Choosing the Right Protein for Your Pet: A Guide to Safe and Effective Protein Rotation

Choosing the right protein type for your pet is one of the most crucial decisions you can make as a responsible pet owner. Proteins are essential for pet’s health, influencing everything from muscle development to immune function. However, with so many options available, determining which protein is best for your pet can feel overwhelming. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the details of protein selection and rotation to ensure your pet enjoys a balanced, safe, and effective diet.

Key Considerations for Selecting a Protein Type for Your Pet

Every pet is unique, so it is essential to consider your pet's specific needs and allergy history when selecting proteins, starting with those they are already familiar with. Avoid known allergens that have previously caused reactions, and closely monitor your pet for any adverse symptoms, such as diarrhoea, vomiting, itching, or skin inflammation, when introducing a new protein.

Processed or cooked proteins may not accurately reflect your pet’s tolerance or allergies compared to their raw counterparts, as cooking can alter protein structure, affecting digestibility and allergenicity. If transitioning from a cooked to a raw diet, monitor your pet's reactions closely during the adjustment period.

There is no ideal or truly hypoallergenic protein. What may be hypoallergenic for one pet could trigger allergies in another. Each pet has a distinct biochemical makeup and dietary needs, so a protein suitable for one animal may not be appropriate for another, even within the same breed.

Simply adding new or novel proteins to your pet's diet does not guarantee avoidance of allergies. Implementing a structured trial plan can help identify and eliminate potential allergens from your pet's diet effectively.

Protein to Start with When on BOM BOM Meal

Consider selecting the Natural Transition Plan if your pet prefers raw meals, or the Sous Vide Plan if your pet prefers gently cooked meals.

Choose a protein type that your pet is familiar with and has done well on based on its previous diet history. For example, if your pet has always eaten a commercial or homemade diet containing chicken without any allergic reaction, consider starting with a single-protein chicken meal by selecting:

1. Natural Transition Plan or Sous Vide Plan
2. Protein allergy filters to exclude all known allergens or untrialled proteins
3. Chicken meat
4. Chicken bone paste
5. Fixed offals, so that offal types always match the meat protein
6. Fibre+ meal balancer (optional for cats)

Once your pet has successfully transitioned to the initial protein, you can then use our meat Add-Ons to trial other proteins and assess their suitability.

How to Trial New Proteins with BOM BOM’s Add-Ons

When introducing new proteins to your pet's diet, it is crucial to proceed gradually by trialling first. Avoid unnecessary risks when rotating proteins in your pet's diet; always conduct a trial before fully committing to a new protein rotation. This approach allows you to monitor your pet's response to new ingredients and helps you identify any potential allergies or sensitivities.

BOM BOM’s Add-ons provide a convenient way to test new proteins before rotating

1. Start Small: If you are unsure how your pet will tolerate a new protein, begin with a small amount. For example, if you want to trial duck meat, start by adding a few small cubes of duck meat to their current chicken meals. Gradually increase the amount of duck over a few meals, carefully observing your pet's response. Refer to the feeding guidance on BOM BOM’s Add-On pack labels and limit the new protein to no more than 20% of the total meal. BOM BOM's Add-On packs are designed for convenience, with easily separable portions. This allows you to thaw only what’s needed for each meal, preserving freshness and reducing waste.

2. Monitor Your Pet’s Reaction: Once on the full duck meal, continue to observe your pet's reaction. If your pet thrives on duck protein, you can incorporate it into their regular meal rotation, alternating between duck and chicken every two weeks for added variety.

*Repeat a similar approach when trialling other new protein types.

Choosing the right protein for your pet is not just about selecting the most popular, exotic, or novel option—it is about understanding their individual needs and addressing their unique dietary requirements. By starting with familiar proteins, considering the differences between raw and cooked options, and carefully introducing new proteins through small trial amounts, you can help ensure they thrive on a balanced diet. With the right approach, protein rotation can enhance your pet’s health and happiness, providing them with the nutrients they need for a long and fulfilling life.