What is the Top Dog Food Without Chicken? Poultry-Free
As a parent of a pet dog, the first and foremost thing you need to ensure is that the puppies are in healthy condition. The food you give your dog has a very huge impact on their life. Hence, when you choose dog food you should be very careful as it would have a direct effect on the health. It makes it very important to choose the right food.
The most important health reasons why you need to feed a chicken-free diet to your dog are:
- Food Allergies: Many a time dogs are allergic to chicken and you should avoid the chicken at any cost so that your dogs don’t get exposed to allergens in the chicken.
- Improper Nutritional balance: The other reason why you would need a chicken-free diet is to ensure that the diet which your dog is getting is the complete nutritional diet and the only way to get is to ensure that your dog gets a balanced diet. You need to rotate your dog’s food so that they do not face any deficiency of nutrients and vitamins.
Now as you can understand that it is very important to have a chicken-free diet. However, this is just the start. For proper nutrition, you should understand that you need to choose the correct food for the dog. Several things need to be considered while you are choosing which dog food your dog can be given. Listed below is the guide which would help you in deciding the best dog food and the top products which are listed when it comes to chicken free dog food.
In today’s pet food market, you would be glad to know that there are many dog food which is available in the market. There is an approximately over 100 various food option for dogs. The list is not in perfect order. The food which is available is found to be all mainstream food. It means that it is not specific to any age, weight, or size-specific. Hence in this article, you would find that there are a wide variety of proteins included in the list of proteins.
Each product which is listed below has been analyzed. All the key features of the product have been checked, which includes proteins and has all the pros and cons of the formulas is included:
1. Instinct Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food with Rabbit Recipe:
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Fiber Max: 3.5%
- Crude Fat Min: 20.50%
- Crude Protein Min: 36.5%
This product has a unique protein, hence if your dog has a food allergy then this dog food by a wonderful choice. Instinct Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food with Rabbit Recipe has a higher amount of protein that can help build muscle mass. As it is a grain-free product it is not found to be good for dogs with heart issues. The product has an amazing number of probiotics, which can ensure a healthy digestive system.
Key Features:
- Raw Dry Dog Food.
- Additional chicken free varieties.
- Chicken free dog treats available.
- Grain Free.
Animal Proteins:
- White Fish (Pacific Sole, Pacific Whiting & Pacific Rockfish).
- Salmon.
- Menhaden.
- Rabbit.
Pros
- First 3 ingredients are animal proteins.
- Enhanced with probiotics.
- Available at pet stores.
- No grains, corn, soy, potato, wheat, byproduct meal, artificial colors or preservatives.
Cons
- Cost.
- Does not have chondroitin and glucosamine.
2. Farmina N&D Ocean Codfish & Orange Ancestral Grain Adult Dry Dog Food
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Fiber Max: 2.9%
- Crude Fat Min: 18%
- Crude Protein Min: 30%
This is an amazingly high-quality product which is made in Italy. The food has a lot of superfoods that can boost the immune system of your dog. This food contains both healthy fats and grains. This forms the perfect diet for dogs who have heart diseases and or those who might be pre-diagnosed for heart diseases. The other benefit which you might get while feeding this food is that it has both chondroitin and glucosamine. This helps in providing healthy joints.
Key Features:
- Additional chicken free varieties.
- Specialty formulas for small dog breeds.
- Contains Grains.
Animal Proteins:
- Herring.
- Cod.
Pros
- No recalls
- No artificial preservatives
- High content of superfoods
- Fish based
- Enhanced with chondroitin and glucosamine
Cons
- Not available in all retail stores.
- No probiotics.
- Cost.
3. Fromm Hasen Duckenpfeffer Recipe
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Fiber Max: 6.5%
- Crude Fat Min: 17%
- Crude Protein Min: 28%
This food product for dogs has numerous unique proteins, these are very unique in nature and is can never trigger an allergy as it is very rarely found. It has the right balance of multiple nutrients. The protein combination which is triple is available all in one food. It has a number of protein levels that are more than average and is perfect for dogs who would have to retain muscle mass. It also has a higher fiber level which will help in maintaining a healthy weight.
