What best defines novel proteins in a dietary trial?

• A. Proteins that the pet has NOT previously eaten.
• B. Proteins the pet has previously eaten.
• C. Hydrolyzed proteins used to prevent immune response.
• D. Proteins derived only from plant sources.

Answer: (A)

Novel proteins in a dietary trial are protein sources the pet has never eaten before. Using a truly new protein means the immune system hasn’t been sensitized to it, so if the animal improves on the elimination diet, you can more confidently attribute the reaction to a protein hypersensitivity rather than prior exposure. Hydrolyzed proteins aren’t about novelty; they’re processed to reduce antigenicity of a familiar protein. Plant-based proteins aren’t inherently novel either; their status depends on the pet’s previous eating history. The essential idea is testing a protein source that is new to the animal.