Chicken is one of the most common food allergies in dogs, yet it’s shockingly hard to find 100% chicken-free dog food. You’re probably thinking “Silly girl, it’s not that hard! I’ll just buy bison or beef or lamb or turkey etc. etc. etc.!”
Bad news, my sarcastic friends, it’s actually NOT that simple. See, since chicken is cheap and plentiful, brands often use it as filler in their non-chicken recipes. So, even if you’re buying a bag of, say, bison dog food, there’s a very good chance that chicken is hiding out somewhere in some form on the ingredients label.
To help you out, I went through hundreds of the labels with a fine-tooth comb to come up with list of the best foods for dogs made completely without chicken, with different needs and preferences in mind.
Oh, and if your dog has more than one allergy (or is sensitive to a different ingredient), check out our list of the best hypoallergenic grain-free dog foods.
Top Picks
Top Pick: Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend
Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend is an all-natural freeze-dried raw dog food for adult dogs. It’s our top pick because of its high quality, delicious flavors, and flexible options; with one-time buys and subscriptions available and four bag sizes & packs to choose from, plus a money-back guarantee and thousands of five-star reviews.
Key features:
- All-natural
- Freeze-dried raw food
- One-time buys & subscription options
- Multiple bag sizes & packs
- For adult dogs & all breeds
- Contains turkey, beef, salmon & duck
- Ranch-raised meats
- No fillers or synthetics
- Whole-body health
- 90-day money-back guarantee
Ingredient List:
Turkey, Beef, Salmon, Duck, Beef Liver, Turkey Liver, Turkey Hearts, Flaxseed, Sweet Potato, Eggs, Pea Protein, Apples, Blueberries, Carrots, Cranberries, Pumpkin Seed, Spinach, Dried Kelp, Ginger, Salt, Sunflower Seed, Broccoli, Kale, Mixed tocopherols (Preservative)
What we like:
Their protein-packed formula contains turkey, salmon, and ranch-raised beef and duck. It’s made with whole-body health and wellness in mind, with superfoods like liver, pumpkin seed, carrots, and cranberries, supporting youthful energy levels, healthy digestion, and strong immune systems for longer lives.
Although it’s freeze-dried to preserve nutrients and taste for fussy eaters, the nuggets are actually fairly soft, making it great for older dogs, too. Plus, they taste great! Well, according to Freya. I mean, we love dogs and want to give you great in-depth reviews, but even we won’t go as far as tasting the food ourselves. 😀
What to consider:
There’s not a lot to consider with this product. It’s a little on the pricey side, but there are multiple bag and pricing options, including a trial-sized bag so you can give it a try before committing to a bigger purchase.
Something else to consider- if it’s too pricey to use as your dog’s main meal, it also works great as a chicken-free training treat. You can easily break the nuggets up into smaller pieces if need be.
Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Freeze-Dried Dog Food
This formula combines premium-quality raw meat with hand-selected fruits and vegetables — to give your dog the nutrition they need to live a full, healthy life. Because of its unique freeze-drying process, Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend is the most effective formula for canine longevity.
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Best Raw Food: We Feed Raw
The We Feed Raw Lamb Dog Food is our top raw food pick. It’s made by the #1 pre-made raw dog food delivery company, who are family family-owned and offer a subscription-only service.
It’s the most minimally processed raw dog food on the market and they have an unmatched variety of options, including 5 chicken-free choices: lamb, turkey, venison, beef, and duck.
Key features:
- #1 pre-made raw dog food delivery company
- Formulated by PhD animal nutritionist
- Tailored plans & variety of options
- 100% raw & minimally processed
- Nutritionally complete
- Supports whole body health
- Human-grade meats
- No fillers or additives
- Safely prepared, packaged & shipped
- AAFCO & USDA compliant
- Biodegradable packaging
- Free cold-shipping nationwide
Ingredients:
The first 4-5 ingredients vary by protein type. Let’s use the lamb as an example. Then see some notes under “what to consider” below.
