The Best Chicken-Free Dog Foods For Sensitive Stomaches
Feeding a chicken-free diet can often be an excellent first step for easing itchy, irritated skin.
Finding an effective solution for a pet that suffers from food sensitivities or unknown allergies can be a nightmare. However, one of the easiest starting points is diet. That’s where chicken-free dog foods come in. Chicken is a primary ingredient in many pet foods and treats but is also one of the most common irritants. That’s why we recommend switching to a chicken-free food while using a dry skin treatment often leads to relief.
Even if your pup has no allergies, a chicken-free diet may still be beneficial. Less common proteins, like venison, fish, and lamb, contribute to overall health and wellness. Since they’re not as widely sourced or produced, the meat usually meets higher quality standards.
Best Chicken-Free Dog Foods to Consider
As you search for the perfect chicken-free dog food, you may notice a few significant differences between brands and recipes. Some of these differences can reduce the quality or lead to tummy problems or further skin reactions. That’s why paying close attention to detail is essential.
The first thing to check for is the protein source. For example, Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care uses real deboned salmon as its first ingredient, which is full of omega fatty acids and contributed to a healthy coat. It also has fish oil and salmon meal to up the protein content and benefits.
From there, we recommend taking a look at the food’s form and your dog’s preferences. If you struggle to entice them into trying anything new, canned food like Weruva Just 4 Me Chicken-Free wet dog food may be your best bet. It’s soft and available in plenty of flavors to ensure your find one they love.
Blue Buffalo Basics Skin and Stomach Care
Blue Buffalo Basics Skin and Stomach Care is a dry, kibble-style dog food that can help ease discomfort for many allergy-prone pups. Each recipe uses a single protein source for easier digestion, along with a blend of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Best of all, you never need to worry about allergy-inducing additives like chicken, by-product meals, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, or eggs. Overall, it provides maximum nutrition with minimum risk.
Pros:
- Limited ingredient recipe helps you keep track of everything your dog eats
- Often helps minimize gas and extra-stinky messes
- Especially helpful for dogs with hot spots, hives, and other skin irritation
- While not cheap, this food is more affordable than most chicken-free options
Cons:
- Only two flavors available
- Some finicky dogs may not readily switch to this food
Weruva Just 4 Me Chicken-Free Wet Dog Food
Whether you’re looking for a convenient way to add extra hydration to your dog’s diet, feed an elderly pet with no teeth, or add flavorful options to your doggo’s everyday meals, canned food is the way to go. And our favorite is Weruva Chicken-Free Just 4 Me Wet Dog Food. It’s available in various gluten-free flavors, including beef, tuna, lamb, and mackerel. The fish is all sustainably sourced, while the beef and lamb are grass-fed and ethically raised. It’s also processed in human-grade facilities with no unnecessary fillers like corn, wheat, or soy.
Pros:
- All-around healthy recipes help dogs feel their best well into old age
- Flavor variety helps keep dogs interested
- Strong scent and meaty texture make it an excellent topper for getting your dog to eat kibble
- Free of almost all of the common dog allergens
Cons:
- Can lead to runnier stools if you aren’t using any dry foods with it
- Pricier choice, especially if its your dog’s primary diet
Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dog Food
High-protein recipes can help improve your pet’s skin, boost their immune system, and keep muscles and joints healthy. That’s why we turn to Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dog Food. There are six scrumptious flavor options, each with high-quality meat as the first ingredient. And no matter which you choose, you can count on everything being ethically sourced and perfectly balanced to keep your dog feeling their best from nose to toes.
Pros:
- Each recipe uses one type of meat for easier digestion
- Pumpkin and other gentle ingredients ease existing tummy and skin issues
- Strong scent and huge flavor variety help entice even the pickiest pups to at least try this food
- Works well for dogs of any breed or size
Cons:
- Can lead to stinky gas and stools as your dog transitions
- You have to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from going bad too quickly
Sojos Complete Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
Raw diets are one of the absolute best ways to keep any dog healthy. However, planning, prepping, and balancing out recipes can be difficult and expensive. Sojos Complete Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food has you covered. One pound of this freeze-dried raw mix makes five pounds of ready-to-eat dog food, allowing every bag to stretch much further than you’d expect. It’s already balanced for you, and you never have to worry about the meat-to-organ ratios being off.
Pros:
- Chicken-free flavors include pork, beef, lamb, and turkey, ensuring every dog has an option they enjoy
- Freeze-dried pieces help it last longer than traditional wet or raw meals
- Whole-prey recipes keep dogs very healthy and active
- Easy to prepare and store in advance or as needed
Cons:
- Cost-prohibitive if you’re on a budget or need to feed several dogs
- Needs preparation before your dog can eat it
Blackwood Slow-Cooked Dog Food
Cost is a common reason pet parents can’t find an allergy-friendly food for their pooch. If that’s an issue you face, we recommend trying Blackwood Slow-Cooked Dog Food. The two chicken-free flavors use no corn, wheat, or soy, which helps you keep skin and stomach pain at bay. Meanwhile, an enticing scent, whole grains, and veggies help you get even the pickiest pup eating in no time.
Pros:
- Most dogs transition to this food with minimal resistance
- Available for puppies, adults, and elderly dogs, allowing you to feed almost any pet
- Affordable allergy-friendly recipes can also help you save money at the vet
- Helps keep coat, skin, and bodies looking and feeling very healthy
Cons:
- Pea protein is present, so this may not be best if your dog has heart disease
- Small pieces, while perfect for little dogs, can get stuck in larger dogs teeth
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I feed my dog wet or dry chicken-free dog food?
The biggest differences between wet and dry chicken-free dog foods are the moisture content and overall cost. Dry foods are often more cost-effective. However, wet foods can add extra moisture and are usually more enticing to dogs. We recommend using a mix of both to keep your dog enriched and happy.
How does chicken-free dog food help relieve skin problems?
Chicken is one of the most common dog food allergens. If your dog has been struggling with allergies and you can’t figure out the cause, many vets’ first recommendation is to switch to a chicken-free food.
What else can I do to help relieve my dog’s itching and irritation?
In addition to using chicken-free dog food to lessen your dog’s allergies, you can ask your vet about allergy medications, limit their time outdoors during peak pollen and ragweed season, and use medicated shampoos for baths. There are also special skin treatments that can temporarily relieve itching.
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