Key Features:
- Grain Free.
Animal Proteins:
- Pork.
- Rabbit.
- Duck.
Pros
- First 3 ingredients are animal proteins.
- Does not contain grains or soy.
- Enhanced with probiotics.
Cons
- Cost
- Only available online and in pet specialty stores.
- Does not contain chondroitin and glucosamine.
4. Gentle Giants Natural Dog Food with Salmon Feast
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Fiber Max: 5%
- Crude Fat Min: 10%
- Crude Protein Min: 24%
This dog food product claims that its product has positive effects that make the dogs live longer. The food has numerous number of dried fruits and vegetables. This feature retains the nutrients in the ingredients. Gentle Giants Salmon Feast comes in a grain-free formula, and cannot be recommended for dogs who have heart issues. However, as it is hypoallergenic & salmon based, you can count it as an excellent food for dogs who have been suffering from allergies because of food. It also has chondroitin and glucosamine thus you can consider this as an amazing choice for dogs who are suffering from joint health issues.
Key Features:
- Grain Free
Animal Proteins:
- Salmon
Pros
- Full of superfoods.
- Single source protein.
- Does not contain grains or soy.
- Contains chondroitin and glucosamine
- Enhanced with probiotics.
- Cost.
Cons
- Available online and in a few stores
- Not many varieties
5. ACANA Dry Dog Food with Pork and Squash Recipe
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Fiber Max: 6%
- Crude Fat Min: 17%
- Crude Protein Min: 31%
This dog product is one of the limited ingredient food that is good for dogs with allergies. This particular product also has superfoods that are made of 60% Yorkshire pork. ACANA Dry Dog Food with Pork and Squash Recipe is generally not recommended for dogs who suffer from heart-related issues. The protein levels in the recipe are more than what is recommended and is generally suitable for dogs that are very active.
Key Features:
- Free of grains.
- Various chicken-free options are available.
Animal Proteins:
- Pork
Pros
- Protein comes from a single source.
- Amazing number of superfoods.
- Consists probiotics
Cons
- Is available online
- Cost
6. Zignature Goat Formula Dry Dog Food
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Fiber Max: 5%
- Crude Fat Min: 15%
- Crude Protein Min: 30%
This product has a novel protein and has a very less chance of causing an allergic reaction in your dog. Zignature Goat is one lean protein. This particular Goat formula is composed of limited ingredients. Hence t would be an amazing choice for canines with allergies or if you want something which does not cause allergy to your dog proactively.
Key Features:
- Free of Grain,
- Many other chicken free formulas available.
- Available for small breeds.
Animal Proteins:
- Goat
- Boar
- Venison
- Arctic Char
- Trout
- Pilchard
- Duck
- Mutton
Pros
- Single source proteins.
- Limited ingredients.
Cons
- Cost
- Availability – You can get them online and in specialty pet stores.
7. Orijen Tundra Grain-Free Dog Food
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Fiber Max: 5%
- Crude Fat Min: 18%
- Crude Protein Min: 40%
One of the grain-free formula which is high in protein. You can state that Tundra is an amazing food when it comes to dogs who are very active when they work. They help dogs to retain muscle mass & help them to gain muscles. As the product is high on protein levels, this is not a good suggestion for dogs who has kidney problems. Also, as it is known to be grain-free, it definitely can’t be for dogs with heart issues unless you could add some grains in the food.
Key Features:
- Grain-free
- Variety of chicken free formulas available
Animal Proteins:
- Goat
- Boar
- Trout
- Pilchard
- Duck
- Mutton
- Venison
- Arctic Char
Pros
- No recalls.
- High-quality ingredients
- High protein content
- Full of superfoods
Cons
- Cost.
