9 Best Chicken Free Dog Food: Your Guide to Foods Without Chicken in 2023

When you think about the most common types of meat used in dog food, chicken is probably what comes to mind first. And for good reason. Chicken is widely available, it’s cheap, and chicken protein is considered high-quality. However, chicken allergies are also quite common in pups who suffer from food sensitivities.

If your pet is sensitive to a lot of food ingredients, particularly animal proteins, chances are that he also has chicken allergy. If that’s the case, then a chicken-free dog food is a must.

Since many dog foods contain this poultry ingredient (yes, even the non chicken-based dog foods) somewhere in the recipe, we’ve made up a list of the best formulas without it.

OUR TOP 3 PICKS FOR DOG FOODS WITHOUT CHICKEN

Overall Best Dog Foods without Chicken in 2023

Most dog food brands have at least one product that features chicken as the primary ingredient. There are, however, plenty of brands out there that use alternative sources of protein.

If you’re looking for a dog food brand that offers a decent selection of chicken-free formulas, try one of our top 9 choices for chicken-free dog foods that are reviewed below:

What is the Best Chicken Free Dog Food?

1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food Lamb Recipe
2. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Formula
3. American Journey Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Salmon
4. Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula
5. Wellness CORE Ocean Whitefish, Herring & Salmon Recipe
6. Instinct by Nature's Variety L.I.D. Recipe
7. Ziwi Peak Beef Recipe Canned Dog Food
8. Zignature Trout & Salmon Meal Limited Ingredient Formula G
9. Lotus Oven-Baked Small Bites Duck Recipe

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1. Ollie Lamb Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Lamb, Butternut Squash, Lamb Liver, Kale, Rice

Best Overall:  A NYC based company, Ollie Fresh Pet Food specializes in providing fresh, prepared human-grade meals for all dog breeds and ages.

Each customized and pre-portioned recipe uses a healthy mix of whole and natural ingredients—all appropriate for human consumption—with supplements thrown in for good measure.

There are no fillers or preservatives included because the all-natural dog food formulas are cooked twice a week in the company’s USDA-regulated kitchen and delivered to your door to ensure maximum freshness. 

Ollie carefully sources its ingredients from reputable farms in the U.S and Australia. Each partner must go through an extensive certification process to become a supplier. All of the brand’s food is made only with whole, human-grade ingredients. 

The brand never uses fillers, by-products, artificial flavors, or preservatives in any of its dog foods. Ollie only uses USDA-certified meats in their recipes: its chicken, beef, and turkey all come from farms in the U.S., and the lamb is sourced from farms in both the U.S. and Australia. All of the fruits and veggies are from U.S. farms.

Every Ollie meal is developed by canine nutritionists and designed to give pets more energy, silkier coats, increased stamina, and a healthier body. It’s real science with real results. And since the formula is customized to your dog’s health and specific needs, any food sensitivity or poultry allergy will be addressed. 

This particular chicken-free formula contains a high amount of protein (10%, which is high for wet food). There is only lamb as the animal protein to ensure the meal doesn’t trigger any food sensitivities your furry friend may have to other animal proteins.

Customer rating: 

Based on Trustpilot ratings, Ollie recipes have received an average of 4.4 stars out of 5 from 841 pet parents. The fresh pet food company is a highly trusted brand that has never been recalled, either voluntarily by the brand, or by the USFDA or by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

2. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Food

First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas

If any pet food brand understands the nutritional needs of dogs, it is Taste of the Wild. This brand understands that dogs crave fresh meat and natural flavors which is exactly what they feature in each of their recipes.

The brand has many grain-free formula offerings, and all of its recipes are made with premium proteins, designed to mimic the natural ancestral diet of wild wolves.

Taste of the Wild isn’t your average pet food company—it uses a wide variety of premium roasted meats in its formulas as well as grain-free carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, and beneficial supplements.”

Taste of the Wild offers both dry food and wet food formulas, most of which are formulated for adult dogs, though it does offer two puppy recipes.

