As food sensitivities become more common in dogs, many pets show early signs through chronic digestive upset or frequent vomiting linked to ingredients they struggle to digest. Once environmental allergens have been ruled out, certain ingredients in their food might be the root cause.
One strategy is to switch to a novel protein, which is typically a meat type that your dog hasn’t eaten before. Lamb is a classic example of a novel protein for dogs, since most commercial diets rely on chicken, beef or fish. In this post we’ll explain how food sensitivities show up in dogs, why lamb can help, and what to know when choosing lamb-based diets. We’ll also highlight The Grateful Pet’s gently cooked and raw recipes that include free-range grass-fed lamb among other preservative-free ingredients.
Food Sensitivities and How They Present in Dogs
Food sensitivity or intolerance in dogs refers to non–immune-mediated adverse reactions to food that primarily affect digestion. In other words, unlike a true allergy, an intolerance is not life threatening and does not involve the immune system. However, tt can occur even on the first exposure to the problematic ingredient.
These intolerances (also called non-immunologic adverse food reactions) can involve enzyme deficiencies, toxic reactions, or idiosyncratic responses, but they all generally result in gastrointestinal upset rather than itchy skin [1].
Digestive Symptoms of Food Intolerance
When a dog has a food intolerance, the signs are usually gastrointestinal. Common symptoms include:
-
Diarrhea (often chronic or intermittent loose stools)
-
Frequent vomiting episodes
-
Abdominal discomfort or bloating
-
Excessive flatulence (gas) and rumbling stomach sounds (borborygmi) [2]
-
Increased stool frequency – having more bowel movements than normal
These GI signs may occur alone or together. Unlike food allergies, which often cause itchy skin, ear infections or rashes, a food intolerance usually does not primarily cause skin problems. Instead, you’ll notice your dog with symptoms of their digestive system being upset digestive upset (and sometimes weight loss or poor appetite) when they eat the offending food. Hence, if your dog repeatedly has diarrhea, vomiting or gas that seems linked to diet, food intolerance is a likely culprit.
Lamb as a Novel Protein Source
Lamb is considered a novel protein for many dogs. Since most pet foods are made with chicken, beef or fish, a dog’s immune system that is not usually exposed to lamb would register the meat as a “new” protein. This novelty makes lamb useful in hypoallergenic diets.
In other words, if a dog has been sensitive to chicken or beef, feeding lamb may not trigger the immune response in the same way that the previous protein did [3].
Beyond its novelty, lamb has the appeal of being tasty and nutrient-rich. Many picky eaters love the flavor of lamb, which can help keep dogs interested in eating. In short, introducing a lamb-based diet can both refresh a dog’s interest in food and help owners figure out if the culprit ingredient was chicken, beef or something else.
Nutritional Benefits of Lamb
Lamb is not just novel, it’s also highly nutritious. It is a rich source of high-quality protein, providing about 25 grams of protein per 100 g (3.5 oz) serving. Like all meats, lamb contains all essential amino acids that dogs need to build and maintain muscle. In addition to protein, it is rich in heme iron, zinc, selenium and B vitamins such as B12.
For example, lamb liver is especially high in vitamin B12 [4], which supports energy metabolism and immune function, and has been linked to healthy brain function in dogs. The iron in lamb helps transport oxygen in the blood which is needed for energy, and selenium acts as an antioxidant that can reduce inflammation, which causes allergic reactions. While zinc supports the immune system and helps with general well-being.
Lamb also provides healthy fats and energy. Grass-fed, free-range lamb in particular has a good balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fats are a concentrated energy source and help nourish skin and coat. Omega-3 fats have anti-inflammatory properties and are known to support skin health, coat shine and joint comfort.
Considerations When Feeding Lamb
While lamb has many nutritional benefits, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Lamb is higher in fat than some other meats, so it may not be ideal for dogs prone to pancreatitis or obesity. Rich, fatty foods can trigger pancreatitis attacks in susceptible dogs. In fact, especially fattier cuts of lamb like neck, flank, shoulder, is noted as a high-fat meat that should be fed cautiously to dogs with a history of pancreatitis. If your dog has ever suffered pancreatitis, a veterinary diet with strict fat control is often recommended, and lamb should be avoided.
Another consideration is kidney disease. Dogs with chronic kidney problems usually need diets lower in protein and phosphorus to reduce stress on their kidneys. As lamb is protein-rich and contains natural phosphorus, a veterinarian may recommend limiting lamb (and other meats) for dogs with advanced kidney disease [5]. Always consult your vet for special diets as lamb may be too high in protein and phosphorus for a dog in renal failure.
Also note that any novel protein can become an allergen if overused. Long-term feeding of a single protein could eventually lead to sensitivity in rare cases when the body recognizes the overexposed protein as an allergen. Hence, it’s often best to rotate proteins or work with a vet to identify safe options.