8. Pure Vita Dry Dog Food with Duck and Oatmeal Recipe
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Fiber Max: 7%
- Crude Fat Min: 13%
- Crude Protein Min: 24%
This product is a natural wholesome style of food. Pure Vita Dry Dog Food with Duck and Oatmeal Recipe has an amazing number of antioxidants and fatty acids, this can add to build up the immune system, joint health, mental health & heart health. As it has a large number of superfoods along with glucosamine & chondroitin. This is a perfect choice of food for senior adults.
Key Features:
- Contains Grains
- Variety of chicken free formulas in stores.
- It also has a grain-free.
Animal Proteins:
- Duck
Pros
- Enhanced with probiotics.
- High-quality ingredients.
- Contains chondroitin and glucosamine.
- Full of superfoods.
Cons
Cost.
9. Taste of the Wild Pine Forest Canine Recipe
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Fiber Max: 5.5%
- Crude Fat Min: 15%
- Crude Protein Min: 28%
Taste of the Wild is an entirely grain-free dog product. Taste of the Wild Pine Forest Canine Recipe is a protein-rich formula that suits dogs who want to retain or rebuild lean muscle. This brand has easily available dog foods that are on their list. This product takes pride in creating a high protein quality food in a reasonable price range.
Key Features:
- Grain-free
- Puppy formula available
- Various chicken free formulas available
- Also consists of food for small breeds.
Animal Proteins:
- Ocean fish meal.
- Venison.
- Lamb.
Pros
- Cost.
- Contains with probiotics.
- Available at many locations.
- Has chondroitin and glucosamine.
Cons
- Carbohydrate content is high
10. The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Turkey Recipe
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Fiber Max: 5%
- Crude Fat Min: 15%
- Crude Protein Min: 22%
The Honest Kitchen’s dog food is a product that dehydrated, so it means that if you have a 4-pound bag of food it is equivalent to 16 pounds of food after its preparation. The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Turkey Recipe is a grain-free recipe; hence it is best for dogs who had allergies, but it is not compatible with dogs with heart disease. Each ingredient in the food has quality ingredients suited even for humans. Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Turkey recipe is the best option for dogs that don’t need a high amount of protein and need to benefit from a weight maintenance food style.
Key Features:
- Human grade food.
- Dehydrated food.
- Grain-free formulas can also be found.
- Various chicken free formulas are also available.
Animal Proteins:
- Cage-free turkey.
Pros
- No preservatives.
- Low protein.
- No corn, wheat, soy, or GMO.
- Contains organic oats.
Cons
- Availability.
Why are Many Dog Parents are Changing Over to a Chicken Free Dog Food Product?
Many pet parents have thought of switching their dog’s food to chicken free dog food. There are two reasons for changing their dog’s food is the presence of intolerances or allergies. You might not feel that your dog is allergic but that doesn’t mean that they might not suffer from a chicken allergy. It is always advisable for you to rotate the main dog’s protein in the food so that you can avoid them. However, if you might think that your dog is allergic to chicken, it might be possible as most dogs are allergic to a protein in chicken meat.
The other reason why many experts recommend changing your dog’s food is that chicken free dog food would make sure that your dog gets the proper nutritional balance. Any living being who eats the same food through the life span then there is a risk of nutritional deficiencies and excesses in an excess amount of the same nutrients because of their diet.
Be it any reason which has made you change your dog to a portion of chicken-free dog food. The most important part of this change is to choose high-quality dog food. As you can see in the above article, the team of experts has analyzed different dog food that is available in the market and made it easy for you to know which food would suit your dog.
What to do if you Think your Dog is Allergic to Chicken?
Unfortunately, now a day’s food allergies are becoming very common and the most common allergen in dog food is chicken.
Symptoms of Food Allergies in Dogs:
- Scratching, Itching, or chewing in the area of the face, ears, feet, and rear.
- Inflamed or red ears.
- GI upset such as diarrhea or vomiting.
- If your dog is having any of these symptoms, then your dog has a food allergy. You need to consult a veterinarian and determine what is causing these symptoms.
