Pet Digest

Chicken is one of the most common proteins in commercial dog food—and increasingly, one of the most common triggers for food sensitivities and allergies in dogs. But what’s interesting is that many dogs who react poorly to chicken can still tolerate other poultry like turkey, duck, or even quail. So what gives? Let’s dive into the differences between poultry proteins and why your dog might be allergic to one bird but not another. --- 🐔 Chicken: The Common Culprit Chicken is widely used in dog food because it’s inexpensive, high in protein, and easy to source. But it’s also one of the most overused animal proteins in the pet food industry. When dogs are exposed to the same protein source over and over again—especially low-quality or highly processed versions—they’re more likely to develop food sensitivities or allergies. Common signs of a chicken allergy in dogs: Itchy skin or paws Chronic ear infections Digestive issues (vomiting, gas, or diarrhea) Excessive licking or chewing --- 🦃 ...

Beef is one of the most common proteins in commercial dog food—but it's also one of the most common allergens. Many pet parents are surprised to learn their dog can’t tolerate beef, yet does perfectly well on lamb, bison, or goat. So what's the difference? After all, they’re all hoofed animals, right? Let’s dig into the key differences between these red meats—and why not all hoofed proteins affect your dog the same way. --- 🐄 Beef: The Most Common Red Meat (and Allergen) Beef is found in everything from kibble to canned food, treats, chews, bones, and broths. And while it’s rich in protein, zinc, and iron, it's also heavily processed and overused in pet food—especially in low-cost brands. Signs your dog may be allergic or sensitive to beef: Itchy or inflamed skin Ear infections Loose stool or vomiting Chronic paw licking or chewing Bad gas or bloating --- 🐑 Lamb, Goat, Bison & Venison: Unique Proteins from Hoofed Animals Although all these animals fall under the “hoof...