If your cat has been battling itchy skin, frequent vomiting or digestive upsets after meals, a novel protein diet could be the answer. This approach introduces proteins your cat hasn’t encountered before, like duck, rabbit or venison to reduce the chance of allergic reactions. These diets are gaining traction as a practical solution for food sensitivities and other conditions such as IBD. Whether your vet has suggested it or you’re just exploring different food options, let’s look at how a novel protein diet for cats work.
What is a novel protein diet?
A novel protein diet is a specialised type of food plan for cats, designed to address food allergies or sensitivities by introducing proteins that are completely new to their system. This approach targets cats with specific issues like itchy skin or digestive troubles that may result from recurring exposure to common protein sources.
Defining ‘novel protein’
So, what makes a protein “novel”? Essentially, it’s any protein your cat hasn’t been exposed to before. Typical cat food contains proteins like chicken, beef or fish. Over time, consistent exposure to these proteins can lead to sensitivities or allergic reactions. A novel protein diet for cats uses less common sources such as:
- Rabbit
- Kangaroo
- Venison
- Duck
- Goat
- Turkey
The idea is simple; by offering something unfamiliar, your cat’s immune system is less likely to react. Think of it like giving their body a well-deserved break from the usual dietary triggers.
How it differs from regular diets
A novel protein diet stands apart from regular cat food in several ways, starting with its primary goal. While traditional diets provide general nutrition, novel protein diets are often about solving a puzzle, identifying and eliminating what’s causing your cat’s discomfort.
Here’s a quick comparison to help clarify:
- Ingredients: Regular cat food relies on common proteins like chicken or beef. Novel protein diets exclude these and focus on rare proteins.
- Purpose: Traditional options offer balanced nutrition for all cats, while novel protein diets target cats with food sensitivities or allergies.
- Nutritional focus: Novel protein diets often have limited ingredient lists to further minimise potential allergens. This makes it easier to pinpoint what works for your cat.
Why cats might need a novel protein diet
Cats, like humans, sometimes require dietary changes to maintain their health or resolve specific issues. A novel protein diet could be crucial in tackling challenges like food allergies, gastrointestinal conditions or even finicky eating habits.
Food allergies in cats
Food allergies are more common in cats than many realise. They occur when the immune system overreacts to certain proteins in their diet. The usual culprits are proteins like beef, fish and chicken which are staples in commercial cat foods.
Signs your cat may have a food allergy:
- Persistent itching or scratching
- Vomiting or diarrhoea after meals
- Red, inflamed skin or frequent ear infections.
Novel protein diets help manage these allergies by introducing proteins your cat has never been exposed to before. Since their immune system doesn’t already recognise these proteins as a threat, the chances of an allergic reaction drop significantly. It’s like hitting the reset button for your cat’s diet, providing relief from symptoms and improving their quality of life.
Managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD in cats is a challenging condition that leads to chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss and a loss of appetite. While the exact cause isn’t always clear, food-related immune reactions often play a significant role.
Novel protein diets can be a game-changer for cats with IBD. By offering a protein source that’s entirely new to your cat, these diets reduce the likelihood of triggering an immune response. With fewer irritants for the gut to contend with, inflammation can settle down and your cat’s digestion may improve. This makes the diet a foundation for treating IBD alongside other veterinary-prescribed treatments.
Our vet suggested we try a novel protein diet for Charlie to help manage the chronic inflammation in his digestive tract after he was diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) as a young cat. Having already started feeding a natural raw food diet we transitioned him to kangaroo meat, a lean and hypoallergic option. To our relief, Charlie loved the new protein – his energy levels began to improve and we noticed a significant reduction in his gastrointestinal symptoms.
Alongside veterinary-prescribed medication, this dietary change and the introduction of probiotics to support his ongoing gut heath, Charlie continued to approve. We introduced additional novel proteins to his diet including turkey and goat. Fast forward a few more months and we were able to stop the prescription meds. Today, Charlie is happy and healthy. He eats a variety of raw meats as part of his diet, continues to take probiotics to support his gut health and shows no signs of IBD.
For picky eaters
Does your cat turn its nose up at the food bowl? Picky eating is a well-known feline trait, often leaving pet owners frustrated. A novel protein diet could offer a solution by providing exciting new flavours your cat hasn’t tried before. Some novel proteins, like kangaroo have a unique taste that can reignite a picky cat’s interest in food. The change in flavour and texture might encourage even the most reluctant eater to give it a try. Game meats like kangaroo have a rich aroma, which also tends to appeal to cats’ stronger sense of smell.
Novel protein diet types available for cats
When it comes to feeding cats a novel protein diet there are various formats to cater to different needs.
Wet and dry food options
Novel proteins are available in both wet and dry food. Choosing between them often depends on your cat’s preferences and your day-to-day routine.