Lamb, Beef Heart, Beef Liver, Beef Kidney, Beef Necks (with bone), WFR vitamin + mineral mix [Flaxseed, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid]
What we like:
We Feed Raw tailors your dog’s meal plans according to their age, breed, and nutritional requirements. As mentioned above, it’s minimally processed with no cooking or heating for maximum digestibility, just a cold-pressure process to get rid of harmful pathogens.
All of their foods are formulated by a PhD animal nutritionist for complete & whole nutrition with optimal protein levels from USDA-approved, human-grade meats for better weight control and digestion. Their food also promotes healthier skin and coat, with increased energy levels and mealtime excitement, as well as fewer allergy symptoms.
All of their products meet or exceed AAFCO nutrition standards with no fillers or artificial additives and they’re shipped frozen in biodegradable packaging with super-safe insulation.
What to consider:
It’s on the pricey side, but pretty reasonable for raw dog food delivery services. The only other issue is the beef. Even though this is a lamb recipe, as you can see from the ingredients above, it also contains beef. Their Duck recipe is chicken-free AND beef-free (but it does contain turkey).
Speaking of beef and turkey, if you want a single-protein raw dog food, both of those would work. The beef contains JUST beef (albeit in different forms), and the turkey (pictured above) contains JUST turkey.
Raw Lamb Dog Food | We Feed Raw
As well as being complete and balanced, We Feed Raw nourishing raw lamb dog food is so delicious that your dog will be more excited than ever at mealtime. It’s perfect for dogs with poultry allergies!
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Best Budget Pick: The Pets Table Beef Stew with Carrots
If you’re looking for high-quality food on a lower budget, try The Pets Table – Beef Stew with Carrots. The brand is a subscription-only service, but they offer a range of plans for different budgets, which include fresh and air-dried foods and a variety of recipes with & without chicken, but fresh beef stew with carrots is our favorite.
They also offer a 2-week trial to make sure it’s right for you, with a money-back guarantee if it’s not!
Key features:
- Four plans for different budgets
- 2-week trial offered
- Developed with vet-nutritionists
- Complete & balanced nutrition
- Human-grade ingredients
- USDA-certified meats
- High in fiber & probiotics
- Gently cooked & flash-frozen
- Filler-free
- Suitable for all life stages
- AAFCO compliant
- Made in the USA
- Money-back guarantee
Ingredients:
Beef, Chickpeas, Eggs, Green Beans, Blueberries, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Beef Liver, Spinach, Sunflower Oil, Salmon Oil, Salt, Vitamins & Minerals, Yeast Culture
What we like:
This food was developed with vet nutritionists and human-grade ingredients and no fillers or artificial additives. It provides a complete and balanced meal with USDA-certified beef and nutritious, fiber-rich superfoods like carrots and blueberries, plus probiotics for gut health.
It’s suitable for dogs of all ages and designed to please even the pickiest of eaters, having been gently cooked and flash-frozen in the USA and meeting strict industry standards.
What to consider:
Although it’s among the more budget-friendly premium dog food options, it’s still a subscription-only service which won’t suit everyone. However, as mentioned above, they have a 2-week trial box with a money-back guarantee, so you can it out before fully committing.
Best Fish Recipe: Just Food For Dogs DIY Nutrient Blend Fish
The Just Food For Dogs DIY Nutrient Blend Fish Kit is our runner up because it comes from the #1 vet-recommended dog food brand. They offer a bunch of different vet-formulated recipes, including several chicken-free options like this fish and sweet potato meal kit, which is freshly prepared to be cooked before serving. Customers can make one-off purchases or sign up for their flexible subscription service.
Key features:
- #1 vet-recommended dog food brand
- Suitable for all sizes and life stages, including pregnant dogs
- Made for home cooking
- Slow cooker & Instapot cooking instructions
- Makes three full batches or six half batches
- Vet-formulated
- 100% human-grade ingredients
- Gluten-free
- No fillers, preservatives, or hormones
- Subscription service available
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Ingredients:
Cod, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Green Beans, Broccoli, Safflower Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Choline Bitartrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Citrate, Cholecalciferol (source of Vitamin D3), Riboflavin, Manganese Citrate, Potassium Iodide, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
What we like:
This DIY dog food kit comes with easy-to-follow instructions for slow-cooker and Instapots and one pack makes 3 full batches or 6 half batches. It’s suitable for dogs of all ages and sizes, including pregnant dogs, and comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
The food is made with 100% human-grade ingredients, like wild-caught Alaska Pacific cod, sweet potatoes, russet potatoes, green beans, and broccoli, with no grains, fillers, preservatives, or hormones.
