Last updated Oct 24, 2023
The best food for cats is rich in species-appropriate, high-quality protein. In other words, meat.
Cats are obligate carnivores, so they require a meat-rich diet free from excessive carbohydrates. There are plenty of proteins to choose from, but chicken is one of the most commonly used proteins in pet food. It’s readily available and, for pet food brands, affordable.
While there’s nothing inherently wrong with chicken in cat food, it’s one of the most common food allergens seen in cats. If your cat is allergic or sensitive to this ingredient, it’s a good idea to choose a chicken-free cat food.
We’ve assembled a list of our top picks for the best cat food free from chicken. Check them out below!
At A Glance: Best Chicken-Free Cat Food To Buy
Want a quick look at the cat foods reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Smalls Smooth Cow Fresh Cat Food
- Beef is the only source of animal protein
- Easily digestible with a smooth texture
- Good source of hydrating moisture
Stella & Chewy’s Duck Duck Goose Dinner Morsels Freeze-Dried Cat Food
- Freeze-dried to preserve nutrition and flavor
- Made with raw meat, bone, and organs
- Limited number of plant-based ingredients
Merrick Backcountry Grain-Free Morsels in Gravy Real Duck Recipe Cuts Cat Food
- Made with two high-quality sources of novel animal protein
- Contains muscle meat and nutrient-rich organs
- Packed with moisture to support your cat’s hydration
ORIJEN Regional Red Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
- First 18 ingredients are animal-based proteins
- Rich in muscle meat, meat meals, and organ meats
- Omega-3 fatty acids from fish and pollock oil
Weruva Tuna & Salmon Formula in Hydrating Puree Wet Cat Food
- Two sources of high-quality animal protein
- Formulated for the nutritional needs of growing kittens
- Rich in moisture for hydration and digestion
Wellness CORE Signature Selects Seafood Variety Pack Flaked Wet Cat Food
- Contains three sources of high-quality animal protein
- Very limited carbohydrate content
- Soft texture and rich in moisture for senior cats
Natural Balance LID Limited Ingredient Diets Tuna & Pumpkin Formula Flaked Grain-Free Recipe Wet Cat Food
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support your cat’s hydration
- Short list of easily digestible main ingredients
Now that you’ve been introduced to our top picks, let’s delve into the subject of chicken-free cat food and why it might be a good option for your cat.
Does Your Cat Have a Chicken Allergy?
When you think of allergies, symptoms like sneezing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing may come to mind. Food allergies in particular may trigger digestive symptoms as well, at least in humans.
Food allergies in cats are a little different.
The most common symptoms of food allergies in cats are skin-related, things like chronic skin problems and recurring ear infections. Some cats do develop digestive symptoms as well such as frequent bowel movements, vomiting and diarrhea.
The best way to confirm a food allergy is to perform a food trial. You’ll need to feed your cat a recipe free from the potential allergen until symptoms disappear, generally 6 to 8 weeks. From there, you can reintroduce the allergen. If your cat’s symptoms return within a week, it’s a safe bet that the allergen is really the problem.
In cats, food allergies are most commonly triggered by proteins like chicken, beef, and fish as well as dairy products.
If your cat is allergic to chicken, you’ll need to remove all forms of chicken protein from your cat’s diet. This includes fresh chicken and chicken meal as well as chicken by-product meal. It’s also wise to avoid foods that contain vaguely named poultry meal because you can’t be sure whether it contains chicken.
Shopping Tips For Cat Food Free From Chicken
Once you’ve confirmed that your cat has a chicken allergy, you’ll need to find a new cat food that doesn’t contain chicken. It should be made with high-quality ingredients and it doesn’t hurt to choose one made with a short ingredient list to minimize the risk for additional allergies.
A good chicken-free cat food lists a high-quality source of animal protein as the first ingredient.
Other options to try include beef, turkey, and fish. If your cat has additional allergies, novel proteins like lamb, venison, and duck are worth considering. Make sure to read the ingredient list to make sure it isn’t hiding any chicken products.
A healthy chicken-free cat food is nutritionally balanced.
Again, cats require an animal-based diet with as few plant ingredients as possible. Make sure to choose a recipe that is nutritionally balanced according to AAFCO nutrient profiles for either adult cats or kittens, depending on your cat’s life stage.
