Perhaps your veterinarian has recommended considering a novel protein food, or perhaps you’ve simply noticed the wide variety of novel protein pet food choices at the pet store. Before you decide to purchase one, however, it’s important to consider what novel protein foods are and what they can offer your pet.
What Is a Novel Protein?
Novel protein foods are those which contain a protein source from a less-mainstream food animal than commonly seen in typical dog or cat food. The majority of pet foods contain chicken or beef as the main protein type. There is nothing inherently wrong with those protein sources, and they are generally widely available in our food supply chain as perfectly good “leftovers” from the portions of those food animals that are not popular in our human food culture, the issue is that some dogs and cats can develop food allergies to these more mainstream proteins.
Health Conditions that Require a Novel Protein Diet
Most pets have been exposed to common protein sources, so if a food allergy is present, it is likely to be caused by one of them. Novel proteins are less common and are unlikely to be something to which a pet has been previously sensitized. And since allergies require previous exposure, your pet cannot be allergic to a protein her body has never seen.
Novel foods contain protein from sources such as rabbit, bison, elk or kangaroo. While you may choose to feed these to your pet based on personal preferences, they are often recommended for pets who have signs of food allergies. Dog food allergies are most commonly manifested through the skin and usually result in itching and scratching at skin and ears. Cat food allergies may also show in the skin or sometimes as a food intolerance resulting in gastrointestinal symptoms.
Dogs and cats are also susceptible to inflammatory bowel disease, a complex inflammation of the small intestine that is in some cases related to diet intolerance. This disease may result in chronic diarrhea, unexplained weight loss and other gastrointestinal symptoms. While this disease often has multiple factors involved, novel protein diets are often one piece of the treatment plan.
Novel Protein Food Trial and Feeding
If your veterinarian suspects your pet has a food allergy or intolerance, a novel food trial may be recommended. Restricting your pet to a specific novel protein food for 8 to 12 weeks may allow you and your veterinarian to evaluate whether your pet’s health improves in such a way that indicates something in the original food was upsetting your pet’s system. If an improvement is noted, your veterinarian may advise continuing a specific diet to prevent allergy signs from returning.
When considering a novel protein food for an allergy food trial, carefully read the entire ingredients label on the package to ensure there are no other animal protein sources listed. Sometimes a novel protein source may be the main protein source or the primary flavor of the food, but other proteins may be included in lesser amounts down-label. The presence of even small amounts of chicken or beef in the food will likely trigger some allergic response in affected animals and interfere with trial results. Check with your veterinarian if there is any uncertainty.
There are many novel protein pet food options available and many are high-quality, outstanding foods for your dog or cat. However, just like any diet option you choose to give your pet long term, discuss the food with your veterinarian. In addition to providing the novel protein source, it is critical that the food also provide safe, balanced, high-quality nutrients, so consult with your veterinarian to ensure you have selected a good pet food option for your furry friend.