So, what exactly is poultry-free dog food? Glad you asked. Poultry-free dog food simply means your pup’s kibble skips all things bird — no chicken, turkey, duck, or other feathery friends hiding in the ingredients. 

It’s perfect for dogs who don’t fare well with poultry or those who are simply not diggin’ chicken.

Poultry-free dog food formulas get their protein power from delicious alternatives like Jinx Grass-Fed Lamb Kibble — or even plant-based sources. It’s like giving your sensitive dog a fresh new menu, one that doesn’t end with unpleasant symptoms like:

• Itchiness

• Tummy trouble

• Ear infections

• Obsessive licking 

Dog allergies and food sensitivities are the top reason most pet parents go poultry-free, because of chicken’s sneaky effects on their dog’s immune system. Basically, your dog’s body is reacting to something relatively harmless as if it were a big scary invader. Their immune system goes into overdrive, releasing chemicals like histamines, which lead to the icky symptoms we mentioned.

Over time, all that immune system overreaction can wear your pup down, making them more vulnerable to other health issues. That’s why it’s super important to see how your dog reacts to their food over time. Even dogs who never had a poultry allergy can develop one, so definitely keep an eye on how your pup feels after meals. 

Some pet parents go poultry-free for personal or ethical reasons, and if that’s their decision, more power to ‘em!

Pro Tip: Assume the role of detective when reading ingredients on dog food labels. Some brands say “chicken-free” but sneak in turkey or other poultry products.

What Ingredients Are Not in Poultry-Free Dog Food?

Ever flipped over a kibble bag and wondered, "What ingredients are not in poultry-free dog food?" Great question — especially if your pup's tummy gives them grief after eating certain proteins. 

In short: poultry-free dog food means no birds allowed. And that goes way beyond just chicken. We’re talking duck, goose, or even Michelin star-menu quail — they are all off the menu. 

While these birds may strut their stuff in human holiday meals, they can be just as triggering as chicken if your pup has a sensitive belly or serious case of the itch.

The common mix-up is that some folks think “chicken-free” means “poultry-free”, but some dog food brands still include other feathery culprits. Your dog might not know the difference, but their stomach and skin sure will! 

That’s why pup’s with sensitive tummies are loving Jinx Grass-Fed Lamb Kibble, as it’s 100% bird free and packed with serious flavor. Double win.

Does Poultry-free Dog Food Include Turkey?

Nope. If dog food is truly poultry-free, then turkey is also a no-go, as it still falls under the poultry umbrella — causing the same uncomfortable reactions in certain pups. 

So no feeding your food-sensitive pup Thanksgiving turkey scraps! You’ll have to contend with more than their post-meal food coma.

So What Dog Food Is Truly Poultry-Free?

To make sure your dog’s food is actually bird-free, be on the lookout for these undercover poultry ingredients:

• Poultry fat — Yes, even the fatty bits can trigger your dog’s allergies. 

• Poultry by-product meal — This mystery meat is both suspicious and not ideal for food-sensitive pups.

• Hydrolyzed poultry protein — Artificial-sounding poultry is still poultry!

 

The label says it all, so keep your eyes peeled for these pesky, poultry ingredients IF your dog is in fact allergic or has a food sensitivity. Not all dogs do!

At Jinx, we're here to upgrade the way you care for your dog by providing holistic nutrition made with thoughtful formulation, real ingredients, and a whole lot of love.