Ostrich vs. Kangaroo: Comparing Novel Proteins for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs

If your dog has been scratching more than usual, dealing with recurring digestive upset, or reacting to their food in ways that are hard to pin down, novel proteins might be the answer. And two of the most talked-about options in Canadian pet nutrition right now are kangaroo and ostrich — both lean, hypoallergenic, and increasingly available.

But which one is right for your dog? This guide breaks down the differences so you can make an informed choice.

What Is a Novel Protein — and Why Does It Matter?

A novel protein is simply a protein source your dog hasn't been exposed to before. When a dog develops a food sensitivity or allergy, it's almost always to a protein they've eaten repeatedly — typically chicken, beef, or lamb. Introducing a protein the immune system has never encountered gives it nothing to react to.

This is the foundation of an elimination diet: remove all known proteins, introduce one novel source, and observe. If symptoms resolve, you've found the culprit. Our guide to food allergies in dogs walks through the full process.

Kangaroo: Lean, Clean, and Highly Digestible

Kangaroo is one of the most hypoallergenic proteins available — it's rarely used in commercial pet food, which means most dogs have never encountered it. It's exceptionally lean, with a very low fat content compared to beef or lamb, making it a good choice for dogs that are overweight or prone to pancreatitis.

Kangaroo is also rich in zinc, iron, and B vitamins, and has a high protein-to-calorie ratio. It's sustainably sourced in the wild, which means no antibiotics, no hormones, and a genuinely clean ingredient profile.

Try: Kangaroo Jerky 56g or Kangaroo & Beef Tripe Sticks — both single or minimal ingredient options ideal for sensitive dogs.

Ostrich: The Other Lean Exotic

Ostrich is similarly lean and novel, with a nutritional profile closer to red meat than poultry despite being a bird. It's high in iron, B12, and selenium, and has a rich flavour that most dogs find highly palatable — useful when you need a high-value treat for a picky or anxious eater.

Like a kangaroo, an ostrich is rarely found in mainstream pet food, making it a genuinely novel option for most dogs. It's also lower in cholesterol than beef, which makes it a solid long-term protein choice.

While we don't currently carry ostrich, our exotic protein range covers several equally novel and hypoallergenic alternatives that deliver the same benefits.

Other Novel Proteins Worth Considering

Kangaroo and ostrich get the headlines, but your options don't stop there. Here are other novel proteins in our catalogue that work well for sensitive dogs:

Elk — lean, flavourful, and rarely used in commercial food. Try Elk Jerky 56g or Elk & Beef Tripe Sticks.

Bison — slightly richer than elk but still a novel protein for most dogs. Rich in omega-3s and iron. Try Bison Jerky 56g or Bison & Tripe Sticks.

Venison — one of the most popular novel proteins for allergy-prone dogs. Lean, digestible, and highly palatable. Try Venison Jerky 56g.

Duck — less novel than the above but still a good alternative for dogs reacting to chicken or beef. Try Duck Jerky 56g or Duck Liver Jerky 85g.

Rabbit — one of the leanest and most hypoallergenic proteins available. Try Rabbit & Beaver Sticks 110g.

For a broader overview of exotic proteins and why they work, see our post on exotic protein treats.

How to Introduce a Novel Protein

When running an elimination diet, introduce one novel protein at a time and stick with it for at least 8–12 weeks before drawing conclusions. During this period, avoid all other protein sources — including treats, chews, and toppers — that contain the proteins you're trying to eliminate.

Use the novel protein as both the main food source and the treat. Single-ingredient jerky treats are ideal for this because there's no ambiguity about what's in them.

What About Whole Food Treats?

Novel protein treats work best when they're single-ingredient — no fillers, no flavour enhancers, no hidden proteins. Our post on whole food treats for dogs explains why single-ingredient treats always wins for sensitive stomachs.

Final Thoughts

Both kangaroo and ostrich are excellent choices for dogs with food sensitivities — lean, novel, and nutritionally dense. If you can't find ostrich locally, kangaroo, elk, venison, or rabbit will deliver the same hypoallergenic benefits. The key is novelty: choose a protein your dog has never eaten before, keep it single-ingredient, and give it time to work.

Your dog's skin, coat, and digestion will tell you everything you need to know.