Novel Protein Dog Food

What is Novel Protein Dog Food?

Novel protein dog food is a canine diet that offers protein that a dog has never tried before. Introducing novel proteins into a dog's diet often addresses food sensitivities or allergies that a pet may have developed to more common ingredients such as chicken or beef.

What is Considered a Novel Protein?

A protein becomes "novel" when your dog hasn't been exposed to it before, which is why the definition varies for each individual dog. For a dog who has eaten chicken their whole life, duck might be novel, while for another dog, even lamb could be considered novel.

Common novel protein options include:

• Venison: A wild game protein that's naturally lean and nutrient-dense
• Kangaroo: An exotic protein that most dogs aren’t exposed to
• Lamb: A protein source that’s often novel for dogs who've primarily eaten chicken or turkey
• Duck: A rich source of amino acids that’s typically well-tolerated by sensitive dogs
• Rabbit: A lean, easily digestible protein that's rarely used in commercial dog foods

Benefits of Novel Protein Dog Food

Novel proteins work by giving your dog's immune system a break from proteins it may have developed sensitivities to over time. When dogs eat the same proteins repeatedly, their immune systems can sometimes start to recognize these familiar proteins as threats, leading to allergic reactions or digestive upset.

Switching to a novel protein essentially resets this process. Since your dog's immune system hasn't encountered this new protein before, it's much less likely to trigger an adverse reaction.

The benefits extend beyond just avoiding allergies:

• Better energy levels: Dogs often show more vitality when they're not dealing with food sensitivities
• Healthier coat condition: Proper nutrition absorption supports natural coat health
• More comfortable digestion: Novel proteins may help maintain normal digestive function
• Consistent eating habits: Dogs are more likely to eat meals they can tolerate well

Signs Your Dog Might Need a Novel Protein Diet

Recognizing when your dog might benefit from a novel protein diet can help address issues before they become more serious problems. These signs often develop gradually, so pet parents might not immediately connect them to diet. 

Not sure if your dog needs a change? Watch for these common signs of protein sensitivities.

Food Sensitivities

Food sensitivities in dogs often manifest as digestive discomfort, skin irritation, or chronic ear problems that seem to come and go without clear triggers. Unlike true allergies, sensitivities can develop over time as dogs are repeatedly exposed to the same proteins.

Substitute your normal protein with a novel protein for dogs to minimize the chances of an allergic reaction. Plus, KOHA’s novel protein dog foods don’t have any of the ingredients that might be lurking in your current pet food, such as green peas, potato, corn, or soy. The limited ingredient approach also eliminates other potential triggers that might be hiding in your current food.

Digestive Issues 

Chronic vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation that doesn't seem connected to any obvious cause might indicate your dog's current diet is too harsh for their digestive system. Some dogs develop sensitivities to proteins they've eaten for years, leading to ongoing stomach upset.

Novel proteins may help with upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea by removing the problematic protein from your dog's diet. KOHA novel protein dog food recipes are rich in moisture, and they don’t have any fillers or preservatives, making them gentler on sensitive stomachs while supporting proper hydration. 

Itchy Skin

 Persistent scratching, red skin, hot spots, or excessive licking can sometimes be traced back to food sensitivities rather than environmental factors. Food-related skin issues often affect the ears, paws, and belly area, where dogs tend to scratch or lick most frequently.

A novel protein diet can help support healthy skin by eliminating the dietary trigger that may be causing the immune system to overreact. KOHA's clean ingredient lists make it easier to identify and avoid problematic ingredients while providing the nutrition needed for healthy skin and coat.