Wet cat food is rich in moisture, which is ideal for keeping cats hydrated and essential for those prone to urinary or kidney issues. It also often contains higher levels of animal protein, aligning with a cat’s natural diet. Many cats find wet food more appetising thanks to its stronger aroma and softer texture. Keep in mind that wet food spoils quickly if left out, so it’s not ideal for free-feeding. It’s generally pricier than dry food and requires refrigeration after opening.
Dry food is convenient for cat owners with busy schedules. It’s suitable for free-feeding, allowing cats to nibble throughout the day. Shelf-stable and less wasteful, it’s perfect for those who want to reduce leftovers. The downside is that it’s much lower in moisture content (around 10%), so it’s less hydrating. Cats who primarily eat dry food need consistent access to fresh water to stay hydrated. It also tends to have more carbohydrates, which aren’t ideal for cats who are obligate carnivores. We don’t recommend feeding a primarily dry food diet.
Freeze-dried and raw options
Raw and freeze-dried diets are another approach to novel protein feeding and are useful when aiming for minimally processed meals.
Freeze-dried diets are made by removing moisture from raw ingredients, preserving nutrients and flavour. You’ll usually need to rehydrate freeze-dried food before serving, which can be a great way to boost your cat’s water intake. Freeze-dried meals are lightweight and easy to store, making them a convenient option. They are great for cat owners who want the nutritional benefits of raw food without the hassle of storage or preparation.
Raw diets focus on providing uncooked proteins, organs and bones plus supplements to ensure a balanced diet. We are strong advocates of raw feeding cats and believe a raw diet mimics a cat’s natural diet offering many benefits for their health. Raw diets are particularly helpful for cats with severe food sensitives and allergies, however it’s important you get the nutrient balance right. If you are interested in raw feeding this is the raw recipe we recommend and feed our cats.
Popular protein sources
By offering your cat lesser-known proteins, novel diets provide both variety and solutions for cats struggling with traditional protein sources. Here are some of the most popular novel protein options:
- Duck: Rich in essential amino acids and a good source of zinc and iron. Its rich taste appeals to picky eaters.
- Rabbit: Lean and easy to digest, making it ideal for cats with sensitive stomachs or weight concerns.
- Kangaroo: A lean and hypoallergenic protein that works well for cats with severe allergies.
- Venison: Another lean option, venison is high in iron and B vitamins for maintaining energy levels.
- Goat: An excellent source of lean protein. It’s also rich in iron and B vitamins, similar to venison, supporting energy levels and muscle maintenance.
- Turkey: A lean protein that is also rich in essential nutrients like selenium and B vitamins, promoting overall health.
Considerations before switching to a novel diet
A novel protein diet for cats goes beyond accommodating food sensitivities – they can dramatically improve your cat’s overall health. Here are a few things to consider before making the switch.
Consult with your veterinarian
Before you make any changes to your cat’s diet, chat with your vet first. Cats have unique nutritional needs and a poorly planned diet can do more harm than good. Your vet can help pinpoint potential allergens or sensitivities causing your cat’s issues, making it easier to choose the right novel protein for your cat.
Read labels carefully
Not all novel protein diets are created equal. Some foods labelled as limited ingredient or hypoallergenic can still contain fillers, common allergens or even cross-contaminated proteins. It’s easy to miss these hidden ingredients unless you’re diligent about reading labels.
Here’s what to look out for:
- Primary protein source: Ensure the listed protein is novel (like rabbit or duck) and not mixed with chicken or beef by-products.
- Fillers and extras: Avoid unnecessary fillers like corn, soy or peas, which might trigger allergies or sensitivities.
- Transparency: Go for brands that clearly state their ingredient lists and avoid ambiguous terms like meat meal or animal fat.
Transition slowly
Switching your cat’s food overnight is never a good idea. Instead, introduce the new diet gradually to avoid upsetting your cat’s stomach. A slow transition to a new food gives their digestive system time to adjust and reduces the risk of rejection.
Follow these steps:
- Start with 90% of their current food mixed with 10% of the novel protein.
- Slowly increase the proportion of novel protein food every 2-3 days.
- Observe for any signs of digestive upset (like diarrhoea or reduced appetite) during the process.
If your cat flat-out refuses the new food, don’t panic. Cats are creatures of habit and some may need a bit of coaxing. Try warming the food slightly to enhance the aroma or mixing in a small amount of a favourite treat. Persistence is key.
Final thoughts
A novel protein diet for cats is especially helpful for those struggling with allergies or digestive issues. By introducing new protein sources, these diets minimise exposure to common allergens and help resolve uncomfortable symptoms like itching, vomiting or diarrhoea. They can also be a great option for cats who are picky eaters and may benefit from a new food they haven’t tried before.
Every cat is unique, so it’s crucial to work with your vet or pet nutritionist to tailor a diet to your cat’s specific needs. Whether you’re tackling allergies, dealing with inflammatory bowel disease or simply looking to improve your cat’s quality of life, a carefully chosen novel protein diet can make all the difference.
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