Buy dog food with chicken

Dog food with chicken is by far the most chosen flavour for dogs in the UK — and not without reason. Chicken is a high-quality, lean protein source rich in essential amino acids, B-group vitamins and minerals such as phosphorus and selenium. The flavour is mild and appealing, so even fussy dogs usually want to eat it. At Fidello you'll find dog food with chicken in all forms: cold pressed and extruded kibbles, wet food, raw meat (BARF), snacks and chews.

Whether you have a puppy of six weeks, a sporty adult labrador or a quiet senior: chicken food is a good base for almost every dog. In this overview, you'll read why chicken is such a good protein source, which dogs it's suitable for, how to choose the best chicken food and what to know about chicken allergies.

Why dog food with chicken?

Nutritionally, chicken is an excellent protein source for dogs:

• High-quality proteins with a complete amino acid profile — essential for muscle maintenance, immunity and cell renewal
• Lean meat — relatively little saturated fat, suitable for dogs that need to maintain weight
• Easily digestible — especially chicken breast is quickly and well absorbed by dogs
• Rich in vitamin B6 and B12 — important for the nervous system and energy metabolism
• Source of phosphorus — for strong bones and teeth
• Selenium and niacin — for antioxidant action
• Glucosamine in cartilage and joints — naturally present in chicken necks and feet

In addition, chicken is widely available globally, relatively affordable and well combinable with all kinds of vegetables, grains, herbs and supplements — which means manufacturers can offer a large selection of chicken foods.

Which dogs is chicken food suitable for?

Dog food with chicken is a good choice for most dogs:

• Puppies and young dogs — chicken provides the proteins and amino acids needed for growth. Also check out our puppy food
• Adult dogs — as a base for a balanced diet
• Active and sporty dogs — because of the lean but nutritious protein composition
• Overweight dogs — choose a light variant for less fat
• Senior dogs — chicken food is easily digestible and maintains muscle mass. See also senior dog food
• Fussy eaters — chicken is one of the tastiest protein sources for dogs
• Dogs during recovery after illness or surgery, due to the easy digestibility

Chicken allergy in dogs: how often does it occur?

Chicken is — alongside beef and dairy — one of the most common food allergens in dogs. Yet truly diagnosed food allergies are rare: estimates put it at around 1 to 2% of all dogs. Many complaints attributed to food turn out, on closer examination, to be environmental allergies, flea allergy or skin fungus.

Symptoms that may indicate a chicken allergy are: persistent itching, bald patches, recurring ear infections, loose stools, gas formation or skin rash. Suspecting an allergy? Then follow an elimination diet with another protein (for example lamb, duck, rabbit or insects). For that, check out our hypoallergenic dog food selection.

Different forms of dog food with chicken

Chicken is available in almost every food form:

• Dry food with chicken — practical, well preserved, often the most affordable. Browse dog kibbles
• Wet food with chicken — extra moisture, tastier and softer. Suitable for dogs that drink little or have sensitive teeth. See wet food for dogs
• Cold pressed kibble with chicken — more natural process with preservation of nutrients. Browse cold pressed dog food
• Raw meat / BARF with chicken — closest to the natural diet
• Snacks and rewards with chicken — popular for training. See dog snacks
• Chews based on chicken — chicken feet, chicken necks, dried chicken jerky

Chicken with or without grain?

Chicken food is available in both grain-containing and grain free variants. Which you choose depends on your dog:

• Chicken with grains (rice, maize, wheat) — often more affordable, suitable for dogs without grain intolerance
• Grain free chicken food — for dogs with sensitive digestion or suspected grain intolerance. Often with potato, sweet potato or peas as the carbohydrate source

Benefits of dog food with chicken

• Lean, high-quality and easily digestible protein source
• Tasty — attractive even for fussy eaters
• Rich in B-vitamins, phosphorus and selenium
• Combines well with all kinds of carbohydrates and vegetables
• Available in every food form: kibble, wet, raw, snacks
• Suitable for all ages and sizes of dogs
• Often more affordable than exclusive proteins such as venison or ostrich
• Wide choice in both grain free and grain-containing variants

