Does your dog sometimes scratch more than usual after a meal? Or perhaps you worry about what ingredients your furry friend is actually eating every day? Many dog owners face a puzzle when it comes to feeding time. Finding a food that offers good energy from grains but skips chicken entirely can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Chicken is a very common ingredient, and when dogs have sensitivities to it, the options seem to shrink fast.
It is frustrating when you want a balanced diet for your dog—one with healthy carbohydrates from whole grains—but you need to avoid that one specific protein. You want reliable nutrition that supports a shiny coat and happy digestion without causing tummy troubles or skin issues. This search often leads to confusion about what brands are truly trustworthy.
This post cuts through the noise. We will explore the best Dog Food With Grain No Chicken options available right now. You will learn exactly what to look for on the ingredient label and why these specific formulas work well for sensitive pups. Get ready to discover simple, effective feeding solutions that will bring peace of mind back to your kitchen.
Top Dog Food With Grain No Chicken Recommendations
- Contains one (1) 4 lb. bag of CRAVE Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food with Protein from Chicken—for any size dog
- CRAVE recipes are always crafted with real, high-quality animal protein, no grain, and the full meaty flavor that dogs go wild for
- Made with 34% high protein, to support a strong, lean body
- Grain free with carbohydrate sources like peas for energy
- Crafted with quality ingredients: NO chicken by-product meal, NO corn, wheat, or soy protein, and NO artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Contains: one 4.5 lb bag of Blackwood Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food, Lamb Meal & Brown Rice with Ancient Grains, for All Life Stages
- Zinpro ProPath: Our Sensitive Stomach & Skin recipe contains Zinpro ProPath minerals zinc, manganese, iron and copper to promote healthier digestion, a stronger immune system, and boost skin & coat health by promoting hair growth & reducing shedding
- Slow Cooked Difference: We believe that your pet should love what they eat; We only slow cook in small batches so our dog food not only preserves vital nutrients, vitamins, & minerals but also provides a bold & rich flavor they can taste
- Sensitive Skin & Stomach: our dog food is formulate to promote easy digestion and is enhanced with prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins & minerals for unrivaled nutrient absorption; Omega 6 & 3 fatty acids nourish your dog’s healthy skin, coat, & joints
- Made in the USA: Our wholesome dog food is proudly family-owned and crafted in the USA; Perfect for all breeds at any stage in their life; Nurture your pet with dog food they are going to love as well as keeping them happy, healthy, & vibrant
- REAL SALMON FIRST: This Blue Buffalo dry dog food is made with real, high-quality salmon as the #1 ingredient
- CHICKEN-FREE DOG FOOD: This BLUE Life Protection Formula recipe is chicken-free and made with premium ingredients and contains no corn, wheat or soy
- THE PERFECT BALANCE OF FLAVOR AND NUTRITION: Formulated with essential proteins and carbs for energy needs and Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat
- CONTAINS IMMUNITY-BOOSTING LIFESOURCE BITS: LifeSource Bits contain a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to support immune system health, life stage needs and a healthy oxidative balance
- INCLUDED IN PACKAGE: contains one (1) 5 lb bag of BLUE Life Protection Formula Natural Salmon and Brown Rice Recipe
- SMALL BREED DOG FOOD:Contains one (1) 4-pound bag of Nature's Recipe grain free dry dog food for small breed adult dogs
- NATURAL DOG FOOD: Natural dog food with added vitamins, minerals and nutrients for maintenance of adult dogs
- CHICKEN DOG FOOD: Real chicken is the number one ingredient in this small breed dog food
- HEALTHY DIGESTION: Made with nutrient-dense carbohydrate sources like sweet potato and pumpkin instead of added corn or wheat
- NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS OR PRESERVATIVES: Dog food with no added corn, wheat or soy protein, no poultry by-product meal and no artificial flavors or preservatives
- SENSITIVE SKIN & STOMACH ADULT DRY DOG FOOD: Nutritionally dense crunchy kibble, chicken free recipe, made with salmon and rice for whole body health.
