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Dogs can develop food sensitivities or allergies at any point in their lives, but it usually occurs as a puppy or later in life. Common problem foods include chicken, beef, and gluten. If your dog starts experiencing allergic reactions, such as itchiness, redness, or hair loss, novel or novelty protein dog food can help address the problem.
Novel proteins are simply a type of protein that is new for your dog. The idea is that your dog’s body won’t have the same reaction to a new protein with which it is not familiar. So, you’ll see some less common proteins included in this list of recommendations, such as venison, alligator, or cricket protein.
Most of the recommendations included below are made with whole food ingredients that are less processed than typical kibble or canned food. This is on purpose. We feel that all dogs, but especially dogs that are experiencing adverse food reactions, need digestible, whole-food ingredients to be healthy and free from adverse allergic reactions.
Veterinarian Alex Schechter agrees that whole foods are the way to go, saying, “No animal’s digestive system is designed to eat highly-processed food every meal of their lives.”
In this guide:
- Best novel protein dog food
- What is novel protein dog food
- Why do some dogs need novel protein diets?
- Is there a homemade novel protein diet for dogs?
- Best protein for dogs with allergies
- How to find the best protein for dogs with allergies
Best novel protein dog food
Best pork option
- Gently cooked, human-grade pork and veggies
- Limited ingredient recipe formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists
- The Dog Tale readers get 60% off their first box
What we like
This novel protein dog food consists of USDA pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower, USDA pork liver, TFD nutrient blend, and salmon oil. It contains 9% protein and 7% fat. Our picky eater, Max, gobbles this food right up!
We like the clean, high-quality proteins that The Farmer’s Dog uses. We think this food is great for any dog, but the pork recipe is particularly beneficial to dogs with allergies or intolerances to more common proteins.
The ingredients used are actual food you and I could eat, and they’re minimally processed to maintain their nutritional bioavailability. This may allow for the healing of the gut and will hopefully reduce allergies, if not eliminate them altogether.
It’s loaded with energy-producing B vitamins and important omega-3s, and it’s complete and balanced with the added vitamins and minerals in the nutrient blend. This recipe is formulated to meet the AAFCO standards for all life stages, so it can be fed to puppies, adults, and senior dogs.
You can learn all about it and watch us unbox it in our full The Farmer’s Dog review.
What we’d change
Although pork is considered a novel protein, it’s only novel if your dog hasn’t eaten a pork-based diet before. If you’ve tried pork before, you’ll need to choose one of the other options in this list.
Also, The Farmer’s Dog is a health-conscious, premium product made with human-grade ingredients, so it is more expensive than grocery store kibbles. However, we have found that The Farmer’s Dog costs less compared to many other fresh food brands.
Runner up
- Gently cooked fresh food meal made with real, human-grade pork and easily digestible veggies
- Moderate amounts of protein (7%) and fat (5%)
- All recipes meet AAFCO standards and are complete and balanced for all dogs
What we like
One of our dogs, Hobbes, tried every recipe Nom Nom offers, and he loved every one of them.
But this single-protein meal is a great alternative to chicken or beef recipes. Nom Nom’s pork recipe uses human-grade whole foods, not ultra-processed foods likely to cause inflammation. Pork is the first ingredient followed by a handful of nutritious ingredients like green beans, squash, and kale.
The recipe also includes fish oil, which contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids known to reduce inflammation and help the gut. This recipe is grain- and gluten-free, and does not contain any corn or soy.
Nom Nom is a subscription service that not only offers individually pre-portioned meals for most dogs, but also offers a few gut health products that compliment their food. You can learn all about it and watch us unbox it in our full Nom Nom Dog Food review or our Nom Nom vs Farmer’s Dog comparison.
Nom Nom also offers a gut microbiome testing kit that can identify medical conditions affecting your pet’s GI tract. And they offer two probiotic supplements that target either your dog’s digestive and immune system or chronic stomach issues like a sensitive stomach or diarrhea.
What we’d change
At this time, only one novel protein meal is available (pork). The pork recipe does not contain organ meat, which contains energy-rich B vitamins. This is why we prefer The Farmer’s Dog over Nom Nom if your dog needs pork as a novel protein.
Also, the cost of this premium dog food will be much higher than typical kibble. However, when compared to other human-grade fresh food, Nom Nom’s prices are competitive.
