When a dog starts itching, has digestive upset, or just seems a little off, chicken often takes the blame. We hear it all the time:
“I think my dog can’t have chicken.”
While true allergies do exist, chicken might not be the villain it’s made out to be.
In fact, when sourced cleanly and fed in a way that’s biologically appropriate, chicken can be one of the most nourishing, well-tolerated proteins you can give your dog.
Why Chicken Is a Great Choice
Chicken is lean, easily digestible, and rich in essential amino acids—making it a powerhouse protein for dogs of all ages. It’s an excellent source of energy and especially beneficial for puppies, active adults, and seniors who need quality protein without the extra fat.
Many dogs thrive on chicken. In fact, it’s often used as the foundation in elimination diets because of how simple and well-tolerated it is.
Here’s something to think about:
When dogs have an upset stomach, what’s the go-to recommendation? Chicken and rice.
Veterinarians, trainers, and even well-meaning neighbors suggest this bland diet to soothe digestive trouble. Why? Because chicken is typically gentle on the gut—even for dogs recovering from illness or stress. That says a lot about how nourishing and versatile it can be.
At A Place for Paws🐾, we use chicken in some of our raw dog food and single-ingredient treats. Our chicken is:
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Farm-fresh and responsibly sourced
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Processed in our own facility for quality control
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Flash-frozen to lock in freshness and safety
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Offered in single-protein blends for easy allergy identification
Why Does Chicken Get Blamed?
Chicken is one of the most common proteins in commercial dog food—especially in highly processed kibble. So when something goes wrong, it’s often the first thing blamed.
But here’s the catch: it may not be the chicken at all.
Many products labeled “chicken” also contain grains, preservatives, artificial flavorings, and fillers—all of which are more likely to trigger a reaction than the protein itself. When you switch to a clean, raw, single-ingredient version of chicken, the story often changes.
When Chicken Might Be the Problem
Yes, some dogs do have legitimate sensitivities to chicken. Symptoms can include:
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Chronic ear infections
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Excessive itching or licking of the paws
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Digestive issues like irregular stool or upset stomach
That’s why we offer single-protein recipes—to help you identify what’s truly causing the issue and feed your dog with confidence. No guesswork, no hidden ingredients—just clean, simple food that makes it easier to spot sensitivities.
The Chicken Advantage in Our Products
At A Place for Paws, we use chicken the way it was meant to be: clean, simple, and species-appropriate. You’ll find it in:
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Raw food formulas that are balanced, nourishing, and easy to digest
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Single-ingredient treats made from nothing but farm-fresh chicken
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Training bites and toppers ideal for picky eaters or dogs who need a little extra encouragement at mealtime
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Natural chew treats like chicken feet and necks that support dental health the natural way
Common Questions We Hear About Chicken-Based Products
Is raw chicken safe for dogs?
Yes! Our chicken is processed in-house, flash-frozen, and kept cold to ensure safety and freshness every step of the way.
What if my dog’s had a reaction to chicken before?
Try one of our other single-protein options—or ask us about doing a simple protein rotation to help identify any true sensitivities.
Can puppies or seniors eat your chicken food?
Absolutely. Our chicken is a great fit for dogs at any life stage—it’s gentle, digestible, and packed with the nutrients growing and aging bodies need.
Is this the same as store-bought chicken kibble?
Not even close. Our chicken is raw, unprocessed, and free from preservatives, grains, gums, and fillers. You’re getting real food—not a pellet coated in artificial flavoring.
Let’s Rethink Chicken Together
Not all chicken is created equal. When clean, humanely sourced, and handled with care, chicken is a nutritious, affordable, and biologically appropriate choice for many dogs. It may not be the culprit—it might just be the hero in your dog’s bowl.
Curious? Stop in and talk with us. We’re always happy to help you explore proteins, sample treats, or talk through what’s really going on with your dog. After all, we’re not just feeding dogs—we’re helping them live long, joyful lives.
🐾 See the difference that real food makes—with chicken done right.