If your dog seems off, and by off we mean itchy, scratchy, licking obsessively, having regular ear infections, or dealing with tummy troubles — their food might be to blame. As you can see from the headline above, the food culprit is often chicken.
And here’s the rub: Certain dog breeds are more prone to chicken allergies, and that might include yours. While any dog can develop allergies, some breeds are simply more at risk.
So you’re not navigating the chicken-allergy waters alone, we’ve crafted this post to let you know:
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What dog breeds are most at risk of a chicken allergy
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Signs of a possible dog food allergy (and what to watch out for!)
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Best chicken-free diets to help your pup feel like a million bucks
Why is Chicken a Common Food Allergy for Dogs?
According to our pals over at Veterinary Skin and Ear, 15% of dogs are allergic to chicken. When you consider how many dogs there are in existence, that’s a pretty significant number.
But why does chicken trigger allergies in so many dogs? For starters, chicken is one of the most widely used proteins in commercial dog food. Therefore, our pups are constantly exposed to it.
Over time, your dog’s immune system can perceive regularly consumed food as a threat, triggering inflammation, itchy skin, and an upset tummy. Also, as mentioned, some pups are genetically prone to protein-based allergies — and chicken is a usual suspect.
What Dog Breeds Are Most Allergic to Chicken?
If you happen to see your dog’s breed on this list, fear not! We’re going to give you all the info you need to avoid or relieve your dog of chicken allergies.
1. Labrador & Golden Retrievers — These lovable, food-motivated pups have sensitive immune systems, making them more likely to develop allergies.
2. French & English Bulldogs — These cuties are notorious for sensitive stomachs and skin. Their oh-so-cute wrinkles can trap moisture, which can lead to irritation, especially when food allergens trigger skin sensitivities.
3. Pit Bulls — These rascals are prone to skin issues, hot spots, and allergies. Chicken is often a trigger for pitties.
4. Cocker Spaniels — These floppy-eared charmers are highly prone to ear infections and itchy skin, both are common symptoms of chicken allergies in dogs.
5. Small Breeds — The little fellas tend to have delicate digestive systems. Watch your pup for constant paw licking and tummy issues as allergies could be the cause.
Signs and Symptoms of a Chicken Allergy in Dogs
If your pup has a chicken allergy, their body (and behavior) will let you know. Here are the top signs to watch for. Spoiler alert: they’re no fun!
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Itchy, scratchy skin, especially around the face, ears, and mouth
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Red, irritated rash near the mouth or anywhere on their body
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Frequent floor scooting (yep, that kind of scooting)
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Excessively licking or chewing their paws
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Hair loss or thinning fur due to constant scratching
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Digestive issues like bloating and gas after meals
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Diarrhea or vomiting, especially after eating chicken-based food
If your pup’s a chicken eater and showing one-or-more of these unpleasant signs, it might be time to consider a chicken-free dog food diet.
One of our favorite poultry-free options? Jinx’s Grass-Fed Lamb Kibble, specially formulated to nurture your pup’s digestion while providing all their essential nutrients for a well-balanced diet.
Most Common Dog Food Allergies and Sensitivities
While it’s good to be cautious of chicken, it doesn’t cause sensitivities and allergic reactions in most dogs.
Also, chicken isn’t the only allergy-triggering protein in dog food. Pups can develop sensitivities to other common ingredients. Some of the most common include:
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Beef — A highly used protein, making overexposure a risk.
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Dairy — Can cause digestive issues and itchy skin.
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Wheat & Grains — Some pups struggle with grains like wheat which can lead to bloating, gas, and skin irritation.
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Soy — Can trigger upset stomachs and hormone imbalances.
If your pup’s experiencing any of these uncomfortable symptoms (poor poochy!), it might be time to explore a “Limited-ingredient Diet” or a “Hypoallergenic Diet.”
Limited-Ingredient Diet — Focuses on using only a small number of carefully selected ingredients, making it easier to spot food sensitivities or allergies in dogs.
Hypoallergenic Diet — Specifically designed to minimize allergic reactions. Consider it a gentle-on-the-tummy recipe, using ingredients less likely to trigger allergies in sensitive pets. Perfect for pets with skin, stomach, or breathing issues — providing relief while still delivering tasty, nourishing meals.
