Claire Thompson
Chicken is a common ingredient in dog food, but it's also one of the most common food allergens for dogs. If your dog is experiencing itchy skin, recurring ear infections, digestive issues, or discomfort after eating, they might be allergic or sensitive to chicken. Luckily, there are plenty of chicken-free dog food options available that can provide your pup with a nutritious and balanced diet. From raw food to dry food and everything in between, there's something to suit every dog's unique health needs and preferences.
Characteristics and values of chicken-free dog food
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common allergens | Chicken, beef, rabbit, rice, oak, yeast, barley, corn, turkey |
| Common ingredients | Lamb, salmon, sweet potato, grains, beef, hydrolyzed chicken |
| Brands | Tractor Supply, Kirkland, Diamond Naturals, Costco, Purina Pro Plan, Hills, Orijen Tundra, Wellness, Nutrience |
| Other characteristics | Chicken-free treats, toothpaste, and supplements are also available |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken-free dog food for dogs with allergies or sensitive skin
Chicken is one of the most common food allergens for dogs, and food allergies are in the top five most common allergies in dogs. Dogs with food allergies usually develop itchy skin or digestive problems, but symptoms can vary, and it can be hard to pinpoint the exact cause of food allergies.
If you suspect your dog has a chicken allergy, you can try an elimination diet, where you remove chicken from their diet and observe any changes in their behaviour or symptoms. After 8-12 weeks, you can start to reintroduce ingredients from their old diet one at a time, waiting two to three weeks between each new ingredient to monitor your dog's reaction. This will help you identify which ingredients are safe and which cause reactions.
There are plenty of chicken-free dog food options available, including:
- Taste of the Wild: This brand specialises in dog food made from unique protein sources like wild salmon, boar, and bison. Most recipes are chicken-free, but it's important to always check the label. Their Pacific Stream recipe is a good choice for chicken-free pups, and it's grain-free.
- Ziwi Peak New Zealand Lamb Recipe: This chicken-free and grain-free dog food is made with sustainably-sourced whitefish and other high-quality ingredients.
- Freshpet: This brand offers several chicken-free recipes, including Vital Balanced Nutrition Turkey Recipe, which is packed with vitamin-rich peas and carrots, high-fibre brown rice, and Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids.
- Orijen Tundra: This brand is recommended by a dog owner whose dog is allergic to chicken, brewers' yeast, beef, rabbit, rice, oak, yeast, barley, corn, and turkey.
- Tractor Supply's brand: They offer a Salmon and Potato formula that is completely chicken-free and well-priced.
- 4health: This brand offers a grain-free option with turkey as the primary meat.
- Diamond Naturals: This brand offers beef or lamb flavour options, which some dogs with chicken allergies can tolerate, although they do contain chicken fat as an ingredient.
- Fromm: This brand offers some chicken-free products, although they are not the cheapest option.
When choosing a chicken-free dog food, carefully read the label to look for chicken meat, by-products, fat, and broth. Additionally, be mindful that chicken-free dog foods made in facilities that also produce other products containing chicken may be cross-contaminated, triggering your dog's allergies.
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Raw chicken-free dog food
Chicken-free dog food is often sought by dog owners whose pets have allergies or adverse reactions to chicken. Some dogs may also be sensitive to high fish content in their food.
While raw chicken can be a part of a dog's diet, it is not recommended by experts. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has a zero-tolerance level for Salmonella in pet food, and raw chicken can be a source of Salmonella, E-coli, and other bacteria. Raw chicken can also carry a high risk of bacterial contamination if purchased from a butcher, supermarket, or farm shop, as it is assumed this meat will be cooked before consumption.
Chicken is not a necessary component of a dog's diet, and there are many alternative options available. Some dog food brands that offer chicken-free formulas include:
- Tractor Supply
- Fromm
- Diamond Naturals
- Purina Pro Plan
- Hills Science Diet
- Orijen
- Nutrisource
- Taste of the Wild
- Stella and Chewy's
- Kirkland
Some of these brands offer grain-free options as well, for dogs with grain allergies. It is important to carefully read the ingredient lists, as some products may be chicken-free but still contain chicken fat or chicken flavouring.
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Chicken-free, grain-free dry dog food
Tractor Supply Co. offers a range of chicken-free dog foods, including a Salmon and Potato formula that is also grain-free. This is a good option for those on a budget, as it is significantly cheaper when bought in-store than on Amazon.