This brand has a limited selection of products, but you can rest assured that each one delivers premium-quality nutrition and plenty of natural flavor.

Taste of the Wild uses a variety of unique roasted meats including venison, bison, lamb, salmon, wild boar that are perfect for most dogs who have many food sensitivities. 

This particular dry dog food recipe offers little pups the delightful taste of smoked salmon. It is high in protein (27%) because little doggos need more with their developing bodies. And it contains species-specific K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics to help with your wee pooch’s digestion and immune system.

Customer rating:

792 reviewers from Chewy found this chicken-free formulation worth recommending. It has an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5. Many dogs who suffered from bad allergies and skin lesions happily recovered on this diet and are now sporting smooth skin and silky coats.

3. American Journey LID Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe

First five ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Peas, Pea Starch, Sweet Potatoes

Dog parents who are grain-free enthusiasts will love the Salmon version of American Journey’s Limited Ingredient dog food.

Savory real deboned salmon will greet your pup with every bite, giving your pet a protein-rich diet, with protein making up 25% of the meal.

Made with easily digestible carbohydrates like peas and sweet potatoes, this grain-free kibble is ideal for dogs with food sensitivities.

The brand didn’t just stop at protein. American Journey also added nourishing ingredients such as omega fatty acids for healthy coat and skin, calcium for strong bones, zinc for thyroid and immune function, Vitamin E for healthy muscles, and a whole lot more nutrients and minerals for a complete and balanced diet.

The formula contains well sourced high-quality ingredients and limits its animal protein source to salmon. It contains chickpeas and peas, which are considered high-quality sources of carbohydrates. In addition, these provide fiber for healthy digestion.

This chicken-free dog food formula is made to be as healthy as possible with no grain or by-product ingredients. There are no artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors to cause food sensitivities, either.

Customer rating:

829 pet owners gave this recipe a combined rating of 4.5 stars out of 5. Several dogs with stomach issues and chicken allergy have not had a flare up since being put on this diet. Poops have turned solid and the pups now look much healthier.

4. Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula

First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Barley, Rice, Oat Meal, Canola Meal

It is made with nutrient-rich salmon as the first ingredient for a protein-rich recipe. Plus, it has prebiotic fiber, to calm sensitive stomachs and nourish the beneficial bacteria found in your dog's intestine, and live probiotics.

This recipe includes rice and oatmeal to provide easily digestible sources of carbohydrates for your pet. Plus, it’s packed with fish oil, a source of omega 3 fatty acids, to help support healthy joints and mobility as well as sunflower oil, which is laden with omega 6 fatty acids to nourish your dog's skin and keep his coat looking healthy. Best of all, it’s made without corn, wheat or soy.

This food is somewhat high in carbs, which is lowering the fat & protein content slightly, making it nutritionally less balanced compared to other dog food brands we evaluated.

Customer rating:

This recipe has one of the highest customer reviews in our list. 3072 people gave the Purina formula 4.4 stars out of 5 for being functional and veterinarian-approved. Owners have seen big changes in their dogs’ health (for the better) and many pooches have had no issues since.

5. Wellness CORE Ocean Whitefish, Herring & Salmon Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Whitefish, Herring Meal, Salmon Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Peas

Wellness Core Ocean Formula is a high-quality chicken-free dry pet food. Its nutrient profile (34% protein and 15% crude fat) is obviously above average with a nice proportion of proteins to carbohydrates. 

With real whitefish as the first ingredient alongside herring, salmon and menhaden fish meals, this nutrient-dense, grain-free recipe contains all the protein needed to help your adult dog maintain lean, powerful muscles.

It is fortified with antioxidants, omega fatty acids, glucosamine and probiotics to make sure his immune system, skin and coat, joints and gastrointestinal systems stay healthy and strong throughout his life.

Wellness Core – Ocean Formula contains a large range of vegetables and a variety of fish ingredients, this means it may not be suitable for dogs that suffer from allergies or sensitivities.

