Best Chicken-Free Dog Foods

This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. Learn More

Many people are concerned about food allergens and sensitivities in their dogs. According to veterinarians, dogs can have reactions to many things other than their food, but our dog’s diet is something that most of us feel we can control. Perhaps that’s why we look at our dog’s food first when there is a problem of any kind.

Chicken is one of the most common ingredients used in dog foods, and it’s a common trigger for food allergies and sensitivities in dogs. If you suspect that your dog might be having a reaction to chicken in his diet, we can show you the best chicken-free dog food.

Switching to a chicken-free diet can bring substantial benefits for your furry friend. Not only can it help alleviate allergy symptoms like itching, digestive issues, and ear infections, but it can also enhance your dog’s overall well-being. By removing chicken from their meals, you might notice improvements in their coat condition, energy levels, and even temperament.

Key Benefits of a Chicken-Free Diet

Chicken-free diets can alleviate allergy symptoms, improve coat and skin health, and boost energy and vitality in dogs. By adopting a chicken-free diet, you are actively managing your dog’s health and comfort, ensuring they lead a happy, itch-free life.

This diet not only reduces common allergic reactions but also promotes better digestion and energy levels. If you suspect your dog might be having a reaction to chicken in their diet, consider finding the best chicken-free dog food.

Transitioning to a chicken-free diet may unlock a healthier, happier life for your furry friend.

Compare Best Chicken-Free Dog Food To Buy

OVERALL BEST 1. Weruva Chicken-Free Just 4 Me Variety Pack Grain-Free Canned Dog Food View on Chewy Read Review	RUNNER UP 2. Wellness Complete Health Adult Whitefish & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food View on Chewy Read Review	BEST AFFORDABLE 3. Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato & Bison Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food View on Chewy Read Review	BEST FOR DIGESTION 4. Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Dog Food View on Chewy Read Review	BEST FREEZE-DRIED 5. Instinct by Nature's Variety Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Rabbit Dry Dog Food View on Chewy Read Review
Protein 8.0% Min	Protein 22.0% Min	Protein 20.0% Min	Protein 25.0% Min	Protein 36.5% Min
Fat 1.4% Min	Fat 12.0% Min	Fat 10.0% Min	Fat 15.0% Min	Fat 20.5% Min
Fiber 0.5% Max	Fiber 4.5% Max	Fiber 4.0% Max	Fiber 5.0% Max	Fiber 3.5% Max
Moisture 87% Max	Moisture 10.0% Max	Moisture 10.0% Max	Moisture 10.0% Max	Moisture 10.0% Max
Caloric Content 136 kcal/5.5-oz can	Caloric Content 400 kcal/cup	Caloric Content 3460 kcal/kg, 375 kcal/cup	Caloric Content 3,611 kcal/kg, 338 kcal/cup	Caloric Content 4,460 kcal/kg, 524 kcal/cup

Symptoms Of A Food Allergy

• Itchy skin (most common)
• Hives: scratching can lead to hair loss
• Gastrointestinal problems (gas, vomiting, diarrhea)
• Swollen face
• Chronic ear and paw infections: repeated infections of ears and paws can be a sign of a food sensitivity instead of a food allergy

If you and your veterinarian discover that your dog cannot eat dog foods that contain chicken, we have some recommendations for you for the best chicken-free dog food.

The 5 Best Chicken-Free Dog Foods Reviewed

OVERALL BEST

1.

Weruva Chicken-Free Just 4 Me Variety Pack Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

View on Chewy

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Protein: 8.0% Min
• Fat: 1.4% Min
• Fiber: 0.5% Max
• Moisture: 87% Max
• Caloric Content: 136 kcal/5.5-oz can

Pros

• Chicken-free
• Grain-free, gluten-free, GMO-free
• Contains essential nutrients including omega fatty acids
• Easy to use, meal-portioned cans to serve alone or as toppers or mixers

Cons

• Canned foods can be costly if you have a larger dog to feed

For dogs that need a chicken-free diet but love canned foods, Weruva Chicken-Free Just 4 Me Variety Pack Grain-Free Canned Dog Food is a great choice. The four varieties included in this pack feature beef, tuna, lamb, and mackerel – real animal protein that dogs love.