Best novel protein dog food for inflammatory bowel disease
- Made with just one novel protein, venison, which is easily digestible and great for a healthy metabolism
- Grain- and gluten-free. Includes added Omega 3s, EPA, and DHA
- Venison and squash are gentle on and soothing to the digestive system
What we like
Both Max and Hobbes tested Just Food For Dogs, and we even visited one of the brand’s NYC kitchens.
This novel protein recipe is made with gently cooked lean ground venison, which is rich in vitamins B12 and B6, riboflavin, and niacin, supporting a healthy and energetic metabolism. Venison also is rich in iron, which supports red blood cells and boosts energy. The squash is high in fiber and soothing to the gastrointestinal tract.
This recipe is ideal for adult dogs who require novel protein and could use some digestive support. It’s gentle on inflamed digestive systems. It also helps maintain healthy skin and coats. It’s also a supportive diet for weight loss since it has a low caloric density. Dogs will feel full without consuming too many calories.
Additionally, Just Food for Dogs Probiotic Live complements this IBD recipe by building good gut bacteria for a healthy microbiome, digestion, and nutrient absorption.
You learn more about the brand in our Just Food For Dogs review or our The Farmer’s Dog vs Just Food For Dogs comparison.
What we’d change
In general, Just Food For Dogs is priced on the lower end of fresh dog food. However, this particular novel protein recipe uses venison, which is a more expensive meat. Expect this meal to be pricier than other Just Food For Dogs meals and more expensive than kibble in general.
>> Read more: Nom Nom vs Just Food For Dogs
Low fat novel protein dog food
- Human-grade novel protein sourced from USDA farms
- Grain-inclusive recipe includes moderate protein levels and supports a low-fat diet
- Crafted in small batches in USDA kitchens.
What we like
This recipe may be an ideal meal for the dog that needs a low-fat, novel protein diet with moderate amounts of protein. Venison is a lean protein and this meal only contains 3% fat. We fed it to our little dog Max.
This food is made with human-grade ingredients, and venison is right where it should be at the top of the list. It also contains venison liver further down the ingredient list. We love to see liver on the ingredient list because it is rich in energy-producing vitamins and minerals.
The recipe also includes real fruits and vegetables, such as apples and bell peppers, which support healthy digestion. It contains moderate amounts of protein and grains. It’s beneficial for puppies all the way to seniors, as it meets the AAFCO standards for all life stages.
Learn all about it and watch us unbox it in our full Pet Plate dog food review or our Pet Plate vs Farmer’s Dog comparison.
What we’d change
Venison tends to be a more expensive protein compared to other meats, and these are high-quality, human-grade ingredients. This combination will make this recipe considerably more expensive than traditional pet food.
Also this particular recipe contains potatoes, which are avoided by some pet owners.
Finally, I found that Pet Plate’s food was a little harder to store in my freezer than some of the other brands that I tried, above. The round packaging is convenient for feeding, but it doesn’t stack as well as the flat packs you get with some other brands if you have limited freezer space.
Novelty protein dog food
- Human-grade cricket protein to support digestion and soothe sensitive stomachs
- Ideal for dogs with allergies to multiple meats
- Dehydrated veggies, fruits, and ancient grains in a convenient, shelf-stable dog food
- Mix with warm water for a wet dog food alternative
What we like
This is truly a novelty protein dog food. This human-grade recipe contains dehydrated ground crickets as the first ingredient.
While unusual, crickets are a highly digestible and safe source of protein. Cricket protein contains all 10 essential amino acids that dogs need to thrive. The cricket protein is sourced directly from a family farm in Canada and combined with a curated selection of all-natural ingredients, vitamins, and minerals.
It’s a great alternative for dogs that have food allergies to multiple meats. It’s free of legumes, chicken, beef, dairy, eggs, meat meals, and animal by-products.
This recipe was made with the assistance of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, and it meets the AAFCO standards for adult dogs. It can be served as a complete and balanced meal, or used as a gut-healthy meal topper.
Chippin offers a dehydrated meal base that you rehydrate with warm water to make a wet food. A 10-lb. bag of the dehydrated food makes 30 lbs. of prepared food.
It’s eco-friendly, too. Each bag of food saves over 1000 gallons of water and uses 13x less land than cattle farming.
What we’d change
Although it’s less expensive than fresh food, such as The Farmer’s Dog, fresh food may be an even healthier choice for dogs.
Also, there’s only one recipe option at the moment.
