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Dogs can develop allergies to chicken due to their immune system misidentifying chicken proteins as harmful substances.
Allergies typically develop in response to specific protein structures. Chicken contains certain proteins that some dogs’ immune systems are more likely to recognize as allergens.
As chicken is a common ingredient in commercial dog foods and treats, overexposure can increase the likelihood of a dog developing a sensitivity or allergy over time.
Some breeds are more genetically prone to food allergies too, including German Shepherd, Pugs and Boxers.
Poor gut health or an imbalanced microbiome can increase a dog’s risk of developing allergies as the gut may allow larger, undigested protein fragments to pass into the bloodstream, triggering an immune response.
In some cases, allergies may be exacerbated by the quality of the chicken used, such as chicken meal or by-products, which may include proteins or additives that increase allergenic potential.
Symptoms of Chicken Allergy in Dogs
- Itching, redness, rashes, or hives.
- Chronic or recurring ear inflammation.
- Diarrhea, vomiting, or gas.
- Restlessness or increased licking/biting at paws.
Switching to a novel protein or chicken-free diet is often recommended to manage symptoms and confirm the allergy through elimination or veterinary testing. Below, you will find our list of the best chicken-free dog foods, chosen by our team of experts.
Best Chicken-Free Dog Food January 2025
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Best Chicken-Free Dog Food
Open Farm RawMix Front Range Recipe Grain-Free
Open Farm RawMix Front Range Recipe Grain-Free is an ideal choice for dogs with chicken sensitivities, offering high-quality proteins such as beef, pork, and lamb, while excluding chicken and common allergens.
Its raw, freeze-dried ingredients retain natural nutrients, promoting healthy digestion, while the grain-free formula caters to dogs with grain intolerances. With added probiotics, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids, this recipe supports gut health, a shiny coat, and overall well-being, all sourced from humanely raised, sustainable ingredients.
Dry matter label analysis reveals Open Farm RawMix Front Range Recipe Grain-Free contains 33% protein, 17% fat and 42% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
Open Farm is known for its commitment to transparency, allowing pet parents to trace the origins of the ingredients. Ethical sourcing ensures high-quality and sustainable ingredients, which is a bonus for environmentally-conscious owners.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Raw Mix Dog Food range here
Things we like
- Freeze-dried to retain nutrients
- Added probiotics
- Omega fatty acids
Main Ingredients Beef, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, pork, potatoes Texture Dry Type Freeze-dried, grain-free Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Open Farm"I love this food for my dog. I like how we can search every bit of the ingredients and know they are getting adequate nutrition. Transparency is imperative. Thec ost is worth what they are getting in their diet."
We also highly recommend
Just Food for Dogs Venison & Squash
Just Food for Dogs Venison & Squash dog food features venison as a novel protein that is less likely to trigger allergies.
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Best Dry Chicken-Free Dog Food
Ollie Gently Baked Beef & Sweet Potato
Ollie Gently Baked Beef & Sweet Potato is a great chicken-free option, featuring high-quality beef as the primary protein, making it suitable for dogs with poultry sensitivities.
The addition of sweet potato provides a nutritious, easily digestible source of carbohydrates and fiber to support energy and gut health. Crafted with human-grade ingredients and gently baked to preserve nutrients, this recipe offers a wholesome, allergen-friendly meal for dogs with dietary restrictions.
Dry matter label analysis reveals this fresh frozen contains 26% protein, 15% fat and 51% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 59%.
Ollie is a premium dog food brand known for its human-grade ingredients, personalized meal plans, and recipes designed to support optimal nutrition and cater to dogs with specific dietary needs.
Read our review of the full Ollie Baked Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- High in fiber
- Beef main protein source
- Easily digestible
Main Ingredients Beef, oats, chickpeas, pea flour, beef livers Texture Dry Type Grain inclusive (oats) Protein Percentage 26% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Al dogs including puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at myollie.com"Grady was having terrible gut issues. We tested for everything—all negative. After many vet visits and thousands of dollars spent, there were still no answers. He had a poor appetite, diarrhea, and intermittent vomiting. We tried many foods—dry, canned, and prescription diets. We thought we were going to lose him. From the first Ollie meal, there was an immediate change. He started scarfing down every meal, putting on weight, and looking better than ever. The vomiting stopped, and the diarrhea improved almost overnight."