When you have consulted the veterinarian and they also suspect that the food is the main problem behind your dog’s discomfort. You need to then try various food for the dog. They might even recommend that you convert your dog’s food to a chicken-free diet. Chicken free diets mean that all foods your dog consumes can’t contain any form of chicken. Changing the dog’s food but not their treats then they would not treat the food allergies. It might take around 2-7 weeks for you to see the results of keeping your dog off a chicken diet. However, if you find out that the GI upset problems, then it means that your dog is intolerant to the food you give it. It is very much similar to food allergies, but the symptoms might not be that bad.
Food Intolerances versus Food Allergies:
Food intolerances are much different than food allergies. Allergies induce a reaction in the immune system of your dog, and intolerances are the cause of the reactions in the digestive system. Both the problems do not have a cure apart from removing the ingredients which are the main problem in the food of your dog.
It might be very hard to understand for you if the dog is allergic to the ingredient of is intolerant but it is best to start the diagnosis and understand the dog’s symptoms. Let’s say that the symptoms which have manifested in your dog are itchiness, inflammation in their ears, skin irritation then it’s an allergy. However, your dog has started to show gastrointestinal problems which include vomiting or diarrhea but does not have any itchiness or skin irritations, then it shows food intolerance. Both intolerances & allergies are fixed in the same way, which is to take away the ingredient in the food which is causing the problem. If you negate the ingredient from your dog’s diet then the problem will be fixed.
Nutritional Balance in the food:
Each brand of dog food label tells that the food inside is a balanced diet. The label generally doesn’t lie but always feeding the same food to your dog, can cause some nutritional deficiencies and sometimes excesses. Let’s say, what if you only ate chicken, brown rice, apples, and celery. Well, this is considered healthy, but the diet would have many deficiencies of vital nutrients and vitamins.
If you keep on rotating your dog’s food so that you can include different proteins, it will lessen the nutritional imbalances in your dog. It is your preference if you want to stick to different brands or want to be loyal to one, you just need the proteins and other main ingredients to be added to the dog’s diet.
Things to consider choosing the right dog food:
When you decide to go with the chicken-free diet for your dog, you need to understand your dog’s diet. Make a list of what your dog’s nutritional requirements are, when you do this your choice of dog food would narrow down, which would make it easier to decide which dog food is the best.
Things to consider while you are planning to buy dog food:
- Availability
- Chicken-Free Dog Food Alternatives
- Health – Kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease & Heart disease.
- Weight
- Age
- Size/Breed
- Other Allergies
- Cost
There is a lot of protein that is available in the market. However, if your dog is allergic to proteins then it is best for opting other options such as traditional proteins such as beef so that it can fewer problems:
Below is the list of some efficient proteins found in dog food:
- Trout
- Buffalo
- Kangaroo
- Lamb
- Pork
- Rabbit
- Venison
- Goat
- Duck
- Turkey
- Mackerel
- Salmon
FAQs
- Are there any canned dog foods without chicken?
- Yes, there are many dry formulas that have canned food without chicken.
- If a dog is allergic to chicken, would they be allergic to products of poultry?
- That might not be completely true, dogs that are often allergic to chicken are still tolerant to turkey or duck without problems.
- How often should the dog food be rotated?
- Every three months. If your dog has a sensitive GI system, you need to blend the two foods during the transition period from one food to another.
- Is it okay for dogs to have chicken fat if they allergic to chicken?
- Yes, if your dog has an allergy to chicken, you can still have chicken fat. The allergens which are found in the chicken are only found in protein but the fat does not contain protein.
- Can your dog have a chicken meal, if they are allergic to chicken?
- No, you can’t give a chicken meal as it is made up of chicken meat that has proteins which are the main cause of the allergic reaction.
Conclusion:
There are many high-quality options for chicken free food. However, out of the above listed 10 varieties. The best chicken free dog food is Instinct Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food with Rabbit Recipe because the first 3 ingredients are animal proteins, it has probiotics and has no grains, corn, soy, potato, wheat, byproduct meal, artificial colors or preservatives which is a well-balanced diet.