intolerance, food trials may just be what the doctor ordered, which lasts for about 8 to 12 weeks.
And if the vet suggests giving novel protein and limited ingredient dog foods, then this article may be helpful in choosing the right protein source.
This review discusses the more prominent animal proteins considered as best hypoallergenic dog food, along with recommended brands for each of these novel diets.
As for our recommended brands, weve picked mostly limited ingredients diets to avoid other animal ingredients that may be a minor part of the formula.
Its important to review the ingredients deck of dog foods in order to check if the ingredients suspected of causing allergies in your pups are included in the recipe. If there are even small portions of beef or chicken on the list, this may affect the accuracy of the food trials.
Choose also the best dog food with high-quality ingredients and balanced nutrition, and also preferably gluten-free and grain-free pure as some grains could also result in an inappropriate immune response. Here are the best novel protein dog foods:
- Ollie Fresh Pet Food
- Blue Buffalo Basics LID Formula Turkey & Potato Recipe
- Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream
- Wellness Simple LID Duck & Oatmeal Formula
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Selected Protein
- Instinct Original Recipe with Real Rabbit
- Natural Balance L.I.D. Sweet Potato & Venison Formula
- Natural Balance L.I.D. Sweet Potato & Bison Formula
- CANIDAE PURE LID Wild Boar & Garbanzo Bean Recipe
- Solid Gold Wild Heart Sensitive Stomach
- ORIJEN Six Fish
- Zignature Kangaroo Limited Ingredient Formula
- Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Alligator
- Rachael Ray Nutrish LID Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe
1.Turkey
Turkey is an animal protein source thats gaining more popularity because this bird is easy to raise and breed, like chicken. Like chicken too, it has lean meat, which is great in building a dogs muscles.
Its also a highly digestible protein source and bounteous with essential nutrients riboflavin and phosphorous. There are still very few cases of dog sensitivities to turkey-based dog food.
Here we have 2 choices for you, if you opt for a healthier and fresh choice, then Ollie is your go to. We also included a Turkey-based kibble just in case you prefer it.
Best Turkey-Based Dog Foods:
Ollie Fresh Pet Food
First 5 ingredients: Turkey, Kale, Lentils, Carrots, Coconut oil
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
The Tasty Turkey feast uses turkey and eggs for complete proteins and calcium with brown rice as a slow release complex carbohydrate that helps stabilize energy levels.
Ollie is a company that specializes in providing customized, healthy food based on a pups profile (age, breed, weight, activity level, and allergies).
Its a relatively new brand that was founded only last 2016, but it has grown into an in-demand fresh dog food delivery service with a large following.
The company recommends precise portions based on how much calories your dog needs then ships it to you on a flexible but regular schedule.
All you have to do is store each meal pack in the freezer and only thaw out what you need when your doggo needs it. Its easy because its ready to serve.
Not only are Ollie recipes made of human-grade ingredients, theyre also all crafted by canine nutritionists to ensure your dog gets the proper nutrition and diet thats designed just for his requirements.
Currently, Ollie offers four flavors in its dog food line: beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb. Each recipe is centered around meat with superfoods to add all the nutrients each individual pup requires, from minerals and vitamins to fibers and antioxidants.
What We Like
- Convenient delivery system
- Sourced from trusted suppliers
- Ingredients used are human-grade
- Premium quality ingredients
- Customized meal plan based on your dog's unique needs
- They disclose the specific farms and suppliers they work with
What We Don't Like
- Generally more expensive
- Refrigeration and limited shelf life
- Delivery service may not be available in all areas
Blue Buffalo Basics LID Formula Turkey & Potato Recipe
First 5 ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Potatoes, Turkey Meal, Pea Starch, Peas
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This recipe contains a single animal protein source with real turkey first plus pumpkin and easily digested carbohydrates such as potatoes and peas.
This turkey and potato recipe from Blue Buffalo presents a single animal protein source real deboned turkey.
Certainly one of the best limited ingredient dog food brands in the market today, this turkey and potato recipe has enough protein adult pups need.