- GENTLE ON STOMACH: Easily Digestivble recipe is gentle on the stomach
- SUPPORTS HEALTHY SKIN & COAT: Supported by antioxidants for strong immune systems, vitamins for healthy eyes and teeth, glucosamine for strong joints, omega fatty acids ensure healthy skin and coat, and probiotics and taurine for a healthy heart.
- NO ADDED CHICKEN, BEEF, OR WHEAT: Contains only premium, all natural ingredients with no added chicken, wheat, wheat gluten, corn, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives.
- MADE IN USA: Using only the finest globally sourced ingredients, we prepare each of our diets in our own state of the art facility; recipes crafted with wholesome ingredients chosen for their nutritional benefits
- Contains one (1) 24-pound bag of Nature′s Recipe grain free dry dog food
- Number-one ingredient is real chicken, a quality protein source that helps maintain optimal muscle strength
- Fiber from sweet potatoes and pumpkin helps support digestion and immune system health
- Natural dog food with added vitamins, minerals and nutrients — no poultry by-products or artificial colors, preservatives or flavors, and no added corn, wheat or soy
- Delicious, premium nutrition that′s honestly made and reasonably priced
- SALMON IS THE FIRST ANIMAL PROTEIN SOURCE providing essential protein and amino acids to help maintain strong muscles; Sweet Potatoes are included as a grain-free source of fiber to help support digestive health; Contains (1) 4-Pound Bag
- WITH SENSITIVE PETS IN MIND we’ve carefully chosen a simplified list of premium ingredients to help support a healthy coat, skin & digestive system; made with a single animal protein source, and no added grain, soy, gluten, or artificial colors or flavors
- SPECIALLY FORMULATED FOR SMALL DOGS Made with the same balanced nutritional philosophy, our Small Breed recipes are tailored to your dog. Every bite is packed with flavor! Smaller size accommodates smaller jaw sizes for easier eating
- NUTRITION FOR EVERY TYPE OF DOG Any dog can enjoy our delicious recipes, not just dogs with sensitive stomachs, irritable skin or allergies; Our purposefully crafted formulas reduce the number of ingredients without sacrificing taste or nutrition
- SAFETY & TRANSPARENCY Natural Balance's 'Feed with Confidence' program tests every batch of food from start to finish, ensuring safety with every bite; Validate bag on our site or call our Customer Care Team of Registered Veterinary Technicians
- GRAIN-FREE RECIPE: Made with complex carbohydrates like potatoes and sweet potatoes, and none of the grains some Pet Parents choose to avoid
- PACKED WITH REAL CHICKEN: Starts with real chicken to satisfy your dog’s cravings, part of a High-Protein diet
- BALANCED DIET: A perfect balance of protein, fats, and complex carbohydrates support your adult dog’s active life
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS: BLUE foods are made with the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients; contains NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, NO corn, wheat, or soy, and NO artificial flavors or preservatives
- ADDITIONAL FORMULAS: In addition to grain-free, BLUE Wilderness also comes in recipes WITH WHOLESOME GRAINS to meet the preferences of every Pet Parent
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Dog Food With Grain (No Chicken)
Finding the right food for your dog is a big deal. Many dogs do best with grains in their diet, and some have allergies or sensitivities to chicken. This guide helps you choose the best dog food that offers grains but skips the chicken.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for grain-inclusive, chicken-free dog food, focus on these important features:
1. Primary Protein Source
- Look Past Chicken: Since chicken is out, check the first few ingredients. Good alternatives include beef, lamb, fish (like salmon or whitefish), or turkey (if your dog tolerates poultry other than chicken).
- High-Quality Protein: The main ingredient should be a named meat source (e.g., “Deboned Lamb”), not vague terms like “meat by-products.”
2. Grain Inclusion
- Beneficial Grains: Good grains provide energy and fiber. Seek out whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, barley, or millet.
- Avoid Fillers: Make sure the grains are there for nutrition, not just to bulk up the bag cheaply.
