Top 6 Limited-Ingredient Single-Protein Dry Foods for Small Pets in the USA (2025): Veterinarian-Reviewed Choices to Soothe Sensitive Tummies and Reduce Allergens

Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food holds a best-in-class spot for owners prioritizing gastrointestinal health because its high-fiber, limited-ingredient approach is formulated to reduce dietary triggers while supporting digestion; financially it sits at a mid-to-premium price point that many owners accept for consistent quality and traceable sourcing. Compared with the other products here, Oxbow emphasizes clinical consistency and digestive support over marketing-led ingredient claims, making it a strong choice for rabbits with suspected sensitivities seeking a single-protein, hypoallergenic kibble alternative.

Oxbow Essentials holds a best-in-class position for guinea pig limited-ingredient and hypoallergenic needs thanks to its timothy-hay–focused pellet, consistent vitamin C fortification, and rigorous quality controls that favor simple, repeatable recipes over blends. Compared with the other options in this list it trades a higher price for predictable sourcing and veterinary-driven formulation, making it a strong technical and clinical choice for owners seeking a single-protein, low-allergen staple diet.

Mazuri is a market leader known for a highly controlled, nutrient-dense complete pellet produced under rigorous manufacturing standards, which gives it a technical advantage in consistency and micronutrient accuracy. While it can be more expensive than simpler timothy-only options, its laboratory-style formulation is attractive when manufacturers' consistency and predictable nutrition are prioritized over an ultra-minimal ingredient list for hypoallergenic management.

Mazuri earns its place as a leader for rat and mouse single-protein, limited-ingredient kibble because it originated as a research-grade formulation with tightly controlled nutrient and protein sourcing, which helps minimize allergenic variability. Technically oriented and precise in nutrient formulation, Mazuri tends to appeal where reproducibility and strict ingredient control matter most—offering a laboratory-style advantage over more commercial, seed-based products on the list, albeit often at a premium and with a narrower species focus.

Marshall Premium Ferret Diet is a long‑standing, widely available choice that combines meat‑first recipes with competitive pricing and broad retail access, making it a pragmatic market leader for many ferret owners. While it is not optimized as a limited‑ingredient single‑protein hypoallergenic kibble, its affordability and consistent nutritional profile make it a go‑to baseline diet; compared to niche air‑dried or prescription formulas it delivers financial value and convenience rather than specialized hypoallergenic advantages.