When it comes to allergies in dogs, food allergies are in the top five. Despite being so common, food allergies can be difficult to get to the bottom of, partially due to the wide range of symptoms dogs can display. A dog with a food allergy usually develops itchy skin or digestive problems, but they can experience more subtle changes like hyperactivity, weight loss, lack of energy and even aggression.
Since these symptoms can be indicative of a number of issues, your vet will likely suggest an “elimination diet” to determine whether or not a food allergy is present. With an elimination diet, your pet will need to eat meals that don’t contain any ingredients they’ve eaten in the past. After being on this novel diet for eight to 12 weeks, you’ll start to re-introduce ingredients from their old diet – this will give you a better idea of what triggers your dog’s allergy.
After this elimination diet, what most pet parents find is that it’s the protein in their dog’s food that triggers their allergy – chicken being one of the most common culprits. While chicken is a common protein in dog food, there are a number of chicken-free options available, including several Freshpet recipes.
Vital® Grain-Free Beef Recipe with Lamb
This high-protein recipe is verified non-GMO and made of 100% natural beef, lamb, and egg mixed with antioxidant-rich spinach and cranberries. You can find this healthy dog food in 5.5 lb. bags at PetSmart, Petco, and other specialty locations.
Nature’s Fresh® Grain-Free Salmon & Ocean Whitefish Recipe
Made with salmon, ocean whitefish, spinach, cranberries, blueberries and sweet potatoes, this grain-free recipe is full of healthy proteins, vitamins and minerals. You can find 2 lb. rolls at Whole Foods and other speciality locations.
Homestyle Creations™ Natural Beef Recipe
These Homestyle Creations™ patties are made from 100% pure beef and are free from grains, gluten, fillers, and soy. They can be served alone as a complete and balanced meal, or you mix and match with any other Freshpet recipe and portion based on your dog’s dietary needs. You can find 8 oz. pouches, which contain two patties, at select Whole Foods, Target, Meijer, and other specialty locations.
Vital® Grain-Free Beef & Bison Recipe
This verified non-GMO, high-protein, grain-free roll is as tasty as it is healthy. Made of 100% natural beef and bison with antioxidant-rich spinach, blueberries and cranberries, you can find this natural dog food recipe 1 lb., 2 lb., and 5 lb., rolls at PetSmart, Petco, and other specialty locations.
With so many chicken-free dog food recipes available, you’ll never have to sacrifice your dog’s fresh diet to manage their food allergy. If your dog has a different food allergy, there’s a good chance we have a Freshpet recipe that’s suited to their needs. Simply head to our product page and use the filter to sort our recipes by ingredients!