Other recommended chicken-free, grain-free options include Orijen Tundra, which is suitable for dogs allergic to chicken, beef, rabbit, rice, oak, yeast, barley, corn, and turkey. Wellness Whitefish and Sweet Potato is another grain-inclusive option that does not contain chicken.
For those looking for a chicken-free option that is also grain-inclusive, Fromm offers a Whitefish formula with whole grains, sweet potatoes, and simple carbs. This is a good option for dogs with sensitive digestive systems. Purina, Hills, and Royal Canin also offer veterinary therapeutic formulas or prescription diets that exclude chicken.
It is important to note that some grain-free diets have been linked to heart disease, so it is always best to consult a veterinarian before making any dietary changes for your dog.
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Chicken-free dog food for puppies
There are several chicken-free puppy food options available on the market, and some brands offer chicken-free formulas specifically designed for puppies. For example, Royal Canin offers a hydrolyzed protein puppy food that is suitable for puppies with chicken allergies. This option is mentioned by a user on Reddit, whose puppy has a chicken allergy and can eat this food without any issues.
Additionally, some dog food brands offer chicken-free formulas made with alternative protein sources such as lamb, salmon, or other types of meat. For instance, Taste of the Wild offers a lamb and sweet potato formula, as well as salmon-based formulas. Similarly, Kirkland has a salmon and potato formula that is chicken-free, and their lamb and oat blend is also recommended by a dog owner on Reddit. Other brands that offer chicken-free options include Fromm, Tractor Supply's 4health, and Diamond Naturals.
It is important to carefully read the ingredient lists when choosing a chicken-free dog food, as some products may still contain chicken fat or chicken flavouring. Some dogs with chicken allergies may not react to the fat, but it is always best to consult with your veterinarian if you are unsure about any ingredients.
Remember to introduce new dog food gradually to your puppy's diet to avoid any digestive upset. You can also consult with your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to determine the best chicken-free diet for your puppy's specific needs and health requirements.
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Chicken-free dog food toppers
Dog food toppers are treats and/or diet enhancers that can be served on top of regular dog food. They can be used to make dry food more palatable or to provide a healthy boost of protein or raw nutrients. They come in a variety of forms, including raw, freeze-dried, dehydrated, liquid broth, and gravy.
Blue Buffalo's Wilderness Trail Toppers
Blue Buffalo's Wilderness Trail Toppers contain bites of protein-rich meat in a hearty gravy that can be poured over kibble. It is available in pouches from Chewy.
Instinct Freeze-Dried Raw Boost Mixers Grain-Free Mobility Support
This dog food topper from Petco is freeze-dried and grain-free. It can be used to enhance the taste and nutrition of your dog's meal.
The Honest Kitchen Dog Proper Toppers
The Honest Kitchen's dog food toppers are made from just five whole food ingredients, including a vegetable base of pumpkins, blueberries, apples, and chard, plus a protein source that depends on the flavour (beef, turkey, or fish). These toppers are dehydrated and provide additional vitamins and minerals. They are available from Chewy.
PetSmart Dog Bone Broth
PetSmart offers a variety of dog food toppers, including bone broth, freeze-dried, and wet dog food toppers. Their toppers come in a range of flavours, including beef, duck, fish, lamb, pork, and tuna. You can shop PetSmart online or in-store.
It is important to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog's diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken can be a common trigger for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies. Chicken-free dog food can provide your pet with a balanced and nutritious diet without the risk of any adverse reactions.
There are many chicken-free dog food options available, including:
- Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach (Lamb & Oat Blend)
- Weruva (Moist Food Variety Pack)
- Taste of the Wild (Salmon Flavors)
- Stella and Chewy's (Lamb & Quinoa)
- Kirkland (Salmon and Sweet Potato)
- Honest Kitchen (Dehydrated Organic Turkey or Beef)
- Fromm Four-Star (Whitefish & Potato Formula)
- Farmina
- Inception
Yes, there are grain-inclusive dog food options that do not contain chicken. For example, Farmina and Inception are high in protein from animal meat and low in carbs.
If you suspect your dog has a chicken allergy, it is best to consult your vet, who can help diagnose food allergies and recommend appropriate foods.
