? Recommendations for novel protein foods

primball

primball

Member Since 2025
The (internal medicine specialist) vet recommended a novel protein diet for my kitty after seeing a slightly thickened intestinal wall in an ultrasound. Prim is also diagnosed with pancreatitis and diabetes, and the vet explained that all these things interact with each other, and so a novel protein diet might improve diabetic regulation and decrease pancreatitis flare-ups! She recommended Royal Canin Selected Protein Adult PR (peas + rabbit) Loaf in Sauce, but I saw on the food chart that this food is 15% carbs, which is not very high but seems a little high. I am wondering if anyone has experience with trying novel protein foods, or has any particular recommendations. I also saw the Instinct rabbit food and thought it could be a good option.
 
Identity, Koha, and Ziwi Peak are a few brands we looked at that have low carb and the more unique proteins.
 
If it's rabbit you want to try, other options are Rawz, Hounds & Gatos, Nature's Logic, Identity, Lotus and some of the freeze dried ones like Primal and Stella & Chewy's. Do make sure to double check the ingredients list on the products. I know the freeze dried ones are OK, and the Rawz and Hounds & Gatos, but haven't checked the other ones lately. The Nature's Variety LID rabbit is 13% carbs, so OK as medium carb.

If you want to try other proteins, like lamb, venison, or kangaroo, the brands Tim listed are good ones. My cat can't do fish, or apparently green lipped mussel, which rules out the Koha and Ziwi Peak. You have to try just one protein at a time. That includes treats. Usually you can get freeze dried meat treats with most of those proteins. Kangaroo a bit harder to find. Also check the dog section of pet stores.
 
Both Rayne and Koha have kangaroo but they're expensive.

Many diabetics are prone to pancreatitis. Even diabetics with IBD or other GI issues on novel protein low carb food can have pancreatitis. Just ask Leroy :rolleyes:
 
I found with my cat, who has the same, that she just needed a different protein, specifically a high-quality food without chicken, and probably a lot of the gums that are added to some commercial cat foods.

There's a lot of choice and you just have to start trying the under 10% foods. Watch out for a high fat content, which is how companies cheap out on using high-quality protein. Dr. Lisa Pierson has a great chart here.

My cat gets two of the Nulo pates, and one of their minced flavors, and sometimes two of the BFF flavors.
 
You should also consider a good probiotic. Visbiome is the one I give. Some people also give a prebiotic like psyllium husk fiber.
 
Thank you everyone for the suggestions!! I ended up going with the Nature's Logic rabbit food mostly because it was the cheapest of the novel protein options (and food costs are really gonna add up perhaps even more than insulin or other diabetes-related supplies...). I did notice that it contains pork liver, but hopefully that doesn't cause my cat problems. Seems like a reasonable place to start!

Lara & Luciole (Lu) said:
I found with my cat, who has the same, that she just needed a different protein, specifically a high-quality food without chicken, and probably a lot of the gums that are added to some commercial cat foods.
Click to expand...
I do wonder whether my cat really needs an expensive novel protein or if she's just allergic to chicken like your cat (her current food is turkey + chicken). It's not like she is vomiting all the time - the vet just saw a slight thickening of her intestinal wall in ultrasound.
 
If you have FSA or HSA, you can use those funds to buy Lantus and syringes and testing supplies. Pay directly for the supplies with the card or pay out of pocket and submit the receipts for reimbursement. Keep all receipts in case you're asked to provide them.

All novel proteins are expensive, unfortunately :( If your cat is allergic to chicken, then try a food trial with any food that doesn't contain any chicken. Not all cats who are allergic to chicken have similar allergies to other poultry.
 
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