There’s a real buzz about lamb dog food these days (yes, dogs can eat lamb!) which is why so many of you have asked us, “Why is lamb good for dogs?”
Fortunately, we’re here with another all-ya-need-to-know post that will (hopefully!) answer all your lamb-related questions, such as:
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What is lamb meal in dog food?
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What are the benefits of grass-fed lamb?
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Is lamb good for dogs with allergies?
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When to choose lamb dog food over chicken?
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What other ingredients are in lamb kibble?
Consider this article your main hub for all mutton-related inquiries. On that note, let’s talk lamb…
Can Dogs Eat Lamb as a Chicken Substitute?
While lamb might not be top of mind when you think of dog food, dog nutrition experts have found that lamb is an excellent option for dogs for the following reasons:
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Dense, quality protein
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Rich in vitamins & minerals
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Helpful omega fatty acids, iron, and dietary fats
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Dogs adore the taste!
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Super substitute to chicken for dogs with food sensitivities or pups who’ve developed an allergy.
Chicken vs Lamb
As we know, the very nature of chicken (a bird) and lamb (a mammal) are quite different so it’s not terribly surprising they each provide unique benefits for dogs. Let’s break down the pros of each.
Benefits of Chicken Dog Food:
Low in Fat – Great for chubbier pups and dogs who gain weight easily.
Rich in B Vitamins – Helps boost your dog’s energy levels and provides immune support.
Supports Joint Health: Chicken’s got all the goods that help with joint health and mobility, which is great for aging dogs and those with arthritis.
Benefits of Lamb Dog Food:
Higher in Iron and Zinc - Promotes red-blood-cell production and overall health.
Succulent taste – Lamb’s density and mouthwatering taste mean satisfaction’s pretty much guaranteed.
Less Allergy Risk – As lamb is a less-common dog food meat, it’s often recommended for dogs with a sensitivity or allergy to other protein sources such as chicken, poultry, or beef.
One thing chicken and lamb have in common? They’re both quality proteins, so unless your dog has an allergy to chicken, don’t write the bird off just yet!
That said, lamb can be an awesome addition to your dog’s diet. When it’s mixed with veggies in a quality lamb dog food kibble, your pup’s getting a fully balanced meal.
Why is Lamb Good for Dogs with Allergies & Sensitive Digestion?
Here’s the deal with dogs eating too much of the same common proteins: Over time, foods like chicken, as said above, may trigger sensitivities in dogs and their immune system can go haywire, developing an intolerance or allergic reaction.
While we think “It’s just chicken,” some dog’s immune systems overreact, perceiving it as a threat. This can lead to:
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Itching
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Upset stomach
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Skin problems
To keep your dog’s diet fresh and balanced, it’s best to mix up protein sources over time, but consult with your vet when creating your dog’s annual meal plan.
When you decide you switch proteins, be sure to transition their food gradually over a few weeks to avoid tummy issues.
In sum, here’s why lamb is a great go-to if your dog has food allergies:
Lamb’s not only healthy, it’s a novel “hypoallergenic protein” which means it’s less likely to cause an allergic reaction in your dog — which we certainly want to avoid!
Speaking of novel proteins, have a gander at our post What Meat is Best for Dogs with Allergies, to explore all kinds of hypoallergenic dog food options.
Dogs and Food Allergies
So what are the most common foods / ingredients that dogs are sensitive to or can develop allergies to over time? Here are the top three:
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Grain
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Soy
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Chicken & Poultry
Grains can be tough to digest, soy may cause allergies, and chicken can trigger irritation in sensitive pups. Luckily, there are plenty of tasty, tummy-friendly alternatives to keep your dog feelin’ a-okay.
One of the most in-demand chicken-free and grain-free options? Jinx’ Grass-Fed Lamb Kibble. Not only is it hypoallergenic, it’s also packed with pretty much everything your dog needs: protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, the works.
Other factors that can contribute to allergies in dogs? Your pup’s breed, aging (senior dogs can develop them), and — at the risk of repeating ourselves! — overexposure to a single, common protein source. Might be time to serve up some lamb kibble!
Dog Breeds Most Prone to Allergies
Just because we’re listing dog breeds most prone to allergies, doesn’t mean every dog in that breed will have them! That said, genetics play an important role in which pups are more sensitive to certain foods:
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Golden Retrievers
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Pitbulls
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Bulldogs
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German Shepherds
What About Lamb for Dogs with Chronic Health Issues?
If your pup has a chronic condition like pancreatitis or kidney disease, it’s best to chat with your vet before switching to a lamb diet as some lamb diets can be higher in fat*.
