Exotic Protein Treats: Why Kangaroo, Elk, and Bison Are Great for Dogs

Šapice Pet Wellness
2026-04-01T15:59:03-04:00

Kangaroo, elk, bison, and venison are lean, nutritious novel proteins ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or owners seeking premium variety. Explore our full exotic jerky range at Šapice Pet Wellness.
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For most of pet food history, dog treats meant chicken, beef, or lamb. These proteins are effective, widely available, and well-tolerated by most dogs — but they're also the most common sources of food sensitivities and allergies in dogs. Enter exotic proteins: kangaroo, elk, bison, venison, duck, and other novel meats that are increasingly available to Canadian pet owners and offer compelling advantages beyond novelty.

What Is a Novel Protein?

In veterinary nutrition, a "novel protein" is a protein source that a dog has not previously been exposed to. Because food allergies and sensitivities develop through repeated exposure to a specific protein, introducing a protein the dog's immune system has never encountered can eliminate allergic responses entirely.

This is why novel proteins are the cornerstone of elimination diets — the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies in dogs. But even for dogs without diagnosed sensitivities, rotating protein sources is considered best practice for maintaining a diverse, resilient gut microbiome.

The Nutritional Case for Exotic Proteins

Beyond allergy management, exotic proteins often have distinct nutritional profiles that make them genuinely superior choices for specific dogs:

Kangaroo

One of the leanest red meats available — kangaroo is exceptionally low in fat while being high in protein, making it ideal for overweight dogs or those on calorie-restricted diets. It's also rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has anti-inflammatory properties. As a wild-harvested meat, kangaroo is also one of the most sustainable protein sources in the world.

Kangaroo Jerky 56g — a chewy, satisfying treat for dogs who prefer a different texture

Elk

Elk is a lean, flavourful red meat with a rich amino acid profile. Like venison, it's a game meat that most dogs have never encountered — making it an excellent novel protein for elimination diets. Elk is higher in iron than beef and provides a distinctive flavour that even the most discerning dogs find irresistible.

Elk Jerky 56g — a premium jerky treat with a rich, gamey flavour dogs love

Bison

Bison is a North American native species — and a particularly meaningful choice for Canadian pet owners. It's leaner than beef, higher in omega-3 fatty acids, and has a slightly sweeter flavour profile. Bison raised on Canadian and American plains are typically grass-fed, which further improves their omega-3 to omega-6 ratio.

Bison Jerky 56g — a distinctly Canadian protein choice with excellent nutritional credentials

Venison

Venison (deer) is one of the most popular novel proteins in veterinary elimination diets. It's lean, highly digestible, and rich in B vitamins and iron. Our venison range offers multiple formats:

Venison Jerky 56g — a versatile, high-value treat suitable for training or rewarding

Duck

Duck is a semi-novel protein — less common than chicken or beef, but increasingly used in commercial pet food. It's higher in fat than most game meats, making it particularly palatable and energy-dense. Our Duck Calming Aid combines duck protein with calming botanicals for dogs who need both nutritional and behavioural support.

Our Full Exotic Protein Jerky Range

Our Rewards & Chews collection features a comprehensive range of premium jerky treats across multiple exotic proteins:

Kangaroo Jerky 56g

Elk Jerky 56g

Bison Jerky 56g

Venison Jerky 56g

How to Introduce Novel Proteins

Introduce one new protein at a time — wait 2–4 weeks before adding another if you're managing suspected allergies

Start with small amounts to assess tolerance

Keep a food diary noting any skin, coat, or digestive changes

Consult your veterinarian before starting a formal elimination diet

Whether you're managing food sensitivities, looking for a higher-value training treat, or simply want to give your dog something genuinely exciting, our exotic protein range offers some of the most nutritionally compelling options available to Canadian pet owners.

Shop our full Rewards & Chews collection →