Does My Dog Need Chicken-Free Food?
Chicken can be a healthy protein source, but it’s not ideal for every dog. While chicken is one of the most common protein sources in dog food, it’s also one of the most common food allergens. If your pup is dealing with itchy skin, recurring ear infections, digestive upset, excessive paw licking or discomfort after eating, they might be allergic or sensitive to chicken.
Some dogs benefit from a chicken-free diet even without a diagnosed allergy. Dog parents might choose chicken-free food to support a sensitive stomach, rotate proteins in their dog’s diet, or simplify feeding with fewer potential triggers.
Trying a limited-ingredient dog food with a single source of animal protein—like lamb or salmon without chicken—can help identify what works best for your dog.
If you suspect a chicken allergy or sensitivity, talk to your vet about whether chicken-free dog food could be a good choice for your dog.
What Type of Chicken-Free Dog Food Is Best?
The best chicken-free food for your dog depends on their unique health needs and preferences. We offer a variety of high-quality recipes to support every pup’s wellness:
- Raw dog food without chicken includes freeze-dried raw and frozen raw meals, bowl toppers and treats made with 95% real meat, organs and bone with no unnecessary fillers.
- Chicken-free, grain-free dry food is ideal for dogs who do best on a high-protein, low-carb diet.
- Chicken-free dog food with grain is a convenient way to feed wholesome, grain-inclusive nutrition without any chicken ingredients.
- Chicken-free dog food toppers are a great way to add variety without introducing potential triggers.
- Chicken-free bone broth is a great way to boost flavor for picky eaters, soften food for dogs with dental issues, or add extra hydration at mealtime.
Our chicken-free dog foods are also free from corn, wheat, soy and artificial ingredients, making them a smart choice for overall health and wellness.
Why Raw Dog Food Without Chicken Can Be a Smart Choice
Raw food can be especially helpful for dogs with food sensitivities, including chicken. Made with 95% animal meat, organs, and bone; and no grain, unnecessary fillers or synthetic additives, our raw dog foods offer several benefits:
- Improved digestion: Raw diets are rich in natural enzymes and easy-to-absorb nutrients that can help support a healthy gut.
- Shinier coat & healthier skin: High levels of omega-3 fatty acids in raw food can promote healthy skin and a glossy coat.
- Better weight management: Naturally low in carbs and high in protein, raw dog food helps support lean body mass and a healthy metabolism.
- More enthusiasm at mealtime: Even the pickiest pups love the taste and texture of raw food made with real, minimally-processed animal meat.
Whether you choose freeze-dried or frozen raw, you can feel confident knowing your dog is getting biologically appropriate nutrition without unwanted ingredients.
If your dog needs to avoid both chicken and beef, our raw options make it easy to feed a diet built around alternative or novel proteins like lamb, rabbit, venison, fish, pork, turkey, duck, and goose. These proteins are a great option for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to more common ingredients.
Chicken-Free Food for Dogs of All Ages & Breeds
Whether you’re feeding a playful puppy, an active adult dog, or a thriving senior, our complete and balanced recipes without chicken support vibrant health at every life stage for small breeds, large breeds, and every size in between.
All of our dog foods are also perfect for feeding puppies, so as long as they aren’t a large breed that will be over 70 pounds when full-grown. If you have a Great Dane, Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, or other kind of large breed puppy that is sensitive to chicken and will be over 70 pounds when full grown,we recommend feeding our Beef & Salmon Puppy Patties and Beef & Salmon Meal Mixers, which are sized and formulated just for growing puppies! Learn more about choosing a diet for your puppy.
Our Itty Bitty Beef Lil’ Bites are a small but mighty chicken-free option! Made for miniature mouths and higher metabolisms with turmeric and chia seeds, these easy-to-chew, freeze-dried raw pieces pack big flavor in small bites.
All of our dog foods are crafted with responsibly-sourced animal proteins, providing plenty of wholesome choices other than chicken.
