Why Salmon is a Superior Protein Source for Your Dog

Can Dogs Eat Salmon?

Is it safe to feed your salmon? The short answer is yes.

Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support the immune system, may decrease inflammation, and can keep your dogs coat looking shiny and healthy. Along with some other types of fish, salmon is also a good protein source. In fact, salmon is a common ingredient in high-quality dog foods. If your dog is allergic to more common sources of protein like chicken, salmon may be a good alternative.

How Should I Prepare Salmon for My Dog?

Do not ever give your dog raw or undercooked salmon. It can contain the Neorickettsia helminthoeca parasite, which causes salmon poisoning disease. This disease can be fatal. In addition, raw salmon contains lots of small bones, which are brittle and can choke your dog or lodge in their stomach or intestines.

However, well-cooked, boneless salmon is definitely on the list of people food approved for dogs. Choose fresh, boneless fillets, since theyre less likely to harbor small bones. But be sure to check for tiny bones anyway before cooking. Then poach, grill, roast, steam, or bake the salmon with no oil, salt, pepper, or other seasonings, such as garlic or onions.

As with any food, portion control is important. Serve your dog an appropriate portion size, and limit salmon intake to once a week or less. You may even feed your dog canned salmon, although its best to choose one packed with water.

So, the next time youre putting a fresh piece of salmon on the grill or in the oven, set a small piece aside to cook for your dog. Its good for them, and theyll love it. And if you really want to give your dog a special treat, try this homemade vet-approved mini omelette, made with sliced, cooked salmon!

Novel Protein Dog Food: What Is It & Why Is It Good For Your Dog?

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Many dogs are prone to allergies, intolerances or digestive problems: if you find that your dog frequently suffers from skin or fur problems, it may be useful to look into your dogs diet. Sadly, allergies and intolerances to ordinary dog food ingredients (think chicken, beef and grains) are becoming increasingly more common.

Still, we love our pets and we want them to enjoy tasty food that is of high quality, both for their health and happiness. So, instead of struggling to perform the balancing act of health and happiness, it may be beneficial to look into novel proteins. However, what are novel proteins?

What are Novel Proteins?

Often found in hypoallergenic dog foods, novel proteins are proteins that are not ordinarily found in over-the-counter common commercial dog foods. Though the choice of protein does not have to be extravagant, it must still be one that your dog has not consumed before.

Novel proteins are useful in cutting off common allergens in a dogs diet, whilst still giving them the nutrients and flavour they require and yearn for.

Why Make the Change?

In short, dogs can develop food intolerances when they consume the same type of food (and protein) for a longer period of time, eventually leading to health problems. Switching to a novel protein can mitigate such circumstances, whilst allowing your dog to still enjoy their food.

The Benefits of Novel Protein Dog Food

It must be stressed that, for a dog with skin conditions and other allergies, incorporating novel proteins into a dogs diet can be transformative to their enjoyment and quality of life. Some benefits of novel protein dog foods are:

Leaner and Cleaner

As novel protein sources are not as commonly used in commercial dog foods, they are much less likely to be mass-produced and battery farmed; meaning that the meat is likely to be of much higher quality, cleaner, leaner and free from chemicals.

Not only does your pooch benefit from leaner meat that is free from medications or chemicals, but you also have the peace of mind that the protein source has a much higher quality of life in comparison to unethically farmed livestock.

Decreased Risk of Allergies and Intolerances

Dogs often develop food allergies when exposed to the same type of protein for a long time, so incorporating varied protein sources into a dogs diet is a proven method of managing allergy and intolerance development, particularly uncomfortably itchy skin.

The Top Four Novel Proteins to Consider for Your Dog

So, we have defined what a novel protein is; however, what are the best types of novel proteins to consider for your dog? Today we will take a look at four novel proteins that will promote good health in your dog whilst being highly enjoyable, too.

1. Salmon Protein

A great source of protein for your dog, this oily fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as being extremely high in lean protein. The omega-3 fatty acids are essential to humans and dogs as the body cannot produce them itself, so must be ingested. Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to heart health, maintaining healthy skin and fur, hormonal balance and lubricated joints.

