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Best Dog Food without Chicken 2024
Written by Joe Holyoake
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 01/04/2024, edited: 01/04/2024
The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.
There are plenty of reasons why chicken has been a mainstay in the dog food industry over the years. Not only is it rich in protein, it’s lean when it comes to fat and full of nutrients as well — not to mention tasty.
However, not all dogs can stomach this ingredient; some have allergic reactions to poultry while others just aren’t keen on the flavor. If this is the case with your pet, it can be difficult to find dog foods that don’t use chicken in some form or other, whether that’s as a main protein source, meal or broth.
That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best chicken free dog food with which to fill your pet’s bowl every day — it turns out there’s a whole world beyond poultry!
Overview
Sunday for Dogs
Vet recommended
Heard of Sunday for Dogs before? The Midwest-based company makes dog food that blends the convenience of kibble with the nutritional goodness of fresh recipes.
Fortunately, there are two options for dogs averse to chicken — beef and turkey. Both of these recipes contain human-grade meat, vegetables and fruits, which are all slowly air-dried at 160 Fahrenheit. This cooking method preserves all the good stuff while destroying germs.
The final product looks a little like jerky and can be poured into a dog bowl much like dry food. However, the fact that the vast majority of the ingredients are meat, organs and bones means that protein levels are much more impressive than kibble — the beef option contains a minimum of 35% crude protein.
Don’t just take our word for it, however — Dr. Jeremiah also gives it her seal of approval.
“Sundays for Dogs is a convenient and affordable kibble alternative composed of 90% meat, human-grade ingredients, and has no synthetic additives,” she says.
Sundays Food for Dogs
Why Wag! Loves It
- The food doesn’t perish as quickly as other fresh food products and can be stored in the cupboard
- The high protein levels are conducive to healthy muscle growth and bountiful energy
- The ingredients are all human-grade, so you can be assured your dog’s dining on the creme de la creme of dog food
- The brand is recommended by Dr. Georgia Jeremiah
Considerations & Concerns
- The crude fat levels are high, which might make it unsuitable for dogs on a weight loss routine
- The food is lacking in moisture, unlike other fresh or wet dog foods
- The recipes aren’t grain-free, so maybe intolerable for dogs with sensitive stomachs
What Pet Parents Say About Sundays for Dogs
“I like it because both my dogs like it. They never leave any behind in their bowls, their weight is perfect and so is their health. I'm spending more on Sundays than I usually spend on my dog's food but it is worth it.”
“We have three dogs who are all very picky. They have never been able to all love one food so we had multiple kinds of dog food at all times. I have tried cooking for them, and I have tried every food. What I love the most is that with three dogs ~70 lbs each, most of the "delivery" dog food companies were way too expensive and Sundays offers an affordable option for high quality food. Also, this company has been awesome to work with helping me get the scheduling right and the feeding amounts so we always have fresh food on hand. I highly recommend giving it a try!”
Read more reviews at Sundays for Dogs.
Product image sourced from the Sundays Food for Dogs website. Copyright Sundays Food for Dogs.
Orijen Regional Red Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Best dry dog food without chicken
This dry dog food from Orijen contains almost every meat other than chicken. The first four listed ingredients are raw beef, raw wild boar, raw lamb and raw pork, but there’s also salmon and other dehydrated fish in there, too.
This abundance of meat, organs and seafood is intended to resemble a dog’s ancestral diet. As you can probably guess, there’s a whole lot of protein in this carnivorous recipe — in fact, the crude protein is a whopping 38%, which will work wonders for your dog’s muscle growth and repair.
This is far from the only perk, however. The Omega fatty acid levels are impressive, as is the amount of glucosamine for joint support. Your dog is sure to appreciate the intensely meaty flavor from the freeze-dried coating, too.
This surely isn’t just the best dry dog food without chicken — this is one of the best dry dog foods, period.
Orijen Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- The first 11 ingredients are all real meat or animal products
- The crude protein level is 38%, which is massively helpful for keeping dogs trim and full of energy
- The glucosamine and Omega fatty acid levels are great for joint, immune and skin health
- The grain-free formula might be easier for sensitive stomachs to tolerate
Considerations & Concerns
- The crude fat level of 18% might be too high for dogs on the portly side
- The cost is right up there with the most expensive dry dog food on the market
- The food is suitable for all dogs except the growth stage for large breeds
What Pet Parents Say About Orijen Regional Red Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
“I'm not a fan of kibble, but [the] bottom line is I can't always home cook for my dogs. So we use Orijen as well to make sure they are getting everything they need. We usually purchase the Original formula and I feel my dogs do prefer that one over this one, so we will be going back to the original bag. That being said, I highly recommend Orijen dry food.”