It also contains turkey meal as a source of glucosamine, peas, fish oil, natural flavors, pumpkin, and the companys signature LifeSource Bits, which is a fusion of selected antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins vital for pups.
What We Like
- Single animal protein source
- Healthy ingredients to support digestion
- High quality protein from deboned turkey
- Vit. E and C added for better immune system
- Made without eggs, dairy, soy, corn, wheat or chicken
What We Don't Like
- Runny stool
- Defective bags
2.Salmon
Although fast becoming a popular animal protein source in the dog food industry, salmon is still considered a novel protein as very few cases of dog allergies to this fish have been reported so far.
Salmon is one of the best natural meat ingredients for your pups because of the many health benefits it offers.
First, salmon is a great source of proteins but low in fat, which is perfect for older dogs.
Second, this fish is rich in omega fatty acids that are favorable to canines in so many ways, including promoting healthy skin and coat, relieving skin allergies, reducing inflammation, enhancing heart health, and improving cognitive function in senior dogs.
Wild-caught salmon, especially from North American waters, is considered the finest kind with the least mercury content. Most dogs also love the taste of salmon.
Best Salmon-Based Dog Food:
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream
First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This fish-based, grain free dry dog food uses sweet potatoes as carbohydrate source to provide that extra energy your pup needs throughout the day.
Made with real salmon and enhanced with salmon meal, smoked salmon, and ocean fish meal, this grain-free recipe is teeming with essential amino acids.
Sweet potatoes, peas, and lentils make up most of the easily digestible carbohydrates in this hypoallergenic dog food plus a host of other highly nutritious fruits and veggies such as dried chicory root, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, and Yucca Schidigera extract.
This brand doesnt have the largest selection (especially compared to big names like Blue Buffalo), but their recipes are complete and balanced and loaded with premium roasted meats and other whole-food ingredients.
What We Like
- Free from grains and eggs
- Contains species-specific probiotics
- Antioxidants from fresh veggies and fruits
- Premium, real salmon is the primary protein
- Ingredients from trusted local and international sources
What We Don't Like
- Scent is off putting
- Change in kibble sizing
3.Duck
Duck is another great novel protein thats not yet very common in canine diets. Like turkey, ducks are an excellent source of lean and easy-to-digest proteins. Its also abundant in amino acids and iron.
Ducks have a distinct taste that many dogs adore. But though a terrific hypoallergenic dog food, its also one of the stiffest priced among pet foods.
Best Duck-Based Dog Food:
Wellness Simple LID Duck & Oatmeal Formula
First 5 ingredients: Duck, Oatmeal, Peas, Ground Rice, Potato Protein
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Made using 5 carefully-selected main ingredients, it is also enriched with antioxidants, omega fatty acids, glucosamine, natural probiotics and taurine for overall wellness.
Choosing a diet made from a limited number of high-quality natural ingredients ensures that your dog gets the nutrition he needs without any unnecessary additives.
With real duck as the only animal ingredient, this kibble is a brilliant choice for dogs with food sensitivities.
Oatmeal, peas, and ground rice provide the much-needed carbs and fibers in this limited ingredients formula.
This recipe is supplemented with vitamins and chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption and it contains a total of 21% protein and 11% fat with 4.75% fiber and 450 calories per cup.
What We Like
- Easily digestible
- Guaranteed levels of probiotics
- Supports coat and skin health
- Made for pets with sensitivities
- Zero meat by-products, fairy, eggs, gluten, corn or soy
What We Don't Like
- Smells like plastic
- Too powdery and crumbly
4.Rabbit
Rabbits are slowly becoming the new favorite novel protein source of many pet food companies and dog owners because of their many advantages as a hypoallergenic dog food.
Theyre easy to breed and raise, and surely have a much smaller carbon footprint than cattle. Relatively new as a dog food ingredient, rabbits are very unlikely to cause food allergy in dogs.
Rabbit meat is all white meat but is said to have a higher protein ratio than beef or chicken. Its also low in calories and cholesterol, which is great for senior and overweight dogs.Below we have listed 2 kinds of Rabbit-based dog foods: Prescription & Non-prescription for your convenience.
