A novel protein is often recommended when allergies or food sensitivities are believed to be causing persistent digestive upset, chronic ear infections, or ongoing skin issues like itchiness, redness, and hot spots. When traditional diagnostic methods or treatments fail to resolve these symptoms, veterinarians often recommend trying a novel protein diet or a dog elimination diet trial. These dietary approaches aim to uncover the triggers of food sensitives and offer relief through nutritional management. The result is often a significant improvement in your dog’s quality of life.

Finding a Novel Protein for Your Dog

A novel protein diet refers to foods that contain a protein source that your dog has never consumed before. The rationale behind using an unfamiliar protein is to reduce the likelihood of triggering an immune response, as allergic reactions occur when the body recognizes a benign substance as foreign or harmful.

Common protein sources such as chicken, beef, lamb, and turkey are frequent culprits for food allergies, simply because they appear so frequently in commercial dog food. By switching to a novel protein, such as rabbit, venison, duck, kangaroo, alligator or ostrich, you reduce the chance of including the ingredient responsible for the allergic response.

What Is an Elimination Diet?

Elimination diets are the gold standard for identifying food allergies or sensitivities in dogs. These diets consist of a limited number of ingredients, ideally with a single novel protein source and a single novel carbohydrate source, given exclusively to the dog over a period of eight to twelve weeks. During this time, no other foods, treats, supplements, or table scraps should be given.

The idea is to allow the dog’s immune system and gut to settle and observe whether symptoms improve or resolve completely. If improvement is observed, then individual ingredients from the previous diet can be reintroduced one at a time to try to determine which ingredient(s) trigger a reaction. This reintroduction process must be done cautiously and methodically to ensure that each ingredient’s effect is properly assessed.

Good Choices for a Dog’s Novel Protein Diet

Several reputable pet food brands offer novel protein formulas:

• Zignature is known for its limited ingredient diets and features novel proteins such as kangaroo, catfish, and venison.
• Natural Balance also produces a variety of limited ingredient and novel protein diets including duck, bison, and venison formulas.
• Merrick and Instinct both offer raw-coated and grain-free recipes that include exotic proteins like rabbit, lamb, and duck.

While the availability of novel protein foods has grown in recent years due to increased awareness of canine food allergies, not all products are created equal. Some may include secondary or tertiary animal proteins that will be featured farther down in the ingredient list and can compromise the integrity of a novel protein diet. Because of this, it is crucial to carefully read labels and, whenever possible, opt for diets that are explicitly labeled as limited ingredient and contain only one clearly identified protein source.

Novel protein diets and elimination trials are invaluable tools for identifying and managing food allergies and sensitivities in dogs. By selecting less common protein sources and strictly adhering to a limited diet, pet owners can determine the root cause of their dog’s discomfort and chart a path forward that leads to long-term health and relief from symptoms. With guidance from a veterinarian, many dogs can thrive on novel protein diets and live happy, comfortable lives free from the discomfort from undiagnosed food sensitivities.

Hemp products for dogs are best-sellers, with sales approaching $1 billion per year. Although they have been shown to help reduce physical pain and treat anxiety in dogs and humans, hemp products are controversial as well as confusing. Here’s how to make sense of this rapidly growing market.

Hemp vs. Marijuana

Marijuana is a Schedule 1 controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, making its sale and use illegal nationwide, but a confusing network of state laws legalize marijuana for medicinal or recreational purposes.

Hemp and marijuana come from the same plant, Cannabis sativa, but they have different legal definitions depending on how much tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)— the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana—they contain. In in the U.S., the federal definition of marijuana is a concentration of THC above 0.3%. Ingesting products containing significant amounts of THC can be harmful to dogs.

Products containing less than 0.3% THC are considered safe for human and animal consumption, though state regulations vary. The most restrictive state laws are seldom enforced, so low-THC products for human and animal use are sold nationwide.

Hemp, which has little or no THC, has been used for centuries to produce oil used in ink, paint, varnish, lamp oil, and cooking as well as fiber for rope and fabrics. Hemp oil is cold-pressed or chemically extracted from the hemp plant.

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemicals in hemp that interact with receptors in human and animal bodies to regulate mood, memory, appetite, and pain, affecting the central nervous and immune systems. There are over 100 cannabinoids in hemp, including CBD (cannabidiol, which is the most widely used), CBC (cannabichromene), CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), and CBG (cannabigerol). Alone and in combinations, these cannabinoids have been shown to reduce pain, stress, and anxiety in dogs as well as humans.

