Chicken is one of the most common proteins used in commercial dog treats. However, some dogs are allergic or sensitive to chicken. Eliminating chicken from your dog’s diet can help determine if chicken is a problem and allow you to find treats that don’t trigger adverse reactions.
Fortunately, nowadays there are many high-quality chicken-free dog treats on the market made with alternative protein sources. This article explores 11 healthy and delicious chicken-free dog treats to reward your pooch.
Why Choose Chicken-Free Dog Treats?
Here are some reasons why chicken-free treats may be a better option for your furry friend
-
Chicken allergies – Chicken is one of the most common food allergens for dogs. Allergic reactions can cause itchy skin, ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhea. Removing chicken may help alleviate these symptoms.
-
Food sensitivities – While not a full-blown allergy, some dogs have sensitivities to chicken that can cause minor digestive upset. Chicken-free treats can help.
-
Protein rotation – Rotating different protein sources can prevent dogs from developing allergies or sensitivities over time Chicken-free treats add variety.
-
Fresh flavors – Chicken-free treats allow dogs to experience new and exciting flavors beyond just chicken.
11 Best Chicken-Free Dog Treats
-
Zuke’s Superfoods Dog Treats – These grain-free treats feature nutrient-dense superfoods like turmeric, coconut oil, and cherry. The duck recipe is a tasty chicken alternative.
-
Blue Buffalo Biscuits – Made with wholesome ingredients like salmon, blueberries, and potatoes. No chicken or poultry by-product meals.
-
Riley’s Organics Pumpkin Treats – A single-ingredient treat made from dehydrated, organic pumpkin. Nutritious and easy to digest.
-
Wellness WellBites – Soft, bite-sized treats featuring lamb and salmon. Enriched with antioxidants and superfoods.
-
Stella & Chewy’s Carnivore Crunch – These air-dried treats contain 98% duck and are high in protein. Grain-free and gluten-free.
-
Nutro Crunchy Treats – Real salmon is the #1 ingredient. Contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
-
Merrick Power Bites – Grain-free recipe with beef, sweet potatoes, and turmeric. Perfect for small dogs.
-
Blue Wilderness Trail Treats – Crunchy biscuits baked with duck, quail, and pheasant.
-
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets – Formulated to help manage food sensitivities. Limited ingredients including salmon and rice.
-
Fruitables Pumpkin & Blueberry – Made with real pumpkin, blueberries, apples, and carrots. Great for dental health.
-
Barkworthies Odor-Free Bully Sticks – Single-ingredient chews made from free-range, grass-fed beef. Long-lasting treat.
What to Look for in Chicken-Free Treats
Focus on treats with:
-
Limited ingredients: Avoid long lists of fillers, by-products, and unnecessary additives.
-
Whole food sources: Seek recognizable, whole ingredients like fruits, veggies, and high-quality proteins.
-
Natural preservatives: Prefer treats without artificial preservatives like BHA or BHT which can trigger reactions.
-
Grain-free options: Many dogs tolerate grain-free recipes better. Choose treats made with potatoes, legumes, etc.
-
Low calories: Since treats are an addition to regular meals, keep calories moderate. Around 5 calories per treat is ideal.
-
Company reputation: Seek treats from companies with rigorous quality standards and a focus on dog health.
Are Chicken-Free Treats More Expensive?
Chicken-free treats range in price depending on the brand, ingredients, manufacturing process, etc. Premium, natural treats made in smaller batches tend to be more expensive. However, many chicken-free treats are competitively priced with big-name, chicken-based treats on the market. Focus on quality ingredients rather than lower cost.
Introducing Chicken-Free Treats
When transitioning to chicken-free treats:
-
Start with small amounts to allow your dog’s digestive system to adjust
-
Monitor stool quality and energy levels for any changes
-
Gradually increase treat portions if no adverse reactions
-
Rotate different chicken-free proteins to add variety
Should You Make Your Own?
Homemade treats allow control over ingredients but require more time. Some easy chicken-free recipes include:
-
Peanut butter treats: Peanut butter, oats, honey, and egg
-
Pumpkin treats: Canned pumpkin, whole wheat flour, cinnamon
-
Banana bites: Bananas, peanut butter, oats
Talk to your vet before changing your dog’s diet. When crafted thoughtfully, chicken-free treats provide dogs with variety and new flavors to enjoy while avoiding problematic ingredients. Get creative in the kitchen or shop smart to find treats that align with your dog’s needs and health.