2. Kangaroo Protein

Though it may be difficult to get a hold of, kangaroo protein is proven to be a beneficial inclusion in a dogs diet. Not only is it one of the leanest animal protein sources on earth, but it is often extremely clean from chemicals and medication.

Being high in good fats such as omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) means that kangaroo protein is good for your dogs heart and brain health, as well as lean muscle mass.

3. Duck Protein

With a lighter texture than chicken, therefore easier for pups with sensitive stomachs to digest, duck protein is a high source of protein that is low in fat and high in vitamins A and B3, duck is a great alternative for dogs who are allergic to beef and chicken.

4. Insect Protein

Insect protein is a great option for novel protein choice for your pooch as it offers a cost-effective, nutritious, tasty food source that is high in nutrients and important dietary fibre. Its also environmentally friendly, helping reduce carbon emissions.

Though small, insects are absolutely jam-packed with essential vitamins and minerals. They are also high in the nutritional power couple that is protein and iron, as well important dietary fats and fatty acids, such as omega-3 fatty acids.

Fancy giving insect dog food a try?

Bug Bakes produce insect-based dog food composed of ethically sourced insects, cold-pressed for convenience and freshness. Full of muscle-building protein and nutrients as well as anti-inflammatory supplements like Glucosamine and Chicory Root extract, our formula protects both your dog and the planet.

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How to Choose a Novel Protein Source

When selecting a novel protein dog food, it is always best to conduct thorough research of the brand and nutritional label to determine whether there are other ingredients that your dog may be allergic to - check out our article on hypoallergenic dog foods to discover some common food allergies and intolerances in dogs.

Purchasing from a reputable supplier of novel protein dog food will ensure that all of the ingredients and nutrition within the food are fully trackable and traceable, meaning that you know exactly what your dog is consuming.

Five Tips to Making the Switch to Novel Protein Dog Food

When looking to switch up any part of your dogs food, exercise regime or medication, slow and steady is the best practice: they are sensitive creatures who dont necessarily adapt to change well.

To make the switch, consider the following:

1. Always speak to your veterinarian before you make any drastic changes to your dogs diet
2. Thoroughly read the ingredients list of your dogs new food: ensure only novel proteins are used, not a blend of novel and traditional proteins
3. When first feeding your dog its new food, blend of the new food with of their old food for two days
4. After two days, use of the old food with of the new food, again, for two days
5. On the fifth and sixth dof the new food regime, use of new food blended with of old food
6. On the seventh day and beyond, your dogs food should be 100% the new novel protein dog food

Note: if the new food causes an upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhoea, itchiness, aggressiveness or any other ill effect, discontinue use of the novel protein and consult your veterinarian immediately.

Single-Protein Dog Foods: 9 Picks for Putting an End to Fidos Itchy Skin!

Mixed protein dog foods are common, with various meat meals and products mingling as you read farther and farther down the ingredient list.

And for the vast majority of canines, multiple proteins in dog food arent an issue. In fact, a variety of proteins can improve taste and pack extra nutrients, like chondroitin, glucosamine, and omega-3s that help your dog look and feel his best.

But unfortunately, multi-protein foods spell trouble for some four-legged friends, leading to digestive upset or triggering food allergies. These poor pooches require something called a single-protein dog food a food featuring meat (and sometimes meat meals) derived from a single animal.

Well discuss which dogs might need to stick to single-protein picks and identify a few of the best single-protein dog foods below.

Best Overall Single-Protein Dog Food

Best Grain-Inclusive Single-Protein Kibble

Most Affordable Single-Protein Dog Food

Why Do Some Dogs Need Single-Protein Food?

Food allergies are the primary reason some dogs need a single-protein food.

This is the case because normally harmless proteins can trigger immune responses in dogs with allergies. In other words, the dogs immune system freaks out at the presence of a typical protein and acts as though it is a dangerous substance.

Just about any protein can cause problems, but chicken and beef are two of the most common offenders for dogs.

And because both of these ingredients are frequently used as secondary ingredients to bolster the flavor and nutritional value of dog foods (indeed, theyre two of the best meats for dogs), owners with allergic pups often have trouble finding suitable foods.

