What is a novel protein for dogs and cats?

A novel protein is a meat your pet hasn’t eaten before. Because their body hasn’t been exposed to it, it’s less likely to trigger a reaction, which is why vets often suggest novel proteins for pets with food sensitivities. Rabbit, beaver, bison, elk and venison are all novel proteins for most pets.

What’s the best protein for dogs with food allergies?

There’s no single best protein. It depends on what your dog has already eaten. Start with a protein they’ve never had and a treat with only one ingredient. Rabbit is a popular first choice. If your dog has a diagnosed allergy, check with your vet first.

Is rabbit good for dogs and cats?

Yes. Rabbit is lean, high in protein and easy to digest, and it’s a natural prey animal for both dogs and cats.

Is beaver safe for dogs?

Yes. Beaver is a lean, nutrient-rich red meat, similar to beef. Ours is ethically harvested in Ontario by an MNR-licensed trapper and made into single-ingredient treats.

Is bison better than beef for dogs?

Bison is leaner than beef, with less fat and more protein, iron and B vitamins. It’s a great option if you want the flavour of beef in a leaner treat.

Most of our treats are dehydrated, not raw. Our freeze-dried treats, like Freeze-Dried Rabbit Tenderloin, are freeze-dried from raw meat, so those are raw treats.

How do I switch my pet to a new protein?

Start slowly. Offer a small piece and watch for any change over a day or two before giving more. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily food.

Novel Protein Dog & Cat Treats | Shades of Gray Pet Treats – Shades of Gray Indigenous Pet Treats

Q: Where do your proteins come from?

We raise our own rabbit in Ontario. Our bison, elk and venison are farmed in Canada and federally inspected. Our beaver is ethically harvested in Ontario. Every treat is made at our facility on Alderville First Nation.

NOVEL PROTEIN TREATS FOR DOGS & CATS

Real Canadian meat, one ingredient per bag. Rabbit, bison, elk, venison and beaver give your pet a protein they may never have tried, which is a smart place to start if everyday treats don’t agree with them.

Healthy Treats = Happy Pets!

Shades of Gray Pet Treats

I started Shades of Gray in 2019 because I wanted clean, honest treats for my own animals. Today we raise our own rabbit in Ontario and make every treat in small batches at our facility on Alderville First Nation, using federally inspected meat. No grain, no gluten, no fillers, no preservatives. Just meat.

What makes our treats healthier?

Natural Canadian Treats

Every bag holds one protein and nothing else. Our rabbit comes from our own farm. Our bison, elk and venison are farmed in Canada and federally inspected. Our beaver is ethically harvested in Ontario by an MNR-licensed trapper.

Each protein brings something different. Rabbit is lean and easy to digest. Bison is rich in protein and minerals, with less fat than beef. Beaver is packed with protein, iron and vitamin B12.

The Shades of Gray Advantage

NATURAL MEATS

Real, whole meat your pet’s body recognizes. Many of our customers tell us they’ve noticed shinier coats and more energy after making the switch.

SINGLE INGREDIENT

One protein per bag means nothing hidden. If your pet has a food sensitivity, you always know exactly what they ate.

GLUTEN FREE

No wheat, corn, soy or fillers. A simple choice for pets with grain sensitivities.

ANTIBIOTIC & PRESERVATIVE FREE

Our meat is raised without antibiotics, and nothing is added to keep our treats shelf-stable. Dehydrating does that naturally.

Why many pet owners are making the change

CANADIAN PET FOOD

We hear it from customers all the time. A dog who itched constantly. A cat who couldn’t keep treats down. Things got better once they switched to simple, single-protein treats. Every pet is different, but starting with one clean ingredient makes it much easier to see what works for yours.

The way nature intended

HEALTHY PROTEINS

We offer five proteins, and each one has something different to offer. Here’s what you need to know to choose the right one for your dog or cat. If your pet has a health condition or you’d like specific advice, please talk with your vet.

RABBIT PROTEIN

Rabbit is one of the leanest meats you can feed, high in protein and low in fat. It’s also a novel protein for most dogs and cats, so it’s often the first thing we suggest for pets with food sensitivities. We raise our rabbit ourselves in Ontario, without antibiotics, so we know exactly where every treat comes from.

Furred rabbit ears and feet add natural fibre that helps keep the digestive tract clean. Traditional knowledge and hunters have long valued them for supporting worm control. Think of them as a helpful extra, not a replacement for your vet’s deworming plan.

RABBIT PROTEIN BENEFITS

Low-Fat
High in Protein
A Novel Protein for Sensitive Pets
Rich in Vitamin B12
Natural Fur and Bone

BEAVER PROTEIN

Beaver looks and tastes a lot like beef, but it’s leaner and packed with protein, iron, zinc and vitamin B12. Most pets have never eaten it, which makes it a true novel protein. Our beaver is ethically harvested in Ontario by an MNR-licensed trapper. Harvested beaver can’t be sold as food for people, so we make sure it goes to good use in our pet treats.

Beaver is a powerhouse of essential nutrients including protein, zinc, iron, and vitamin B12

BEAVER PROTEIN BENEFITS

High in Protein
Rich in B12
Rich in Iron and Zinc
A True Novel Protein
Ethically Harvested in Ontario

BISON PROTEIN

Bison has the rich flavour of beef in a leaner package. Compared to beef, it’s lower in fat and calories and higher in protein, iron and B vitamins. Our bison is farmed in Canada and federally inspected.

BISON PROTEIN BENEFITS

High in Protein
Rich in Iron and B Vitamins
Lower in Fat Than Beef
A Leaner Alternative to Beef

ELK & VENISON PROTEIN

Elk and venison are lean, flavourful meats that most pets have never tried. Compared to beef, they’re lower in fat and calories and higher in protein, iron and B vitamins. Ours are farmed in Canada and federally inspected.

ELK & VENISON PROTEIN BENEFITS

High in Protein
Rich in Iron and B Vitamins
Lean and Low in Fat
Novel Proteins for Sensitive Pets

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NOVEL PROTEIN TREATS FOR DOGS & CATS

Shades of Gray Pet Treats

Natural Canadian Treats