The best chicken-free dog foods, according to a vet

If your dog is itching, sneezing, or having digestion problems, they may be allergic to something in their food or environment. You’ll want to bring Fido to the vet so they can diagnose and treat your dog’s symptoms.

While true food allergies are less common in dogs than environmental or flea allergies, they do exist in around 10% of dogs. These are our 4 favorite foods for doggies who can’t eat chicken.

What we love: Did you know silver carp is an overpopulated species? This highly digestible protein has all the 10 essential amino acids that dogs need. Chippin is also helping to restore biodiversity in the USA with their dog food formula. Your pup will enjoy the all-natural fruits and vegetables, along with ancient grains for a balanced diet. As a bonus, even the packaging is eco-friendly!

What customers say: Pet parents with allergy-prone pups love this dog food. They like choosing kibble that’s good for — their dogs — and the environment. Unfortunately, due to the price, many owners use this food solely as treats versus everyday kibble. Some pet owners share that you can also soak the kibble in broth to easily smash down the pieces.

Has this product ever been recalled? If so, why? No.

Ingredients: Silver carp, oats, pumpkin, ground flaxseed, dried chicory root, dried tomato pomace, brewers yeast, dried cranberries, calcium carbonate, dried spinach, sunflower oil, taurine, rosemary extract, choline chloride, salt, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, vitamin e supplement, copper sulfate, manganese sulfate, vitamin b12 supplement, d’calcium pantothenate, niacin supplement, riboflavin supplement, sodium selenite, vitamin a supplement, vitamin d3 supplement, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, ethylenediamine dihydroiodide, and folic acid.

What we love: Hill’s researches and creates healthy dog foods that deliver the exact nutrition your pup needs. This formula is made with venison, a novel protein that’s a great option for dogs with chicken allergies. And when you purchase a Hill’s product, a portion goes toward their Food, Shelter & Love program to help shelter pets in need. Both you and your pup will feel good with this kibble.

What customers say: Dog owners who have dealt with allergy-ridden dogs say this is some of the best dog food for sensitivities! Most dogs have seen relief from itching and irritation, while others have even been able to come off of their prescription drugs. While the price may be higher than your average over-the-counter dog food, customers give it a 4.6-star rating and say it’s worth it to see their dogs finally feeling better.

Has this product ever been recalled? If so, why? No.

Ingredients: Potatoes, potato starch, venison, potato protein, soybean oil, coconut oil, powdered cellulose, pork liver flavor, dicalcium phosphate, lactic acid, fish oil, potassium chloride, glyceryl monostearate, calcium carbonate, iodized salt, choline chloride, vitamins (vitamin e supplement, l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin c), niacin supplement, thiamine mononitrate, calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin a supplement, riboflavin supplement, biotin, vitamin b12 supplement, folic acid, vitamin d3 supplement), dl-methionine, taurine, minerals (ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, calcium iodate, sodium selenite), mixed tocopherols for freshness, magnesium oxide, natural flavors, and beta-carotene.

What we love: The Purina factory has high standards for quality control in their factories, so you can have peace of mind when giving your dog this food. They craft their Sensitive Skin & Stomach formula with prebiotic fiber to make it digestible. It’s rich in EPA, omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, and vitamin A to promote healthy joints and to nourish your dog’s skin and coat.

What customers say: Dogs who had severe skin reactions, whether from food or environmental allergies, have been so much happier and healthier after eating this Purina Pro Plan formula. After trying various other dog foods, skin treatments, and shampoos, owners found this kibble to be the best option for their pups. This kibble has over 18,000+ reviews on Amazon and 4.7 stars, with some customers calling it a “miracle dog food.”

Has this product ever been recalled? If so, why? No.

Ingredients: Salmon, barley, ground rice, canola meal, oatmeal, fish meal (source of glucosamine), animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols, brewers dried yeast, salmon meal (source of glucosamine), natural flavor, sunflower oil, chicory root inulin, salt, fish oil, vitamins [vitamin e supplement, niacin (vitamin b-3), vitamin a supplement, calcium pantothenate (vitamin b-5), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin b-6), folic acid (vitamin b-9), vitamin b-12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin b-1), vitamin d-3 supplement, riboflavin supplement (vitamin b-2), menadione sodium bisulfite complex (vitamin k), biotin (vitamin b-7)], potassium chloride, minerals [zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite], l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (vitamin c), and choline chloride.

What we love: The Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet is made specifically for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. Their formulas are also free of ingredients such as gluten, wheat, dairy, and eggs, along with artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. Pet parents can have peace of mind when feeding this food to their sensitive furbabies!