#4 – Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Original Biscuits | Fish & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Dog Treats for Adult Dogs of All Breeds | 14-oz. Pouch
The Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Original Biscuits are grain-free dog treats made with fish and sweet potato. The treats are formulated with a simplified list of premium ingredients, providing a single animal protein source and no grain, soy, gluten, artificial colors, or flavors. They are suitable for any type of dog and are crafted to be nutritious and tasty. Natural Balance ensures the safety of its products through its ‘Feed with Confidence’ program, which tests every batch of food for quality.
#7 – Cloud Star Wag More Bark Less Crunchy Dog Treats Baked in the USA, Oats & Grains, Crunchy Peanut Butter 16 oz. (Packaging May Vary)
The Cloud Star Wag More Bark Less Crunchy Dog Treats are a natural and healthy option for dog owners looking to treat their furry friends. These treats are made with natural peanut butter and whole grains like rolled oats, flaxseed, barley, and wheat bran. They are free of corn, soy, artificial flavors, and colors, and are oven baked in the USA. With minimal processing and simple ingredients, these treats are a wholesome choice for dogs.
Stop Buying Unhealthy Dog Treats! Make These Easy Chicken Dog Treats Your Pup will Love! ♥
FAQ
What dog treats do not contain chicken?
- Blue Buffalo Nudges Grillers Made in the USA with Real Steak Natural Dog Treats 16 oz. …
- Nylabone Healthy Edibles Edible Antler Real Venison Dog Treats 10 count. …
- Zuke’s Mini Naturals Soft and Chewy Dog Treats for Training Pouch Natural Treat Bites with Rabbit Recipe 6 oz.
What to feed a dog if he’s allergic to chicken?
- Protein 1: Lamb. Pet nutritionists consider lamb to be a popular protein choice for pets that are allergic to chicken or other commonly used protein sources. …
- Protein 2: Whitefish. …
- Protein 3: Beef. …
- Protein 4: Turkey.
What are the three ingredient dog treats that doesn t taste like chicken?
Ingredients needed:
To make these dog treats for your favorite pet, all you need are these three ingredients- peanut butter, banana, and oats! Peanut Butter: make sure that the peanut butter you use is natural peanut butter. The only ingredient should be peanuts.
Do Greenies dog treats have chicken?
A: Greenies do contain natural poultry flavorings from chicken.
Are dog treats chicken-free?
Chicken-free dog treats can be made with a variety of protein sources such as beef, lamb, fish, turkey, venison, or even plant-based proteins like peas or lentils. 4. How can I be sure a treat is completely chicken-free? Always read the ingredient list carefully. Avoid products that list chicken, chicken meal, chicken fat, or chicken by-products.
Can dogs eat chicken?
Chicken is a great treat any day for dogs, and even humans, but if your dog is allergic to chicken, you might want to consider getting some chicken free dog treats, to ensure the wellbeing of your pet. Treats are given to pets by hand, regardless of the main meals, and their purchase is often not planned but, is a spontaneous act.
Can dogs eat chicken without grains?
Since chicken allergies in dogs are relatively common, there are a number of foods offering alternatives to chicken. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains has several grain-inclusive chicken-free alternatives, while Taste of the Wild has a few chicken-free picks without grains if your dog also needs a grain-free diet.
What can a dog eat if he doesn’t eat chicken?
Ground pork, Russet potatoes, Green beans, Squash, Kale, Brown mushrooms 2. Yumwoof Perfect Kibble Delicious, full of real beef, and shelf-stable, this US-made, air-dried food will have your pup lickin’ his lips and beggin’ for more. See Pricing Now! About: Got a picky eater in needing an alternative to chicken?
Can dogs eat grain free treats?
We call it guilty free, for grain-free treats. Finding the right treatment is never easy but, this one will certainly become your favorite one. Just for a healthy snack or for training your dog, this treat is made of lamb and salmon. Don’t be surprised when you notice, that the salmon made your dog’s coat look shiny.
Are dog treats gluten free?
NO CORN, WHEAT, OR SOY: Treats for dogs do not contain poultry by products, wheat, wheat gluten, corn, soy, MADE IN USA: Our dog treats are quality-assured, made in USA, and crafted from the finest globally-sourced We call it guilty free, for grain-free treats.