What to consider:
Meals that have to be cooked aren’t for everyone, so if you’re looking for something that you can just open and use, it’s not the one for you. Just Food for Dogs has a variety of other meals that don’t require as much effort. 😀
Best For Picky Eaters: Honest Kitchen Turkey & Autumn Veggie
The Honest Kitchen Turkey & Autumn Veggie pate was made alongside a chef to please even the fussiest of eaters. It can be fed as a whole meal or used as a tasty meal topper. There are a few other flavors to choose from, and they’re good value for money.
Key features:
- Made with chef
- Suitable for puppies & adults
- Used whole or as a meal topper
- Cage-free turkey
- Contains fruits, veggies & superfoods
- Filler free
- Vet-recommended
- Money-back guarantee
- Made in USA
Ingredients:
Turkey, turkey bone broth, turkey liver, spinach, apples, carrots, brown rice, pumpkin, agar-agar, minerals [copper proteinate, iron proteinate, manganese proteinate, sodium selenite, zinc proteinate, sodium chloride, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, magnesium proteinate], tricalcium phosphate, vitamins [vitamin E supplement, vitamin A supplement, niacin supplement, calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, choline chloride], salmon oil, dried kelp.
What we like:
This smooth, hearty pate contains human-grade whole foods like cage-free turkey and delicious autumn veggies like carrots and apples, plus superfoods like salmon oil and dried kelp for whole-body health and wellness.
It comes vet-recommended and backed by a money-back guarantee. It’s also made in the USA for ensured quality and it’s totally free from fillers like wheat, corn, and soy, as well as artificial preservatives, feed-grade byproducts, and GMOs.
What to consider:
Although this is a great dog food for puppies and adults, it’s not ideal for senior pups (according to the brand itself).
Honest Kitchen Turkey & Autumn Veggie
his gourmet wet food made with cage free turkey and autumn veggies like carrots and apples can be served as a complete meal or healthy mix-in that helps you boost your pup’s health and happiness from the inside out.
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Best For Active Dogs: Raised Right (Whole Food Diet Recipes)
Raised Right is a family-owned company that makes high-protein, low-carb food meals for active dogs and cats, as well as puppies and kittens, so it’s a good pick for multi-pet homes, too. They have a rich agricultural history that prides itself on making homemade-style food and treats for pets, with one-off purchases and subscriptions available, plus sample boxes for new customers.
Key features:
- Caters to dogs & cats of all ages
- One-off purchases & subscriptions with sample boxes
- Variety of flavors
- Ground foods & pates
- High-protein & low-carb
- Human-grade & limited ingredients
- Vet-designed & lab-tested
- Innovation Award winner
- Family-owned business
- Plastic-neutral certified
- Carbonfree® shipping
Ingredients:
Like We Feed Raw, the vary by recipe. However, each recipe uses only ONE protein source. Let’s use Beef as an example, since that’s what’s pictured above.
Beef, Beef Heart, Carrots, Beef Liver, Cranberries, Organic Spearmint, Flaxseed Oil, Egg Shell Powder, Cod Liver Oil, Organic Dried Kelp
What we like:
The brand designed its formulas alongside veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker, with lab safety-tested and human-grade ingredients.
There are a handful of limited-ingredient recipes to choose from, including 6 made without chicken; pork, beef, and turkey, plus turkey & pumpkin pate, pork & pumpkin pate, and beef & pumpkin pate.
All of them are gently cooked and frozen to be served fresh, with around ten ingredients, including high-quality meats & organ meats plus fresh fruits, veggies, and superfoods like organic dried kelp. Most of the recipes contain less than 2% carbohydrates, which is ideal for weight management and reducing inflammation in senior dogs with arthritis and other chronic illnesses.