A quality cat food doesn’t contain fillers, vaguely-named by-products, or artificial additives.
Low-value grains like corn, wheat, and soy have no place in a cat’s diet. Even whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal are best avoided because cats have a limited ability to digest plant foods.
Animal by-products aren’t necessarily bad for your cat. The main issue is that it can be difficult to judge the quality and, unless the type of animal is specified, the protein source. Artificial additives like colors, flavors, and preservatives don’t have any nutritional benefit for your cat and some have been linked to negative health effects.
Now that you have a better understanding of chicken allergies in cats and why you might consider a chicken-free cat food, let’s take a look at our top picks.
The Top 7 Best Chicken-Free Cat Foods
#1 Overall Best: Smalls Smooth Cow Fresh Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 16.5% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 49
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00 per day
Chicken may be one of the most common proteins used in cat food but Smalls offers several chicken-free options. The Smooth Cow formula features beef muscle meat and beef liver as the main ingredients. With just a few easily digestible plant ingredients, this formula is rich in protein and fat but low in carbohydrates.
Made with human-grade ingredients in meat-centric formulas, Smalls fresh cat food is highly digestible for most cats. Because it’s available in multiple textures—including smooth pate like this recipe—it caters to different preferences and offers an easy-to-chew option for cats with dental issues. All of the recipes are rich in moisture which contributes to digestibility and supports hydration.
Smalls is a fresh cat food delivery service, so you’ll need to start a subscription to order it. Each subscription starts with a 10-pack sampler that rolls over into a monthly plan, unless you cancel. You can adjust your cat’s meal plan at any time through the customer portal or by contacting Smalls customer support via email or text message.
Ingredients
Beef, Beef Liver, Green Beans, Spinach, Water Sufficient for Processing, Dried Yeast, Tricalcium Phosphate, Canola Oil, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Magnesium Proteinate, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dandelion Greens, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Cod Liver Oil, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Biotin.
Ingredients We Liked: Beef, Beef Liver, Cod Liver Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Beef is the only source of animal protein
- Easily digestible with a smooth texture
- Good source of hydrating moisture
- Low carbohydrate content
Cons
- Only available as a subscription plan
- No phone support (text and email only)
#2 Premium Pick: Stella & Chewy’s Duck Duck Goose Dinner Morsels Freeze-Dried Cat Food
If you’re willing to invest in your cat’s health with a premium cat food formula, Stella & Chewy’s has quite the variety. Their freeze-dried raw cat foods offer exceptional nutrition and many of them are made with novel protein sources like this duck formula.
While this recipe isn’t made with a single source of protein, the three included are novel for many cats. The primary protein is duck, followed by turkey and goose.
Both the duck and turkey include ground bone which is a rich source of essential nutrients as well as joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin. Turkey liver and gizzard make the list as well, providing plenty of Vitamin A, vitamin B6 and Vitamin C.
This recipe is gently freeze-dried to preserve nutrition and it serves as a shelf-stable alternative to raw food. It’s very limited in terms of main ingredients and only includes one added plant ingredient, pumpkin seed.
Overall, this formula provides plenty of protein and healthy fat. Just keep in mind that the calorie content is fairly high as well and the moisture content is low. It’s best to rehydrate this food before feeding it to your cat.
Ingredients
Duck With Ground Bone, Turkey With Ground Bone, Turkey Liver, Goose, Turkey Gizzard, Pumpkin Seed, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Dried Pediococcus Acidilactici Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Longum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Taurine, Tocopherols (Preservative), Dandelion, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Riboflavin Supplement, Sodium Selenite, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Ingredients We Liked: Duck, turkey, turkey liver, goose, turkey gizzard
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Pumpkin seed
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Freeze-dried to preserve nutrition and flavor
- Made with raw meat, bone, and organs
- Limited number of plant-based ingredients
- Supplemented with probiotics for healthy digestion
Cons
- Very expensive
- Must be rehydrated before feeding
#3 Best Novel Protein: Merrick Backcountry Grain-Free Morsels in Gravy Real Duck Recipe Cuts Cat Food
Cats with chicken allergies have the potential to develop allergic reactions to other proteins. If you’ve already worked your way through common options like beef and fish, a novel protein like duck may be the logical next step.