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Best Wet Chicken-Free Dog Food
A Pup Above Turkey Pawella
A Pup Above Turkey Pawella fresh dog food is good choice for dogs with a chicken allergy.
While chicken and turkey are related, their protein compositions are different enough that a dog allergic to chicken proteins is unlikely to react to turkey proteins. For dogs that have been consistently fed chicken, turkey may serve as a novel protein — something the dog hasn’t been exposed to before — reducing the likelihood of an allergic reaction.
This formula emphasizes simplicity and transparency, which is helpful for dogs with allergies. It is made with human-grade ingredients and avoids artificial additives, fillers, or low-quality proteins that could exacerbate sensitivities. The inclusion of vegetables like green peas, turmeric, and carrots provides essential nutrients without relying on allergenic fillers.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals A Pup Above Turkey Pawella contains 43% protein 22% fat and estimated carb content of 27%. This means the fat to protein ratio is 45%.
Read our review of the full A Pup Above Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Novel protein
- No artificial additives
- Wholesome vegetables
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey hearts, turkey livers, turkey gizzards, tomatoes Texture Fresh Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 43% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult and senior dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at A Pup Above"Misha went nuts for this food! I gave her a little at a time to see how she did with it and she wanted more and more. She is a hug fan!"
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Best Senior Chicken-Free Dog Food
Now Fresh Grain Free Senior
Now Fresh Grain Free Senior delivers complete and balanced nutrition for senior dogs and is enriched with premium-quality lean protein from fresh de-boned turkey, salmon, and duck.
It also contains New Zealand green mussels, a natural source of chondroitin, to support your aging dog’s joint health and mobility; along with fiber-rich pumpkin and sweet potato to aid digestion.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals this Senior recipe contains 27% protein, 12% fat and an estimated carbohydrate levelof 53%. This leads to a fat to protein ratio of 46%.
Read our review of the full Now Fresh Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Contains chondroitin
- Complete and balanced
- High in fiber
Main Ingredients De-boned turkey, peas, potatoes, potato flour, pea fiber, whole dried egg Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 27% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs, particularly senior Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog, Lucy, was not eating her kibble well lately. She is now in the senior stage of life so I decided to give this product a try. She loves it! Cleaned her bowl the first day, even with some of the prior food included. I will order this again."
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Best Chicken-Free Dog Food with Grains
Wellness Complete Health Lamb & Barley
Wellness Complete Health Lamb & Barley is a natural dry dog food specially formulated to provide whole-body nutritional support.
Lamb is a high-quality, easily digestible protein that can be a good alternative for dogs with sensitivities to more common proteins like chicken. Barley and oatmeal provide fiber for healthy digestion and sustained energy. These grains are gentle on the stomach and help support gut health.
Enriched with vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids (from ingredients like flaxseed), it supports healthy skin, a shiny coat, and avoids artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, making it suitable for dogs with sensitivities.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals this recipe has a protein level of 27%, fat of 13% and estimated carb content of 52%, leading to a fat to protein ration of 50%.
Things we like
- Easily digestible
- Gentle on the stomach grains
- Enriched with vitamins and minerals
Main Ingredients Lamb, lamb meal, oatmeal, ground barley, menhaden fish meal Texture Dry Type Grain inclusive (barley & oatmeal) Protein Percentage 27% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult & senior dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We've had a very difficult time finding food my dog likes. We've noticed chicken and chicken byproducts in the feed make him sick. Since starting this food his stools have gone back to normal and he enjoys meal times again."
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Best Chicken-Free Puppy Food
Redbarn Grain-Free Puppy recipe
Redbarn Grain-Free Puppy Recipe is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of growing puppies.
It is ideal for puppies with chicken sensitivities or allergies as its protein source comes predominately from beef and lamb. It is also beneficial for puppies that may have issues with grains, instead using alternative carbohydrate sources such as sweet potatoes and peas for energy.
Fortified with DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) to support brain development and vision in young dogs, this food is balanced to provide all the nutrients puppies need for healthy bones, teeth, and immune function.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals this recipe has a protein level of 29%, fat of 17% and estimated carb content of 46%, leading to a fat to protein ration of 58%.
Things we like
- Fortified with DHA
- Specially formulated for puppies
- Balanced nutrition
Main Ingredients Beef, lamb, beef meal, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Redbarn"I have three puppies, they were on another food that had grains and were getting wet stools, I switched to this food and no more problems and the dogs love it. Quality ingredients is a win win and you guys deliver that promise!!"
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