Not only that, but they are the first company to voluntarily submit their formula to be tested by Check Your Pet Food, and they were recognized by the Innovative Veterinary Care Journal’s Innovation Award for Nutrition in 2019. They’re also plastic-neutral with Carbonfree® shipping!
What to consider:
Low-carb diets are not necessarily right for every dog, so check with your vet if you’re not sure.
Raised Right Human Grade Dog Food Recipes
Raised Right works with veterinarian, Dr. Karen Becker to formulate limited ingredient recipes that are high in protein and low in carbs. Most of their recipes have less than 2% carbs because they use ZERO high carb fillers like potato, rice, oats, yam, squash, pasta, barley, parsnips, corn, or wheat.
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Best Dry Food – Ollie Baked Dog Food Beef
The Ollie Baked Dog Food Beef packs a hearty punch. There are a number of fresh and baked recipes, but this beef formula is a great chicken-free option, with tasty sweet potatoes and chickpeas. It’s a subscription-only service and the brand offers a truly comprehensive and tailored experience with varied plans & prices.
Key features:
- Complete & balanced
- Vet-designed
- Human-grade
- Minimally processed
- Highly digestible
- Allergy & weight control
- No fillers or additives
- Comprehensively tailored service
- Welcome kit, app & health screenings
- Made in US facilities
- Hassle-free packaging
Ingredients:
Beef, oats, chickpeas, pea flour, beef livers, sweet potatoes, carrots, coconut oil, tricalcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, apples, salt, spinach, calcium carbonate, fish oil, rosemary extract, vitamin e supplement, choline bitartrate, zinc gluconate, potassium iodide, ferrous bisglycinate chelate, beta carotene (vitamin a), riboflavin (vitamin b2), copper amino acid chelate, niacin, cholecalciferol (vitamin d3), cyanocobalamin (vitamin b12), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin b6), calcium pantothenate (vitamin b5), thiamine hydrochloride (vitamin b1), folic acid, potassium citrate.
What we like:
The formula is vet-designed to be nutritionally complete and balanced for dogs of all sizes and ages, with human-grade ingredients like oats and carrots that have been minimally processed for easy digestion.
All of their recipes are made in US facilities with allergy & weight control in mind, with no fillers or additives, and hassle-free packaging.
The brand offers a truly comprehensive and personalized service that includes health screenings and more, starting with a one-minute quiz and a welcome kit.
What to consider:
A subscription-only service isn’t for everyone, but they do offer a 2-week trial period so that you can see if it’s right for you.
Ollie Baked Beef Food for Dogs
Beef, sweet potatoes, and chickpeas pack a hearty punch, providing dogs of all ages with all the essential nutrients they need to hit the ground running.
Save 60% off your first box
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Best Canned Food: Open Farm Surf & Turf Paté
This Open Farm Surf & Turf Paté is a delicious, nutritious, and ethical option for lovers of wet food. It can be used as a complete meal or a meal topper and it has no bad reviews! All of Open Farm’s products are made in alignment with their strict animal welfare standards and climate strategy commitment, which includes a ten-year journey to minimize its carbon footprint and reduce emissions. They’re also available to buy as a one-off purchase or as part of a subscription plan.
Key features:
- Complete & balanced nutrition
- Ocean-caught fish
- Humanely-raised & GAP-certified beef
- Non-GMO veggies & superfoods
- Ethically & sustainably sourced ingredients
- One-off buys & subscriptions
Ingredients:
Open Farm lists out every ingredient in a sidebar, along with where it came from. That’s really neat for buyers, but not so much for transcribing the list. This is the order in which they appear:
Ocean Whitefish, Fish Broth, Beef Broth, Potatoes, Beef Liver, Humanely Raised Beef, Sweet Potatoes, Tapioca, Flaxseed, Agar Agar, Sunflower Oil, Dried Chicory Root Extract, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Dicalcium Phosphate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Sulfate, Magnanese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Spinach, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Turmeric
What we like:
It provides complete and balanced nutrition with Ocean Wise® certified whitefish and humanely raised beef which is GAP-certified, meaning there are no antibiotics, no growth hormones, and no animal by-products used.