Best Rabbit-Based Dog Foods:
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Selected Protein PR
First 5 ingredients: Potato, Rabbit Meal, Coconut Oil, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Potato Protein
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This is a veterinary-exclusive formula that is tailored to support pet who suffers from long-term skin issues/allergies.
This prescription diet from Royal Canin is created specifically to eliminate a dog's allergies.
The protein content in this hypoallergenic dog food is derived from rabbit meal and hydrolyzed soy protein to keep the dogs food allergy at bay.
Hydrolyzed protein is protein broken down into very small molecules that the immune system cannot recognize as allergens, therefore eliminating the chance for an allergic reaction.
This best dog food with rabbit requires a veterinarians authorization and is very pricey.
What We Like
- Promotes a balanced digestive flora
- With antioxidants to aid cellular health
- Support the skins natural protective barrier
- Rich in DHA, EPA and Omega fatty acids
- Especially crafted for pets with food sensitivities
What We Don't Like
- Very pricey
- Needs Vet authorization
- Quality issues (each bag looks different)
Instinct Original Recipe with Real Rabbit
First 5 ingredients: Rabbit, Salmon Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Chickpeas, Canola Oil
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
In order to support the development of lean and strong muscles, real rabbit meat is used as the key ingredient. It is also filled with fruits, veggies, nutritious oils and other wholesome ingredients.
The rabbit flavor recipe of the Instinct Original line uses a 71:29 ratio of animal protein and oil to vegetables and fruits. Because its so packed with animal meat sources, the crude protein level is at a very high 36.5% minimum.
Rabbit meat makes up the bulk of the recipe and its listed as the first ingredient. Its supported by many more diverse meat sources such as salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, rabbit meal, and white fish meal.
The 29% of fruits/vegetables/wholesome product include chickpeas, dried tomato pomace, peas, carrots, apples, cranberries, and montmorillonite clay.
Some of these are called superfoods because they provide plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
We particularly like the guaranteed levels of live probiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria that aids in digestion and modulates the immune system. They are also responsible for inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.
What We Like
- Made from real farm raised rabbit
- Free from soy, potato, corn or grain
- Contains veggies and fruits
- Guaranteed levels of live probiotics
- Freeze-dried, raw coated every piece
What We Don't Like
- Causes tummy upset
- Not for pets with fish allergies
5.Venison
Venison or deer meat is another favorite novel protein for a dogs diet because it has less fat and cholesterol than beef, which is ideal for senior and obese canines. Its also abundant in B vitamins and various healthy minerals like iron, phosphorous, and zinc.
Best Venison-Based Dog Food:
Natural Balance L.I.D. Sweet Potato & Venison Formula
First 5 ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Venison, Potatoes, Potato Protein, Pea Protein
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This grain free formula uses only a select few protein and carbohydrate sources, making it ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Grain-Free Sweet Potato & Venison Dry Dog Food is a grain-free recipe designed for sensitive dogs.
With real venison as single animal protein source and sweet potatoes as carbs supplier, this meal is another excellent choice for an elimination diet.
Enriched with essential nutrients and omega fatty acids from flaxseed, this kibble offers many health gains to your four-legged kids.
What We Like
- Single animal protein source
- Grain free sources of fiber
- Wheat, soy and grain free recipe
- Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon oil
- Made with easily-digestible ingredients
6.Bison
Bison is very similar to beef but with less fat and more protein. In fact, it has one of the highest protein contents among meats.
Its another novel protein thats not very common in commercial dog foods, understandably because bison is quite scarce when compared to cattle or lamb. Its also one of the most expensive novel protein diets in the market.
Bison is also known for its healthy fats, and nutrients like vitamin B2 and niacin, iron, and selenium, which are all great for your pups health.
Best Bison-Based Dog Food:
Natural Balance L.I.D. Sweet Potato & Bison Formula
First 5 ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Bison, Potatoes, Potato Protein, Pea Protein
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
A recipe that is free from grains using limited carbohydrates and no artificial flavors or colors. It provides plenty of protein and all of the carbohydrates your furry friend needs in every crunchy bite.