Other dogs dont have food allergies but instead have something called food intolerances. Food intolerances do not trigger immune responses like allergies do; they simply occur when a dogs system cant properly deal with a (usually) harmless protein.

This means that dogs with food intolerances dont typically experience immune responses, such as itchy skin. However, dogs with protein intolerances can still suffer from uncomfortable symptoms, such as gas and diarrhea.

Another potential reason a dog may require a single-protein food versus a mixed one is his individual nutritional needs.

A working Malinois, for example, may need more energy from his diet than a couch-surfing bulldog. Other dogs may need diets with less protein content to help address health conditions or shed a few extra pounds.

Lastly, some dogs just prefer the taste of one protein over another. Most dogs love the taste of chicken, which is why the protein is so often used in dog food, while others turn their noses up to blander options, like lamb.

Single-Protein Dog Foods vs Hypoallergenic Dog Foods

You may see some single-protein dog foods labelled as hypoallergenic dog foods.

However, while related, these terms arent exactly interchangeable. Hypoallergenic dog foods are specifically designed to avoid triggering allergies, but they can accomplish this in a few ways.

Some usually known as limited-ingredient dog foods are made with few (often one) protein. On the other hand, some hypoallergenic dog foods are made with hydrolyzed proteins.

These proteins have been chemically altered, thereby preventing your dogs immune system from recognizing them and therefore overreacting.

It is worth noting that hydrolyzed proteins are pricey, and many foods containing them are among the most expensive dog foods around.

The 9 Best Single-Protein Dog Foods

There are a lot of options out there for pups with sensitive systems, but weve narrowed it down to our favorite single-protein dog foods for your fur friend. Lets check out the best single-protein dog foods together.

1. Ollie

Best Overall Single-Protein Dog Food

Ollie

A fresh, custom-crafted, single-protein dog food made with human-grade ingredients.

Special Discount:We've cut a deal with Ollie -- new customers can get 50% off!

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About: Ollie offers fresh, single-protein recipes made with real meat and vegetables. Gently cooked to preserve nutrients and custom-crafted for your canine, this meaty mixture is shipped right to your door for maximum convenience.

Features:

• Offer customized, prepackaged foods catered to your dogs age, weight, breed, and allergies
• Contain no corn, soy, wheat, or artificial flavors
• Meets AAFCO standards for all life stages
• Made of human-grade ingredients in the USA

Options: Available in beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb recipes.

Ingredients (Lamb):

Ingredients List

Lamb, Butternut squash, Lamb liver, Kale, Rice...,

Chickpeas, Chickpea flour, Cranberries, Green beans, Potatoes, Dicalcium phosphate, Chia seeds, Cod liver oil, Iodized salt, Calcium carbonate, Zinc gluconate, Taurine, Vitamin E supplement, Iron sulfate, Pantothenic acid, Manganese gluconate, Thiamin hydrochloride, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Potassium iodate, Folic acid.

Protein: 10% min

Pros

• You just cant beat Ollies overall quality
• Even picky pooches seem to love the taste and texture
• The limited ingredient list makes avoiding problem proteins easy

Cons

• Ollie is significantly more expensive than the average kibble
• This food requires refrigeration, which will take up fridge space

2. Spot & Tango UnKibble

Best Customized, Single-Protein Dry Dog Food

About: Spot & Tango UnKibble is a revolutionary take on traditional kibble, using an innovative low-temperature drying method to preserve food without sacrificing nutrients. Shipped right to your door, theres no need to run to the store to give your dog this top-notch food.

Features:

• Customizable to your dogs unique nutrition needs
• Contains no artificial colors or flavors
• Veterinarian-formulated recipes for proper nutrition
• Made in the USA
• Get 50% off your first Spot & Tango order when you use code K9OFMINE50

Options: UnKibble options include Beef & Barley, Chicken & Brown Rice, and Cod & Salmon (note that the Cod & Salmon recipe is obviously not a single-protein dog food, but we list it to be comprehensive).