What customers say: Customers who have dogs with itchy skin and allergies boast their pups’ are yeast-free since starting this food. They’ve also noticed their pups have more consistent, less runny poops thanks to the limited ingredients and prebiotics. The only downside noted is the higher price tag, but it seems to be worth it to most.

Has this product ever been recalled? If so, why? No.

Ingredients: Duck*, oatmeal, peas, ground rice, potato protein, tomato pomace, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), ground flaxseed, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, natural duck flavor, chicory root extract, choline chloride, vitamin e supplement, taurine, mixed tocopherols added to preserve freshness, zinc proteinate, zinc sulfate, calcium carbonate, niacin, ferrous sulfate, iron proteinate, beta-carotene, vitamin a supplement, copper sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, manganese sulfate, d-calcium pantothenate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin, vitamin d3 supplement, biotin, calcium iodate, vitamin b12 supplement, folic acid, ascorbic acid (vitamin c), dried lactobacillus Plantarum fermentation product, dried enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, rosemary extract, green tea extract, and spearmint extract.

👉  This dog food contains duck. If your dog has a true chicken allergy, other poultry proteins may cause similar reactions. Consult with your vet before giving your pup this food.

Chicken is one of the top 10 allergy-inducing ingredients found in dog food. Other common allergens include beef, dairy, lamb, egg, pork, and fish. If you suspect your pup is suffering from a food allergy, be sure to consult with your veterinarian before trying to switch their food.

How do vets determine food allergies?

Your vet needs to determine if your dog’s allergies are stemming from food or something else. Blood tests and intradermal testing may help identify seasonal and environmental allergies. The best way to determine a food allergy is through an elimination trial.

In most cases, your dog will eat a prescription diet for 6-8 weeks. During this time, their body will acclimate to the new ingredients, heal from any skin infections, and benefit from inflammatory medications. This is also an ideal time for your vet to decide if the food helped.

👉 Your pup shouldn’t eat other dog food, dog treats (unless hypoallergenic), human food, flavored medications, or fish oils while on an elimination diet. 

If your dog’s allergy symptoms disappear during this food trial, it’s likely they have a food allergy. They’ll likely stay on the prescription diet long-term. In most cases, your vet will reintroduce your pet’s original diet. If you give them chicken and the inflammation flares back up, it can be confirmed they have a chicken allergy.

What dog breeds are prone to food sensitivities?

“Almost all breeds,” says Dr. Erica Irish, DVM. “Theoretically, food sensitivities can occur due to prior exposure to something in the past. Since chicken, beef, and lamb are the most common proteins in dog foods, these allergies are automatically the most common types. This is why changing protein types early in life can increase the risk of food sensitivity.”

If you want to feed your dog an alternative animal protein source, there are a few options:

• Lamb. Rich in digestible protein and often used as a meal for high-energy and active dogs. High in iron and vitamin B-12.
• Beef. Well-balanced protein contains essential B vitamins, iron, phosphorus, zinc, and amino acids. Beef is also an excellent source for heart health.
• Salmon. Healthy source of protein that has benefits for dogs with sensitive or dry skin. Oils and omega fatty acids nourish and moisturize the skin.

👉 Since these 3 proteins are some of the more common types available in regular diets, be cautious when looking at the labels. Ingredients like “chicken meal” or “chicken fat” are common fillers and may be an issue if a true chicken allergy is present.

• Rabbit. A less common lean meat protein that’s high in protein and low in fat. Excellent source of vitamin B12 for energy and healthy fats to support joints and skin/coat.
• Venison. Considered a novel protein. Provides a good protein source while being lower in fat than beef and lamb.
• Bison. A highly palatable protein with a full range of amino acids. All less fat than other red meat ingredients like beef or lamb.

👉 Avoid duck and turkey as poultry allergies also apply to these proteins. 

When looking for dog food that’s free of chicken, be sure to check the entire label. Many brands will use a source of chicken in the ingredients, even if it’s not the main protein.

According to Dr. Irish, “The only exception would be if the diet was hydrolyzed, meaning the protein’s molecular size is so small that the immune system won’t be affected by it.” As always, you can double-check with your vet for suggestions on chicken-free food options.

Reminder to avoid grain-free diets

Unless recommended by your vet, grain-free formula isn’t the solution to your dog’s chicken intolerance. The FDA has recently found evidence that grain-free dog food may increase the risk of heart disease in dogs. Unless your dog is indeed allergic to grains, it’s best not to feed a grain-free recipe.