Are Frenchies Allergic to Chicken? The Truth You Need to Know

Owning a French Bulldog brings tons of joy, but if you’ve noticed your furry friend scratching like crazy after dinner, you might be wondering: are Frenchies allergic to chicken? As a Frenchie parent myself, I’ve spent countless hours researching this common concern, and what I’ve discovered might surprise you.

The short answer? Some Frenchies are allergic to chicken, but not all of them. Let’s dive into the details so you can figure out if chicken is a friend or foe for your adorable bat-eared companion.

The Reality of Chicken Allergies in French Bulldogs

French Bulldogs can develop allergies to various foods, and chicken ranks pretty high on the list of potential allergens. However, many Frenchies can eat chicken without any issues whatsoever. For example, my own Frenchie loves his weekly chicken treat that we boil and add to his regular kibble.

The confusion comes because:

• Food allergies can develop at any point in a Frenchie’s life
• Some Frenchies inherit allergic tendencies from their parents
• Your dog might be consuming chicken without you realizing it (it’s in many commercial dog foods)

What’s particularly interesting is that many French Bulldogs aren’t actually allergic to chicken itself, but rather to the poor quality of chicken used in many commercial dog foods.

What’s Really Behind “Chicken Allergies” in French Bulldogs?

According to research from TomKings Kennel, what many owners assume is a chicken allergy often has more to do with:

1. Poor-quality chicken sources – Commercial chickens raised in overcrowded conditions and fed GMO corn and cheap grains
2. Heavy processing – Dog food processing that adds preservatives and artificial additives
3. Harmful additives – Chemicals and fillers that overload your dog’s immune system

Essentially it’s often not the chicken protein that’s causing problems but everything else that comes along with it in commercial dog foods.

How to Tell If Your Frenchie Has a Chicken Allergy

If your Frenchie is truly allergic to chicken, they’ll likely show some of these symptoms after eating it:

• Excessive scratching (especially around ears, face and paws)
• Paw licking and chewing
• Ear infections and inflammation
• Dry, itchy skin
• Bald patches of skin
• Hot spots
• Skin infections
• Digestive issues like diarrhea or vomiting

One Frenchie owner shared this experience: “Our French Bulldog has been on raw chicken now for a week and now started chewing and constantly licking his paws. It has only started in the last week so my suspicion is that he is allergic to chicken.”

Another said “Our Boris started chewing and licking his paws the minute he has any poultry-based food. It turns out lots of the beef lamb and fish variety dog foods have poultry ingredients too!”

Food Intolerance vs. Food Allergy in Frenchies

It’s important to know the difference between these two conditions:

Food intolerance happens when your Frenchie’s body can’t properly digest an ingredient (often due to missing enzymes). Symptoms typically include:

• Diarrhea
• Loose stools
• Upset stomach
• Dull, lifeless fur

Food allergy is an immune system response where the body mistakes a food as harmful. Symptoms often include:

• Itching
• Recurring ear infections
• Paw licking
• Skin problems like hair loss or rashes

If left untreated, food intolerance can eventually develop into a food allergy as the digestive system breaks down over time.

How to Diagnose a Chicken Allergy in Your Frenchie

According to veterinarians, there’s only one reliable way to diagnose a food allergy in your French Bulldog:

The Elimination Diet

This involves:

1. Removing all chicken from your dog’s diet for 6-8 weeks
2. Feeding a novel protein your dog hasn’t had before (like lamb, duck, or fish)
3. Watching for improvements in symptoms
4. Potentially reintroducing chicken later to confirm if it causes a reaction

As one vet from Willows Vets in the UK explains: “The principle of this test is to remove all the food items in the current diet and feed a completely new and novel diet for the test period to ‘flush out’ any food substances that might be triggering a reaction.”

Consistency is crucial during this process! Make sure there are no hidden sources of chicken in treats or food additives.

Can French Bulldogs Eat Chicken Safely?