Ingredients (Beef & Barley):

Ingredients List

Beef, Barley, Flax, Carrots, Green beans, Beef liver...,

Beef heart, Beets, Cranberries, Rosemary, Kelp, Salt, Cellulose powder, Fish oil, L-tryptophan, Choline chloride, Organic zinc proteinate, Potassium chloride, Rosemary extract, Mixed tocopherols, Iron amino acid chelate, Vitamin E supplement, Organic selenium yeast, Calcium carbonate, Beet, Tomato, Broccoli, Carrot, Spinach, Orange, Cherry, Cranberry, Strawberry, Apple, Blueberry, Pumpkin, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Folic acid.

Protein Content (Beef & Barley): 26.58%

Pros

• The short ingredient list makes avoiding triggering ingredients easy
• These meals are customized for your dogs weight, breed, and activity level
• Eco-friendly packaging is always a plus
• Its one of the few customized, shelf-stable options

Cons

• UnKibble is more expensive than most traditional dry foods
• You have to enroll in a subscription to purchase these foods

3. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet

Best Conventional, Single-Protein Dog Food (Grain-Inclusive)

About: Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet is a kibble that has both grain-inclusive and grain-free options for your fur kid. All recipes feature probiotics for digestive health and Blue Buffalos trademark LifeSource Bits for an immune boost.

Features:

• A single, high-quality protein is always the first ingredient
• Includes chondroitin and glucosamine in the dog food for joint health
• Does not contain common trigger ingredients like chicken, corn, soy, or dairy
• Contains oatmeal, brown rice, and potatoes as the primary carbohydrate sources
• Made in the USA

Options: Available in six grain-inclusive options, including Turkey & Potato, Salmon & Potato, and Healthy Weight Turkey & Potato, Duck & Potato, Large Breed Lamb & Potato, and Small Breed Lamb & Potato.

Ingredients (Turkey & Potato):

Ingredients List

Deboned turkey, Oatmeal, Brown rice, Potatoes, Peas...,

Turkey meal, Pea fiber, Natural flavor, Pea protein, Canola oil, Fish oil, Calcium carbonate, Dicalcium phosphate, Potassium chloride, Choline chloride, Pumpkin, Dried chicory root, Dehydrated alfalfa meal, Flaxseed, Alfalfa nutrient concentrate, Salt, Taurine, Vitamin E supplement, Mixed tocopherols, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate, DL-methionine, Glucosamine hydrochloride, Zinc amino acid chelate, Zinc sulfate, Vegetable juice, Ferrous sulfate, Iron amino acid chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried kelp, Yucca schidigera extract, Niacin, Calcium pantothenate, Copper sulfate, L-lysine, Biotin, Vitamin A supplement, Copper amino acid chelate, Manganese sulfate, Manganese amino acid chelate, Thiamine mononitrate, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 supplement, Vitamin B12 supplement, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Calcium iodate, Dried yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic acid, Sodium selenite, Rosemary oil.

Protein Content (Turkey & potato): 20%

Pros

• Its easy to find matching Blue Basics canned foods and treats a rare opportunity among limited-ingredient dog foods
• Reasonably priced for the quality
• Available in recipes suited for a variety of dogs, including small breeds, large breeds, and more

Cons

• Some dogs pick around Blue Buffalos LifeSource Bits
• Not all recipes in Blue Buffalos Basics formula line are grain-inclusive

4. Taste of the Wild Prey

Best Conventional, Single-Protein Dog Food (Grain-Free)

About: Taste of the Wild Prey is an excellent grain-free kibble option for dogs with sensitivities. With an easy-to-read, limited ingredient list, it takes the guesswork out of spotting problem items.

Features:

• Meat is always the first ingredient
• Contains an assortment of probiotics for optimal gut health
• Each kibblet is flavored with a tasty coating to entice pickier pups
• Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients

Options: Available with your choice of primary proteins, including beef, trout, and turkey.