Raw novel protein dog food
- Recipes only include human-grade, USDA raw meat, organ meat, ground bone, vitamins, and minerals
- Multiple novel protein options that are minimally processed and free of fillers, preservatives, colors, or artificial flavors
- Created by a PhD animal nutritionist to meet and exceed AAFCO nutrition standards for all life stages
What we like
We Feed Raw has several novel proteins to choose from, including lamb, venison, and duck. No matter which option you choose, each is high in protein, high in fat, and low in carbs. They consist of about 80% whole meat, 10% organ meat, 10% finely ground bone, plus added vitamins and minerals to create a complete and balanced meal.
Each recipe is made with just a few animal ingredients, so they contain no sugar or carbs. According to We Feed Raw, raw ingredients are easier to digest than other foods. Adding to this, studies show that dogs that eat whole foods experience less inflammation than dogs that eat normal commercial dog foods.1, 2
These features make We Feed Raw an excellent meal for dogs dealing with digestive issues or inflammation problems like joint pain or itchy skin.
A cold-pressure process is used to eliminate any problematic pathogens in the meat. This is part of their strict adherence to food safety procedures. You can see how our dogs liked it in our We Feed Raw review.
What we’d change
The recipes are not single protein source meals. If your dog has meat allergies, be sure to check the ingredient list to see a meat your dog is allergic to is used further down the ingredient list.
Also, since We Feed Raw contains premium ingredients, it costs more than low-quality kibble.
If your dog is new to a raw diet, make sure you follow transition instructions to avoid digestive upset. We fed Hobbes We Feed Raw, and he preferred if we lightly seared the food rather than giving it to him completely raw.
Most natural novel protein dog food
- Limited-ingredient recipe made with human-grade ingredients and a single source of muscle and organ meat
- No synthetic vitamins and minerals added—only whole foods
- High protein content for active breeds
What we like
We gave this the “most natural novel protein” title since this recipe only contains muscle meat, organ meat, and six other whole food ingredients. That’s it! There are no supplemental vitamins or minerals added. The recipes are formulated by veterinary nutritionists to be nutritionally complete with only real food ingredients like kelp and cod liver oil.
This recipe is low in carbs (2%) with absolutely no fillers like potato, rice, or oats. That leaves plenty of room for protein, which makes up a hefty 20% of the guaranteed analysis. Most other wet or fresh dog foods include a fair amount of carbs and less protein, averaging about 7 to 9% of protein (as fed). If your dog needs less protein and fat, consider the Pork & Pumpkin Paté recipe instead.
What we’d change
With premium quality like this, you can expect the price to be substantially more than the price of dry kibble. However, if your dog is suffering from inflammation, it could be well worth your money to invest in high-quality food.
Air-dried novel protein dog food
- Human-grade whole turkey meat air-dried to preserve nutrition.
- Shelf-stable, jerky texture that's easy to serve
- Get 20% off your first order with code AFF20
What we like
Sundays uses only whole, human-grade ingredients sourced from farms in the Midwest United States. The brand doesn’t use any meat meals or artificial flavors or additives. Sundays has one of the shortest, cleanest ingredient lists of any food we’ve tested, and both of our dogs loved eating it.
The ingredients are gently air dried, which requires less processing than the process used to manufacture kibble and helps maintain the bioavailability of the ingredients. Check out our Sundays Dog Food review for more information.
Sundays recently added a turkey recipe, which is considered a novel protein—as long as it’s not one of the specific proteins your dog is allergic to.
What we’d change
Not every dog that requires a novel protein will be able to eat turkey. Like the pork options above, turkey meat is more common than some options, so look through the options below if you need an even more novel protein.
Also, Sundays is more expensive than most kibbles, since the ingredients are all human-grade.
- Contains 96% meat, organs, bone, and green mussels for added Omega 3’s
- Free-range, grass-fed, ethically-sourced New Zealand lamb or venison
- Nutritionally appropriate for puppies, adults, and senior dogs
What we like
Ziwi makes several novel protein recipes: Lamb, Venison, Tripe and Lamb, and Mackerel and Lamb. They contain 96% whole meat, organs, bones, and green mussels, so they are full of beneficial protein (38 to 44%) and healthy fat (24% to 30%). It’s worth pointing out that the fat and protein content of dry food appears higher than wet food, but that’s because the moisture has been removed from the calculation. The rest is superfoods and supplemental vitamins and minerals. This combo keeps adult dogs active and puppies developing appropriately.
The green mussels are a natural source of chondroitin and glucosamine, which help keep young and old joints healthy and help prevent joint tissue breakdown.
