Informational

As a loving pet parent, you want to keep your dog or cat healthy and protected—but do they really need yearly vaccinations, or could titre testing be a smarter approach?

In this post, we’ll explore the difference between traditional annual pet vaccinations and titre testing for dogs and cats, so you can make an informed decision based on science, health, and what’s right for your furry companion.

What Is Titre Testing?

Titre testing (also spelled “titer”) is a simple blood test that checks your pet’s immunity to specific diseases. Instead of automatically administering annual vaccines, a vet can perform a titre test to measure the level of protective antibodies in your pet’s system.

Commonly tested diseases include:
- Parvovirus
- Distemper
- Adenovirus (Hepatitis)

If your pet’s antibody levels are sufficient, they may not need another vaccine at that time.

What Are Yearly Vaccines?

Yearly vaccines are the traditional approach to pet disease prevention. These vaccines are often administered on an annual or triennial schedule depending on the disease and product used.

Core vaccines for dogs typically include:
- Parvovirus
- Distemper
- Adenovirus
- Rabies (where legally required)

Non-core vaccines like kennel cough or leptospirosis may also be given based on lifestyle and risk.

While vaccines are a crucial part of preventative care, giving them more often than necessary can be unnecessary or even harmful in certain cases.

Why Pet Parents Are Considering Titre Testing

Here at Nooch Pets, we’ve seen a growing trend of conscious pet parents turning to titre testing for several reasons:

1. Reducing Over-Vaccination
 Studies show that many pets maintain strong immunity for years after their last core vaccine. Over-vaccination can cause inflammation, allergic reactions, or even immune disorders in rare cases.

2. Personalised Pet Care, Titre testing allows you and your vet to tailor your pet’s health plan based on actual need, rather than a one-size-fits-all schedule.

3. Ideal for Sensitive or Senior Pets If your pet has previously reacted to vaccines or is older with a weaker immune system, titre testing can avoid unnecessary stress on their body.

4. Peace of Mind Many pet parents are happy to pay a little more for a titre test upfront if it means avoiding risks and knowing their pet is protected.

So, Should You Still Vaccinate?

Yes! Vaccines are essential, especially for puppies, kittens, and pets who have never been 
vaccinated. Titre testing is not a replacement for vaccines—it’s a tool to determine whether additional doses are needed once a pet is already vaccinated.

Nooch Pets Recommends:
We believe in science-backed, individualized care. Speak to your vet about whether titre testing for dogs or cats is appropriate for your pet’s age, lifestyle, and medical history. This way, you can support strong immunity without overmedication.

There’s no one way to care for your pet’s immune health. Whether you choose yearly vaccines or titre testing, the most important thing is staying informed and working with your vet to find the right balance.

For more wellness tips and expert info, follow @nooch_pets on socials or visit us online to explore our curated health and nutrition range.

If your pet struggles with itchy skin, chronic ear infections, or digestive discomfort, switching their diet might be the solution. You’ve likely seen labels boasting hypoallergenic dog food or novel protein for dogs but, what do these terms actually mean?

At Nooch Pets, we’re passionate about clear, science-backed pet nutrition. This guide will help you understand the differences and similarities between hypoallergenic and novel proteins, with examples to help you choose the best option for your dog or cat.

What Is Hypoallergenic Protein?
Hypoallergenic protein is a term used for animal proteins that are less likely to trigger allergic reactions in pets. These proteins are typically used in limited ingredient diets for pets who suffer from food intolerances, itching, or inflammation.

Hypoallergenic pet foods often feature:
- A single source protein
- Minimal or no common allergens (like chicken, beef, or dairy)
- High digestibility and reduced inflammation risk

✅ Examples of hypoallergenic proteins:
- Kangaroo
- Rabbit 
- Goat 
- Crocodile 
- Turkey

Hypoallergenic dog food and hypoallergenic cat food are frequently recommended by vets as part of an elimination diet, a method used to identify food allergies through controlled feeding trials.

What Is a Novel Protein?
A novel protein is a protein source that your pet has never consumed before. While it might be common in the pet food industry, it’s “novel” to your individual pet if they’ve never eaten it, making it less likely to cause a negative immune response.

The idea behind novel protein dog food is simple: by introducing a new, unfamiliar protein, your pet’s body is less likely to react, especially if they’ve developed sensitivities to common proteins like chicken or lamb.

✅ Examples of novel proteins:
- Venison 
- Quail 
- Wallaby 
- Insect protein 
- Salmon (if your pet hasn’t eaten fish before)

Novel proteins can also be used in elimination diets and are especially helpful in managing food sensitivities in dogs and cats.

While the two overlap, they’re not identical. A novel protein may be hypoallergenic for your pet, but not all hypoallergenic dog food uses novel proteins.

How to Choose the Right Protein for Your Pet
If your dog or cat shows signs of allergies, like scratching, hot spots, loose stools, or frequent licking, your vet might recommend a limited ingredient diet for pets using either a hypoallergenic or novel protein source.

Pro Tip: Elimination diets often last 6–8 weeks, and it’s crucial not to feed anything outside of the chosen formula during that time.

At Nooch Pets, we stock a curated range of single protein dehydrated treats, each one carefully selected for quality and suitability for sensitive pets.

Whether you’re dealing with food allergies or just looking to optimize your pet’s diet, 
understanding the difference between hypoallergenic vs novel proteins is key. Both can support pets with sensitivities, but choosing the right one depends on your pet’s individual history and health needs.

Visit Nooch Pets online for expert advice and a carefully selected range of science-backed, pet-friendly grooming, treats and wellness products. We’re here to support you on your journey to better pet health, one bowl at a time.