What is a Single Protein Diet?

As a devoted pet parent, you want the very best for your furry friend—especially when it comes to their nutrition. If your dog suffers from food allergies and intolerances, navigating mealtime can be challenging. 

That’s where a single protein diet (SPD) comes in. But what exactly is it, and how can it improve your pet’s health? Let’s break it down.

Single Protein Diets Explained

A single protein diet (or SPD for short) is a diet where your dog consumes only one type of animal protein source per meal, such as chicken, lamb, kangaroo, or fish.

Unlike standard commercial pet foods that often mix multiple proteins and fillers, SPDs provide a simplified, controlled approach to your dog’s nutrition.

Many dogs develop food allergies or intolerances, leading to itchy skin, skin infections, allergic reactions, and digestive issues. Since proteins are the most common food allergens in dog food, isolating a single protein source can help identify and eliminate the cause of food sensitivity.

A Natural Approach to Nutrition

Before domestication, dogs thrived on single protein meals in the wild, hunting one source of prey at a time—whether it was rabbit, fish, or fowl. Unlike modern processed pet foods that often mix multiple proteins and fillers, single protein diets mimic the ancestral diet of our four-legged friends.

If you’ve been searching for natural dog food options, chances are you’ve already come across terms like “whole foods,” “grain-free,” or “Australian-made”—all indicators of high-quality, minimally processed nutrition. 

A single protein diet fits right into this natural feeding philosophy, providing your pet with easily digestible protein sources and nutrient-rich meals.

Signs Your Dog May Need a Single Protein Diet

If you’ve noticed your dog experiencing the following symptoms, they may be suffering from a food allergy or intolerance:

• Chronic itching and scratching (especially around the ears, paws, and belly)
• Recurring skin infections or hot spots
• Digestive issues, such as diarrhea, bloating, or vomiting
• Frequent ear infections
• Excessive licking or chewing at their paws

Switching to a single protein diet can help you diagnose and manage food sensitivities and allergies in your dog.

The Benefits of a Single Protein Diet for Dogs with Food Allergies

Adopting an SPD has multiple benefits, especially for dogs with food sensitivities and allergies.

Here’s why it could be the best switch for your pup:

Eliminates Common Food Allergens – By feeding a single protein, you can isolate triggers causing itching, rashes, and stomach issues.

Ideal for Elimination Diets – If your vet suspects a food allergy, a single protein elimination diet using a novel protein is the best way to diagnose a food allergy and determine the safest diet for your dog.

Improved Digestion – Many commercial pet foods contain multiple proteins, grains, and fillers that can be difficult for some dogs to process. A single protein diet reduces digestive stress and helps with food intolerance in dogs.

Supports Healthy Skin & Coat – A high-quality single protein source that provides essential fatty acids, vitamins, and amino acids, helping to reduce inflammation and promote a glossy coat.

Improved Energy & Vitality – Dogs with food allergies often experience fatigue and sluggishness. A clean, minimally processed diet can restore their natural energy levels.

The Role of Rotational Feeding in a Single Protein Diet

While a single protein diet is a great way to identify and manage food sensitivities, it doesn’t mean your dog should eat the same protein forever. Over time, continued exposure to the same protein source can increase the risk of developing new food allergies.

This is why many pet parents choose rotational feeding, which involves switching between different single protein sources to provide a balanced nutrient profile, strengthen digestion, and minimise the likelihood of new intolerances developing.

By carefully rotating proteins like kangaroo, duck, turkey, or lamb, you can help your dog build a resilient immune system while still maintaining the benefits of an SPD™ diet.

A Healthier, Happier Dog Starts Here

No pet parent wants to see their beloved dog suffer from digestive distress, itchy skin, or food-related discomfort. That’s why our Single Protein Diet (SPD™) range is made in Australia with premium, high-quality proteins enriched with essential vitamins and minerals.

From lamb and chicken to kangaroo and duck, we offer a variety of delicious and nutritious options designed to support your dog’s digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.

Ready to improve your dog’s diet? Explore our SPD™ range and hear from real pet parents who have seen incredible transformations in their dogs.