Novel Proteins in Cat Food
Proteins & Allergies
Protein is the component in food that is the primary cause for dietary intolerance. If your cat suffers from any of the below symptoms, they may be suffering from a food sensitivity to one of the typical types of protein used in cat food (think chicken, beef, etc.). Changing to novel proteins in cat food can help this. To help identify if your cat is experiencing food sensitivity issues, look for the following signs:
- Chronic diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Loose stools
- Itchy rashes
- Chronic ear infections
Read More: Cat Food Allergies and Intolerances
What are Novel Proteins?
Novel proteins are proteins your cat has not eaten before, which greatly reduces the chance of an adverse reaction. In recent years, pet food companies have sourced an amazing array of novel meat proteins such as:
- Duck
- Turkey
- Venison
- Bison
- Kangaroo
- Rabbit
- Quail
- Ostrich
How Can Novel Proteins in Cat Food Help?
The introduction of a single source, novel animal protein diet, such as GO! SOLUTIONS™ SENSITIVITIES Limited Ingredient Duck Recipe, may help to alleviate your cat’s symptoms. Lamb used to be considered a novel protein source, but in the past twenty years or so it has become a common pet food ingredient. However, lamb may work for cats who have not been previously exposed to it.
Many pet owners confuse protein with meat, when in reality protein comes from plant-based ingredients as well. When different plant proteins are used in combination, they can be an excellent source of the essential amino acids cats require. Trying different sources of protein can help to determine whether your cat is reacting to meat proteins or those in the plant-based ingredients in his food.
After introducing a novel protein to your cat, allow enough time for him to adjust to it so you can see if the new protein is helping alleviate the symptoms.
Six or eight weeks is a good time span to be able to judge whether the new food agrees with your cat.
In some cases, your cat may also be reacting to an environmental allergen, and this can complicate the process to narrow down the cause of the problem.
Elimination Diets
For more complex issues, an elimination diet can help to try and figure out exactly what the sensitivity is.
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