The ingredients are gently air-dried to preserve nutrients instead of extruded at a high temperature, like kibble. Since it’s air-dried, the food is shelf-stable and easy to serve by pouring directly into the bowl.
What we’d change
Even though this is a dry dog food, it’s still more expensive than traditional kibble since it uses superior ingredients and is prepared in a manner that preserves most of the nutrients.
novel protein dry dog food
- 100% Animal Welfare Certified venison (or lamb, depending on recipe choice) that is pasture fed and raised and free from antibiotics and added growth hormones
- Uses only non-GMO fruits & vegetables
- All ingredients are 100% traceable from certified family farms
What we like
Open Farm currently offers two dry novel protein options. This dry dog food is a traditional kibble, but it is made with higher quality ingredients and without wheat, corn, and soy. Open Farm uses venison or lamb that is 100% Animal Welfare Certified. In fact, the lamb meets the Global Animal Partnership Step 4 standard, which ensures animals are pastured-raised and treated humanely. They also aren’t treated with antibiotics.
Open Farm’s dry food is a solid option for busy pet owners who want better food for their dog, yet need a novel protein and the convenience of a shelf-stable kibble. These recipes are suitable for adult dogs and, depending on their full-grown size, some puppies.
What we’d change
Open Farm contains higher quality ingredients than most of the kibble available, but it is more processed and therefore not as digestible as fresh or raw food. And it does include Ocean Whitefish Meal, which may or may not work for your dog depending on their allergies. But for those dog lovers who can’t afford the most premium dog food, this is a great choice.
Canned limited ingredient novel protein
- Single-source novel protein with limited ingredients to reduce the potential of food intolerance
- Contains meat as the first ingredient
- Six novel protein options to choose from
What we like
Zignature offers several canned dog foods made with novel protein and limited-ingredient recipes. These canned foods are ideal for dogs that prefer wet food and need to avoid specific ingredients. Currently, Zignature has six limited ingredient options: duck, kangaroo, venison, pork, goat, and lamb. In each of the recipes, meat is the first ingredient.
Since these are limited-ingredient recipes, supplemental vitamins and minerals are added to make them nutritionally balanced and complete meals.
What we’d change
These meals are not ideal for dogs that need to avoid legumes. Also, many of the recipes contain meat meals, which are more processed and have less quality control than whole meat. This food does not contain many vegetables since they are limited ingredient recipes, but the nutritional content is still present with the supplemental nutrients.
Budget-friendly novel protein
- Formulated with alligator meat—a unique protein source that is rarely linked to food intolerance in dogs.
- Fish oil and flaxseed provide healthy sources of omega-3 fatty acids to support your dog's skin and coat health.
- Grain-free recipe made without corn, wheat, or soy for dogs with food sensitivities.
What we like
We like that Blue Buffalo’s Novel Protein Veterinary Diet is an affordable option for those on a budget who still need a novel protein for their dog.
This recipe was formulated with a novel protein (alligator) to help manage and minimize dogs’ negative reactions to common proteins. Additionally, it’s made without any grains, corn, wheat, or soy to help reduce reactions.
The first ingredient is alligator meat, followed by several pea ingredients, alligator meal, and other ingredients that provide omega-3s, fiber, and more.
What we’d change
This recipe requires a veterinarian’s authorization. This can be done by providing your pet and vet information at checkout. If you haven’t received a prescription for a novel protein diet, you’ll need to consult your vet or look for another option.
Also, we don’t love the use of meat meals, as they tend to be a way to slip sub-quality ingredients into dog food. We’d rather see whole food ingredients rather than processed ones like pea starch.
What is a novel protein diet for dogs?
Novel or “novelty protein dog food” is a dog food recipe built around an uncommon protein source. The protein doesn’t have to be as novel as alligator meat, which some recipes include. It just needs to be new to your dog. This will hopefully help minimize your dog’s adverse reaction to their food.
Why do some dogs need novel protein diets?
Most dog food contains meat that we refer to as “common” protein, such as chicken or beef. These protein sources are fine for most dogs. However, in Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats, Dr. Pitcairn writes that a recent list of the top allergens for dogs include: beef, dairy, eggs, chicken, lamb, pork, rabbit, fish, soy, and wheat.
Novel protein dog food uses less popular protein sources, such as duck, alligator, bison, or kangaroo, in an attempt to create a hypoallergenic dog food. But they can also include meats like turkey, lamb, pork, and venison, as long as your dog hasn’t had them in the past. Since they are new to your dog, their immune system will be less likely to react to these proteins, at least at first.
