Gone are the days when dogs only had chicken or beef for every meal. These days, dog parents can opt for a variety of novel proteins. Here are the top reasons to choose them.

Novel proteins are becoming more common in dog food recipes, and for good reason. Along with being great for dogs with allergies and sensitivities, they’re also better for the planet and ensure dogs get all the nutrients they need to be the happy, healthy goofballs we love. Here are some reasons to help guide you when considering adding novel proteins to your dog’s diet.

Novel Proteins Are Hypoallergenic and Easy to Digest

Allergies and food sensitivities are among the most common causes of skin problems in dogs. Effects on the dog can be seen in the form of itching, scabs, fur loss, infections, discomfort, and more. While there are conventional and alternative treatments for allergies, the best remedy is always avoiding the trigger(s). When it comes to food allergies and sensitivities, the most common triggers include beef, chicken, dairy, and wheat. Beef and chicken are among the most popular ingredients in many dog foods, so opting for foods made without these triggering proteins can be a start to helping dogs with allergies and sensitivities to these specific animal proteins.

For example, a combination of plant-based proteins like lentils, quinoa, and sunflower seed can help manage, and sometimes prevent, allergic reactions, support healthier skin, lessen itching, lend to a shinier coat, and effectively meet your dog’s protein needs.

Certain health conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or other gastrointestinal disorders, may benefit from novel protein diets. These proteins can be fed in an elimination diet to identify and manage food sensitivities or other underlying issues.

They Can Be Better for the Planet

Novel proteins come from many sources, some of which are better for the environment than others. Pet food production accounts for over 64 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year. Furthermore, producing protein from meat requires vast amounts of water and land. By contrast, plant and insect proteins are often more sustainable and better for the environment because they use less land and water, contribute to biodiversity, produce fewer emissions and less pollution, and help conserve natural resources.

They Provide Dogs with Nutritional Variety

Protein is the most important functional ingredient for dogs, and it’s made up of amino acids that dogs need for energy, immunity, hormone production, and more. However, not all proteins contain all the essential amino acids. With a rotational diet that regularly switches novel proteins, you ensure your dog eats a complete and balanced diet with all the nutrients and amino acids. And when you add plant-based proteins to your dog’s diet, you actively contribute to reducing your dog’s paw print on the environment while positively contributing to their digestion and overall health.

Pro tip: Dogs, like humans, can also get bored with eating the same food every day. Rotating proteins can enhance the palatability of their meals, making feeding times more enjoyable and encouraging better eating habits.

Earth Animal Leads the Pack for Novel Proteins

Wisdom Air-Dried recipes from Earth Animal contain novel and conventional proteins that are great for allergies, the planet, and rotational feeding. Protein choices include:

• Venison
• Sardines
• Bison
• Turkey
• Clams
• Plant proteins
• Black soldier fly larvae
• Crickets

Earth Animal’s plant-based From The Seed recipe contains 100% hypoallergenic proteins from lentil, alfalfa, quinoa, sunflower, and potato and provides all the essential amino acids. Their insect-based From The Soil recipe is made with cricket and black soldier fly larvae, and like From the Seed, it is also hypoallergenic while providing all 10 essential amino acids.

Visit Earth Animal to learn more about novel proteins and Wisdom Air-Dried recipes.

Source: Animal Wellness Magazine