Single-protein

Single-protein describes a recipe containing a single animal-protein source, used to simplify the identification of a possible food reaction. By limiting the recipe to one named meat, such as [lamb](/glossary/lamb), [rabbit](/glossary/rabbit) or [duck](/glossary/duck), it becomes easier to track which protein an animal tolerates, which is why single-protein foods feature in an [elimination diet](/glossary/elimination-diet) (veterinary literature). The concept differs from a [protein hydrolysate](/glossary/protein-hydrolysate) approach: single-protein relies on choosing one source, ideally a novel one the animal has not met, whereas hydrolysis shrinks the protein itself. A practical caution is worth keeping in mind: single-protein refers to the animal-protein source, so a recipe can still contain several plant ingredients, and the claim does not by itself guarantee freedom from [cross-contamination](/glossary/cross-contamination), which matters for sensitive animals and may require a dedicated production line. The label is therefore most meaningful when paired with a verified ingredient list and, for a genuine elimination trial, veterinary supervision. The marker: single-protein is a useful simplifying tool for diagnosing a [food allergy versus food intolerance](/glossary/food-allergy-vs-food-intolerance), valuable mainly when the chosen protein is truly novel to the animal, a recurring theme among the novel-protein entries in the [Petipedia glossary](/glossary).

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General documentary information. For an individual animal, a veterinarian's advice takes precedence over any online content.