Customer rating:

396 reviewers gave this excellent dry dog food an average rating of 4.6 stars out of 5. The smell of the food is pretty strong, but most dogs are highly attracted to the scent. It also helps that this diet has helped digestive issues get resolved. In some cases, results are already seen even when the dogs are not yet 100% transitioned to the food. 

6. Instinct by Nature's Variety L.I.D. Recipe with Real Lamb

First 5 Ingredients: Lamb Meal, Lamb, Tapioca, Peas, Canola Oil

Nature’s Variety is a pet food company dedicated to empowering people to transform the lives of their pets through the power of quality nutrition. This company is the leader in raw nutrition and they believe wholeheartedly that good health for pets starts with good food.

Nature’s Variety designs each of its products in keeping with a holistic approach to pet nutrition and they use only the highest quality ingredients available. This company actually offers two different brands of pet food—Prairie and Instinct.

The Prairie line of products features simple but wholesome recipes that are made with quality proteins, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables—they are also designed for affordability.

The Instinct brand encompasses multiple product lines including grain-free, high-protein, limited ingredient diet, and freeze-dried formulas.

If you’re looking for a pet food brand that offers a wide selection of chicken-free products, Nature’s Variety Instinct is definitely one to consider.

This brand of pet food is made with premium proteins like turkey, duck, rabbit, venison, salmon, and more as well as wholesome gluten-free and grain-free carbohydrates in many of their recipes.

This specific formula contains just one animal protein and one vegetable to make it easy for owners of pets with sensitivities to track each ingredient. The protein level is 24%, and the fat is a little high at 21.5%. 

Customer rating:

This Instinct recipe is highly rated with 4.7 stars out of 5 from 224 reviewers. 95% recommend the diet because dogs with chicken allergy and other food sensitivities have completely improved and are now thriving on this food.

7. Ziwi Peak Beef Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Water Sufficient for Processing, Beef Lung, Beef Kidney, Beef Tripe

Though it is generally a good idea to purchase dog food made in the United States, Ziwi Peak is one of the few pet food companies made outside the USA that is worthy of your consideration. This company is based in New Zealand and all of its ingredients are sourced from ethical farming establishments.

Ziwi Peak says of its products that these are “born of love” and “crafted with goodness”. The recipes consist of upwards of 92% fresh meat, organs, bones, and New Zealand mussels, and every product is both nutrient- and energy-dense.

When it comes to its dog food products, Ziwi Peak uses a wide variety of different proteins including lamb, venison, mackerel, beef, and tripe. Each recipe is complete and balanced for all breeds and life stages so your dog can enjoy their foods throughout his entire lifespan.

Ziwi Peak ensures that every recipe is high in natural protein and packed with more nutritional power than traditional kibble and canned foods. This brand also makes sure to use a shorter list of ingredients than many brands which helps to reduce the risk for food allergies or sensitivities.

This specific formula contains whole-prey ratios of 92% meat, organs, bones, and mussels. It promotes vitality, mobility, and overall wellbeing with its inclusion of organic kelp, cold-washed green tripe, and New Zealand mussels. 

Customer rating:

Ziwi Peak’s beef recipe has an average rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 34 reviewers. Pet owners love that the food is one of the highest-quality products out there and that there are absolutely no fillers included. Very sick dogs have also gotten better on this diet, saving their owners from expensive vet bills.

8. Zignature Trout & Salmon Meal Limited Ingredient Formula

First 5 Ingredients: Trout, Salmon Meal, Chickpeas, Peas, Sunflower Oil

Though this company might have a strange name, there is no doubt that it is one of the top brands of premium pet food currently on the market. Zignature is a pet food company based in the United States, though the brand sources its ingredients from around the world.

Most of its fish ingredients come from the Pacific Northwest while the poultry comes from the Midwest. Duck is flown in from France, lamb from New Zealand, and Kangaroo from Australia. The brand also uses a wide variety of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and botanicals for nutritional balance and flavor.