Switching to one of these diets — and introducing a new “novel” protein into your dog’s meal plan — can really help pinpoint the problem and reverse some of their icky symptoms.
Can Dogs Develop Food Allergies Later in Life?
Unfortunately, yes. While most pups develop food allergies between 1-2 years old, intolerances can show up at any life stage, even into your dog’s golden years.
What gives? Genetics play a big role, also factors like your dog’s environment, dietary shifts, and overexposure to certain ingredients. Always best to stay vigilant as your pup’s immune system can suddenly decide, “I’m done with you, chicken!”
Whatever kicks off their allergic reaction, you’ll want to catch it asap so your dog’s not suffering for long with itching, scooting, ear infections, or tummy troubles.
Time for a diet check! And a couple of Jinx Salmon Treats for your loving, loyal companion!
Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance—What’s the Difference?
While these may seem similar, they’re actually quite different. Here’s how to tell them apart:
Food Allergy — A real bugger to the immune system, causing severe reactions like: rashes, vomiting, and chronic itching. Dogs with allergies should avoid the triggering food entirely.
Food Intolerance — Surprisingly, this does not involve your dog’s immune system. Instead, the triggering food or ingredient causes digestive upset (like gas or mild itching) and can often be tolerated in small amounts.
If your pup’s having severe symptoms, they’re likely allergic. If they’re milder, they may have an intolerance. Either way, a diet change is definitely a good idea.
Chicken-Free Food Options for Dogs
Don’t fret, if your pup is allergic to chicken there are plenty of tasty, nutritious alternatives. Switching to a hypoallergenic, chicken-free diet can eliminate allergy symptoms and get your fur babe back to feeling their best.
Best Chicken-Free Proteins
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Lamb — Highly digestible, protein-and-nutrient rich, and great for small and large breeds
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Fish — Packed with helpful omega-3s for skin, coat, and joint health
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Venison or Rabbit — Lean, novel proteins that reduce allergy risks because they’re less common in dog’s diets
How to Safely Switch to a Chicken-Free Diet
When transitioning your pup to a new protein, go slow. Their tummies need time to transition.
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Mix small amounts of your dog’s new food with their old food for 7-10 days.
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Slowly increase the ratio of new food while decreasing the old.
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Try a delicious Jinx Salmon Meal Topper to add variety without overwhelming your pup’s system.
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Always watch out for allergic reactions like itching, ear infections, and digestion trouble — and contact your vet if symptoms continue or get worse.
How to Test Your Pup for New Protein Allergies
We know you watch your pup with love and diligence, no matter what. Just be sure to watch out for new sensitivities. If your pup suddenly has itchy skin or begins vomiting, it could be a sign of allergy, and a protein swap may be in order.
The perfect chicken-free food? Jinx has you covered with our new Grass-Fed Lamb Kibble. What makes it so fab?
Super-delicious ✅
Excellent protein source ✅
Nutrient-packed ✅
Hypoallergenic ✅
Grain-free ✅
Even better? Jinx Grass-Fed Lamb Kibble was designed for both small and large breeds (your pup included!)
Want to explore more hypoallergenic dog-food options? Check out our post: What Meats Can Dogs With Allergies Eat?
What About Turkey and Eggs?
Get this, if your pup has a chicken allergy, they can still eat eggs! The allergens in chicken meat and eggs are different, so most dogs can tolerate eggs just fine.
Turkey, on the other hand, is a maybe. Some dogs with a chicken allergy also react to turkey, while others don’t!
Since we take pup feeding very seriously, we always recommend playing it safe. If you’re switching from one allergy-prone poultry to another, keep a close eye on your pup for any signs of a reaction.
The Bottom Line on Chicken Allergies in Dog Food
In sum, some breeds like Retrievers, Bulldogs, Pit Bulls, and Spaniels are simply more prone to chicken allergies — often dealing with uncomfortable symptoms like itchy skin, ear infections, or digestive troubles as a result.
The good news? A chicken-free diet based on proteins like lamb, fish, venison or rabbit could be the simple fix, getting your pup back to feeling their best.
Not sure which novel protein is best for your pup? Connect with your vet or reach out to the dog-food experts at Jinx. We’re here to help with any-and-all questions about hypoallergenic diets and our new Grass-Fed Lamb Kibble.