Chicken Allergy in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know

Chicken is a common ingredient in dog food, so it’s also one of the most common food allergens. Unlike food sensitivities that don’t trigger an immune response, food allergies cause an overreaction of the immune system, leading to skin, digestive, and respiratory symptoms.

Continue reading to learn how to identify, diagnose, and manage chicken allergies in dogs.

What Causes Chicken Allergy in Dogs?

What are dogs allergic to in chicken? Their immune system reacts to the protein, viewing it as a threat and launching an attack that causes inflammation.

Dogs of all ages and breeds can develop an allergy to chicken. However, certain breeds, such as the Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, and West Highland White Terrier, might be more prone to food allergies. 

The causes for chicken allergies in dogs aren’t always known. For some, it might be genetically inherited, while in others it might be a matter of eating the same protein all the time—the body is exposed to too much of it over time, to the point that it becomes sensitive to it.

Symptoms of a Chicken Allergy in Dogs

The signs of food allergies in dogs vary, with some dogs developing minor symptoms and others experiencing more severe reactions. Skin  Dog chicken allergy skin symptoms include: Itching Swelling Redness Irritation

• Hair loss or hot spots (caused by scratching, biting, or licking at skin)
• Hives or rashes
• Skin infection
• Ear infection
• Digestive system

Another way that a chicken allergy can affect your dog is by impacting their digestion. This can result in symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and gas. Changes in appetite and weight loss can also occur.  Respiratory system

Food allergies can cause respiratory symptoms that might be minor like sneezing and coughing or serious like trouble breathing. Eyes

Effects on the eyes, like blepharitis (swollen eyelids) and conjunctivitis (pink eye), are possible with food allergies.

A dog allergic to chicken could experience multiple types of reactions, such as skin and digestive problems. Some might even experience changes in behavior and energy level. If your dog is showing any of these symptoms it is best to consult your veterinarian.

Your vet may want you to try to determine if your dog shows any symptoms shortly after eating chicken. For example, if you switch between proteins when feeding your dog, and you notice symptoms occur after they eat chicken in particular but not other proteins, this could indicate your dog is allergic to chicken.

Note: Food allergies and environmental allergies can share the same symptoms, such as skin issues. However, food allergies are more likely the culprit if there are digestive symptoms.  Diagnosing a Chicken Allergy in Dogs

Your veterinarian can confirm if your dog has a chicken allergy, so let them know about any symptoms. Don’t change your dog’s diet without consulting your vet first, as you want to be sure you’re zeroing in on the exact cause and providing the right treatments.

After examining your pet and determining that other conditions aren’t to blame, your vet may recommend an elimination diet for eight to 12 weeks. This trial will involve feeding your dog foods that they’ve never eaten.

Then, your vet will guide you on how to reintroduce your dog’s old foods to see if they trigger a reaction. If, after chicken is reintroduced, your dog experiences the same symptoms as before, you’ll know there’s a food allergy.

Though strict, a food trial can shed light on specific ingredients to avoid. Once your veterinarian has a better understanding of the allergy triggers, they’ll be able to recommend new foods that will be tolerated.

Note: Your vet may order other tests, such as blood tests, to determine if an environmental allergy is the cause of your pet’s symptoms. Blood tests and intradermal testing aren’t always conclusive for food allergies, but they can point to other allergies that can be managed with the right approach. 

Best Diet for Dogs with a Chicken Allergy

The best dog food for chicken allergies is one that doesn’t contain any chicken meat or ingredients derived from chicken, such as organs, by-products, and broth.

Some dogs with chicken allergies are also sensitive to other poultry, such as turkey and duck, so you might need to eliminate those, too.

Based on your elimination trial, your veterinarian will recommend the right hypoallergenic diet for your dog. Options include: Novel protein

There are several novel proteins—such as venison, rabbit, beef, lamb, and fish—and these diets are available with or without a prescription. Your veterinarian might even recommend vegetarian foods for dogs, which provide plant-based proteins like tofu that might not cause an allergic reaction.

Note: A manufacturer might produce dog foods with and without chicken in the same facility, so traces of chicken might end up in foods that shouldn’t have any. Prescription diets reduce the risk of cross-contamination.  Hydrolyzed protein

Hydrolyzed proteins are already broken down, so your dog’s immune system won’t react to them, and they may be easier to digest.

Diets containing hydrolyzed proteins are available with a prescription from your veterinarian. Limited ingredient

Limited ingredient diets are good for dogs with food allergies, especially if your pet is allergic or sensitive to multiple ingredients and not just chicken. These might contain a single protein source.   Homemade or raw 

To have total control over ingredients, you can make dog food in your own kitchen, whether you want to feed a cooked diet or a raw one.

If you want to take this approach, only do so with the guidance of a veterinarian to be sure the diet is complete and balanced.

Best Dog Food for Dogs with Chicken Allergies

Here are some poultry-free foods to consider if your dog is allergic to chicken:

1. Hill's Prescription Diet d/d Potato & Venison

Highlights

Limited ingredients and single novel protein of venison. No soy. High levels of omega-3s help reduce inflammation and support skin health.

Things to Consider

Requires a prescription. Also available in dry food.

2. Nutro Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Adult Lamb and Sweet Potato

Highlights

Limited ingredient recipe with 10 ingredients or less. Non-GMO ingredients. No chicken, chicken by-product meal, beef, egg, dairy protein, soy, wheat, or corn. No artificial preservatives or flavors.

Things to Consider

Contains potatoes and lentils, which some pet parents might want to limit or avoid.

3. JustFoodForDogs Beef & Russet Potato Frozen Human-Grade Fresh Dog Food

Highlights

No preservatives, grains, gluten, growth hormones, or additives. Also available in other flavors suitable for dogs with food allergies, such as venison and squash or lamb and brown rice.

Things to Consider

Formulated for active, adult dogs, as well as large-breed dogs and underweight dogs, but not for puppies. Needs to be stored in your refrigerator.

4. Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice

Highlights

Gentle on the stomach. Salmon is the first ingredient. No corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or artificial flavors.  

Things to Consider

Also available in wet food. Contains grains.

5. Instinct Original Real Rabbit Recipe

Highlights

First ingredient is farm-raised rabbit. No grains, wheat, corn, soy, potatoes, artificial colors, or artificial preservatives.

Things to Consider

Contains peas, which some dog parents opt to avoid. Available in dry food.

When to See a Veterinarian

If your dog is exhibiting symptoms of a food allergy (e.g., persistent digestive upset, weight loss, skin irritation), see a veterinarian as soon as possible.

There aren’t any cures for food allergies, but there are ways to manage them, particularly with vet-guided, long-term dietary changes and supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics.

Your veterinarian might prescribe medications to relieve symptoms, such as antihistamines, anti-itch medications, or corticosteroids. Antibiotics can treat secondary infections.

Anaphylaxis is a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction, causing symptoms like sudden vomiting or diarrhea, drooling, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, seizures, and collapse. This type of reaction is rare when it comes to food allergies, but if your dog experiences serious symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care.

Conclusion

Chicken allergies aren’t unusual, and cause various symptoms that can be distressing for both you and your dog. The good news is these allergies are manageable with the right diet and veterinary support.

It takes time, patience, and consistency to figure out the cause of your dog’s allergies, but once you eliminate exposure to allergens like chicken, you should see a difference in how your pet looks and feels.

Don’t try to tackle this problem on your own. Consult your veterinarian for personalized dietary guidance and chicken allergy management, as that’s the best way to give your dog what they need.

Feature Image via James Barker on Unsplash.