3. Guaranteed Analysis
- Protein Levels: Adult dogs generally need at least 18% protein on a dry matter basis. Active dogs need more.
- Fat Content: Fat provides essential fatty acids for a shiny coat. Look for levels between 10% and 18%.
Important Ingredients and Materials
What goes into the bag matters greatly for your dog’s health.
Healthy Fats and Oils
Your dog needs healthy fats for brain function and skin health. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are crucial. Ingredients like flaxseed, fish oil, or sunflower oil are excellent additions.
Fruits and Vegetables
These ingredients add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, and blueberries boost the overall nutritional value of the meal.
Vitamins and Minerals
Ensure the food is fortified to meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards. This means the food provides complete and balanced nutrition.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some ingredients signal high quality, while others suggest the food might not be the best choice.
Quality Boosters
- Named Meat Meals: Ingredients like “Lamb Meal” are highly concentrated sources of protein and often indicate better quality than whole meats alone, as the water content is removed.
- Natural Preservatives: Foods preserved naturally using Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) are usually better than those using artificial preservatives like BHA or BHT.
Quality Reducers
- Corn or Wheat as Primary Ingredients: While grains are okay, if corn or wheat appear as the very first ingredient *and* your dog has sensitivities, it can reduce quality for them.
- Artificial Colors and Flavors: These offer zero nutritional benefit and are simply added to make the food look or smell appealing to you, the buyer.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the food and what results you see impact your experience.
Digestibility
A good food results in firm, regular stools. If your dog experiences excessive gas, loose stool, or vomiting after switching, the food might not agree with their system, even if the ingredients look great on paper.
Life Stage Appropriateness
- Puppies: Need higher protein and fat for rapid growth. Ensure the label specifies “for growth” or “all life stages.”
- Seniors: Often benefit from fewer calories and added joint support supplements like glucosamine.
Allergy Management
This food type is perfect for dogs with confirmed chicken allergies. Always introduce new food slowly over 7-10 days to prevent stomach upset.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Grain-Inclusive, Chicken-Free Dog Food
Q: Why do some dogs need grain in their food?
A: Grains provide easily digestible carbohydrates for steady energy and offer important fiber for healthy digestion.
Q: Is grain-free food always better than grain-inclusive food?
A: No. For most dogs, grains are healthy. Grain-free diets were sometimes linked to heart issues (DCM) in certain breeds, so many vets now recommend grain-inclusive options for general health.
Q: How do I know if my dog is allergic to chicken?
A: Common signs of a chicken allergy include chronic itching, skin irritation, ear infections, or digestive upset. A veterinarian can perform tests.
Q: What is the best alternative protein if I avoid chicken?
A: Lamb, beef, venison, and fish (like salmon) are excellent, highly digestible alternatives often used in hypoallergenic formulas.
Q: Should I worry about corn in my grain-inclusive food?
A: Corn is often unfairly criticized. If it is high-quality corn, it provides good nutrition. However, if you prefer to avoid it, look for recipes featuring barley or oats instead.
Q: How long does it take to see results after switching to this food?
A: You might see improved stool quality within one week. Full skin and coat benefits often take 4 to 8 weeks to become noticeable.
Q: Can I feed senior dogs this type of food?
A: Yes, provided the formula is specifically designed for senior dogs or is an “all life stages” food that you monitor for weight gain.
Q: Are these foods more expensive than regular kibble?
A: Often, yes. High-quality, novel protein (non-chicken) ingredients usually cost more to source and process than common chicken-based formulas.
Q: What does “AAFCO approved” mean on the bag?
A: It means the food meets the minimum nutritional standards set by the governing body for animal feed in the US. It ensures the food is complete and balanced.
Q: If the first ingredient is lamb, but the second is corn, is that bad?
A: Not necessarily. If the lamb is the primary source, the food is protein-focused. Corn serves as a carbohydrate source. Check the overall balance of the ingredient list to ensure there are plenty of other healthy additions.