Best Chicken Free Dog Treats (Homemade And Commercial)
Written by Tim de Jong
The best chicken-free dog treats are single- or limited-ingredient treats made from another protein, such as salmon, beef or venison, or simple homemade snacks like sweet potato chews, zucchini chips, or plain cooked salmon. Our favorite commercial pick is Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care, which is labeled poultry-free. Whatever you choose, always read the full ingredient list, since many “beef” or “fish” treats still contain chicken fat, broth or meal.
Does your dog have an allergy to chicken? If so, you’re probably on the lookout for chicken-free dog treats. (For main meals, our guide to dog food for dogs with yeast infections includes poultry-free picks.) Fortunately, there are plenty of commercial and homemade options available. Want to know more about the best chicken-free dog treats? Keep reading!
Best homemade chicken free dog treats
Having an allergic dog doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the delicious treats! There are plenty of homemade, chicken-free dog treats available. Here are a few of our favorites:
Chicken-free dog treats without meat:
Peanut butter and banana bites
These bite-sized snacks are perfect for dogs who love peanut butter. Simply combine mashed banana with some natural peanut butter and roll into bite-sized balls. Very simple and very tasty! Always check the label first: some peanut butters contain xylitol (sometimes listed as “birch sugar”), which is highly toxic to dogs. Choose an unsalted peanut butter with peanuts as the only ingredient.
Sweet potato chews
Dogs love chew toys, and these sweet potato chews are the perfect chicken free alternative. Simply wash some sweet potatoes, cut them into thin strips or slices, and bake them low and slow (or use a dehydrator) until they’re dry and chewy. Your dog will love chewing on these healthy treats!
Zucchini chips
Is your dog a fan of chips? If so, they’ll love these zucchini chips! Simply slice some zucchini into thin strips, then bake in the oven until crispy. Be sure to let them cool before giving to your pup, as they can get pretty hot! Don’t put any seasoning on them, as dogs shouldn’t eat salt.
Chicken-free dog treats with meat/fish:
Beef jerky
Beef jerky is a great chicken free treat for dogs who love meat. Skip jerky made for people, though: it’s usually high in salt and often seasoned with garlic or onion powder, which are toxic to dogs. Choose a single-ingredient beef jerky made for dogs, or make your own by drying thin strips of lean beef in a low oven or dehydrator without any seasoning.
Turkey slices
Turkey is another great option for chicken free dog treats. Simply cook some sliced turkey breast (plain, skinless and unseasoned) until cooked through, then let it cool before giving it to your pup. Some dogs that react to chicken also react to other poultry, so check with your vet before giving turkey to a chicken-allergic dog.
Salmon bites
Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your dog’s health. Simply cook some salmon fillets until cooked through, remove any bones, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Never feed raw salmon, which can carry parasites that make dogs seriously ill. You can give these to your dog as is, or mix them with some mashed sweet potato or rice.
Sardines
Sardines are a great, low-cost option for chicken-free dog treats. Simply open a can of sardines packed in water with no added salt (skip those in oil or sauces) and give your pup a few pieces. Canned sardines have soft bones which are safe for dogs to eat, and they’re a good source of calcium.
Best commercial chicken-free dog treats
If you’re looking for something a little more convenient, there are plenty of great commercial chicken free dog treats available. Here are a few of our favorites:
At a glance
3 picks, each best at something different
1Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care
These chicken-free dog treats are perfect for pups with sensitive stomachs. They’re made with real salmon and don’t contain any corn, wheat or soy. We love that they’re oven baked for a crunchy texture that dogs will love. And best of all, they’re packed with vitamins and minerals to keep your pup healthy and happy!
They specifically mention that their product is poultry free. So, if you want to be 100% sure there is no chicken in the product, this is a good choice.
Pros
- Poultry free
- Oven baked
- Good for sensitive stomachs
Cons
- Not all dogs like the taste
2Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Biscuits
As the name suggests, these biscuits only have a few simple ingredients which is perfect for dogs with allergies. The ingredients are also all-natural, so you can feel good about giving them to your pup.
These biscuits come in various flavors including fish, sweet potato, duck, and venison. They are crunchy and perfect for dogs who love to chew. With the limited ingredients, it’s easy to check that the flavor you pick is free of chicken and anything else your dog reacts to.
Note: they also offer chicken-flavored treats, make sure to avoid those if your dog is allergic!
Pros
- Only have a few simple ingredients
- All-natural
- Available in various flavors
Cons
- Crumbles really easy
3Freeze-Dried Training Treats from Pupford
These treats come in a variety of flavors which is great for when your dog is allergic to chicken. The ingredients are simple and natural, which is perfect for health-conscious pup parents. The best part about these treats is that they are freeze-dried to maintain nutrients and taste.
Pupford’s treats come in banana, blueberry, rabbit, salmon, liver, and sweet potato flavors. They are small, light, and perfect for training your dog. With simple, easy-to-follow ingredients, it’s easy to choose a flavor that suits a dog with a chicken allergy.
Note: they also offer chicken-flavored treats, make sure to avoid those if your dog is allergic!
Pros
- Variety of flavors
- Simple, natural ingredients
- Freeze-dried to maintain nutrients and taste
Cons
- Are pretty hard
Final thoughts – Best chicken free dog treats
There are plenty of great chicken free dog treats available, both commercially and homemade. A few of our favorites include Blue Buffalo Basics Skin treats, Pupford freeze-dried training treats, and Natural Balance limited ingredient biscuits.
All of these options can work well for dogs with a chicken allergy. Just be sure to avoid the chicken flavored varieties and check the full ingredient list for chicken fat, chicken broth, chicken meal or “poultry” before buying. And keep treats to around 10% of your dog’s daily calories so they don’t unbalance its diet.
If your dog still has itchy skin, ear infections or an upset stomach after cutting out chicken, talk to your vet. Food allergies are best confirmed with a vet-guided elimination diet, and your dog may be reacting to something else.
If you want to buy natural ingredients to make your own homemade dog treats, we recommend peanut butter, sweet potatoes, and zucchini. For meat/fish, beef jerky, salmon, and sardines are all great chicken-free options. Get creative and have fun experimenting with different flavors to find what your pup loves best!