If your Frenchie isn’t allergic to chicken, it can actually be quite beneficial for them! Chicken is:

• A great source of protein
• Rich in Omega 6 fatty acids (good for healthy skin and coat)
• Full of amino acids for healthy bone development

However, there are some important safety rules:

• Never feed chicken bones – especially cooked ones, which can splinter and cause serious internal injuries
• Be cautious with raw chicken – it carries risks of salmonella or bacterial infections
• Consider boiled chicken – many vets recommend boiled chicken and rice for dogs with upset stomachs

One Frenchie owner noted: “Cooked chicken seems to be better over raw chicken. A raw diet won’t suit every dog and uncooked chicken can cause itching, rashes, and sticky eyes.”

Solutions for Frenchies with Chicken Allergies

If you’ve confirmed your Frenchie is allergic to chicken, here are some solutions:

1. Try Alternative Proteins

Many Frenchie owners have found success with:

• Duck
• Lamb
• Fish
• Game meats

As one owner shared: “We had the very same problem and found that beef, chicken, and pork really bring out bad allergies in our girl. We tried her instead on raw duck and she’s not had an allergy since chicken was cut from the diet.”

2. Strengthen Your Frenchie’s Immune System

• Feed high-quality, nutrient-rich foods without artificial additives
• Consider adding immune-boosting supplements like fish oil with Omega-3 fatty acids
• A 2-3 month course of immune supplements can make a big difference

3. Read Labels Carefully

Even if you’re avoiding chicken, it might be hiding in other foods. As one owner warned: “Our vet told me that it’s the grain that the chicken and turkeys are fed that your dog can be allergic to, not the actual meat.”

What If Your Frenchie Accidentally Eats Chicken Bones?

Chicken bones, especially cooked ones, can be extremely dangerous for your Frenchie. If your dog eats a chicken bone:

1. Call a vet immediately if the bone appears stuck
2. If visible in their mouth, carefully try to remove it (if you can do so safely)
3. Watch for any concerning symptoms and get to a vet right away if they appear

Raw bones are generally safer than cooked ones, but personally, I don’t take any risks with bones at all.

Final Thoughts

Every Frenchie is different when it comes to chicken allergies. While some will happily gobble up chicken their entire lives without issues, others will suffer from uncomfortable allergic reactions.

If you suspect your Frenchie has a chicken allergy, work with your vet on an elimination diet to confirm your suspicions. Remember that the issue might not be chicken itself, but the quality and processing of the chicken in commercial foods.

For those who want to play it completely safe, there are plenty of healthy alternatives to chicken that can provide your Frenchie with all the nutrition they need.

Have you noticed any chicken allergies in your Frenchie? What protein sources work best for your furry friend? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!

Safe Food Alternatives for Frenchies

If you’re looking to diversify your Frenchie’s diet beyond chicken, consider these safe options:

• Proteins: Lamb, duck, venison, rabbit, fish
• Vegetables: Carrots, green beans, pumpkin, sweet potatoes
• Fruits: Blueberries, apples (no seeds), watermelon (no seeds)

Remember, when introducing any new food to your Frenchie’s diet, do so gradually and watch for any adverse reactions.

Yes, Frenchies can eat chicken, as it’s a nutritious source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, but it must be prepared safely: cook it thoroughly, ensure it’s boneless and skinless, remove any added fats or seasonings (like garlic, onion, or salt), and cut it into small, digestible pieces. Introduce it slowly and monitor your Frenchie for any signs of allergies, such as itching, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Frenchies are commonly allergic to environmental factors like pollen, dust, and mold, and food ingredients such as chicken, beef, dairy, and grains. They can also react to flea bites and even certain cleaning products. Symptoms of allergies in Frenchies include intense itching, paw licking, skin irritation, ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhea. An elimination diet is often recommended by vets to identify food allergies, while identifying environmental allergens may require further testing and veterinary consultation.

Symptoms of a chicken allergy in dogs primarily involve itchy skin (especially on the face, paws, and ears), recurrent skin and ear infections, gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea, and potential respiratory problems such as sneezing. Other signs can include hair loss, hives, and excessive licking or scratching.