Crocodile meat dog chews on a wooden board — a rare and novel protein treat from Hairy Dogs

Rare & Novel Protein Dog Treats: A Simple Guide

If you’ve ever stood in front of a shelf of chicken, beef and lamb wondering whether there’s anything else out there, you’re not alone. “Novel proteins” are simply meats your dog probably hasn’t eaten before — think ostrich, camel, buffalo or venison — and they’ve quietly become one of the most interesting corners of the natural treat world.

What does “novel protein” actually mean?

A novel protein is any meat that isn’t part of the everyday line-up most dogs grow up on. Chicken, beef, pork and salmon appear in the majority of commercial foods, so for a lot of dogs those aren’t “new” at all. Ostrich, camel, wild boar, venison, goat, buffalo, crocodile and even insect are far less common in the UK — which is exactly what makes them novel. There’s nothing complicated about using them: they’re just single meats, air-dried into a treat or chew.

Why owners look for them

  • Something genuinely new — a fresh flavour and texture keeps treat time interesting, especially for dogs who’ve grown bored of the usual.
  • Single-ingredient simplicity — most of our novel-protein range is one thing and one thing only: the meat on the label. No fillers, no additives, so you always know exactly what your dog is getting.
  • Naturally low-allergen — because these are single proteins your dog may not have met before, some owners choose them when they simply want to keep a dog’s diet easy to keep track of.
  • Variety and rotation — rotating the protein your dog chews on is an easy way to keep things varied across the week.

A quick tour of the range

  • Ostrich — lean and single-ingredient, from chewy runners to long-lasting bones. One of our most popular novel proteins.
  • Camel — an unusual, hard-wearing chew; the camel collagen braids in particular go the distance. Single-ingredient camel.
  • Buffalo — similar to beef but a protein most dogs won’t have tried; available as sticks and harder horn chews.
  • Wild boar — a richer, gamey flavour; single-ingredient and naturally low-allergen.
  • Venison — a firm favourite: lean, single-ingredient deer, available as meaty strips and more.
  • Goat — mild and single-ingredient; our goat tubes are a steady Subscribe & Save regular.
  • Crocodile — about as novel as it gets: genuinely lean, single-ingredient and a real talking point.
  • Insect — a sustainable, single-ingredient option that’s gentler on the planet as well as being something completely different for the bowl.

How to introduce a new protein

Introducing any new food is best done gradually. Offer a small amount to begin with, stick to one new protein at a time so you can see how your dog gets on, and keep an eye on things as you would with any change to their routine. Every dog is an individual — if you have any specific concerns about your dog’s diet, your vet is always the best person to ask.

Chewing safely

As with all treats and chews, keep fresh water available, choose a size and hardness that suits your dog, and stay nearby while they enjoy it — taking the chew away once it’s small enough to swallow.

Browse the full Rare & Novel Proteins collection, or explore everything in our Single Ingredient range. New to natural treats? Our guide to the best natural chews for puppies is a good place to start.

Common questions

What does “novel protein” mean?
Simply a meat your dog probably hasn’t eaten before — like ostrich, camel or venison — rather than the everyday chicken, beef or salmon found in most foods.
Are novel proteins single-ingredient?
Almost all of our novel-protein range is single-ingredient — just the meat on the label, air-dried, with nothing added. Always check the individual product page to be sure.
How do I try a new protein with my dog?
Start with a small amount, introduce one new protein at a time, and see how your dog gets on. If you have any concerns about your dog’s diet, your vet is the right person to ask.
Are these suitable for puppies?
Many are suitable from a young age, but it depends on the product and the size and hardness of the chew. Each product page lists the age it’s suitable from — and our puppy chew guide covers where to start.
Which novel protein should I choose first?
If your dog enjoys everyday meats, venison or buffalo are an easy step up. For something really different, ostrich and camel are among our most popular.
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