If you’ve spent months—or even years—dealing with your dog’s chronic soft stools, itchy paws, or mysterious skin rashes, you’ve likely cycled through a dozen “premium” chicken or beef-based kibbles with little luck. In the world of veterinary nutrition, we call this the “Common Protein Trap.”

Standard proteins like chicken, beef, and lamb are so over-saturated in the pet food industry that many dogs’ immune systems have essentially “maxed out” their tolerance. The solution often lies in the wild: Novel Proteins. By introducing a protein source your dog’s ancestors would have hunted—but your specific dog has never encountered—you can effectively “reset” their digestive and immune systems.

Among the exotic options available in 2026, two stand out as nutritional powerhouses: Kangaroo and Venison.

The ‘Common Protein’ Trap and the Power of the Novel

A food allergy or sensitivity occurs when a dog’s immune system mistakenly identifies a food molecule as …