These formulas contain no chicken, gluten, or grains so they are perfect for dogs with food sensitivities.

Available in 5.5 ounce case of 24; and 14-ounce case of 12.

RUNNER UP

2.

Wellness Complete Health Adult Whitefish & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food

View on Chewy

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Protein: 22.0% Min
• Fat: 12.0% Min
• Fiber: 4.5% Max
• Moisture: 10.0% Max
• Caloric Content: 400 kcal/cup

Pros

• No chicken
• Fish is the only animal protein
• No corn, wheat, or soy
• Features easily-digestible carbohydrates
• No meat by-products, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives

Cons

• Contains peas as the third ingredient

Trying to get away from chicken but you’re looking for something that your dog will like? Lots of dogs love dog foods made from fish. Wellness Complete Health Adult Whitefish & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food uses only one animal protein – fish (whitefish and menhaden fish meal).

Barley, oatmeal, and sweet potatoes provide useful carbohydrates that dogs with sensitive digestion should be able to handle. The fish in the food also provides a good source of omega fatty acid for healthy skin and coat.

Available in 5-lb, 15-lb, and 30-lb bags.

BEST AFFORDABLE

3.

Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato & Bison Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

View on Chewy

Product Info

• Protein: 20.0% Min
• Fat: 10.0% Min
• Fiber: 4.0% Max
• Moisture: 10.0% Max
• Caloric Content: 3460 kcal/kg, 375 kcal/cup

Pros

• No chicken
• Sensitive digestion, limited ingredient diet formula
• No corn, wheat, or soy
• Grain-free
• No artificial flavors or colors
• Contains a single animal protein and limited carbohydrates

Cons

• Like many limited ingredient diets, this formula has rather low protein

For many people with dogs, Natural Balance is the brand of choice when they have a dog with food sensitivities. If you are looking for a food that doesn’t contain any chicken, you might consider Natural Balance L.I. D. Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato & Bison Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. This limited ingredient diet features one animal protein – bison; and one main carbohydrate – sweet potatoes.

And, if this formula doesn’t work for your dog, Natural Balance has many other limited ingredient diets. One of them might help your dog.

Available in 4.5-lb, 13-lb, and 26-lb bags.

BEST FOR DIGESTION

4.

Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

View on Chewy

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Protein: 25.0% Min
• Fat: 15.0% Min
• Fiber: 5.0% Max
• Moisture: 10.0% Max
• Caloric Content: 3,611 kcal/kg, 338 kcal/cup

Pros

• No chicken
• Lamb is the only meat protein
• Grain-free
• No corn, wheat, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
• Includes a proprietary strain of probiotics for digestive health

Cons

• Includes pea ingredients

Taste of the Wild is always a popular brand but most of their formulas include several different kinds of meat protein. Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Dog Food features only various forms of lamb as meat proteins. It contains egg product and peas but no other meat proteins that we could see in the ingredients; and no chicken. For this reason, we think that this food could be a good choice if you are looking for a chicken-free food for a dog with a food allergy or sensitivity.

This is a grain-free formula with sweet potatoes as a carbohydrate source. Chelated minerals help your dog absorb minerals more easily. Omega fatty acids support your dog’s healthy skin and coat.

Available in 5-lb, 14-lb, and 28-lb bags.

BEST FREEZE-DRIED

5.