Considerations with chicken food

• Quality varies enormously — watch whether it says "fresh chicken", "chicken meal" or "chicken and animal by-products". Fresh chicken and specified chicken meal are better than vague by-products
• Percentage — a high percentage of chicken in the first place of the ingredient list is a sign of quality
• Feed varied — don't feed exclusively chicken for years; alternation with other protein sources lowers the chance of sensitivity
• For allergy symptoms — consider an elimination diet with another protein
• Cooking method of fresh meat — never give cooked chicken bones (splinter), raw is safe provided it's of good quality

How to choose quality chicken food?

A few rules of thumb:

• Choose food where chicken is the first ingredient (ideally 25–60% or more)
• Preference for "fresh chicken" or "dehydrated chicken / chicken meal" over "animal by-products"
• Watch for the presence of identifiable ingredients (no "meat and animal by-products")
• Avoid artificial colours, flavours and aromas
• Choose a brand that is open about the origin of the chicken (e.g. UK or European origin)
• For sensitive dogs: preferably choose a single protein composition (only chicken, no mix with beef or pork)

Combining chicken food with other foods

Chicken is an excellent base, but variety makes a diet complete. Good combinations:

• Chicken food + one or two days a week of fish wet food (for extra omega 3)
• Chicken food + salmon oil for a shiny coat
• Chicken food + natural chew bones for teeth and jaw development
• Chicken food + joint supplements for senior dogs
• Chicken food + vegetable/fruit additions (carrot, broccoli, blueberries) for extra fibre and vitamins

Frequently asked questions about dog food with chicken

Can my puppy eat chicken every day?
Yes, provided the puppy food is balanced for growth (correct calcium-phosphorus ratio, sufficient DHA). Variety with other protein sources is, however, recommended.

How do I know if my dog is allergic to chicken?
A real food allergy is determined via an elimination diet of 6–8 weeks with a new protein. After that, you reintroduce chicken and see if the symptoms return. Preferably do this under guidance of a vet.

Can I just give my dog cooked chicken?
Sometimes yes, as a reward or with stomach-intestinal complaints (boiled chicken with rice is a classic). For the long term, however, plain cooked chicken is incomplete — it lacks vitamins, minerals and the right calcium-phosphorus ratio.

What's the difference between "fresh chicken" and "chicken meal" on the label?
Fresh chicken consists of about 70% water; chicken meal is dried chicken with the water removed. Per gram, chicken meal contains more protein. Both can be high quality — mainly look for transparent origin.

Can my dog eat chicken bones?
Raw chicken bones are usually safe and even good for the teeth. Cooked chicken bones are dangerous because they splinter — never give those.

Is chicken food suitable for overweight dogs?
Yes, especially lean chicken variants or light formulas. Also check out our prescription diet food.

Which chicken food is best for a sensitive stomach?
Choose cold pressed kibbles or wet food with single chicken composition, without grains, without artificial additives, and with prebiotics for the gut flora.

How much chicken food should my dog have per day?
Follow the dosage table on the packaging, based on your dog's weight and activity level. Adjust with weight changes. In doubt? A dog nutrition advisor or vet can give personal advice.

Tips for choosing dog food with chicken

• Choose quality over price — cheap brands often contain more fillers
• Always read the ingredient list: chicken should be at the top
• For sensitive dogs, choose single chicken composition (mono-protein)
• Vary once a week or month with another protein source
• Combine with vegetables, fish or raw meat for variety
• Start with a small bag to test taste and tolerance
• Avoid chicken food for dogs with confirmed chicken allergy

Order dog food with chicken at Fidello

Browse the complete range of dog food with chicken below — dry, wet, raw, cold pressed kibbles and snacks — and choose nutrition that suits the taste and needs of your dog. Quickly delivered and with expert advice. Also check out our other nutritional categories such as grain free dog food, hypoallergenic food, senior food and salmon oil for dogs.