Hemp Seed Oil vs. CBD Oil

While both hemp seed oil and CBD oil may be referred to broadly as “hemp oil,” they are different products. CBD oil is made from the stems, leaves, and flowers of the hemp plant. Hemp seed oil is pressed or extracted from the seeds of hemp plants. It does not contain CBD.

Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil for Dogs

Hemp seed oil’s health benefits come from its ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids and its ability to improve skin, reduce blood pressure, promote heart health, and reduce painful inflammation.

Pure 100% hemp seed oil is sold as a food for humans, such as Foods Alive Organic Hemp Seed Oil and Indian Foods Organic Hemp Seed Oil.

Products labeled as hemp seed oil for pets seldom contain the oil by itself. Instead, they are usually combinations of hemp seed oil and calming herbs like chamomile, calming supplements like melatonin, nutritional supplements like vitamins, or other oils such as krill, salmon, or flaxseed.

For example, Good Growlies Calming Hemp Treats contain hemp seed powder, hemp seed oil, melatonin, valerian root, chamomile, passion flower, and L-tryptophan, all of which have proven calming effects. Natural Dog Company’s Calming Oil contains similar ingredients. NaturVet Hemp Advanced Joint Health Chews combine hemp seed powder and hemp seed oil with collagen, chondroitin sulfate, green lipped mussels, yucca, and other anti-inflammatory ingredients. Petkin HEMP Itch Spray treats hot spots and itchy skin with THC-free hemp oil, lavender extract, menthol, organic oat extract, aloe, and vitamin E.

CBD for Dogs

While research into the effects (and effectiveness) of CBD on dogs is becoming more common, completed studies and clinical trials are still hard to come by. CBD is thought to be useful for controlling pain, nausea, anxiety, depression, and seizure activity. It has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

For more information see these articles:

• How to Choose CBD For Dogs
• Know Your CBDs
• What Canine Conditions Can CBD Treat Successfully?
• Which Dogs Should Not Receive CBD?

Side Effects of CBD for Dogs

There are no guarantees about how CBD will act in an individual body because every dog’s response is unique. CBD appears to be safe at many times the recommended dosage for brief periods and at recommended doses for longer periods, but again, reactions vary.

Reduce or stop using CBD if your dog shows side effects such as:

• Dramatic drowsiness
• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• Physical discomfort
• Agitation

CBD Product Dosages for Dogs

Most CBD labels suggest a starting dose of 1 or 2 milligrams (mg) per 10 pounds of body weight directly on the tongue, in food, in a treat, or applied directly to the skin. A conservative approach is to use half the recommended amount for a first dose, as individual responses vary. Within an hour or two, your dog may show an obvious reaction, such as moving more easily or looking more relaxed. If not, experiment with 1 mg per 10 pounds of body weight for a low dose, 3 mg per 10 pounds of body weight for a medium dose, and 5 mg per 10 pounds of body weight for a stronger dose.

If your dog doesn’t show any reaction at all, increase the dose next time. In general, chronic issues respond well with long-term, steady, lower quantities over time, while situational stresses can respond to higher quantities in a short time.  A dog who has overdone it and is in pain or discomfort could benefit from a short-term dose that’s double or triple product’s label recommendation.

Low-strength doses support sleep and general wellness while higher-strength doses may help with pain, inflammation, anxiety, aggression, and reactions to fireworks, thunder, and other loud noises. Many veterinarians recommend staying with an introductory dose for 3 to 5 days before gradually increasing the amount.

Finding Reliable Hemp Seed Oil and CBD Products for Dogs

Hemp-derived products vary in quality and potency. Tests conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other organizations confirm that inaccurate label claims, incorrect CBD quantities, and product quality problems are widespread. Most of the information available to dog owners comes from advertising claims and product labels.

“Buyer beware” is sensible advice in this market.

The first step in finding a reliable product for your pup is to learn about different manufacturers and focus on those who clearly describe their philosophy, history, raw material sourcing, products, and use instructions. If your veterinarian has experience with CBD products, ask for recommendations. To help pet owners, the Veterinary Cannabis Society offers a curated research library, collections of popular articles, and a directory of practitioners.

