Are you pulling your hair out trying to find a good dog food without chicken? You’re not alone! As one of the most common protein sources in pet food, chicken is practically everywhere – even hiding in foods that don’t advertise themselves as chicken-flavored! But for dogs with chicken allergies or sensitivities, this ubiquitous ingredient can cause all kinds of problems.
We’ve done the hard work for you and dug up 15 fantastic chicken-free dog foods that’ll keep your pup’s tail wagging without triggering those pesky allergies. Let’s dive into the world of poultry-free pup nutrition!
Why Some Dogs Need Chicken-Free Dog Food
Before we jump into our top picks, let’s understand why you might need to avoid chicken in your dog’s diet
Chicken Allergies in Dogs
While chicken provides excellent protein for many dogs it’s actually one of the more common food allergens for our furry friends. Dogs with chicken allergies might experience
- Skin rash (especially around thighs, feet, or ears)
- Inner ear redness or infection
- Itchy skin
- Inflammation
- Coughing
- Eye discharge
- Diarrhea (sometimes severe)
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
These symptoms occur because the dog’s immune system mistakenly treats chicken protein as a dangerous invader. In severe cases, allergic reactions can be life-threatening.
Chicken Intolerance vs. Allergy
Some dogs don’t have a true allergy but rather an intolerance to chicken. Unlike allergies, intolerances don’t trigger an immune response but can still upset your dog’s digestive system. Symptoms often include:
- Noxious gas
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
If you notice these symptoms in your dog after eating chicken-based foods, it’s worth consulting your vet. They can help determine if your dog truly has a chicken allergy or intolerance through elimination diets or testing.
Top 15 Dog Foods Without Chicken or Chicken By-Products
1. Nom Nom Turkey Fare Fresh Food
Best Overall Chicken-Free Option
Nom Nom offers fresh, human-grade food delivered right to your door. Their Turkey Fare recipe is completely chicken-free and customized to your dog’s specific needs.
Key Features:
- Meets AAFCO standards for all life stages
- Pre-packaged and pre-portioned for your dog
- Formulated by veterinary nutritionists
- Made in the USA with US-sourced ingredients
Pros:
- Can be customized for dogs with multiple allergies
- Excellent taste that dogs love
- Fresh, high-quality ingredients
- No subscription required for trial option
Cons:
- More expensive than kibble
- Requires refrigeration
- Some recipes are grain-free (though grain-inclusive options available)
2. Yumwoof Perfect Kibble
Best Tasting Chicken-Free Food
This air-dried food uses real beef as its primary protein source and has a taste that even picky eaters find irresistible.
Key Features:
- Shelf-stable yet human-grade
- Made with non-GMO ingredients
- Produced in the USA
Pros:
- Most dogs love the taste
- Human-grade but doesn’t need refrigeration
- Contains pumpkin for digestive health
- Grain-inclusive recipe (safer for dogs at risk of DCM)
Cons:
- Contains eggs (possible issue for some allergic dogs)
- No probiotics included
3. Spot & Tango Unkibble
Best Dry Chicken-Free Dog Food
Spot & Tango’s Unkibble is a gently dried food that offers many benefits of fresh food but with the convenience of kibble.
Key Features:
- Veterinarian-developed recipes
- Human-grade ingredients
- Customized for your dog’s needs
- Eco-friendly packaging
Pros:
- Customizable for dogs with multiple sensitivities
- Better taste and texture than traditional kibble
- More affordable than most fresh foods
- Money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Kibble shape may not work with puzzle feeders
- Subscription required (though cancellable anytime)
4. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream
Best Grain-Free Chicken-Free Kibble
This salmon-based kibble provides excellent nutrition without any chicken products.
Key Features:
- Real salmon is the first ingredient
- Contains no corn, soy, wheat, or artificial additives
- Includes prebiotics and probiotics
- Made in the USA
Pros:
- Reasonably priced compared to similar quality foods
- Contains smoked salmon for improved taste
- Rich in antioxidants from fresh fruits and vegetables
Cons:
- Grain-free (potential concern for DCM)
- Contains multiple protein sources
- Kibble size can be large for small dogs
5. Natural Balance L.I.D.
Best Limited Ingredient Chicken-Free Recipe
With just a handful of ingredients, this food is perfect for dogs with multiple food sensitivities.