Fortunately Jinx Lamb Kibble doesn’t fall in the high-fat camp. It’s intentionally made with lean lamb and other healthy superfoods so more dogs can enjoy its lamby goodness.
That said, if your vet tells you to steer clear of all lamb, you must obey their orders. You don’t want to aggravate any pre-existing health issues.
*Nutritional Requirements for Canine Pancreatitis Patients, SASH (Small Animal Specialist Hospital)
Grass-Fed vs Grain-Fed Lamb
Of course what a lamb eats affects the quality and taste of the meat. Grass-fed lambs enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet of fresh, green grasses. They roam free, munch on natural pasture, promoting lean, healthy muscle. Grain-fed lambs have a more structured meal plan of nutritious grains, helping them bulk up with muscle and a bit more fat.
Grass-fed: Think of grass-fed lamb as your premium option. Full of vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and natural anti-inflammatory agents that support healthy dog skin, joints, and hearts. It’s leaner (14% less fat) with more nutrients from those lush, green pastures! Another plus of grass-fed lamb dog food? Dogs looooove the taste.
Grain-fed: More of a classic choice, grain-fed lamb is a tad higher in fat and slightly lower in omega-3s. As it’s a bit richer, it might not offer as many health perks as grass-fed.
In short, grass-fed lamb’s like a superfood for your dog while grain-fed is a solid go-to option.
And while it might sound too good to be true — but get ready — Jinx Grass-Fed Lamb Dog Food is hitting shelves nationwide (yep, even your pup’s!) in March 2025!
The countdown is on for tasty, nutrient-packed, hypoallergenic lamb dog food!
Benefits of Lamb for Your Dog
While the sections above gave you a taste of lamb’s advantages, here’s the whole benefits enchilada:
Power-up Your Pup Lamb is packed with top-quality protein and healthy fats that fuel your dog’s brain, muscles, and energy levels. Play time!
Shiny, Healthy Coat Lamb's amino acids have your dog's back, supporting a strong immune system and keeping their skin soft and smooth — no more dry, flaky patches.
Juice for the Joints Lamb is rich in glucosamine, which helps keep their joints working as they should, reducing the risk of arthritis.
Better Bones Lamb’s high-calcium content keeps your dog’s bones and teeth strong and healthy.
Happy Heart Lamb has taurine, which helps keep their heart in tip-top shape for all those tail-wagging adventures.
Adios, Allergies! Given lamb’s “less-common” protein status, it’s a tasty alternative to chicken or poultry for food-sensitive pups. Added plus: It can help reduce inflammation over time. Nice work, lamb!
How to Feed Your Dog Lamb
While lamb is a fantastic source of protein and nutrients for your dog, here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to lamb dog food.
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Dogs can eat a lot of lamb parts: muscles, liver, bones, kidney — but you’ll need to make sure they’re part of a pre-cooked, quality formula like Jinx Grass-Fed Lamb Kibble.
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Overweight dogs, or those with kidney issues or pancreatitis, should definitely steer clear of lamb fat as it’s tough on their system.
How to Safely Switch to a Lamb-based Diet?
When transitioning your pup to a lamb, go slow. Their tummies need time to transition.
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Mix small amounts of your dog’s new lamb 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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Always watch out for allergic reactions like itching, ear infections, and digestion trouble — and contact your vet if symptoms continue or get worse.
FAQ’s
Is lamb better than chicken for dogs with allergies?
Lamb can be a real hero for pups with allergies! It's less common than chicken, so less likely to trigger a reaction.
How do I transition my dog to lamb-based food?
Easy does it! Gradually mix the lamb into their regular food over a week or two—think of it like a little flavor surprise each day!
Can dogs with sensitive stomachs eat lamb?
Lamb’s a gentle giant for sensitive stomachs, but start slow — sometimes a little nibble goes a long way in finding their perfect match!
What are signs that my dog has a food allergy?
If your dog is scratching, licking paws, acting a little “off,” or they’re having bouts of diarrhea — their belly might be sending you a message. Time to check the ingredients! And check in with your vet asap.
Is lamb safe for dogs to eat raw?
While raw lamb may sound exciting, it comes with a few risks (hello, bacteria!) Before you hand your pup a raw chop, try a lamb dog food packed with protein and nutrients, and no chance of germy gremlins!
Still on the Fence About Lamb Dog Food?
While lamb has a TON going for it: super protein source, packed with nutrients, hypoallergenic, amazing taste — it’s totally okay if you’re still not sure it’s right for your dog.
If you’d like more advice about switching your pup to lamb dog food, reach out to your trusted vet or the experts at Jinx! We’re here to help with any-and-all questions about hypoallergenic diets and our new Grass-Fed Lamb Kibble.