When you prepare to pick up your dog for the first time and take them home, there’s a lot of excitement. Maybe you’ve waited to get a dog for a long time, or maybe you’re bringing home your second or third furry friend. Along with this excitement, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. After all, there’s a lot you have to do to get ready and there are many decisions you have to make as a dog parent.

What you feed your dog is important. You want to make sure your new furry friend has a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet while avoiding foods that may irritate your pup’s system or cause an allergic reaction. 

Chicken is included in many dog food brands because it’s a good source of protein. Plus, in many dogs, chicken isn’t an allergen and doesn’t cause any skin irritation or gastrointestinal problems. However, chicken is one of the top five allergies for dogs, along with corn, wheat, dairy, and beef. 

Chicken may seem like a staple in most dog foods, but it’s common for dogs to have a food intolerance or allergic reaction to chicken. If you suspect your dog isn’t loving their chicken diet, here’s what you need to know.

Not all dogs will experience a chicken intolerance. If you’re giving your dog a food with chicken as a main ingredient, here are a few intolerance or food allergy symptoms to watch out for: 

If you notice any of the above signs, it can be easy to try and fix the problem yourself, but it’s best to take your furry friend to see a veterinarian to try and get a diagnosis. They can do blood tests and other diagnostics to test for food sensitivities and environmental allergies, and they are educated on what a specific dog breed may be susceptible to (for example, cocker spaniels, German shepherds, and golden retrievers are all breeds more likely to have sensitivities or allergies). This testing will also help you determine if your dog’s symptoms indicate a chicken intolerance or another deeper issue, possibly without you having to try an elimination diet to find the culprit behind the itchiness and hot spots.

If your vet confirmed a chicken allergy, don’t panic. Now that you know what’s irritating your pup’s immune system, you can help them recover! Here are a few things to do next.

First, it’s time to find a new dog food for your pup. While it may be tempting to keep feeding them their old dog food to try and just acclimate their system, it’s best to find them a new diet altogether. 

To find a new dog food diet that will provide the protein and nutrients your pup needs to thrive, here are a few things to look for. 

So, you need to find a chicken-free formula for your pup. Look no further than Sundays for Dogs.
 

Our food is gently air-dried instead of heavily processed, made with all-natural, quality ingredients, created by a vet for your pup, and human-grade. Not only will this ready to eat food help keep your dog more comfortable, but it will give your pup the nutrients and protein they need. 

When searching for chicken-free diets, here are a few qualities to look for:

There are many meat alternatives to chicken that are excellent sources of protein for your pup. For instance, USDA beef or beef heart, turkey, pork, lamb, and salmon are all excellent alternatives to feed your dog. 

It’s important to note that some of these meats may also cause an intolerance for your pup. Simply watch out for the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction when trying out a new food to make sure your dog is happy and comfortable.  

First, look out for fake meat. Many dog food brands will use “meat meals” as their sources of protein, but these are actually made up of by-products from animals and leftovers from the farms. 

For instance, if you see “turkey meal,” this can include turkey, organs, feathers, the beak, trimmings, feet, eyes, blood, hair, and more. You want to feed your pup quality ingredients, not leftovers, so avoid “meat meals” when you can. 

Instead, when looking at meats, look for specific names. Anything listed “beef heart,” “beef liver,” “beef bone,” “wild salmon,” or any other specific organ or meat name is a green light as far as meat is concerned. 

It’s also important to look out for dog foods that contain more than one meat. Even if you see the word “turkey” or “salmon,” there could still be chicken included, so be sure to look over the entire ingredient list to make sure you’re giving your dog a chicken-free diet. And of course, you can shop Sundays for chicken-free recipes.

Once you’ve found a chicken-free diet for your pup with real, high-quality meat, there are a few things you can do to help soothe your pup’s tummy, especially if they’ve been having gastrointestinal issues and symptoms for a while. 

First, look for dog food with ingredients that will soothe their digestion. You can look for pumpkin, ginger, antioxidants, fruits, and vegetables that will assist with digestion and get things moving down there. This can help relieve your dog’s stomach while giving them other nutrients they need.  

Looking for a chicken-free dog food recipe that also contains soothing ingredients, antioxidants, omega-fatty acids, and vitamins may not feel easy, especially when there are tons of dog food options to choose from. 

That’s why we made Sundays — so it can be easy. With all the ingredients your dog will love and none of the artificial stuff your dog just doesn’t need, you can help your pup feel comfortable, happy, and healthy. Plus, with a treat-like taste, your dog will thank you that their meal doesn’t taste like chicken!  

SOURCES: 

Can Dogs Eat Chicken? | American Kennel Club 

How do I know if my dog is allergic to chicken? | Mvorganizing.org 

The Most Common Food Allergies in Dogs | Bark VA