Look for third-party test results, which are chemical analyses resulting in Certificates of Analysis (COAs) from a laboratory not affiliated with the product’s manufacturer. Reliable manufacturers test every batch of every product for purity, safety, potency, and accurate labeling. In addition, the NASC or National Animal Supplement Council’s Quality Seal,  USDA Organic Seal, and U.S. Hemp Authority Seal ensure that best manufacturing practices were followed in the product’s sourcing, production, and labeling.

Trends in Hemp Pet Products

Popular hemp-derived products for dogs include tinctures, tablets, capsules, peanut butters, gummies, creams, biscuits, chews, toppers, powders, and oils. Most are oil-based, using hemp seed, camelina, coconut, avocado, or other vegetable oils. Most new products are edibles, but some are sprays or salves designed for topical application. Isolates are single cannabinoids, such as CBD, CBG, and CBC, and several products contain isolates that boost their effect on physical discomfort or anxiety.

Nanotechnology is the latest buzz word in CBD product manufacturing, along with water-soluble cannabinoids. For examples, see Super Snouts Hemp Company,

Arkos Bioscience CBD Pet Tincture, Science-Rite CBD Tincture for Dogs, and

American Shaman Water Soluble CBD Oil for Dogs. These rapidly absorbed products can be added to drinking water, dropped into a dog’s mouth, or mixed with food or treats.

The question of whether peas and pea protein are bad or good for dogs cannot be answered simply. In moderation and as a part of a balanced formulation, pea protein can be a useful component of dog food, especially when paired with high-quality animal proteins. However, concerns have emerged over formulations that rely too heavily on plant-based proteins, like peas, which may not provide the same biological value or amino acid profile as animal-based proteins. When these plant proteins dominate the ingredient list, especially in grain-free diets, it may indicate a formula that is trying to achieve a high protein percentage without having to invest in expensive animal protein sources.

Peas and the Push for Grain-Free Dog Food

In recent years, peas and legumes have become increasingly common ingredients in commercial dog food, especially as pet owners seek grain-free or high-protein diets for their dogs. Ingredients such as peas, lentils, chickpeas, and beans are now frequently used in place of traditional grains like corn and wheat. They are often marketed as healthier alternatives and are promoted for their protein content. However, their growing prevalence has sparked debate among veterinarians, nutritionists, and dog owners alike as to whether they are a good choice for use in pet food.

Peas Are Good for Dogs

Peas and legumes serve several functions in dog food. They act as sources of dietary fiber, plant-based protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Whole peas and lentils can contribute to the fiber content of the food, which can promote a healthy gut and helps regulate bowel movements. They also provide plant-derived nutrients such as B vitamins, iron, and magnesium. In grain-free formulations, legumes are often used in a functional role to help maintain texture and consistency of dry kibble, replacing the role traditionally played by grains. For dog owners looking to avoid grains due to allergies or sensitivities, legumes offer a convenient alternative.

Is Pea Protein Bad for Dogs?

One of the most controversial aspects of using legumes in dog food is the inclusion of pea protein. Pea protein is a concentrated protein source often used to boost the total protein content of a food without relying entirely on animal sources. While protein is an essential nutrient for dogs, the quality and animo acid composition of the protein matters significantly.

Animal proteins are considered complete proteins because they contain all the essential amino acids dogs require. Plant proteins, including pea protein, are typically incomplete and may lack one of more essential amino acids and need to be balanced using other ingredients.

The DCM Issue and Peas for Dogs

Another concern that has gained attention in recent years is the potential link between diets high in legumes, particularly grain-free diets using high inclusions of peas and lentils, and canine dilatated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This is a serious heart condition that can lead to heart failure.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began investigating this potential link after receiving reports for DCM in dogs that were not known to be genetically predisposed to the disease but were consuming grain-free diets rich in legumes. While the exact cause has not been definitely identified, the potential role of dietary taurine or amino acid bioavailability due to excessive legume inclusion is being studied.

The inclusion of peas or pea protein in dog food is not inherently dangerous. Many dogs thrive on diets that contain moderate amounts of legumes, especially when these diets are properly balanced with other ingredients. As with many ingredients in pet nutrition, context matters.

Peas and legumes can offer nutritional benefits when used thoughtfully and in moderation. They can contribute protein, fiber, and nutrients to a dog’s diet. Pea protein is not inherently harmful, but it should not serve as the primary or sole source of protein in a dog’s diet. Animal-based proteins remain the gold standard for canine nutrition, providing optimal amino acid profiles and more complete support for a dog’s physiological needs.