With grass-fed and hormone-free bison as the only animal protein source and sweet potato as prime carbs provider in Natural Balance's limited ingredient diets and grain-free pet food, pup parents can rely on this sweet potato and bison novel diet for their allergic dogs.
Its fortified with healthful nutrients and omega 3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and fur in dogs.
What We Like
- Bison is the only protein source
- Made from nutrient-rich ingredients
- Cooked and tested locally (USA)
- Suitable for pets with skin and tummy sensitivities
- Zero gluten, grain, soy, corn or preservatives
What We Don't Like
- Contains pea protein (potential allergen)
7.Wild Boar
Wild boar is another rare ingredient for novel protein dog foods. First of all, theyre wild and their numbers are not very high.
Unlike their domesticated cousins, which are bred and raised under horrible conditions in most farms, wild boars roam freely and feed on a variety of diets giving them better nutrition.
Theyre higher in protein than beef, pork, and chicken, and also rich in monounsaturated fats, which are sources of energy for dogs. And since boars are feral, their meat is free from hormones and antibiotics.
Best Boar-Based Dog Food:
CANIDAE PURE LID Wild Boar & Garbanzo Bean Recipe
First 5 ingredients: Wild Boar, Pork Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Potatoes, Peas
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Crafted using 7 key ingredients, wild boar is leading the list. This is a protein-dense formula with the right amount of essential nutrients from veggies and fruits.
This healthy diet features just seven real ingredients for a great hypoallergenic kibble and food trial for your furry loves. Wild boar is the first ingredient, which is remarkable.
The grain-free recipe is infused with other natural plant-based ingredients to make a complete diet designed to boost the dogs digestive system and immune system as well as provide all-day energy for adult dogs.
What We Like
- Clean recipe
- With just 10 key ingredients
- Featuring ingredients you recognize
- Great for dogs on a limited ingredient diet
- Formulated without corn, wheat, soy or animal byproduct meals
What We Don't Like
- New formula (duck meal added)
8.Quail
Quail has been added to the novel protein diets list for dog foods. Belonging to the pheasant family, this game bird has lean and low-calorie protein thats suitable for older dogs and pups that need to shred some weight.
Quails are also rich in essential nutrients, like iron and phosphorous, that offer various benefits to canines.
Best Quail-Based Dog Food:
Solid Gold Wild Heart Sensitive Stomach
First 5 ingredients: Quail, Chickpeas, Peas, Potatoes, Turkey Meal
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Features 20 antioxidant-rich superfoods, this gluten and grain free kibble is specifically made for pets who have sensitive stomachs.
Long-time pet foods maker Solid Gold offers this grain-free and gluten-free diet with a high protein food content coming from real quail and pork meal, plus chicken fat.
This formula is designed to support your dog's sensitive stomach in a nutritionally balanced recipe that is both gluten-free and grain-free.
Its also enhanced with other high quality natural ingredients like pumpkin, chickpeas, flaxseed, and carrots to support digestive health.
In addition to being protein-rich and highly digestible, this formula also contains a unique blend of 20 nutritious superfoods and essential amino acids to support your dogs total health and wellness it also helps him to build and maintain strong muscles.
What We Like
- Overall immune support
- Grain and gluten free
- Made from high-quality quail
- With nutrient-packed superfoods
- Contains 90M living probiotics per pound
What We Don't Like
- Attracts ants
- Causes falling hair in some
9.Herring and Mackerel
Like salmon, herring and mackerel are also great novel proteins for a dogs diet. These fish are not very common ingredients in commercial dog foods, which make them suitable for allergic pups.
Like all fishes, herring and mackerel are excellent sources of protein, calcium, selenium, niacin (B vitamin), and omega-3 fatty acids that are all generous in health gains for dogs.
Best Herring and Mackerel-Based Dog Food:
ORIJEN Six Fish
First 5 ingredients: Whole Mackerel, Whole Herring, Monkfish, Acadian Redfish, Flounder
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
The first 5 ingredients are fresh fish which are brimming with Omega fatty acids. The raw ingredients are frozen at their peak freshness to preserve both flavor and nutrition.