Free-range Lamb from The Grateful Pet
The Grateful Pet offers both gently cooked and raw lamb meals, each built around premium free-range lamb. Free-range typically means that the cattle are pasture-raised with outdoor access to grass, which often results in leaner meat and richer omega-3 and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) profiles, which can help fight inflammation [6]. Importantly, all of our gently cooked and raw lamb meals are raised without antibiotics or hormones.
Every meal is supercharged with nutrient-dense whole foods chosen for their health benefits. For example, recipes include pumpkin and green vegetables for fiber and gut support, and blueberries for their powerful antioxidant properties which aids the digestive and immune system, respectively. Curcumin, an ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory effects is also included, which can help with allergy-related inflammation.
Lamb can be an excellent dietary choice for dogs with food sensitivities. Its novel-protein status and rich nutrient profile (quality protein, B‑vitamins, omega-3s) make it especially helpful for dogs prone to itching or digestive issues. Of course, every dog is different, so introducing lamb should be done carefully and ideally with veterinary guidance. When choosing a lamb diet, quality matters: free-range lamb is more nutritious, and brands like The Grateful Pet go a step further by including joint and immune-supporting superfoods and gently cook the meals using a sous vide method to preserve nutrients.
References
[1] Food Intolerance in Dogs — VCA Animal Hospitals, 2019 https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/adverse-reactions-to-food-in-dogs
[2] Adverse Food Reactions: Pathogenesis, Clinical Signs, Diagnosis and Alternatives to Elimination Diets — R. S. Mueller & S. Unterer, The Veterinary Journal, April 2018 https://opentextbooks.library.arizona.edu/app/uploads/sites/149/2022/01/AFR-2018-Vet-J-annotated-002.pdf#:~:text=Food,Concurrent%20gastrointestinal%20and%20dermatological
[3] Is Lamb Good for Dogs? Expert Advice From Our Nutritionist — Tails.com, 3 Aug 2025 https://tails.com/blog/is-lamb-good-for-dogs-expert-advice-from-our-nutritionist
[4] Top 12 Foods That Are High in Vitamin B12 — Arlene Semeco, Katherine Marengo, 29 Feb 2024 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-b12-foods
[5] Dietary Guidelines for Dogs with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) — Angela Witzel Rollins, 8 Jun 2018 https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/nutrition/diet-dogs-ckd-chronic-kidney-disease
[6] Where to Buy Grass-Fed Lamb — Acabonac Farms https://www.acabonacfarms.com/blogs/in-the-kitchen/where-to-buy-grass-fed-lamb
As food sensitivities become more common in dogs, many pets show early signs through chronic digestive upset or frequent vomiting linked to ingredients they struggle to digest. Once environmental allergens have been ruled out, certain ingredients in their food might be the root cause.
One strategy is to switch to a novel protein, which is typically a meat type that your dog hasn’t eaten before. Lamb is a classic example of a novel protein for dogs, since most commercial diets rely on chicken, beef or fish. In this post we’ll explain how food sensitivities show up in dogs, why lamb can help, and what to know when choosing lamb-based diets. We’ll also highlight The Grateful Pet’s gently cooked and raw recipes that include free-range grass-fed lamb among other preservative-free ingredients.
Food Sensitivities and How They Present in Dogs
Food sensitivity or intolerance in dogs refers to non–immune-mediated adverse reactions to food that primarily affect digestion. In other words, unlike a true allergy, an intolerance is not life threatening and does not involve the immune system. However, tt can occur even on the first exposure to the problematic ingredient.
These intolerances (also called non-immunologic adverse food reactions) can involve enzyme deficiencies, toxic reactions, or idiosyncratic responses, but they all generally result in gastrointestinal upset rather than itchy skin [1].
Digestive Symptoms of Food Intolerance
When a dog has a food intolerance, the signs are usually gastrointestinal. Common symptoms include:
Diarrhea (often chronic or intermittent loose stools)
Frequent vomiting episodes
Abdominal discomfort or bloating
Excessive flatulence (gas) and rumbling stomach sounds (borborygmi) [2]
Increased stool frequency – having more bowel movements than normal
These GI signs may occur alone or together. Unlike food allergies, which often cause itchy skin, ear infections or rashes, a food intolerance usually does not primarily cause skin problems. Instead, you’ll notice your dog with symptoms of their digestive system being upset digestive upset (and sometimes weight loss or poor appetite) when they eat the offending food. Hence, if your dog repeatedly has diarrhea, vomiting or gas that seems linked to diet, food intolerance is a likely culprit.
Lamb as a Novel Protein Source
Lamb is considered a novel protein for many dogs. Since most pet foods are made with chicken, beef or fish, a dog’s immune system that is not usually exposed to lamb would register the meat as a “new” protein. This novelty makes lamb useful in hypoallergenic diets.
In other words, if a dog has been sensitive to chicken or beef, feeding lamb may not trigger the immune response in the same way that the previous protein did [3].