Key Features:
- Single animal protein source
- Both grain-free and grain-inclusive options
- Optimal blend of omega fatty acids
- Made in the USA
Pros:
- Multiple protein options available
- True limited ingredient formula
- Affordable compared to other limited ingredient foods
Cons:
- Less flavorful than some traditional kibbles
- Kibble size can be challenging for tiny breeds
6. Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat
Most Affordable Chicken-Free Kibble
This salmon-based formula delivers quality nutrition at a wallet-friendly price.
Key Features:
- High-quality proteins as first ingredients
- Contains probiotics for digestive health
- Meets AAFCO standards
- Made in the USA
Pros:
- Very affordable compared to other quality foods
- Contains variety of nutritious fruits and vegetables
- Multiple chicken-free options available
- Suitable kibble size for all breeds
Cons:
- Some recipes are grain-free
- Taste isn’t comparable to premium options
7. The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Beef Recipe
Best Dehydrated Chicken-Free Dog Food
This unique dehydrated food just needs water added to create a fresh meal.
Key Features:
- Made with humanely raised beef
- Contains no preservatives or GMO ingredients
- Includes multiple organic whole grains
- Made with human-grade ingredients
Pros:
- Dogs love the warm, freshly prepared meals
- Great for limited storage space
- Simple, nutritious ingredient list
- Soft texture good for all dog sizes
Cons:
- More expensive than traditional kibble
- Some owners report consistency issues
8. Zignature Trout & Salmon Formula
Best Chicken-Free Wet Food
Finding chicken-free wet food can be challenging, but Zignature delivers with this fish-based option.
Key Features:
- Quality protein as first ingredient
- Meets AAFCO standards for all life stages
- Contains no corn, soy, wheat, chicken, or dairy
- Made in the USA
Pros:
- All Zignature recipes are chicken-free
- Appealing flavor and texture
- Good source of healthy fats
Cons:
- No grain-inclusive options
- More expensive than many canned foods
9. Natural Balance L.I.D. Puppy
Best Chicken-Free Puppy Food
Puppies with sensitivities need special nutrition, and this formula delivers.
Key Features:
- Real meat or fish as primary ingredient
- Appropriately sized kibble for puppies
- Meets AAFCO standards for all life stages
- Made in the USA
Pros:
- Limited ingredient list for sensitive puppies
- Great flavor profile puppies enjoy
- Reasonably priced for the quality
Cons:
- Limited protein options
- Not single-source protein recipes
10. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Mixers
Best Freeze-Dried Chicken-Free Food
These freeze-dried raw toppers or complete meals offer excellent nutrition.
Key Features:
- Real meat as top ingredient
- Made with freeze-dried raw ingredients
- Contains added probiotics
- Made in the USA
Pros:
- Multiple chicken-free protein options
- Irresistible taste for picky eaters
- Rich in nutrient-dense organ meats
Cons:
- Grain-free formulations only
- Can be too rich for sensitive stomachs
- Requires special handling
11. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains
Best High-Protein Chicken-Free Food
This protein-packed kibble offers excellent nutrition without chicken.
Key Features:
- Real meat always first ingredient
- Made with ancient grains
- Contains joint-supporting glucosamine
- Made in the USA
Pros:
- High in quality protein
- Excellent source of fatty acids for skin and coat
- Contains probiotics for digestive health
Cons:
- Contains mixed proteins (potential issue for some dogs)
- Limited chicken-free options
12. Acana Wholesome Grains
Best for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs
This formula combines novel proteins with pre and probiotics for digestive health.
Key Features:
- Single-source protein recipes
- Contains glucosamine for joint support
- Made in the USA
Pros:
- Excellent for digestive support
- Novel proteins good for sensitive dogs
- Appealing taste
Cons:
- Premium price point
- Limited protein options
13. Wellness Simple Healthy Weight
Best for Overweight Dogs
This chicken-free formula helps manage weight while providing balanced nutrition.
