Chicken Allergy in Dogs - What to Feed
What to do if my dog is allergic to chicken?
While true food allergies in dogs are relatively rare, food sensitivities (or sometimes referred as intolerances) can still cause significant chronic discomfort and health issues. Many pet owners may not immediately recognize the signs of a food sensitivity, but symptoms such as chronic skin irritation, ear infections, excessive licking, and gastrointestinal upset (including vomiting or diarrhea) can all point to an adverse reaction to a specific ingredient in their food. Among the most frequently implicated ingredients, one of them is chicken, which is widely used in commercial dog foods due to its availability, palatability, nutritional value, and affordability.
Food Sensitivity vs Food Allergy
A food allergy in dogs involves an immune system response, where the body mistakenly identifies a protein as harmful and mounts a defence against it. This can lead to dermatological symptoms like itchiness, recurrent ear infections, skin infections, loss of fur, thickening of skin, etc., and/or gastrointestinal symptoms such as sloppy poo, diarrhoea, vomiting, etc. In contrast, a food sensitivity or intolerance does not involve the immune system but can still result in similar symptoms that affect a dog’s quality of life. These reactions are often delayed and harder to pinpoint, making diagnosis more challenging.
Why Chicken-Free Dog Food
Chicken is one of the most common food triggers associated with both allergies and sensitivities in dogs – account for 15% of cases in a review of 297 dogs with food allergies1. This may be due to its widespread use in pet foods, which increases the likelihood of repeated exposure and potential sensitisation over time.
Within food allergies, cross-reactivity between proteins may also happen – chicken and fish, chicken and other types of poultry, chicken and feathers are all known possible cross-reactivities2,3,4,5.
For dogs with suspected chicken sensitivities, switching to a poultry free dog food can sometimes be a game-changer. By minimising exposures to chicken and other poultry proteins from their diet, you reduce the risk of triggering adverse reactions.
One excellent option is the Australian Red Meat recipe from Black Hawk’s High Meat range, which is specifically formulated without any poultry ingredients. This recipe is ideal for dogs who don’t tolerate chicken well, offering a complete and balanced nutritional profile using high-quality red meat proteins from Australian lamb, beef, and pork. These proteins are rich in essential amino acids that support muscle development, immune function, and overall wellbeing.
Working With Your Vet to Confirm the Diagnosis
While switching to a poultry free dog food may resolve many symptoms if your dog has sensitivities towards chicken, some dogs may require more specialised diets or even prescription (clinical) formulas, especially for dogs with true allergies. Every dog is different, and what works for one may not work for another. If you suspect your dog has a food allergy, it’s essential to work closely with your veterinarian. They can help you determine whether your dog is dealing with a true allergy, a sensitivity (intolerance), or another underlying issue. In some cases, your vet may recommend an Elimination Diet Trial to help isolate the problem by using a prescription (clinical) diet. Your vet can guide you through the process and monitor your dog’s progress to ensure the chosen diet is effective.
By staying informed and working closely with your veterinarian, you can make confident, evidence-based choices about your dog’s nutrition. With the right diet, your dog can enjoy improved comfort and a better quality of life - one bowl at a time.
Tailoring Your Dog’s Diet with Black Hawk
Selecting the right diet for your dog is one of the most impactful decisions a pet owner can make. Tailoring nutrition to meet your dog’s individual needs - particularly when food sensitivities are present - can significantly enhance their overall wellbeing. At Black Hawk, we offer a diverse range of dog food options designed to help support optimal health without compromising on taste or nutritional integrity. Our formulations are developed with a deep understanding of canine dietary requirements, ensuring that each recipe delivers complete and balanced nutrition. For dogs with sensitive skin & gut but not chicken-sensitivities, the Black Hawk Healthy Benefits Skin & Gut dry food is designed to aid nutrient absorption, support bowel function, and assist with skin and coat health in adult dogs. Many also find that their dog with skin issues respond well to a grain free diet, and Black Hawk have several options which have the above features, plus omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which also help reduce skin reactivity.
References:
1. Mueller RS, Olivry T, Prelaud P: Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (2): common food allergen sources in dogs and cats. BMC Vet Res 2016 Vol 12 (0) pp. 9.
2. Shimakura H, Uchiyama J, Saito T, et al: IgE reactivity to hen egg white allergens in dogs with cutaneous adverse food reactions. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2016 Vol 177 (0) pp. 52-57.
3. Imanishi I, Uchiyama J, Mizukami K, et al: IgE reactivity to fish allergens from Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) in atopic dogs. BMC Vet Res 2020 Vol 16 (1) pp. 341.
4. Olivry T, Pucheu-Haston CM, Mayer U, et al: Identification of major and minor chicken allergens in dogs. Vet Dermatol 2022 Vol 33 (1) pp. 46-e16.
5. Bexley J, Kingswell N, Olivry T: Serum IgE cross-reactivity between fish and chicken meats in dogs. Vet Dermatol 2019 Vol 30 (1) pp. 25-e8.