Packed with animal protein and limited in carbohydrate content, this wet cat food formula from Merrick is a great option. Deboned duck is the first ingredient, supplemented with additional protein from turkey liver, deboned turkey, and dried egg whites.
Potato starch is the only plant ingredient, likely used to thicken the food. The total carbohydrate content is very low, only around 3% as fed.
This recipe contains salmon oil as a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. These fats help support skin and coat health in addition to offering anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits.
One thing to keep in mind with this recipe is that while it’s a novel protein formula, it isn’t a single protein formula. Both duck and turkey are considered novel proteins for many cats, though if your cat is allergic to chicken, he may develop an allergy to other poultry.
Ingredients
Deboned Duck, Duck Broth, Turkey Broth, Turkey Liver, Deboned Turkey, Dried Egg Whites, Potato Starch, Natural Flavor, Guar Gum, Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Salmon Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols) Choline Chloride, Minerals (Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide) Sodium Carbonate, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid) Inulin, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Duck, turkey liver, turkey, dried egg whites, salmon oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Potato starch, guar gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Made with two high-quality sources of novel animal protein
- Contains muscle meat and nutrient-rich organs
- Packed with moisture to support your cat’s hydration
- Very low carbohydrate content
Cons
- Fairly expensive
- Contains some added potato starch
#4 Best Dry Food: ORIJEN Regional Red Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
While many dry food formulas are overloaded with plant ingredients, this Regional Red formula from Orijen contains lower than average carbohydrate content for a dry cat food.
Not only does this Orijen dry food formula start with fresh beef as the first ingredient, but the next 17 ingredients are all animal-based. You’ll find a wide assortment of proteins like pork, whole mackerel, lamb liver, wild boar, and whitefish meal. It’s a nutritious balance of fresh muscle meat, meat meals, and organs from high-quality sources.
All of that protein is sure to deliver plenty of natural flavor, so it’s no surprise to see that this recipe doesn’t include any artificial additives. It does contain several beans and legumes as well as a few other starchy ingredients, but the total carb content is still lower than the average dry food.
This recipe is supplemented with probiotics to support healthy digestion with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat support.
Overall, this kibble recipe is a nutritious source of animal-based protein with high fat and calorie content. Keep in mind, however, that no dry food provides the moisture your cat needs so it’s wise to supplement your cat’s moisture intake elsewhere in his diet.
Ingredients
Beef, Pork, Whole Mackerel, Beef Liver, Wild Boar, Goat, Lamb, Lamb Liver, Beef Tripe, Wild Boar Liver, Mutton, Goat Meal, Beef Meal, Lamb Meal, Mackerel Meal, Beef Kidney, Mutton Meal, Whitefish Meal, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans, Beef Fat, Herring Meal, Natural Fish Flavor, Whole Peas, Whole Green Lentils, Whole Navy Beans, Whole Chickpeas, Pollock Oil, Pea Starch, Lentil Fiber, Pork Liver, Pork Kidney, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Kidney, Wild Boar Heart, Choline Chloride, Dried Kelp, Whole Pumpkin, Whole Butternut Squash, Collard Greens, Whole Apples, Whole Pears, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Dried Chicory Root, Turmeric, Sarsaparilla Root, Althea Root, Rosehips, Juniper Berries, Citric Acid (Preservative), Rosemary Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product.
Ingredients We Liked: Beef, pork, whole mackerel, beef liver, wild boar, goat, lamb, lamb liver, beef tripe, wild boar liver
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Whole red lentils, whole pinto beans, whole peas, whole green lentils, whole navy beans, whole chickpeas
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- First 18 ingredients are animal-based proteins
- Rich in muscle meat, meat meals, and organ meats
- Omega-3 fatty acids from fish and pollock oil
- Supplemented with probiotics for healthy digestion
Cons
- No dry food contains the moisture your cat needs
- Significant number of added plant ingredients
#5 Best For Kittens: Weruva Tuna & Salmon Formula in Hydrating Puree Wet Cat Food
Whether you’re weaning a young kitten onto solid food or seek to support growth and development, a high-protein formula is a must. This Weruva wet food is formulated specifically for the nutritional needs of kittens and is full of fish flavor and hydrating moisture.
