Free Shipping on orders over $69

Novel Protein Dog Food

Unique Protein Options for Your Dog

Novel protein dog food options to make mealtime digestible and fun for your dog.

Find the Best Protein Options for Your Dog

KOHA offers a variety of novel protein options specifically formulated with high-quality ingredients to support dogs with food sensitivities or digestive issues. Each recipe focuses on minimal ingredients to keep meals simple and gentle on sensitive stomachs.

Choose From The Best Novel Protein Dog Foods

Venison Dog Food: Limited Ingredient Diet Venison Entrée for Dogs
Venison Dog Food: Limited Ingredient Diet Venison Entrée for Dogs
Regular price
$71.88
Sale price
$71.88
Regular price
Sold out
Unit price
per 
Kangaroo Dog Food: Limited Ingredient Diet Kangaroo Entrée for Dogs
Kangaroo Dog Food: Limited Ingredient Diet Kangaroo Entrée for Dogs
Regular price
$71.88
Sale price
$71.88
Regular price
Sold out
Unit price
per 
Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb Entrée for Dogs
Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb Entrée for Dogs
Regular price
$59.99
Sale price
$59.99
Regular price
Sold out
Unit price
per 
Limited Ingredient Diet Salmon Entrée for Dogs
Limited Ingredient Diet Salmon Entrée for Dogs
Regular price
$51.49
Sale price
$51.49
Regular price
Sold out
Unit price
per 
Duck Dog Food: Limited Ingredient Diet Duck Entrée for Dogs
Duck Dog Food: Limited Ingredient Diet Duck Entrée for Dogs
Regular price
$22.99
Sale price
$22.99
Regular price
Sold out
Unit price
per 
Limited Ingredient Diet Pork Entrée for Dogs
Limited Ingredient Diet Pork Entrée for Dogs
Regular price
$51.49
Sale price
$51.49
Regular price
Sold out
Unit price
per 
Minimal Ingredient Rabbit Stew for Dogs
Minimal Ingredient Rabbit Stew for Dogs
Regular price
$71.99
Sale price
$71.99
Regular price
Sold out
Unit price
per 
Minimal Ingredient Pork Stew for Dogs
Minimal Ingredient Pork Stew for Dogs
Regular price
$47.88
Sale price
$47.88
Regular price
Sold out
Unit price
per 
Minimal Ingredient Lamb Stew for Dogs
Minimal Ingredient Lamb Stew for Dogs
Regular price
$51.48
Sale price
$51.48
Regular price
Sold out
Unit price
per 
Pure Shreds Shredded Duck Entrée for Dogs
Pure Shreds Shredded Duck Entrée for Dogs
Regular price
$71.88
Sale price
$71.88
Regular price
Sold out
Unit price
per 

Is your pet experiencing

Food Allergies

Itchy irritated skin, ears, or paws

Digestive Issues

Upset stomach, loose stools, vomiting, itchy or irritated skin , ears or paws

Picky Eating

Refusing to eat, not getting the proper nutrition, and wasting 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

Why Choose KOHA Novel Protein Dog Food?

KOHA's approach to novel protein dog food focuses on simplicity and quality, making it easier for pet parents to find the right solution for their dog's unique needs.

Beneficial Ingredients

Our novel protein dog food recipes include quality ingredients such as pumpkin, carrots, spinach, pears, and more to give your best buddy all the nutrients they need to keep that tail wagging. 

These recipes follow a minimal ingredient approach, meaning they contain only what's necessary for optimal nutrition. This simplicity makes it easier to identify any ingredients that might not agree with your dog while ensuring they get all the vitamins and minerals they need.

Many Novel Protein Options

KOHA has plenty of novel protein recipes for pet parents to choose from. Test each option by ordering recipes such as venison, kangaroo, duck, rabbit, or lamb. With so many choices, KOHA makes it easy to rotate between proteins to keep your dog interested while avoiding dietary boredom.

No Junky Fillers

 KOHA’s novel protein dog food recipes are free of any junky fillers that could potentially cause an allergic reaction, including.

  • Soy: A common allergen that’s often difficult for dogs to digest
  • Carrageenan: An additive that can cause digestive upset in sensitive dogs
  • Potatoes: A starchy filler that may contribute to weight gain
  • Peas: A filler ingredient that doesn't add significant nutritional value

Without these junky fillers, dogs with sensitive stomachs can focus on digesting high-quality nutrition. This cleaner approach often leads to firmer stools, less gas, and may help support normal skin health.

Perfect for Picky Eaters

KOHA is sure to have a novel protein recipe that even the pickiest eaters can enjoy—no more wasted money when you switch to KOHA! With unique proteins like duck and venison served in delicious textures, every pup is excited for mealtime! 

Picky eating can oftentimes be due to a dog's texture preference. That's why KOHA offers a variety of texture options to meet each and every pup's needs! Limited Ingredient Diet recipes have a smooth pate texture, while the stew options feature cuts of meat in a savory gravy.

The Pure Shreds line offers tasty shreds of meat in an irresistible broth. With plenty of recipes to choose from, pet parents can find something that excites their dog at mealtime instead of constantly worrying about wasted food on top of the quality of their nutrition.

Ditch the itching, upset stomach & wasted food

Proven with Picky Pets

Stop throwing away food (and money) with recipes pets love.

Zero Junky Fillers

Avoid food allergies and obesity with recipes that eliminate the junky fillers in many “premium” foods.

Safe for Sensitive Stomachs

End the stomach upset and allergies with the right protein for your pet.

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.

Novel Protein Dog Food FAQs

What is the best novel protein dog for IBD?+

There's no novel protein that works best for all dogs, but fortunately, there are plenty of food options for dogs suffering from IBD.

Before making any major changes to your furry friend's diet, consult your vet and get proper guidance on what brands and recipes to feed your pet. 

Are novel proteins good for dogs with allergies? +

The simple answer is yes. 

By introducing a novel protein, a protein source a dog has never been exposed to, you reduce the risk of triggering an allergic reaction because the dog's immune system has not had the opportunity to develop an allergy to that protein source.

Is beef a novel protein for dogs?+

It depends on your dog and his or her diet. If you’ve frequently fed your dog beef in the past, then it's most likely not a novel protein for your pet. However, if you’ve never used beef or rarely ever used beef in your dog’s diet, it’s possible that beef could be a good option. 

If you’re looking for a beef recipe, try KOHA’s Limited Ingredient Diet Beef Entrée, made for dogs with digestive issues, sensitive stomachs, and food sensitivities. Grain and potato-free, our recipe avoids junky fillers that may cause an allergic reaction, vomiting, diarrhea, or worse. 

Our beef entrée recipe is 90% beef, high in protein, and has a rich loaf texture that makes digestion easy for your pet.

Click here for more information about our Limited Ingredient Beef Entrée!

Is tuna a novel protein for dogs?+

Tuna can be considered a novel protein for many dogs since it's less commonly used in commercial dog foods than chicken, turkey, or beef. However, KOHA offers other novel protein options like rabbit, duck, and lamb that may be more suitable and sustainable for dogs with specific dietary needs.

These land-based proteins also tend to be more digestible and nutritionally appropriate for dogs' ancestral diet patterns.

Is chicken a novel protein for dogs?+

Chicken is typically not considered a novel protein because it's one of the most commonly used proteins in commercial dog foods. Most dogs have been exposed to chicken from an early age, making it likely they could develop sensitivities to it over time.

If you're looking for truly novel options, proteins like rabbit, duck, or venison are better choices since they're less commonly used in mainstream dog foods.