“My dog is a very picky eater [and we] always had to find ways of getting her to eat her food...now with this food[,] she actually is excited for it and we don't have to give her as much [as] with other dog foods that do not have the best ingredients. I was looking for an affordable dog food that had top notch ingredients and this is the closest I can get without breaking the bank so much. I love that the top 5 [ingredients] are all animal protein which dogs thrive off of. [Dogs] don't need fillers or rice...their main appropriate diet is meat… [I’m] glad this brand gets it!”
Read more reviews at Chewy.
Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Mars Petcare US, Inc.
Merrick Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
Best vet recommended canned dog food without chicken
Dr Georgia Jeremiah, pet nutrition expert and one of Wag!’s team of veterinary consultants, is always happy to recommend Merrick’s recipes for parents after her advice.
“Merrick products are made with high-quality, whole food ingredients, and they use no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors,” she explains.
The Texas-based company has two particularly good examples of wet dog food without chicken — one is a real beef, lamb and bison recipe, while the other is called ‘real Texas beef dinner’.
Both of these protein-packed foods feature deboned beef as the first ingredient, followed by beef liver and beef broth, while the addition of salmon oil means dogs are covered for Omega fatty acids, too.
Merrick Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- The brand is recommended by Dr Georgia Jeremiah, pet nutrition expert
- The first three listed ingredients are all real meat products
- The recipes include no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- The absence of grains might make it easier for some dogs to digest
Concerns & Considerations
- The company has been subject to recalls before (although only for dog treats)
- The grain-free range from Merrick includes recipes that are only available seasonally
- The cost is a little higher than many other wet foods (but for good reason, we believe)
What Pet Parents Say About Merrick Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
“Food is pricey but well worth the money for my senior dog. She cannot eat chicken [byproduct] so this mix fits the bill.”
“Helps my dog keep weight on without upsetting his stomach, or sparking his skin allergies.”
“It is one of the few poultry free and grain free canned foods and my dog loves it.”
Read more reviews at Petco.
Product image sourced from the Chewy website. Copyright Merrick Pet Care.
Zignature Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Best limited ingredient dog food without chicken
Chicken is a pretty common allergen in dogs, which can be frustrating for parents in charge of dinnertime. Thankfully, brands like Zignature offer limited-ingredient recipes that make it easier to feed pets with intolerances.
This commendable meat content and nutritional goodness mean we’re more than happy to name Zignature’s limited-ingredient range as the best dog food for allergies without chicken.
The array of proteins is remarkable, everything from lamb and venison to catfish and kangaroo. Some of the flavors are a little leaner, others have a bit more fat — this nutritional variety means there’s a choice for each dog.
All have real meat or fish as the first listed ingredient, while probiotics are added to each recipe to boost gut health. The high levels of Omega fatty acid and L-carnitine in many of the recipes are welcome, too.
Zignature flavors include:
- Catfish
- Duck
- Goat
- Kangaroo
- Lamb
- Pork
- Salmon
- Trout & Salmon
- Turkey
- Venison
- Whitefish
Zignature Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- The wide variety of proteins is useful for dogs with niche allergies or those on rotational diets
- The first-listed ingredient is always meat or fish
- The recipes are fortified with probiotics to help with gut health
- The Omega 6 fatty acid levels are welcomingly high in many of the recipes
Considerations & Concerns
- The sale of some of the recipes is prohibited in California
- The dry formula won’t be suitable for dogs that require help with hydration
- The price of some of the more speciality proteins is higher than the more commonly-seen meats
What Pet Parents Say About Zignature Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
“My male [Aussie] has the WORST allergies, finding a grain free food he will eat is difficult. Luckily, with this[,] he will clean his bowl and he is the happiest he's ever been!! No more scabs, hair loss, and infected ears. We will definitely be [buying] this food more often.”
“The past couple [of] years I have been on a mission to solve my food dog's allergies. The vet suspected he needed a hydrolyzed protein diet and after being on it for several months I noticed a huge difference, but he was still reacting to the protein in the food. I decided to try one more thing before taking him to a dog dermatologist: a novel protein. I was surprised the vet never mentioned it but I read online that it has helped a lot of dogs. He has never eaten kangaroo and I figured that if he had a reaction it would be to another protein source in the food. I also liked that this was a limited ingredient diet and that it
wasn't grain free. Upon giving it to him for the first time, I could tell he loved it. Within a couple [of] weeks the itching stopped, the scaly skin softened, and his hair started growing back. He's been on it for the last handful of months and it's been a miracle for us. We hope [Zignature] never stops offering the kangaroo formula!”