Beyond its novelty, lamb has the appeal of being tasty and nutrient-rich. Many picky eaters love the flavor of lamb, which can help keep dogs interested in eating. In short, introducing a lamb-based diet can both refresh a dog’s interest in food and help owners figure out if the culprit ingredient was chicken, beef or something else.
Nutritional Benefits of Lamb
Lamb is not just novel, it’s also highly nutritious. It is a rich source of high-quality protein, providing about 25 grams of protein per 100 g (3.5 oz) serving. Like all meats, lamb contains all essential amino acids that dogs need to build and maintain muscle. In addition to protein, it is rich in heme iron, zinc, selenium and B vitamins such as B12.
For example, lamb liver is especially high in vitamin B12 [4], which supports energy metabolism and immune function, and has been linked to healthy brain function in dogs. The iron in lamb helps transport oxygen in the blood which is needed for energy, and selenium acts as an antioxidant that can reduce inflammation, which causes allergic reactions. While zinc supports the immune system and helps with general well-being.
Lamb also provides healthy fats and energy. Grass-fed, free-range lamb in particular has a good balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fats are a concentrated energy source and help nourish skin and coat. Omega-3 fats have anti-inflammatory properties and are known to support skin health, coat shine and joint comfort.
Considerations When Feeding Lamb
While lamb has many nutritional benefits, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Lamb is higher in fat than some other meats, so it may not be ideal for dogs prone to pancreatitis or obesity. Rich, fatty foods can trigger pancreatitis attacks in susceptible dogs. In fact, especially fattier cuts of lamb like neck, flank, shoulder, is noted as a high-fat meat that should be fed cautiously to dogs with a history of pancreatitis. If your dog has ever suffered pancreatitis, a veterinary diet with strict fat control is often recommended, and lamb should be avoided.
Another consideration is kidney disease. Dogs with chronic kidney problems usually need diets lower in protein and phosphorus to reduce stress on their kidneys. As lamb is protein-rich and contains natural phosphorus, a veterinarian may recommend limiting lamb (and other meats) for dogs with advanced kidney disease [5]. Always consult your vet for special diets as lamb may be too high in protein and phosphorus for a dog in renal failure.
Also note that any novel protein can become an allergen if overused. Long-term feeding of a single protein could eventually lead to sensitivity in rare cases when the body recognizes the overexposed protein as an allergen. Hence, it’s often best to rotate proteins or work with a vet to identify safe options.
Free-range Lamb from The Grateful Pet
The Grateful Pet offers both gently cooked and raw lamb meals, each built around premium free-range lamb. Free-range typically means that the cattle are pasture-raised with outdoor access to grass, which often results in leaner meat and richer omega-3 and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) profiles, which can help fight inflammation [6]. Importantly, all of our gently cooked and raw lamb meals are raised without antibiotics or hormones.
Every meal is supercharged with nutrient-dense whole foods chosen for their health benefits. For example, recipes include pumpkin and green vegetables for fiber and gut support, and blueberries for their powerful antioxidant properties which aids the digestive and immune system, respectively. Curcumin, an ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory effects is also included, which can help with allergy-related inflammation.
Lamb can be an excellent dietary choice for dogs with food sensitivities. Its novel-protein status and rich nutrient profile (quality protein, B‑vitamins, omega-3s) make it especially helpful for dogs prone to itching or digestive issues. Of course, every dog is different, so introducing lamb should be done carefully and ideally with veterinary guidance. When choosing a lamb diet, quality matters: free-range lamb is more nutritious, and brands like The Grateful Pet go a step further by including joint and immune-supporting superfoods and gently cook the meals using a sous vide method to preserve nutrients.
References
[1] Food Intolerance in Dogs — VCA Animal Hospitals, 2019 https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/adverse-reactions-to-food-in-dogs
[2] Adverse Food Reactions: Pathogenesis, Clinical Signs, Diagnosis and Alternatives to Elimination Diets — R. S. Mueller & S. Unterer, The Veterinary Journal, April 2018 https://opentextbooks.library.arizona.edu/app/uploads/sites/149/2022/01/AFR-2018-Vet-J-annotated-002.pdf#:~:text=Food,Concurrent%20gastrointestinal%20and%20dermatological
[3] Is Lamb Good for Dogs? Expert Advice From Our Nutritionist — Tails.com, 3 Aug 2025 https://tails.com/blog/is-lamb-good-for-dogs-expert-advice-from-our-nutritionist
[4] Top 12 Foods That Are High in Vitamin B12 — Arlene Semeco, Katherine Marengo, 29 Feb 2024 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-b12-foods
[5] Dietary Guidelines for Dogs with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) — Angela Witzel Rollins, 8 Jun 2018 https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/nutrition/diet-dogs-ckd-chronic-kidney-disease
[6] Where to Buy Grass-Fed Lamb — Acabonac Farms https://www.acabonacfarms.com/blogs/in-the-kitchen/where-to-buy-grass-fed-lamb