Dealing with a dog who has multiple food allergies can feel like a full-time job. You’re reading every label, memorizing what’s off limits, and hoping the next food doesn’t cause a flare-up. Finding an alternative-protein dog food that truly avoids the usual culprits—beef, chicken, and eggs—can seem impossible.
It doesn’t have to be. Through my years in the pet food industry, I know which novel and hydrolyzed protein diets actually help. Research shows that diets using novel proteins or simplified recipes can significantly reduce symptoms in dogs with food-related skin issues. In one randomized, blinded trial, 95% of dogs with food-triggered itching improved on a selected-protein diet such as fish or venison.
In this guide, we’ll cut through the marketing fluff and get straight to the products that actually work.
A quick pro tip: Before making a major diet change, we always recommend consulting with your veterinarian. Just remember to verify ingredients yourself before buying, as recipes can change without notice.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I would use, trust, and believe offer value to pet owners.
Kangaroo: The Ultimate Novel Protein
If you’ve been through every other protein without success, kangaroo is often the next step. As a true novel protein, it’s something your dog’s system has likely never encountered, making it a fantastic option for an elimination diet. One of the best brands for this is Zignature.
- Zignature Kangaroo Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food: This is a go-to for medium to large dogs. It’s got a straightforward formula with kangaroo as the single animal protein, which is exactly what you need.
- Zignature Kangaroo Limited Ingredient Formula Small Bites Dry Dog Food: Same great formula, but with smaller kibble for our little guys. No one gets left out!
- Zignature Kangaroo Canned Dog Food Formula: If your dog prefers wet food, or you want to mix it in for a little flavor boost, this canned version is an excellent choice.
Rabbit: A Gentle & Healthy Alternative
Rabbit is another incredible alternative protein dog food choice for pups with multiple protein allergies. It’s a lean, clean meat that’s easily digestible, which is a huge plus for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Here are a few solid options that I’ve seen work well.
- Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Rabbit Dog Food Mini Nibs: This is a limited-ingredient, freeze-dried raw formula that can be served as a complete meal or used as a meal topper to entice a picky eater.
- Instinct Original Rabbit Dry Dog Food: This grain-free kibble is coated with freeze-dried raw rabbit, giving it a boost of flavor and nutrition without the common allergens.
- Venture Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Dry Dog Food: This is another great option with pumpkin to aid in healthy digestion, which is often a secondary issue with allergies.
Venison: A Hearty, Hypoallergenic Option
Venison is a rich, flavorful alternative protein dog food option that’s great for dogs with allergies to chicken and beef. It’s a protein that many pet parents turn to when they need to get away from the more common meats.
- Open Farm, Dry Dog Food, Sustainably & Ethically Sourced Ingredients, Venison Recipe: This brand is a top-tier choice for its eco-friendly values and ethical sourcing. The recipe is full of superfoods and is great for a pup with a sensitive gut.
- Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Sweet Potato & Venison Recipe: This is a reliable brand that focuses on keeping the ingredient list short and sweet. It’s a great, straightforward choice.
- Zignature Venison Limited Ingredient Formula Dry Dog Food: A classic from a brand we trust. Their venison formula is a perfect option if you’re already familiar with the Zignature lineup.
Cricket: No, We’re Not Kidding
I know what you’re thinking—crickets? But seriously, don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it. Crickets are not only a fantastic protein for dogs with sensitive stomachs and protein allergies, they’re also a great way to lower your pet’s carbon pawprint. It’s a win-win.
- Jiminy’s Cravin’ Cricket Dry Dog Food: This is an excellent hypoallergenic option that’s packed with prebiotics and probiotics to improve your dog’s gut health. It’s specifically formulated for sensitive stomachs.
- Go! Solutions Sensitivities Limited Ingredients, Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Insect Recipe: This formula uses crickets as a novel protein to help dogs with common food allergies and sensitivities.
Vegetarian & Vegan Dog Food Options
Sometimes an elimination diet can be helpful to figure out what protein your dog is allergic to. Utilizing a plant-based diet for a limited time can help you slowly introduce new proteins to understand what is safe for your pet.
- Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Dry Dog Food Vegetarian Recipe: This is a limited ingredient formula with plant-based protein, specifically for pups with food sensitivities.
Halo offers multiple plant-based recipes in both wet and dry food options, formulated to support digestive health and provide complete nutrition.
Alternative Protein Dog Food Options
Finding the right food for a pet with multiple allergies is no easy feat, but you’re no longer alone in the search. By focusing on alternative protein dog food options like kangaroo, rabbit, venison, or even cricket, you can give your dog the relief they need without the constant guesswork. The pet food world is full of options, and with the right insider knowledge, you can confidently choose a food that’s both healthy and allergy-friendly. To explore all of these brands and more, check out our full collection of allergy-friendly dog food posts to find your pet’s next meal.
