Does your pup have a poultry allergy? Here are our favorite chicken-free dog food brands for pets of all preferences..
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.
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 (Trusted Source) than environmental or flea allergies, they do exist in around 10% of dogs. These are our four favorite foods for doggies who can’t eat chicken.
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.
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, they likely 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 that they have a chicken allergy.
If your furry friend is showing signs of a chicken allergy, it may be time to consider other protein options. Simple dietary changes can make a world of difference in their comfort and overall health. However, choosing the right chicken-free dog food requires careful consideration. You want to ensure you’re eliminating the problem ingredient fully but not the helpful nutrients that keep your dog nourished and healthy.
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.
For example, Blue Buffalo’s lamb and brown rice diet may claim lamb as the first ingredient, but you can find chicken fat as the 8th ingredient on the list.
Dr. Erica Irish
DVM
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.
Unless specifically recommended by your vet, a grain-free formula won’t be 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.
If you want to feed your dog an alternative protein source, there are a few options:
👉 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. It’s also important to note that while fish can be a great protein alternative, canned tuna isn’t a great option. It’s high in mercury and salt and may contain harmful bacteria.
👉 Be wary of duck and turkey, as poultry allergies may also apply to these proteins.
Navigating your dog’s dietary needs can be a challenging journey, but you’re not alone. Remember, chicken is a common allergen for dogs, and it’s essential to recognize the signs if your furry friend is reacting adversely to it. But don’t worry – there are plenty of nutritious, chicken-free options out there, like the four we’ve highlighted in this article. Whether it’s venison, fish, plant- or insect-based proteins, your pup can still enjoy a varied, balanced diet without chicken.
We don’t recommend homemade diets because you run the risk of not feeding your dog a balanced meal. It’s important to work with your vet to select a dog food formula that is well-balanced with essential nutrients and doesn’t irritate your dog’s stomach.
Food allergies make up 10% of allergic reactions in dogs, with chicken being in the top ten ingredients to cause them. Chicken allergy symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, itchy skin and paws, ear infections, hot spots, obsessive licking, sneezing, and red eyes.
While chicken is an excellent source of protein for plenty of pups, some alternatives may offer additional health benefits. A unique protein source like crickets, for example, has all ten of the essential amino acids your dog needs for a healthy heart. Lamb, venison, rabbit, pork, and salmon offer high levels of vitamins A, B, and E, plus omega 3 and 6 that can help keep your pup looking and feeling their best.
If your dog is indeed allergic to chicken, chicken-free dog food is the best option. You may try other sources of protein like fish, lamb, or beef, or novel proteins such as bison, venison, or rabbit. Ask your vet about the best protein option for your pup.
“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.”