Key Features:
- Meets AAFCO standards for adult maintenance
- Limited ingredient recipe
- Contains pre and probiotics
- Made in the USA
Pros:
- Lower in calories for weight management
- Good source of omega fatty acids
- Supports digestive health
Cons:
- Only one protein option
- Grain-free formulation
14. Ollie Lamb Recipe
Best Fresh Chicken-Free Option
Ollie’s human-grade lamb recipe offers excellent nutrition delivered fresh to your door.
Key Features:
- Human-grade ingredients
- Customized meal plans
- Made with simple, whole ingredients
- Never processed with fillers or preservatives
Pros:
- Personalized for your dog’s needs
- Fresh and high-quality
- Convenient home delivery
- Reasonably priced for fresh food
Cons:
- Perishable
- May cause temporary digestive adjustment
15. Instinct L.I.D. Recipe with Real Lamb
Best for Multiple Food Sensitivities
This limited ingredient diet features lamb as the single animal protein.
Key Features:
- Single animal protein
- Grain-free formula
- Made with responsibly sourced ingredients
- Contains freeze-dried raw lamb pieces
Pros:
- Easy to digest
- Made with grass-fed lamb
- Rich in antioxidants and omegas
Cons:
- May not appeal to picky eaters
- Not recommended for dogs with yeast infections
Other Chicken-Related Ingredients to Avoid
If your dog has a chicken allergy, you’ll need to avoid ALL of these ingredients:
- Chicken meal
- Chicken by-product meal
- Chicken by-products
- Poultry by-product meal (may contain chicken)
- Poultry by-products (may contain chicken)
- Chicken broth
- Eggs (for some dogs)
Don’t forget to check treats and supplements too, as many use chicken flavoring!
Can Dogs with Chicken Allergies Eat Chicken Fat?
Here’s some good news – chicken fat usually doesn’t cause reactions in dogs with chicken allergies! This is because allergies are triggered by chicken protein, which shouldn’t be present in properly processed chicken fat. However, every dog is different, so consult your vet before including foods with chicken fat.
Healthy Alternatives to Chicken
If chicken is off the menu, try these protein alternatives:
- Beef – Rich in flavor, iron and zinc
- Lamb – Gentle on digestion, lower in calories
- Salmon – Excellent for skin/coat health with omega-3s
- Turkey – Lean protein (though some chicken-allergic dogs may react)
- Duck – Flavorful but higher in fat
- Venison – Novel protein, lean and gamey-flavored
- Bison – Lean alternative to beef
- Rabbit – Excellent protein with gamey flavor
- Whitefish – Mild taste, lean protein
FAQ About Chicken-Free Dog Foods
Q: What’s the best dog food for dogs allergic to chicken?
A: The best options include Nom Nom Turkey Fare, Spot & Tango Unkibble, and Merrick Classic Healthy Grains, but the ideal choice depends on your dog’s specific needs.
Q: What are symptoms of chicken allergy in dogs?
A: Common symptoms include skin rash, ear redness, itchy skin, inflammation, coughing, eye discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing.
Q: Can dogs with chicken allergies eat turkey?
A: It varies by dog. Some chicken-allergic dogs tolerate turkey fine, while others react to it. Consult your vet and consider an elimination diet to test.
Q: What is the most common food allergy in dogs?
A: The most common food allergens in dogs are proteins like chicken, eggs, beef, and dairy products.
Q: How can I tell if my dog has food allergies?
A: Look for symptoms like itchiness, red ears, eye discharge, skin problems, coughing, and digestive issues. Consult your vet for proper diagnosis through elimination diets or testing.
The Bottom Line
Finding a good chicken-free dog food doesn’t have to be a struggle! With so many excellent options available today, you can easily find nutritious, delicious food that won’t trigger your dog’s chicken sensitivity. Remember to always check ingredients carefully and transition slowly to new foods to avoid digestive upset.
Have you found a great chicken-free food your dog loves? What challenges have you faced finding suitable options? Share your experiences in the comments!
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.
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.