Julia is the content director at the Dog Food Advisor and responsible for the overall strategy of the website.
Laura studied BSc (Hons) Animal Science with an accreditation in Nutrition at the University of Nottingham, before working for eight years in the pet food and nutrition industry.
All reviews are 100% unbiased, but if you buy something through one of the links on this page, we may get paid a referral fee.
Dogs can develop allergies to chicken due to their immune system misidentifying chicken proteins as harmful substances.
Allergies typically develop in response to specific protein structures. Chicken contains certain proteins that some dogs’ immune systems are more likely to recognize as allergens.
As chicken is a common ingredient in commercial dog foods and treats, overexposure can increase the likelihood of a dog developing a sensitivity or allergy over time.
Some breeds are more genetically prone to food allergies too, including German Shepherd, Pugs and Boxers.
Poor gut health or an imbalanced microbiome can increase a dog’s risk of developing allergies as the gut may allow larger, undigested protein fragments to pass into the bloodstream, triggering an immune response.
In some cases, allergies may be exacerbated by the quality of the chicken used, such as chicken meal or by-products, which may include proteins or additives that increase allergenic potential.
Are you tearing your hair out trying to find good dog food that doesn’t have chicken in it? It can be hard to find chicken-free dog food, whether your dog has allergies or you’re just looking for other protein sources. Trust me, I know what you’re going through. My German Shepherd suddenly became allergic to chicken when he was 3 years old.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about finding quality dog food with no chicken or chicken by-products, including my top recommendations based on extensive research and veterinary input
Why Your Dog Might Need Chicken-Free Food
Before diving into specific products, let’s understand why your dog might need to avoid chicken:
- Allergies: Chicken is among the top 10 food allergens for dogs, alongside beef, dairy, lamb, egg, pork, and fish
- Food sensitivities: Some dogs may not have a true allergy but still experience digestive upset from chicken proteins
- Dietary variety: Rotating protein sources can be beneficial for overall nutrition
- Specific health conditions: Certain health issues may require avoiding poultry proteins
If your dog is scratching all the time, having stomach problems, or acting uncomfortable after meals, it could be because they are allergic to chicken.
Signs Your Dog Might Have a Chicken Allergy
How do you know if your pooch needs chicken-free dog food? Look for these symptoms
- Excessive itching and scratching
- Skin redness or inflammation
- Ear infections (especially recurring ones)
- Digestive problems (vomiting, diarrhea)
- Obsessive licking of paws
- Hot spots on the skin
- Sneezing and red eyes
Important to note that food allergies account for around 10% of all allergic reactions in dogs, with environmental and flea allergies being more common. If you suspect a food allergy, it’s essential to consult with your vet before making dietary changes.
Top Chicken-Free Dog Food Options
After researching numerous brands and analyzing their ingredient lists, here are my top picks for chicken-free dog foods:
1. Blue Buffalo Adult Dry Dog Food (Brown Rice and Whitefish)
Key Features:
- Real whitefish as the primary protein
- No chicken, poultry by-products, or chicken derivatives
- Contains high-quality grains, vegetables, and fruits
- Added antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for immune support
This Blue Buffalo recipe doesn’t have any chicken in it because it only has whitefish and brown rice. Adding fruits and vegetables makes sure that the nutrition profile is complete.
2. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach (Salmon & Rice Formula)
Key Features:
- Salmon as the main protein source
- Prebiotic fibers for digestive health
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors
- Omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health
This is a favorite among vets for dogs with food sensitivities. The salmon and rice formula is gentle on digestion while still providing complete nutrition.
3. Diamond Naturals Grain-Free (Wild-Caught Whitefish)
Key Features:
- Wild-caught whitefish as the primary protein
- Completely grain-free formula
- Hypoallergenic ingredients
- Premium vitamins and minerals
- No artificial preservatives or fillers
Diamond Naturals offers a high-quality option for dogs with multiple sensitivities, as it’s both chicken-free and grain-free.
4. Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain (Roasted Lamb)
Key Features:
- Lamb as the main protein source
- Grain-free formulation
- Added probiotics for digestive health
- Rich in antioxidants from fruits and vegetables
- No chicken or poultry by-products
The protein in Taste of the Wild’s Sierra Mountain formula comes from roasted lamb. There are no chicken or poultry by-products in sight.
5. Whole Earth Farms Adult Dry Dog Food
Key Features:
- Made with pork, beef, and lamb
- Specifically designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Well-balanced nutrition profile
- No wheat, soy, corn, poultry, by-products, artificial flavors, or preservatives
This formula is particularly good for dogs with multiple food sensitivities, not just chicken allergies.
6. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet
Key Features:
- Available in four flavors: duck, salmon, lamb, and turkey
- Single animal protein and one vegetable
- No grain, dairy, eggs, chicken, beef, fish, potato, chickpeas, corn, wheat, or soy
- No artificial colors or preservatives
The Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet provides options for dogs with various allergies, not just chicken. However, note that the turkey option might not be suitable for dogs with all poultry allergies.