What truly sets this brand apart from the competition, however, is the fact that all of its recipes start with meat or fish as the main ingredient with meat meal or fish meal as the second ingredient to guarantee a high-protein diet. Zignature only uses low-glycemic carbohydrates as well and it doesn’t use any fillers or artificial additives.

When it comes to its dog food products, Zignature uses a variety of premium proteins including salmon, venison, lamb, duck, kangaroo, trout and more.

Most of the proteins are novel proteins as well, so you don’t have to worry about triggering your dog’s food allergies or sensitivities.

This particular Zignature canned food recipe throws out troublesome ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, and potatoes. It’s chicken-free to avoid triggering chicken allergy symptoms in sensitive pups. Since it is packed with choice animal ingredients, the protein level is at an excellent 31%.

Customer rating:

506 reviewers on Chewy have rated this diet a whopping 4.7 stars out of 5. Although more expensive than most, it is an excellent food that has helped many dogs recover from bad skin and digestive problems.

9. Lotus Oven-Baked Duck Small Bites Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Duck, Duck Meal, Peas, Cassava Flour, Potatoes,

The Lotus Natural Food for Pets company offers a line of holistic, oven-baked dry foods for dogs as well as an assortment of canned foods and raw food. Each of its recipes is created to promote a long, happy, and healthy life for pets. This is specifically formulated for small dogs.

This company uses only the highest quality animal proteins like poultry and lamb as well as wholesome fruits and veggies that are bursting with nutrients and antioxidants.

Lotus chooses to bake its pet foods instead of using the traditional process of extrusion in order to preserve more of the natural nutrient content from the raw ingredients.

You may even notice what looks like grill marks on their kibbles because they are baked, not extruded. This pet food company sources all of its ingredients from the United States with the exception of some novel proteins (like lamb, lamb meal, and New Zealand Green Mussel) and their foods are prepared in small batches in a family-owned and -operated Canadian bakery.

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food made without any chicken ingredients, Lotus has several options to choose from for dogs allergic to poultry.

For dry dog food, Lotus offers an assortment of original and grain-free recipes featuring premium proteins like lamb, turkey, duck and fish.

This particular chicken-free recipe is 100% grain-free and crafted for small sidekicks who are sensitive. Duck is the only animal protein source, yet the protein level is pegged at a minimum of 30% because ducks makes up a big part of the food. 

Customer rating:

35 reviewers gave this Lotus formulation a combined rating of 4.3 stars out of 5. The food is not only highly tasty, it has been reported to improve the appearance of dogs prone to skin issues, particularly those with chicken allergy. One bonus, the food was said to improve a pet’s breath too.

Addressing Food Allergies in Dogs

A food allergy normally shows up in dogs as itchy skin, gastrointestinal problems, inflammation, chronic gas, weight loss, lack of energy, or chronic diarrhea. It’s not a simple matter to get one as the problems that can arise from a food allergy can quickly turn into something far more serious.

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How Common Are Food Allergies in Dogs?

It’s not really common. In fact, allergies from dog foods are quite rare. According to 2018 State of Pet Health Report from Banfield Pet Hospital, a dog food allergy affects just 0.2 percent of canines. But if your dog has it, then it should be quickly and definitely addressed so that it doesn’t affect your pet’s quality of life.

Allergies are mostly genetic, and it’s triggered by being exposed to whatever it is they are allergic to. For example, since chicken ingredients are almost always present in dog foods, chicken allergies are one of the most common. But most dogs who have a predisposition towards allergies are usually allergic to more than one thing.

There are also certain breeds that are more prone to allergies. While any dog breed can develop a food allergy, there is an increased risk for Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, and West Highland White Terriers.

Determining The Food Allergy

If you suspect your dog has a food allergy, a strict elimination diet is usually advised by the vet because blood and saliva tests as well as skin testings are not reliable in cats and dogs.

