Neither lamb nor chicken is universally "better"; the best choice depends on your dog's individual needs, but lamb is often superior for allergies and sensitive stomachs, while chicken is a lean, affordable, everyday option; variety is key, with lamb offering rich nutrients and chicken providing lean protein, so consider your dog's health, activity, and potential sensitivities, rotating proteins for balanced nutrition.
Lamb is traditionally a popular alternative to chicken for dogs who suffer from allergy or intolerance to poultry meat. Fresh grass reared lamb is a very good natural source of zinc, iron, the B vitamins and the amino acid carnitine.
Among the three (chicken, turkey, and beef), the most balanced meat is chicken — as it is high in protein but also low in fat which makes it the healthiest type of meat to serve canines.
Chicken is richer in vitamin B3, vitamin B5, and vitamin B6. In comparison, lamb is richer in vitamin B2 and vitamin B12. Lamb is richer in vitamin B1 and vitamin K; in turn, chicken is richer in vitamin A. However, their amounts are not very significant.
Choosing The Right Protein For Your Dog
Lamb is a nutritious, highly digestible protein for dogs
Lamb has earned its place as a premium protein in canine nutrition because lean cuts of lamb meat provide excellent nutrition while being highly digestible for most dogs.
Some protein sources might not sit well with your dog's tummy or skin. So, pay attention to the type and quality of meat or fish in the dog food for a sensitive stomach. For many, gentle options include venison, fish, duck, turkey, and lamb – easy on the digestion, and a hit with the taste buds.
Dogs can eat lamb, and they don't mind doing it, either. Lamb is good for dogs as an everyday source of protein. Lamb meat can be too rich for dogs not used to its fat content. To prevent stomach upset, add lamb into your dog's diet gradually over several days.
You have probably heard it many times already: don't eat too much red meat or processed foods. But research shows processed red meats, like bacon, hot dogs, and salami are the biggest problem.
Adverse cardiovascular outcomes
Numerous studies have shown a diet rich in meat — specifically red meats like beef, pork and lamb — has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and early death.
Three toxic types of meat for dogs include fatty, processed meats (like bacon, sausage, ham) due to salt/fat causing pancreatitis and sodium issues; seasoned meats with onions/garlic (allium) that damage red blood cells; and cooked bones, which splinter and cause internal damage or blockages, potentially requiring surgery. Raw meats can also carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli.
While real meat is an important part of a healthy diet, relying solely on it can lead to significant nutritional deficiencies. A complete and nourishing diet includes more than just animal protein. Dogs require a precise balance of nutrients to support long-term health, vitality, and well-being.
Salmon offers superior anti-inflammatory benefits and complete dissimilarity from common allergens, making it ideal for dogs with multiple sensitivities or severe skin symptoms. Lamb provides a well-established, widely available option with proven success for allergic dogs, particularly those sensitive to poultry.
There's no single "number 1" healthiest dog food, as the best choice depends on your dog's age, breed, and health; however, look for foods meeting AAFCO standards (Association of American Feed Control Officials), with real meat as the first ingredient, and vet-recommended brands like Hill's Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan, and Royal Canin are often cited for balanced nutrition. Freshly prepared or raw diets can also be healthy but carry risks, so always consult your vet.
Dogs can eat lamb every day as part of a balanced diet. It's a great alternative protein source for dogs with specific meat allergies. The amount of lamb your dog should eat depends on their weight, energy levels, and recommended calorie intake. Dogs should eat 2% to 3% of their body weight daily.
What Should Top 3 Ingredients Be in Dog Food?
Lentil is called “poor man's meat” due to its low price compared to meat, and can complement cereal-rich foods in providing a nourishing meal by balancing the amino acid and micronutrient requirements of the diet (Table 11.1).
1. Processed Meats Like Bacon, Hot Dogs, and Cold Cuts. Processed meats like bologna, ham, and bacon are high in calories and salt and are linked to increased risk of heart disease due to their impact on cholesterol and blood pressure, says Julia Zumpano, RD, registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.
The healthiest red meat is kangaroo. It's the most nutrient-dense, low in fat and saturated fat, and high in iron. Venison, bison and buffalo are other healthier picks. If you're eating beef or lamb, opt for the leanest cuts possible and trim the fat before cooking.
Fat content and pancreatitis
Fatty foods can increase the risk of pancreatitis in dogs, and lamb is a meat that can be high in fat – especially cuts like flank, neck and shoulder.
Top Raw Meats Dogs Can Eat — and Why They Matter
If your pet food has any of these red-flag ingredients, avoid using them, as it can harm your pet's health.
Here are 7 foods to try:
Some cuts of lamb contain a lot of fat and eating rich, fatty meat can irritate a dog's stomach, particularly if they're small or have a sensitive stomach. Eating too much fat can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in the short term, and weight gain in the long term.
A highly digestible food can still be a dog kibble, but one that's specifically labeled for those with gastroenteritis. This includes Hills® i/d Digestive Care or Royal Canin® Gastrointestinal. Typical lean proteins used in a bland diet for dogs include chicken, turkey, cottage cheese, and ground beef.