Novel Protein Options for Dogs with Multiple Allergies
If your dog has multiple protein allergies, consider these novel protein sources:
- Rabbit: Lean meat high in protein and vitamin B12, supports joint health
- Venison: Novel protein lower in fat than beef or lamb
- Bison: Offers a complete amino acid profile with less fat than other red meats
- Crickets: Yes, crickets! They’re a sustainable novel protein source with highly digestible prebiotic fiber, omegas, and essential amino acids
Remember that dogs with chicken allergies may sometimes cross-react with other poultry like duck and turkey, so keep this in mind when selecting alternative proteins.
What to Look for in Chicken-Free Dog Food
When shopping for chicken-free dog food, pay attention to:
1. Complete Ingredient List
Don’t just check the first few ingredients! Chicken derivatives can hide further down the list as “chicken fat,” “chicken meal,” or “poultry by-products.”
2. Quality of Alternative Proteins
Look for named meat sources (like “lamb” or “salmon”) rather than generic “meat meal” or “animal by-products.”
3. Nutritional Balance
The food should still provide complete nutrition with appropriate levels of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
4. Avoid Grain-Free Unless Necessary
Unless specifically recommended by your vet, grain-free formulas aren’t necessarily better and may be linked to heart issues in some dogs. Focus on removing chicken, not grains.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Chicken-Free Dog Food
Watch out for these pitfalls:
- Assuming “poultry-free” means chicken-free: Some foods may contain chicken fat or chicken meal but not list chicken as a primary ingredient
- Not reading the entire ingredient list: Chicken derivatives can be hiding in the fine print
- Overlooking cross-contamination: Some manufacturers produce multiple types of dog food on the same equipment
- Assuming grain-free is better: Focus on finding quality chicken-free food rather than automatically choosing grain-free options
The Elimination Diet Approach
If you suspect your dog has a chicken allergy, your vet might recommend an elimination diet. Here’s how it typically works:
- Your dog eats a prescription diet for 6-8 weeks with novel proteins they’ve never had before
- During this time, they should eat NOTHING else – no treats, table scraps, or flavored medications
- If symptoms improve, your vet may reintroduce chicken to confirm the allergy
- Based on the results, you’ll know whether chicken is truly the culprit
My Personal Experience
I remember when my German Shepherd, Max, started developing hot spots and constant itching. After numerous vet visits and an elimination diet, we discovered he had developed a chicken allergy. Finding chicken-free food was challenging at first, but switching to a salmon-based formula made a dramatic difference within weeks. His coat became shiny again, the hot spots disappeared, and his energy levels soared!
FAQ About Chicken-Free Dog Food
Can I make homemade chicken-free dog food?
While possible, I don’t recommend homemade diets without veterinary guidance. It’s challenging to create a nutritionally balanced meal that meets all your dog’s needs. Commercial chicken-free formulas are specifically designed to provide complete nutrition.
Are all poultry proteins problematic for dogs with chicken allergies?
Not necessarily, but there’s potential for cross-reactivity. Some dogs allergic to chicken may also react to turkey, duck, or other poultry. It’s best to try a completely different protein family (like fish or lamb) initially.
How long until I see improvement after switching to chicken-free food?
Most dogs show improvement within 4-12 weeks after eliminating the allergen. Skin symptoms typically take longer to resolve than digestive issues.
Are chicken-free dog foods more expensive?
Generally, yes. Alternative proteins like lamb, venison, or fish often cost more than chicken. However, the price difference is usually worth it for dogs with true allergies.
Can puppies eat chicken-free dog food?
Yes, but ensure the formula is appropriate for puppies or labeled “all life stages.” Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right chicken-free dog food might take some trial and error, but the improvement in your dog’s health and comfort makes it worthwhile. Always consult with your veterinarian before making significant dietary changes, especially if your dog has existing health conditions.
Remember to transition gradually to any new food by mixing increasing amounts of the new food with decreasing amounts of the old food over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset.
Have you found a great chicken-free dog food that worked wonders for your pup? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!
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Julia is the content director at the Dog Food Advisor and responsible for the overall strategy of the website.
Verified by Laura Ward
Laura studied BSc (Hons) Animal Science with an accreditation in Nutrition at the University of Nottingham, before working for eight years in the pet food and nutrition industry.
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All reviews are 100% impartial but if you buy using links on this page, we may earn a referral fee.
Dogs can develop allergies to chicken due to their immune system misidentifying chicken proteins as harmful substances.
Allergies typically develop in response to specific protein structures. Chicken contains certain proteins that some dogs’ immune systems are more likely to recognize as allergens.
As chicken is a common ingredient in commercial dog foods and treats, overexposure can increase the likelihood of a dog developing a sensitivity or allergy over time.
Some breeds are more genetically prone to food allergies too, including German Shepherd, Pugs and Boxers.
Poor gut health or an imbalanced microbiome can increase a dog’s risk of developing allergies as the gut may allow larger, undigested protein fragments to pass into the bloodstream, triggering an immune response.
In some cases, allergies may be exacerbated by the quality of the chicken used, such as chicken meal or by-products, which may include proteins or additives that increase allergenic potential.
Symptoms of Chicken Allergy in Dogs
- Itching, redness, rashes, or hives.
- Chronic or recurring ear inflammation.
- Diarrhea, vomiting, or gas.
- Restlessness or increased licking/biting at paws.
Switching to a novel protein or chicken-free diet is often recommended to manage symptoms and confirm the allergy through elimination or veterinary testing. Below, you will find our list of the best chicken-free dog foods, chosen by our team of experts.