Dr. Pitcairn warns in his book that pets can become reactive to new foods over time. He writes that “food allergies and oversensitivities are a good example of a disturbed immune response, and in my view they are likely the product of several things.”
- Damage to the intestinal walls and gut biome: destruction of the beneficial bacteria in the gut by such things as antibiotics and herbicides.
- A paired association between toxins and frequently eaten foods that contain those toxins: The body associates the common food with common toxins (e.g. pesticides) it may contain. The body learns to identify the food as a toxin itself.
- Reactions to overvaccinations: The foreign proteins unnaturally enter the body directly into the bloodstream bypassing the natural layered tier of our body’s defense system. This can trigger an overreaction inflammatory response that does not go away.
- Inheritance: Sensitivities passed down genetically.
Accurately diagnosing food allergies or sensitivity can be extremely challenging. Work with your veterinarian to determine the best course for identifying food sensitivities and finding a diet that will help your pet feel better. Dr. Pitcairn advises feeding your pet only organic and non-gmo foods to alleviate the toxic load.
Is there a homemade novel protein diet for dogs?
You can review our guide to the best homemade dog food recipes for colitis, IBD, and IBS. However, we’d caution you against trying to make up your own homemade diet. A veterinary nutritionist is necessary to create a nutritionally balanced diet for your dog. However, some advanced cases of food allergies require a homemade diet.
Just Food For Dogs created a Venison & Squash DIY Nutrient Kit that assists pet owners in taking their dog’s mealtime into their own hands. This product is a recipe plus a nutrient blend that contains the supplemental vitamins and minerals necessary to ensure your dog is getting a balanced diet. It’s suitable for the long-term feeding of adult dogs.
Just Food For Dogs carries several nutrient blends, but this is the only one built around a novel protein. This recipe and blend replicates their Venison and Squash fresh food, which is also reviewed above. The instructions list which ingredients you’ll need to purchase from the grocery store and the proper amount of each to make it a balanced meal.
If making the food from scratch ever becomes too much work, you can always subscribe to Just Food For Dogs and have it shipped to your door on a regular schedule!
>> Read more: Ollie vs Just Food For Dogs
Best protein for dogs with allergies
There isn’t an agreed-upon best protein for all dogs with allergies because different dogs have different allergies. Always work with your veterinarian to determine the best protein source for your dog’s specific needs.
How to find the best protein for your dog with allergies
If your dog is showing signs of food allergies or sensitivities, Veterinarian Robyn Galluci recommends you stop your dog’s current food and opt for a hydrolyzed dog food. A hydrolyzed diet breaks the proteins into tiny pieces that the body is not able to recognize and react to.
Your dog needs to be on this hydrolyzed diet for two to three months for their body to flush the proteins completely. Be sure not to provide any other snacks or table foods that could inadvertently reintroduce the problematic ingredient. You should notice a significant decline in reactions. If not, your dog could be reacting to something in the environment.
If your dog responds well to the elimination diet, Dr. Galluci recommends feeding your dog a new or novel protein, such as venison, fish, or kangaroo. Any reactions should occur within one to two weeks of the introduction of the new food. If symptoms return, she advises going back to the hydrolyzed diet.
Only add one protein at a time no sooner than every two to four weeks. If you notice any mild reactions, stop that food, maintain the hydrolyzed diet for two weeks, then try another protein.
Venison is a great first option to try if you don’t know where to start. If you are curious about a variety of venison dog food options, check out our guide to the best venison dog food.
Venison is a lean red meat that is high in iron. Iron builds healthy red blood cells and boosts energy. It is naturally high in Vitamins B12 and B6 as well as riboflavin and niacin, which promote a fully functioning energetic metabolism.
Before you go…
Best Dog Food for IBD & IBS: Don’t Trust the Biggest Brands
Best Dog Food for Colitis: Diet Recommendations for Intestinal Problems
Resources
- Gentzel, J.B. (2013). Does contemporary canine diet causes cancer? A review. Veterinary World. p. 632-639. DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2013.632-639.
- Moore, R., Anturaniemi, J., et al. (2020). Targeted Metabolomics With Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS) Highlights Metabolic Differences in Healthy and Atopic Staffordshire Bull Terriers Fed Two Different Diets, A Pilot Study. Front Vet Sci. 7: p. 554296. DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.554296.