Dogs that are bored of the usual meat ingredients will get their fill from this fish-filled recipe. Orijen Six Fish contains a diverse selection of the seas bounty, namely mackerel, herring, monkfish, redfish, flounder, and hake.
These six provide the bulk of the animal protein, although there are additional fish species, such as cod, pollock, and whiting, further down the list.
Oily fish are the best sources of EPA and DHA, two of the most important Omega-3s. As you can see in the guaranteed analysis below, this recipe contains the most DHA and EPA content among all of Orijens formulations.
Its even made more admirable with fruits and veggies like green lentils, whole chickpeas and peas, whole pumpkin, whole butternut squash, collard greens, whole apples, and whole pears to create a balanced nutrition.
If you might notice when looking at the label, this diet contains a few herbs such as sarsaparilla root, turmeric, rosehips, chicory root, and althea root.
Do dogs need herbs? Yes! In fact these can be powerful tools to help different conditions. For example, sarsaparilla root can improve urine frequency and decrease painful urine retention. Chicory root provides prebiotics, and so on.
Overall, this is a good meal to feed your dogs on a regular basis.
What We Like
- Biologically appropriate diet
- Proudly crafted in Canada
- Packed with WholePrey animal ingredients
- Boasts freeze-dried liver coating
- Made with a variety of succulent fish
What We Don't Like
- Not cost-effective
- Plastic found inside bag
10.Kangaroo
Kangaroo is one of the latest additions in novel protein diets for dogs. It is after all, sourced exclusively from the wild plains of Australia.
But kangaroos are as good as it gets for protein sources being an ingredient that only a handful of dog food manufacturers use.
Of all red meats, kangaroos have the leanest proteins, which make them ideal for dogs that must consume a low-fat diet. Theyre also high in omega fatty acids, B vitamins, zinc, and iron a lot more than conventional farm animals.
And since theyre wild, kangaroos are typically healthier being in their natural habitat, feeding on their natural diet, and free from synthetic hormones.
Best Kangaroo-Based Dog Food:
Zignature Kangaroo Limited Ingredient Formula
First 5 ingredients: Kangaroo, Kangaroo Meal, Peas, Chickpeas, Pea Flour
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This limited ingredient meal utilizes carefully chosen ingredients with real Kangaroo meat that is sourced from Australia leading the list. Kangaroo meat contains nearly 2x the Vitamin B12 compared to other meats.
A great limited ingredients diet, Zignatures Kangaroo formula is made of real kangaroo and kangaroo meal as its first two ingredients and only animal source.
Kangaroo is an excellent alternative to other more well-known meats in the dog food market today. Its considered to be the leanest type of red meat there is.
The fat level in kangaroo meat is not only low, but its also unsaturated. In addition, kangaroo meat has high levels of zinc and iron.
If your pup is food sensitive to the more common types of meat, kangaroo meat will be a novel source of protein for him and most probably wont trigger allergies.
And if your pup is a low-energy canine or with a tendency towards obesity, a low-fat diet like this is what he needs.
Since this is a grain-free diet,the chickpeas, peas, and alfalfa meal are alternative sources of carbohydrates. Theyre also rich in protein and provide good plant-based protein support to the kangaroo meat.
What We Like
- Great source of Omega-3
- Limited ingredient meal
- Filled with probiotics
- Low in fat, rich in Omega fatty acids
- Offers twice the amount of Vitamin B12 than any other meat protein
What We Don't Like
- Causes bad breath
- Some dogs don't like it
11. Alligator
Alligators may be the strangest animal protein source for dog foods, and certainly among the hardest to find. Its very rare indeed to have an animal thats on top of the food chain as main ingredient for dog meals.
In recent years, this ferocious reptile has made it to a few dog food recipes. And why not, alligators have lean meat that is, low in cholesterol but high in essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and niacin.
And some dog owners swear their picky pups love its delectable taste.