Featuring tuna and salmon as two of the top three ingredients, this recipe is a rich source of species-appropriate animal protein for kittens. Both of these ingredients are also packed with omega-3 fatty acids which support skin and coat health as well as the immune system.
This wet food recipe does contain potato starch as the primary carbohydrate addition, but the overall carbohydrate content of the recipe is negligible. Plus, it’s free from artificial additives like colors, flavors, and preservatives as well as low-value grains and fillers.
This Weruva kitten food is on the pricey side, but it’s very species-appropriate and packed with protein. If you prefer dry food, consider using this recipe as a wet food topper to give your kitten a boost of moisture and quality nutrition.
Ingredients
Fish Broth, Tuna, Salmon, Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavor, Potato Starch, Tricalcium Phosphate, Dried Egg, Xanthan Gum, Locust Bean Gum, Calcium Lactate, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source Of Vitamin K), Potassium Iodide.
Ingredients We Liked: Tuna, salmon, dried egg
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Sunflower oil, potato starch, xanthan gum, locust bean gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Two sources of high-quality animal protein
- Formulated for the nutritional needs of growing kittens
- Rich in moisture for hydration and digestion
- Free from animal by-products and artificial additives
Cons
- Contains some starchy plant ingredients
- Primary source of added fat is plant-based
#6 Best For Seniors: Wellness CORE Signature Selects Seafood Variety Pack Flaked Wet Cat Food
Dental problems are common in senior cats and some experience decreased thirst as they age. A soft, high-moisture cat food like these Wellness CORE Signature Selects recipes could be a great option.
This wet food duo from Wellness features tuna, mackerel, and salmon as species-appropriate sources of animal protein. Neither formula is a single source protein recipe, but all of the proteins come from fish – not other common allergens like beef or chicken.
With at least three sources of animal protein in each recipe, this formula helps support lean muscle mass in older cats. The fat content is fairly low compared to the protein content, so it may be a good option for cats who could stand to lose a little weight.
This recipe is highly digestible and many cat owners find that the soft texture is manageable and appealing to cats. This recipe is free from low-value grains, animal by-products, and artificial preservatives, though it’s a little bit pricey.
Ingredients
Tuna, Tuna Broth, Water Sufficient for Processing, Mackerel, Salmon, Tapioca Starch, Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavor, Guar Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Taurine, Magnesium Sulfate, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Minerals [Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite], Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K).
Ingredients We Liked: Tuna, mackerel, salmon
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Tapioca starch, sunflower oil, guar gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Contains three sources of high-quality animal protein
- Very limited carbohydrate content
- Soft texture and rich in moisture for senior cats
Cons
- Contains some added plant ingredients
- Consistency may be more gravy-like than flaked
#7 Best For Sensitive Stomachs: Natural Balance LID Limited Ingredient Diets Tuna & Pumpkin Formula Flaked Grain-Free Recipe Wet Cat Food
Sensitive stomach and food allergies are two different issues, but they can overlap. If your cat has frequent digestive upset, it’s worth finding a chicken-free recipe that contains a limited number of simple ingredients to make it as digestible as possible.
With tuna, pumpkin, and canola oil as the only main ingredients, this grain-free cat food is simple and highly digestible. It’s unfortunate that the only source of added fat is plant-based, and we could probably do without the pumpkin, but it may help with your cat’s sensitive digestion.
This recipe is rich in high-quality protein but because it is fish-based, it’s fairly low in fat and calories. It’s also high in moisture which helps support your cat’s hydration.
One downside of this formula is that it contains carrageenan. This is a thickener sourced from seaweed that, according to some reports, may pose a risk for inflammation and toxicity. Other studies show no harm from carrageenan, however, so it’s hard to pass judgment on this ingredient.
Ingredients
Tuna, Tuna Broth, Pumpkin, Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Guar Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Salt, Calcium Sulfate, Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K Activity), Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Taurine, Carrageenan, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Tuna
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Canola oil, guar gum, carrageenan
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support your cat’s hydration
- Short list of easily digestible main ingredients
Cons
- Contains carrageenan
- Main source of added fat is plant-based