What usually happens in an elimination diet is that you completely change your dog’s diet into one he’s never had before. For example, if your dog has never been exposed to rabbit meat or venison and he’s never had grain-free dog food before, then these are the things you will feed him from now on.

Since elimination diets are very strict, your pet is only allowed to consume what is prescribed by your vet. No other food can be given, not even treats or supplements. This trial feeding normally lasts for weeks, and it can take some time to see the results.

Once your dog gets better, your vet will have you slowly reintroduce foods that they think triggers the allergies. If there is a reaction, then you can know for sure which food ingredients are the culprit.

What Should You Avoid In Dog Food?

Like humans, dogs can develop an allergy to virtually any type of food, especially with repeated exposure. Some of the most common food allergens for dogs are corn, wheat, and dairy. 

Sometimes, animal proteins are the culprit. If your dog has an allergy or sensitivity triggered by chicken, he might not develop digestive problems immediately after eating the food. In fact, many pet food allergies present with skin-related symptoms.

The primary reason to avoid dog foods made with an allergen is, of course, the potential to trigger an allergy. If you already know that your dog is allergic to chicken, you should immediately find a new dog food that doesn’t contain any chicken-based ingredients.

Stay away from harmful ingredients like artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. These are all possible allergy triggers, and your dog doesn’t need them. Also, steer clear of dog foods that contain fillers like corn, or those that include possibly harmful ingredients like carrageenan. 

If your furry friend is allergic to grains, look for a grain-free recipe. There are many recipes with healthy alternatives to grains, like sweet potato, potato, or pea. Just make sure these do not overwhelm the animal protein in your pet’s meal.

Lastly, as much as possible, keep away from foods that contain a poultry by-product meal ingredient or any type of unnamed meat meals. Since your dog is sensitive to food, unnamed meats pose a high risk against your dog’s health.

What Should You Look For in Dog Food?

The best dog foods for sensitive dogs are those that are clean; free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors; and contain ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs. Limited ingredient diet formulas are also recommended because these make it easy for you to keep track of what’s in your dog’s food.

Look for special ingredients that provide support for the skin, like omega fatty acids. These are responsible for giving your pup healthy skin, reducing inflammation, and maintaining coat health. Meanwhile, antioxidants like vitamin C and E are excellent in supporting your dog’s immune system.

Active dogs require a high-protein formula that can supply them with lots of energy. Check the fat source too. It’s where your pup gets the essential fatty acids he needs. Salmon oil and sunflower oil are two healthy fat sources. 

Chicken fat is good too, because it does not contain the allergen that triggers a negative reaction. But it’s still best to consult your veterinarian before giving your pooch anything that has chicken in it. Canola oil is okay as well, but do remember that this kind of oil is highly processed if it’s not labeled as organic.

Generally, high-quality dog foods and limited ingredient dog foods are more expensive than your usual doggy diet. But as pet parents, we are responsible for supporting our furry friend live a healthy and long life. Even when it somewhat hurts our wallets. 

Lastly, don’t forget to choose a dog food that’s crafted specifically for your dog’s life stage to ensure that your pet gets the required nutrients he needs. 

Is Grain-Free Dog Food Better?

Grain-free dog food has gained popularity in recent years as pet owners seek to replicate a more natural diet for their furry companions. Proponents of grain-free dog food argue that it can be beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, as it eliminates common grains like wheat, corn, and soy which can trigger reactions.

Additionally, some claim that grain-free dog food promotes better digestion, improved coat condition, and increased energy levels in dogs. However, there is ongoing debate among veterinarians and pet nutrition experts about the true benefits of grain-free dog food.

Some studies have raised concerns about a potential link between grain-free diets and a specific heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. It is important for pet owners to consult with their veterinarian and carefully consider their dog's individual needs and health conditions before making a decision about whether grain-free dog food is better for their pet.

A grain-free formula does not automatically make a dog food product better. It still depends on your pup’s tolerance for grains. If your pup is allergic to gluten, you can still feed him grains in the form of rice. 