Instinct by Nature's Variety Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Rabbit Dry Dog Food

View on Chewy

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Protein: 36.5% Min
• Fat: 20.5% Min
• Fiber: 3.5% Max
• Moisture: 10.0% Max
• Caloric Content: 4,460 kcal/kg, 524 kcal/cup

Pros

• No chicken
• Farm-raised rabbit is the first ingredient
• Contains 71 percent real animal ingredients and nutritious oils
• No grains, no glutens, potatoes, corn, wheat, soy, or by-product meal
• No artificial colors or preservatives
• Contains guaranteed levels of live, natural probiotics
• Features kibble that is coated in freeze-dried raw food

Cons

• Contains chickpeas and peas

Rabbit is often recommended as a good novel protein for dogs that can’t eat chicken and many dogs love it. Instinct by Nature’s Variety Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Rabbit Dry Dog Food is made from farm-raised rabbit – the first ingredient. This formula features 71 percent real animal ingredients and nutritious oils.

Plus, this is the only kibble that includes raw nutrition in every piece. The kibble is coated with freeze-dried raw food that dogs love!

Available in 4-lb and 20-lb bags.

How Does Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Support Dogs with Food Sensitivities?

The Basics Limited Ingredient Diet is crafted to cater to dogs experiencing food sensitivities. It achieves this by simplifying its ingredient list to minimize potential irritants, thereby reducing the risk of allergic reactions.

Single Animal Protein Source
This diet features duck as its sole animal protein, which is less commonly used in dog foods and can be beneficial for pets with sensitivities to more typical proteins like beef or chicken.

Easily Digestible Ingredients
To further support a gentle digestion process, the recipe includes easily digestible carbohydrates like potatoes and peas. These ingredients provide necessary energy without overloading the digestive system.

Exclusion of Common Allergens
The formula deliberately excludes common allergens such as chicken, corn, wheat, and soy. By avoiding these ingredients, it offers a safer alternative for dogs prone to digestive discomfort.

Gentle on the Stomach
By focusing on simplicity and purity in its ingredients, the Basics diet helps maintain a balanced system while nurturing sensitive digestive tracts, providing peace of mind for pet owners concerned about their dog’s dietary reactions.

The thoughtful formulation ensures that your pet receives essential nutrients without triggering sensitivities, making mealtime a stress-free time for both you and your furry friend.

What to Look For When Shopping for the Best Chicken-Free Dog Food?

When searching for chicken-free dog food, it is essential to consider the following factors:

1. Your dog’s dietary restrictions. Some dogs may not be able to consume other types of poultry, such as turkey or other poultry. This can lead to issues with your dog’s health.
2. Check all ingredients on the label. Chicken can appear in various forms in your dog’s food, including chicken meal, by-products, broth, liver, hearts, and other organs. Foods that claim to have natural forms of glycosamine and chondroitin may obtain these ingredients from chicken cartilage.
3. The fat source in your dog’s food. Some foods use chicken fat as a fat source, which some sources believe should not react to dogs with allergies or sensitivity. However, some dogs may react to chicken fat due to pet food companies’ lack of responsibility for ingredient purity.
4. Eggs can be okay for your dog, even if they have an allergy or food sensitivity to chicken. They are considered a separate allergen and only a small portion of dogs have a reaction to eggs. Some dog foods may use eggs as an animal protein.
5. If your dog is very sensitive to chicken, consider a prescription diet. Commercial dog food may contain cross-contamination due to the same machinery used in making different recipes. If your dog is highly allergic or sensitive to chicken, consider purchasing a prescription food.
6. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer. It is crucial to be certain about the ingredients and manufacturing process before feeding them to your dog.

Final Thoughts

Many dogs have food sensitivities, including chicken allergies. Finding dog food without chicken can be challenging. Some recommended dog foods include chicken-free options, but if these don’t work, try other recipes or consult a veterinarian for a prescription diet.

The FDA advises against dog foods containing legumes as main ingredients, as they are generally considered the first 10 ingredients listed in a food’s ingredient list before the first vitamin or mineral ingredient. Additionally, dogs should be cautious about dog foods that “split” ingredients and use multiple legumes lower in the ingredient list, as they can make up a large amount of the food. Prescription diets can be more expensive but can be effective.