Can Dogs Be Allergic to Chicken? Vets Explain the Truth

Dealing with red, itchy skin on your dog is a pain—literally. If you’ve noticed your dog relentlessly itching and chewing, or if they’ve had recurring ear infections or skin lesions that just won’t go away, you may be dealing with a food allergy.

Chicken is a common ingredient in a lot of kibble and treats, making it a usual suspect of food allergies in dogs. But can dogs really be allergic to chicken? With the help of our veterinarians, we learned whether dogs can be allergic to chicken and how to help relieve their itchy symptoms.

Understanding Food Allergies in Dogs

According to Dr. Alex Crow, founder of Pet Health Guru, food allergies and food intolerances aren’t the same, though they can look alike. “A food allergy is when a dog’s immune system reacts to something in their food, usually a protein, and treats it like an enemy. This can cause itching, skin problems, or stomach issues,” he says. “Food intolerances don’t involve the immune system.”

Dr. Crow explains that food allergies show up as itching and redness, ear infections, and even skin lesions. Food intolerances, on the other hand, cause digestive problems like upset stomachs or diarrhea. It is possible, however, for a dog with a food allergy to also show GI issues like vomiting, as well.
While chicken is commonly blamed for food allergies, studies show that beef, dairy, wheat, and lamb also frequently cause reactions in dogs.

Can Dogs Be Allergic to Chicken?

Yes, dogs can, in fact, be allergic to chicken. “Chicken is one of the more commonly reported allergens in dogs diagnosed with food allergies,” says Dr. Athena Gaffud of Country Vet Mom. “When a dog with a chicken allergy consumes chicken, their immune system mistakenly identifies certain chicken proteins as harmful invaders and produces antibodies against them, leading to allergic reactions.”

She explains that because chicken is a widely popular ingredient in dog food and treats, more dogs are exposed to it, giving them a higher probability of being allergic to it. “Despite this, the exact prevalence of chicken allergies relative to other food allergies varies, but it remains one of the top culprits.”

Symptoms of Chicken Allergies in Dogs

Food allergies are caused by an abnormal immune response to specific proteins, such as chicken, which can lead to clinical signs such as:

• Pruritus (itching)
• Erythema (redness) 
• Ear inflammation or infections (otitis externa) 
• Gastrointestinal issues (vomiting, diarrhea)
• Licking or chewing at paws or skin
• Chronic gas or flatulence
• Respiratory symptoms (coughing, sneezing)

How to Diagnose a Chicken Allergy in Your Dog

If you suspect food allergies are causing your dog’s discomfort, your best bet is to work with a trusted veterinarian to diagnose the issue. Both Dr. Crow and Dr. Gaffud suggest starting with a food elimination trial. 

In food elimination trials, pet owners feed their dogs a diet that excludes chicken (or any other potential allergens) for 8 to 12 weeks. They then wait to see if their symptoms improve or go away entirely. If they do improve, chicken is then reintroduced to see if symptoms return. If symptoms return, an allergy can likely be confirmed. 

Dr. Gaffud also explains that blood tests and intradermal skin tests can be done, too, to check for allergies, but aren’t the primary options. “Blood tests are conducted to detect specific antibodies against chicken proteins, although these tests are not as accurate and are generally used as supplementary tools,” she says. “Intradermal skin testing, where small amounts of chicken proteins are injected under the dog’s skin, is another method, though it is more commonly used for environmental allergies.” 

Overall, while blood tests and skin tests provide clues, the food elimination trial remains the gold standard for diagnosing a chicken allergy in dogs.

Managing Chicken Allergies in Dogs

The best way to manage a chicken allergy is to remove all chicken from your dog’s diet. It’s easy for kibble to use chicken fat, chicken meal, or other “small” chicken proteins as filler ingredients, even if the main protein source in the food isn’t chicken. 

Find a dog food made with a novel protein (i.e. less common, like duck, venison, or whitefish) or put your pup on a hypoallergenic, or allergen-free, diet. These diets usually contain proteins that are broken down small enough that your dog’s body won’t react to them. Your vet can give you a prescription for these foods and help you choose the best one for your dog. 

It’s also important to remember that, even if you change your dog’s food, you also need to be careful with any treats or chews you feed them. Many formulas include chicken, so check labels to avoid accidentally feeding your dog chicken through the occasional treat. Thankfully there are chicken-free treat options, like Purina Pro Plan Gentle Snackers or Hill’s Diet Hypoallergenic treats, for dog parents to spoil their pups with.

Long-term Management and Care

Managing your dog’s food allergy long-term requires on-going attention to their diet and health. “Keep an eye out for any signs of itching, gastrointestinal upset, or ear infections, as these indicate accidental exposure to chicken or the development of new allergies,” Dr. Gaffud says.

Regular vet check-ups are also essential to manage the allergy effectively. Your veterinarian help can adjust your dog’s diet if new symptoms arise and will monitor their overall health. “Dogs can also develop new food allergies over time, so maintaining a close relationship with your veterinarian allows for prompt adjustments to the diet if new sensitivities emerge.” 

Dr. Gaffud also suggests that, in some cases, rotating protein sources periodically (under veterinary guidance, of course) may help reduce the risk of your dog developing new allergies.

Final Thoughts on Chicken Allergies in Dogs

If you’ve noticed your dog scratching or chewing at red, itchy skin recently, or suspect that they may have developed a food allergy, chicken may be your culprit. But the best way to fully confirm the suspicion is with the help of your vet. It’s vital that pet parents stay vigilant and aware of their dog’s diet, overall health, and any new symptoms that pop up.  

Don’t worry—if your dog is allergic to chicken, there are plenty of options for chicken-free dog food and treats to help them thrive and live an itch-free life!