Ingredients (Trout):

Ingredients List

Trout, Lentils, Tomato pomace, Sunflower oil, Natural flavor...,

Dicalcium phosphate, Calcium carbonate, Salmon oil, Salt, Dl-methionine, Choline chloride, Taurine, L-carnitine, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, Vitamin E supplement, Iron proteinate, Zinc proteinate, Copper proteinate, Ferrous sulfate, Zinc sulfate, Copper sulfate, Potassium iodide, Thiamine mononitrate, Manganese proteinate, Manganous oxide, Ascorbic acid, Vitamin A supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium pantothenate, Manganese sulfate, Sodium selenite, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 supplement, Folic acid, Live naturally occurring microorganisms.

Protein Content (Trout): 27%

Pros

• Most pups seem to love the taste
• The small, rounded kibble shape works for dogs both large and small
• The assortment of probiotics can help promote proper digestion

Cons

• This kibble is on the pricier side
• Unfortunately, the largest bag size is only 25 pounds
• More protein options would be nice

5. Hills Prescription Diet Z/D

Best Prescriptions-Only, Single-Protein Dog Food

About: Dogs suffering from serious allergies need serious protection with a sensitive-system food like Hills Prescription Diet z/D. Made specifically for dogs with allergies by vets and nutritionists, this kibble has undergone testing to ensure safety and proper digestion in sensitive systems.

Features:

• Includes hydrolyzed protein to avoid immune responses
• Contains fatty acids for skin and coat health
• Uses a single carbohydrate source
• Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients

Options: Only offered in a single flavor.

Ingredients:

Ingredients List

Corn starch, Hydrolyzed chicken liver, Powdered cellulose, Soybean oil, Calcium carbonate...,

Dicalcium phosphate, Lactic acid, Potassium chloride, Glyceryl monostearate, Choline chloride, Iodized salt, Vitamin E supplement, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate, Niacin supplement, Thiamine mononitrate, Vitamin A supplement, Calcium pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 supplement, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Riboflavin supplement, Folic acid, Vitamin D3 supplement, DL-methionine, Ferrous sulfate, Zinc oxide, Copper sulfate, Manganous oxide, Calcium iodate, Sodium selenite, Taurine, Mixed tocopherols, Natural flavors, Beta-carotene.

Protein Content: 19.1%

Pros

• Hydrolyzed proteins wont trigger your dogs allergies
• Backed by a 100-percent money-back guarantee
• Studies have shown improved skin and coat health in 30 days after switching to this food

Cons

• Hydrolyzed proteins make this food expensive
• A prescription is required for this food
• Corn starch isnt the most impressive leading ingredient

6. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet

Best Budget-Friendly Single-Protein Dog Food

About: Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dietis a single-protein solution to your dogs meat-based sensitivities. Made in facilities practicing vigorous batch-testing for safety, you can also feed your dog with peace of mind.

Features:

• Real meat is always the first ingredient
• Contains no corn, soy, or wheat
• Grain-free and grain-inclusive options available
• Made in the USA

Options: Available with your choice of five proteins: lamb, salmon, beef, chicken, and duck.

Ingredients (Lamb):

Ingredients List

Lamb, Brown rice, Lamb meal, Brewers rice, Rice bran, Brewers dried yeast...,

Sunflower oil, Natural flavor, Potassium chloride, Salt, Choline chloride, DL-methionine, Taurine, Vitamin E supplement, Niacin supplement, D-calcium pantothenate, Vitamin A supplement, Riboflavin supplement, Thiamine mononitrate, Vitamin D3 supplement, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Folic acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 supplement, Zinc proteinate, Zinc sulfate, Ferrous sulfate, Iron proteinate, Copper sulfate, Copper proteinate, Manganese sulfate, Manganese proteinate, Sodium selenite, Calcium iodate, Rosemary extract, Green tea extract, Spearmint extract.

Protein Content (Lamb): 22%

Pros

• This is one of the most affordable limited-ingredient options available
• There are a several matching product lines to pair with this food, including treats, canned foods, and more
• Available in versions for puppies, large breed puppies, seniors, and more a rarity among single-protein kibbles

Cons

• It doesnt appear to be the tastiest option around
• Wed love if this line included exotic protein options

Dont forget treats!

Remember to check that every part of your pups diet stars a single protein to keep your canine feeling great, including treats. A good way to avoid accidental hiccups is to feed hypoallergenic dog treats.

7. Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Canned Dog Food

Best Single-Protein, Grain-Inclusive Wet Food

About: Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Canned Dog Food has the energizing grains your dog needs without corn, dairy, and soy. With a relatively compact ingredient list rich with real meat (including organs), vitamins, and minerals, its a well-rounded addition to your four-footers bowl.

Features:

• Real deboned poultry is always the first ingredient
• Features a single source of protein
• Grain-inclusive and grain-free options available
• Made in the USA at a Safe Quality Food Level 3 kitchen

Options: Grain-inclusive options include Chicken & Brown Rice and Turkey & Brown Rice.

Ingredients (Chicken & Brown Rice):

Ingredients List

Deboned chicken, Chicken broth, Chicken liver, Brown rice, Oatmeal...,

Natural flavor, Potassium chloride, Tricalcium phosphate, Salt, Locust bean gum, Guar gum, Sodium tripolyphosphate, Choline chloride, Zinc sulfate, Ferrous sulfate, Copper sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium iodide, Sodium selenite, Calcium carbonate, Vitamin E supplement, Niacin, Thiamine mononitrate, Calcium pantothenate, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Vitamin B-12 supplement, Riboflavin supplement, Vitamin A supplement, Folic acid, Vitamin D-3 supplement, Biotin

Protein Content (Chicken & Brown Rice): 8% min

Pros

• A very limited ingredient list makes avoiding problem ingredients easy
• Merrick works with a number of canine charities, including local shelters, PAWS Chicago, and K9s for Warriors
• Most dogs appear to love the taste, despite the limited ingredient list

Cons

• The protein content of this food is rather low
• This is a more expensive option than some other single-protein foods

8. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Canned Dog Food

Best Grain-Free, Single-Protein Wet Food

About: Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Canned Dog Food is a grain-free option offering tasty pate-style grub thats loaded with skin-nourishing fatty acids. Containing a single carbohydrate source in each recipe, its easier to digest than hodgepodge options.

Features:

• Meat is always the first ingredient in Wellness foods
• Does not contain any meat by-products, corn, soy, or wheat
• Formulated by veterinarians and nutritionists
• Made in the USA

Options: Grain-free options include Turkey & Potato and Whitefish & Potato.

Ingredients (Whitefish & Potato):

Ingredients List

Whitefish, Fish broth, Potatoes, Canola oil, Ground flaxseed...,

Carrageenan, Guar gum, Salt, Potassium chloride, Choline chloride, Inulin, Zinc proteinate, Iron proteinate, Thiamine mononitrate, Vitamin E supplement, Copper proteinate, Manganese proteinate, Sodium selenite, Cobalt proteinate, Niacin supplement, d-Calcium pantothenate, Vitamin A supplement, Riboflavin supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 supplement, Potassium iodide, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 supplement, Folic acid

Protein Content (Whitefish & Potato): 7% min

Pros

• Flavor gets a wag of approval from most dogs
• Several owners reported drastic improvements in skin and coat health
• Foods in this formula line feature very simple ingredient lists

Cons

• The smell was off-putting to some owners
• A few owners complained that these cans are hard to open

9. Zignature Limited Ingredient Formula

Best Single-Protein Food with Exotic Meats

About: Find exotic proteins for your pup withZignature Limited Ingredient Formula, a top-shelf kibble featuring less common meats like venison and goat. These high-quality meats are always the top ingredient and harvested from trustworthy sources.

Features:

• Crafted by food scientists and animal nutritionists for full-body canine wellness
• Made with no chicken, potatoes, wheat, or dairy
• Feature complex carbohydrates for energy and fiber
• A made in the USA dog food with globally-sourced ingredients

Options: Available with your choice of 13(!) proteins, including the exotic guinea fowl, catfish, and kangaroo, and typical offerings, like lamb, turkey, and salmon.