It also contains yummy non-GMO vegetables like sweet potatoes and spinach and nutritious superfoods like flaxseed for digestive support.
What to consider:
Size options are limited, they’re not too expensive if you’ve got a smaller mouth to feed, but it could end up being quite a big order for larger or multi-dog homes.
Best Grain-Free: Wellness CORE RawRev High Protein Grain-Free Ocean Whitefish, Herring & Salmon Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food
Wellness CORE RawRev High Protein Grain-Free Ocean Whitefish, Herring & Salmon Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food comes in a range of bag sizes and provides complete and balanced nutrition powered by fish and without the use of grains. Perfect for fish lovers!
Key Features:
- Contains real whitefish, herring & salmon
- Essential nutrients & fatty acids
- Fresh fruits & veggies
- Glucosamine & taurine
- Added probiotics
- High-protein
- Low in saturated fats
- Free from grains & fillers
- Supports whole-body health
Ingredients:
Whitefish, Herring Meal, Whitefish Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Peas, Lentils, Canola Oil, Dried Ground Potatoes, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Flaxseed, Salmon Meal, Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Dried Chicory Root, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Zinc Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine Mononitrate), d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
What we like:
It’s high in protein and fatty acids, which are great for dogs of all ages to support strong joints, healthy skin and coat, and good cognition. It’s also low in saturated fats and promotes lean and healthy muscle development.
There are no grains, poultry, fillers, or artificial additives, and the nutrient-rich formula includes probiotics, taurine, and glucosamine to support whole-body health, including a healthy heart, gut, and bones.
What to consider:
Whilst there are hundreds of five-star reviews, there are a handful of buyers that claim the food didn’t go down well with their fussy eater.
Best For All Life Stages: CANIDAE All Life Stages Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
The CANIDAE All Life Stages Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food has been formulated by vets to meet the needs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages, including puppies and seniors. It comes in a range of bag sizes and it’s ideal for multi-dog homes.
Key features:
- Suitable for all sizes, breeds & life stages
- Ideal for multi-dog homes
- Essential vitamins & minerals
- Optimal protein levels
- HealthPLUS Solution of nutrients
- Free from common allergens
Ingredients:
Lamb Meal, Peas, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Suncured Alfalfa Meal, Flaxseed, Lamb, Canola Oil, Salmon Oil, Rice Bran, Natural Flavor, Salt, Threonine, Potassium Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Tryptophan, Mixed Tocopherols (A Preservative), Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Zinc Proteinate, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product. Contains A Source Of Live (Viable) Naturally Occurring Microorganisms.
What we like:
Their universal formula contains essential vitamins and minerals from high-quality ingredients, as well as optimal levels of protein and the brand’s special HealthPLUS Solution blend; a powerful trio of probiotics, antioxidants, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for canine health and wellness. It’s also free from common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy.
What to consider:
If your dog needs something more specialized, this may not be appropriate. Some reviews also say it upset their dog’s sensitive stomach.
Canidae Pure Real Lamb & Pea Recipe Adult Dry Dog 24 LB
Make mealtimes easy, tasty and nutritious with the CANIDAE All Life Stages Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food. Vet formulated specifically for all life stages with premium ingredients, optimum protein and zero corn, wheat or soy, this nutritionally dense formula takes a one-recipe-serves-all approach to feeding.
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05/15/2024 03:05 pm GMT
FAQs
How do I know if my dog has an allergy to chicken?
If your dog is allergic to something in their diet, they may experience regular digestive issues, smelliness, low energy, and poor skin and coat health.
If you think your dog has an allergy to something in their diet, try cutting it out and seeing if it makes a difference to their symptoms. If you’re not sure what’s causing the allergy, talk to your vet about doing an elimination diet.
How to change a dog’s diet safely?
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you should transition them into their new diet slowly to avoid upsetting their stomach.
For example, give them ¼ new food & ¾ old food for a few days, then 50/50 for a few days, and so on, until they’ve fully transitioned.
Those are our picks for the best chicken-free dog foods. Share your top tips for navigating food allergies in dogs in the comments below!
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