Read more reviews at Chewy.
Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Pets Global Inc.
Nulo Freestyle Turkey, Cod and Sweet Potato Canned Dog Food
Best dog food without chicken for puppies
Food allergies in dogs usually occur in adult canines over the age of three. However, it’s not completely unheard of for intolerances to appear in puppies and this can have a detrimental impact on their development if left unaddressed.
If you and your vet suspect a pet has a chicken allergy, it’s important to find a puppy food that doesn’t include the ingredient — we would recommend Nulo Freestyle’s Turkey, Cod and Sweet Potato recipe.
This chicken free dog food has a pretty impressive first five listed ingredients: turkey, turkey broth, salmon broth, turkey liver, and cod. These protein-heavy foodstuffs will help with healthy muscle growth in young pups, while the DHA derived from salmon oil is good for cognitive development.
All this, and the levels of phosphorus and calcium are specifically balanced to contribute towards strong bones and teeth — but not so high so as to encourage the development of Hip Dysplasia later in life.
All in all, this is among the best dog food without chicken for canines in the early years of their lives.
Nulo Puppy Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- The first five ingredients are all either real meat, fish or broth
- The addition of salmon oil means there are high levels of DHA to help with cognitive development
- The grain-free formula might be welcome for puppies with sensitive stomachs
- The cranberries and blueberries in the ingredient list are rich in antioxidants
Considerations & Concerns
- The only other recipe for puppies in the Nulo Freestyle collection contains chicken, so there’s no other alternative
- The inclusion of two different proteins means it might not be suitable for an elimination diet
- Some parents have complained that their picky dogs won’t eat it
What Pet Parents Say About Nulo Freestyle
“We had our puppy on a chicken free diet due to a possible allergy. It was hard to find a chicken free wet food to supplement with her dry food, so was excited to find this. Our dog loves this as a topper to her kibble. Quality ingredients and no recall issues from this brand!”
“Firstly the ingredients listed are great, one of the first things that drew me to the brand (their dry food is just as good) as well as reviews saying similar things, that their dogs couldn't handle other wet food without having 'tummy issues' if you know what I mean. FINALLY a wet food that worked. We tried a lot of other equally expensive brands with good reviews but none of them went well at all. Especially when our dog was younger. It wasn't ever an issue of our dog not liking them, but her stomach couldn't handle it. We have a Pit Pyrenees mix. She absolutely loves this and it's the ONLY wet food brand we haven't had issues with. I never write reviews but felt compelled to just because seriously it's the only one that's gone so well.”
Read more reviews at Chewy.
Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Nulo.
American Journey Limited Ingredient
Best low fat dog food without chicken
One of the reasons that chicken features in so many dog food recipes is that it’s an ingredient that manages to be both high in protein and a lot lower in fat than other meats. As such, a lot of good-quality dog food without chicken struggles to replicate these desirable nutritional levels.
American Journey’s Limited Ingredient recipes are a good option for parents wanting to keep an eye on their pet’s weight while avoiding poultry. Across the five recipes, the crude fat levels sit at 12%, which should be low enough for effective weight management. The calorie count — hovering around the 320 mark for all — is sensible, too.
At the same time, a single source of real meat — be that turkey or venison — is listed first on the ingredient list, followed by antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables, plus plenty of essential minerals.
American Journey Limited Ingredient variations:
- Duck and sweet potato
- Lamb and sweet potato
- Venison and sweet potato
- Turkey and sweet potato
- Salmon and sweet potato
American Journey Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- The choice of five recipes is helpful for parents trying to feed pets with allergies or discerning palates
- The first listed ingredient is real meat or fish, rather than meals or byproducts
- The crude fat levels and calorie-density are low enough to keep dogs lean
- The food is high in Omega fatty acids which are good for skin, heart and brain health
Considerations & Concerns
- The product is produced by Chewy and is only available to buy from its website
- The fat levels can be beaten by other foods (although often with not as good quality ingredients)
- The dry formulation might not be suitable for dogs with weak teeth or pets in need of help with hydration
What Pet Parents Say About American Journey Limited Ingredient
“I have 2 dogs that are rescues. Both are Shih Tzu mixes. One is apparently allergic to chicken. It’s hard to find a dog food without chicken in it. I bought this one hoping they would both like it. They do! Yay! I will continue to buy it as long as they continue to eat it.”
“Love this product! I have a dog with a super sensitive stomach that doesn’t do well with chicken or fish. This is a lifesaver and at a great price point.”
Read more reviews at Chewy.
Product image sourced from the Chewy website. Copyright Chewy, Inc.
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