Best Alligator-Based Dog Food:
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Alligator
First 5 ingredients: Deboned Alligator, Peas, Pea Starch, Alligator meal, Pea Protein
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Made from a unique protein source alligator. This kibble is made to meet the needs of pets who are allergic to other proteins.
If you have a severely food-sensitive dog, you cant go wrong with this novel protein alligator recipe from Blue Buffalo.
Made with real deboned alligator and alligator meal, this hypoallergenic dog food is a grain-free prescription diet thats developed to alleviate dogs suffering from food allergies.
This recipe is made even healthier with peas, canola oil, flaxseed, pumpkin, dried kelp, and dried chicory roots.
Lastly, this item needs authorization from your veterinarian.
What We Like
- Single animal protein
- Crafted using real, deboned alligator
- Supports healthy fur and skin
- Antioxidant-rich ingredients
- Aids in supporting a healthy immune system
What We Don't Like
- Causes bad breath
- Some dogs don't like it
12.Lamb
Although delisted already by many as part of the novel protein group, lamb is still a better alternative for allergy-stricken dogs than chicken or beef. It still pales in comparison to chicken and beef when it comes to food sensitivity issues in canines.
It is also the cheapest option among animal protein sources after chicken and beef. Lambs, after all, are a great source of proteins as well as dietary fats needed by dogs for energy sustenance.
Best Lamb-Based Dog Food:
Rachael Ray Nutrish LID Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe
First 5 ingredients: Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Made using just 9 key ingredients with real lamb meal leading the list. This yummy, gluten-free formula is fortified with taurine, minerals, vitamins and other essential nutrients.
Formerly known as the Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Natural Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe, this is one of the best-loved lamb-based dog food recipes is Rachael Rays line.
Its limited ingredients formula, featuring lamb meal as first ingredient and brown rice as carbs source, puts the chances of allergic reactions at the minimum.
The ground and brown rice provide carbohydrates and fiber for a quick energy boost and the beet pulp offers prebiotic benefits by feeding the healthy bacteria in a dog's gut.
This dry dog diet is enhanced with highly essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, E, B12 and D3. Its flavor is enhanced with natural pork flavor too.
And let's not forget the poultry fat, which offers omegas for healthy skin as well as a yummy taste. It is also all cooked in the USA!
What We Like
- Easy to digest
- Features only 9 main ingredients
- Suitable of all adult breeds
- Ideal for picky eaters or those on restricted diets
- No corn, soy, gluten, wheat or fillers added
What We Don't Like
- Formula change
- Smell and color different
When Should You Try a Novel Protein Diet for Your Dog?
If you think your pups have developed adverse reactions to their usual meals, a diet change may be necessary. But first, have the doggy doctor evaluate your dog to see if its indeed food that is the main cause.
As mentioned earlier, there are other more common allergens in dogs than just food. When other causes are ruled out, vets will likely order a food trial or elimination diet using hypoallergenic dog foods to pinpoint the possible origins of the food allergy.
The vet may recommend prescription diets, limited ingredients diets, homemade diets, vegetarian diets, or novel protein diets to prevent these food sensitivities.
These hypoallergenic diets are expectedly more expensive than the regular over-the-counter brands with chicken or beef as main ingredients. Novel proteins are not as commercially abundant as chicken, cattle, or pigs after all.
What are the Common Symptoms of Food Allergies in Dogs?
The most common food allergy symptom is skin itchiness in various body parts including the face, ears, forelegs, and feet.
But some dogs may also manifest allergic reactions to food through ear infections, hot spots, hair loss, and other skin-related issues. Dogs usually scratch excessively when suffering from food allergies, which is extremely uncomfortable.
Dogs may also develop food intolerance to some ingredients, with vomiting and diarrhea as common symptoms.
Conclusion
As food sensitivities in dogs have become more and more rampant, dog food companies have also extended their roster of animal sources to address this problem.
Now there are more than enough options for dog owners to choose from among different animal protein sources for their elimination diets.
Remember to consult the vet first, and review the list of ingredients well before purchasing. Food allergy of any sort can cause various conditions that decrease the quality of life of dogs. For more severe cases, veterinary medicine may be necessary.