For some pups, a rice-inclusive diet is even better, particularly white rice, because it’s easy on a dog’s digestive system. White rice is normally a part of bland diets because it can alleviate the discomfort that sensitive stomachs suffer after a bout with allergies and disease. 

What Are Some Healthy Alternatives to Chicken?

When it comes to your dog’s nutritional needs, protein is the most important nutrient. Your dog needs plenty of protein in his diet not only to sustain growth and development but to help him maintain his lean muscle mass as well.

The best sources of protein for dogs are animal-based sources such as meat, poultry, fish and eggs. Animal proteins are complete proteins which means that they contain all of the essential amino acids your dog needs in his diet.

If chicken isn’t a good option for your dog, you’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of chicken-free dog foods that usee a healthy alternative to the poultry product.

• Beef – This is a type of red meat so it will be higher in calories and fat than chicken but it is also very rich in iron and zinc. A three-ounce serving of 85% lean beef contains 213 calories with 13 grams of fat, zero carbohydrates, and 22 grams of protein.
• Bison – A very lean source of protein (and a novel protein, at that), bison is also rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Three ounces of bison contains about 122 calories with 2 grams of fat, 24 grams of protein, and no carbohydrates.
• Duck – This type of meat contains a good bit of fat, but largely in the skin which can be removed. A three-ounce serving of duck breast contains about 120 calories with 2 grams of fat, 24 grams of protein, and 0 grams carbohydrate.
• Eggs – Though not typically used as the primary source of protein in dog food, eggs are a complete protein option that works well as supplementary protein. One large egg contains about 78 calories with 5 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and 0.6 grams of carbohydrate.
• Fish – There are many different types of fish that are used in dog food including herring, salmon, whitefish, menhaden, and more. Fish tends to be fairly low in calories compared to other meats and it is rich in omega fatty acids.
• Lamb – A less common red meat than beef, lamb is rich in zinc, selenium, niacin, and phosphorus. Three ounces of lamb shank contains about 171 calories with 11.4 grams of fat, no carbs, and 15 grams of protein.
• Pork – This is an animal protein that isn’t very common in dog food, though it can be a good source of complete protein that is also rich in niacin, zinc, vitamin B6 and potassium. A three-ounce serving of pork loin meat contains 205 calories with 12 grams of fat, 23 grams of protein, and no carbs.
• Rabbit – Often labeled a novel or exotic protein, rabbit meat is an excellent source of protein and it is rich in potassium, selenium, phosphorus, and iron. Three ounces of rabbit meat contains about 150 calories with 7 grams of fat, 25 grams of protein, and no carbs.
• Turkey – Another type of poultry like chicken, turkey tends to be fairly lean and it contains plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, and B vitamins. A three-ounce serving of turkey breast (boneless and skinless) contains about 115 calories with one gram of fat, 26 grams of protein, and no carbs.
• Venison – A type of game meat and a lean source of protein, venison is also rich in niacin, iron, Vitamin B6, and L-carnitine. Three ounces of roasted venison contains about 135 calories with 2.7 grams of fat, 0 grams carbohydrate, and 26 grams of protein.

In addition to considering the type of protein in your dog’s food, you also need to think about whether you want a product made with fresh meat or meat meal. You might think that fresh meat is always the best option, but that isn’t necessarily true.

Fresh meats can contain 70% moisture by volume (or more) which means that when the dog food is cooked and processed, the final volume is likely to be much lower because most of the moisture cooks out.

Meat meals, on the other hand, are simply fresh meats that have been cooked to remove moisture, bringing them down to about 10%. This makes meat meal a much more highly concentrated source of protein than fresh meat.

Either option is an excellent ingredient for dog food, it just matters how much crude protein there is and that it comes from high-quality sources.

Conclusion

Chicken is not necessarily a bad ingredient in dog food but it may not be the best choice for all dogs. Whether your dog has a food allergy or you simply want to go with a more exotic protein, try one of our top nine chicken free dog food brands reviewed above.