Ingredients (Catfish):

Ingredients List

Catfish, Catfish meal, Peas, Pea flour, Chickpeas...,

Sunflower oil, Flaxseed, Natural flavors, Salt, Taurine, Vitamin A acetate, Vitamin D3 supplement, Vitamin E supplement, Niacin supplement, Dcalcium pantothenate, Thiamine mononitrate, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Riboflavin supplement, Folic acid, Vitamin B12 supplement, Calcium carbonate, Choline chloride, Tricalcium phosphate, Zinc proteinate, Iron proteinate, Copper proteinate, Manganese proteinate, Sodium selenite Calcium iodate, Potassium chloride, Mixed preserved tocopherols, L-carnitine

Protein Content (Catfish): 32%

Pros

• In addition to featuring a single protein, these foods leave out common triggers (such as eggs)
• There are plenty of protein options available, including exotic meats
• Most dogs appear to love these recipes

Cons

• The lack of grain-inclusive recipes is unfortunate
• These are relatively expensive kibbles

Dog Food Allergy & Single-Protein Dog Food FAQ

Food allergies can be a bit of a complicated issue, and many owners have questions about them and the need for single-protein dog foods. Well try to help below by answering some of the most common questions about the best single-protein dog foods and related subjects.

What are some of the symptoms of food allergies in dogs?

Like us humans, dogs can suffer from food allergies theyre essentially overreactions of the immune system to typically harmless proteins.

However, dogs typically experience different kinds of symptoms than humans. Humans, for example, often experience gastrointestinal issues after eating problematic foods, while dogs usually suffer (though not always) suffer skin and coat problems after consuming allergic triggers.

Signs of food allergies in dogs are:

Skin rash or redness around the belly, thighs, or feet Itching Excessive foot chewing/licking Coughing Inflammation Eye discharge Red/itchy ears or ear infections

Less commonly reported signs of food allergies in dogs include: Diarrhea Vomiting Breathing difficulty

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, report them to your vet. For severe reactions (such as those involving your dogs breathing or facial swelling), just head to the pet emergency room.

Whats the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance?

Unlike food allergies, food intolerances do not involve an immune response. Instead, theyre just examples of a dogs individual system being unable to properly digest a given protein(s).

That isnt to say that food intolerance isnt a big deal, however. Your dog still isnt feeling his best when he eats something that doesnt agree with his tummy.

While a food intolerance doesnt trigger an immune reaction, it does feature some not-so-fun symptoms like:

Gas Diarrhea Vomiting

Food intolerances may not be as severe as food allergies, but theyre still important to note, especially if you plan on boarding your dog anywhere in the future. Its a good idea to mention them to your vet as well.

What are some of the most common food allergies in dogs?

In humans, food allergies to things like shellfish and nuts are pretty common. However, dogs are more likely to be allergic to other proteins.

Some of the most common food allergies in dogs are:

Chicken Beef Lamb Eggs Soy Gluten

Avoiding these ingredients is getting easier thanks to the rise in limited-ingredient diets and single-protein dog foods (like those discussed above).

However, you should always triple-check ingredient lists to be sure no trigger items are used. Remember to stay up-to-date on your chosen manufacturers recipes, too, as they can change over time.

Do I need to take my dog to the vet for a food allergy?

Severe reactions involving things like facial swelling or breathing difficulties require an immediate trip to the vet, but minor food allergy symptoms such as itchy skin dont require an immediate visit.

That said, its always best to notify your vet of any new sensitivities or allergies. Your vet can confirm if a reaction is allergic in nature or diagnose if its something else entirely.

Once an allergic reaction is confirmed, your vet will likely start your pup on an elimination diet to identify the problem ingredient. This can take a while, especially if your dog has several sensitivities.

In the meantime, single-protein food options can help you steer clear of known problem proteins (or try them out one by one to root out the issue.)

Can dogs be allergic to fruits and vegetables?

Proteins are the molecules in a given food that causes an allergic reaction, but that doesnt mean meats are the only types of foods that can cause problems.

In actuality, produce including the best fruits and vegetables for dogs contain proteins, which can cause allergic reactions in some cases.

Nevertheless, these types of food allergies are less common than those caused by animal-based sources.

***

Have you tried any of the best single-protein dog foods we listed with your floof? Is there another that your dog enjoys? Help a fur friend out and share your picks for the best single-protein dog foods the comments!