Are Chihuahuas allergic to chicken? Yes, although one might think that of all the meat proteins, chicken is the easiest to digest. However, that isn’t the case
Many Chis are allergic to chicken and not many Chihuahua owners know that. A Chi could also develop an allergy to chicken even if it has been eating chicken all its life.
Sometimes, a Chi could be mildly intolerant to chicken while, at other times, it could have a severe allergic reaction to chicken and other poultry.
Here is what every pet parent must know about Chihuahua chicken allergy:
Are Chihuahuas Allergic to Chicken?
Statistics show that nearly 15% dogs are allergic to chicken.
Chihuahuas can also be allergic to chicken although, in many cases, the allergy does not become noticeable right away.
A Chihuahua owner might be feeding chicken for a while to the pet without any issues. However, out of the blue, the tiny dog starts vomiting, itching, or having recurrent ear or skin infections.
The fact is, when trying to answer the question: are Chihuahuas allergic to chicken – there are several gray areas.
Diagnosing a food allergy of any sort could take a significant amount of time. (More about this in the subsequent section).
Add to it the fact that many health conditions produce the symptoms similar to that of canine chicken allergy (we will discuss these signs and symptoms shortly) so it can be misleading.
Also, some Chihuahuas might be having a food intolerance to chicken while others may have a full-blown chicken allergy. They are two entirely different things.
Resultantly, some Chis could eat tiny bits of chicken while others may have to steer completely clear.
That is why, it is important to work with a canine allergy specialist to determine whether your Chihuahua is indeed allergic to chicken.
Why Are Chihuahuas Allergic to Chicken?
‘How can my Chi be allergic to chicken? I have fed it chicken all its life’.
This is the common reaction from Chihuahua parents when they first hear that their Chi could be allergic to chicken.
The thing with many food allergies is that they tend to develop over time. Even if your Chi has tolerated chicken before, does not mean that it cannot ever develop an allergy to it. That is why vets recommend rotating proteins for your dog over its lifetime.
Your dog’s immune system does not react right away to a certain allergen. It takes time to start building up and that is why you will not see the signs manifesting right away. Only after your Chi’s body starts recognizing the protein multiple times, does it recognize it as an invader.
Resultantly, your Chi might initially start showing signs of intolerance to chicken. That could be your cue that your Chihuahua could be allergic to chicken.
The other problem with many canine food allergies is that they tend to worsen with time as your dog continues eating the offending food. Furthermore, its immune system will respond even more vigorously with time. This could result in a very sick dog.
Many Chihuahuas have a genetic predisposition to having chicken allergies. This means, if your Chi’s parent is allergic to chicken, chances are it might be too.
What is the Difference Between Chicken Intolerance and Chicken Allergy in Chihuahuas?
As a pet parent, it is very important to know the difference between food intolerance and food allergies.
A food intolerance might start with stomach noises, gurgling, gas, changes in color and consistency of feces, etc. The reactions in a food tolerance are not triggered by the formation of histamines in your pet’s blood.
Conversely, a food allergy is always triggered by the formation of histamines which your dog’s body produces to counter the invading allergens. This results in signs of allergies which we will discuss in the coming section.
What are the Signs That a Chihuahua is Allergic to Chicken?
Chicken is the most common poultry allergy in dogs. Some Chihuahuas that are allergic to chicken might also be allergic to duck, turkey, eggs, etc.
Note that not all Chis that have a chicken allergy would also be allergic to eggs/duck/turkey. In fact, some Chis actually do well on these other proteins even if they are allergic to chicken.
Here are the signs of chicken allergy (or food allergies in general) in Chihuahua:
1. Skin issues
A Chi with chicken allergies might itch constantly. It could even develop hot spots, hives, and bald patches in the areas it scratches. Some dogs tend to develop blisters and secondary skin infections from scratching heavily.
In addition to scratching, your Chi might also chew or lick certain areas on the skin and paws. It might also paw its face and scratch its ears, mouth, and neck. Many dogs end up with dull, dry, and itchy coats. The skin could also have flaking and dandruff.
2. Chronic infections
Chihuahuas with food allergies often develop chronic infections such as ear infections, stomach infections, etc. The affected pet might also have chronically inflamed feet which it might lick continuously to soothe. If your pet constantly shakes its head, it could be signs of an ear infection.
3. Stomach issues
An allergic Chihuahua might constantly suffer from gas, chronic diarrhea, vomiting, and other health issues. It might not have appetite or may feel too sick to eat. Even if it eats, it may not gain weight and might remain underweight.
4. Obsessive licking
Have you seen dogs lick themselves obsessively? Many Chihuahua owners miss this important cue of allergy because they think their little dog is just a ‘fastidious’ groomer. Usually, though, it turns out to be a food allergy.
5. Poor growth in Chihuahua puppies
In a Chihuahua puppy, pet food allergies could result in developmental issues and stunted growth.
Can a Chihuahua Allergic to Chicken Safely Eat Eggs?
The answer to this question varies from Chi to Chi.
Some Chihuahuas that are allergic to chicken must also avoid eggs.
However, some vets might recommend trying eggs just to see if your pet has a reaction to it. After all, the egg allergens are likely to be different than chicken allergens and many dogs can safely eat eggs without any issues.
In fact, many dogs allergic to chicken also tolerate chicken fat quite well since, like eggs, the allergens are entirely different.
Can Chihuahua Allergic to Chicken Eat Raw Chicken?
No.
If a Chihuahua is allergic to chicken, then you must avoid feeding it chicken in all forms: steamed, grilled, baked, fried, chicken bone broth, and especially raw.
Raw chicken also poses other dangers. It could be tainted with harmful bacteria that could cause salmonella poisoning in your small dog. The resulting symptoms of salmonella are vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. These symptoms are very similar to a food allergy.
That is why is it best to avoid feeding raw meat, raw fish, raw eggs, and raw chicken.
Can Chihuahuas Allergic to Chicken Eat Turkey?
Does your Chi beg for a piece of turkey during Thanksgiving? Mine sure does!
Turkey is a great choice of protein for most Chihuahuas.
And the good news is that most dogs that are allergic to chicken are able to tolerate turkey pretty well.
The important thing to note here is that you must prepare the turkey in a way that is safe for your sensitive Chihuahua.
Many turkey preparations are full of spices, herbs, and ingredients that could cause an upset stomach or indigestion in your dog. (Check out our guide on 30 Bad Foods Chihuahuas Should Never Eat)
Plain, cooked turkey (without its fat and skin) is a good way to serve your Chi.
Note that some Chihuahuas could have an allergic reaction to turkey as well. This can lead to symptoms described above (hair loss, skin issues, stomach problems, etc.).
If you notice your Chi scratching heavily after eating turkey, discontinue feeding it. You can give your pet a soothing bath along with some Benadryl to prevent the allergic reaction from worsening.
What are Chihuahuas Allergic To?
Chihuahuas are sensitive little dogs and they could suffer from three types of allergies. These are:
1. Food allergies
Food allergies are one of the most common types of allergies in Chihuahuas. In addition to allergies to proteins (such as chicken, turkey, egg, duck lamb, beef, fish), Chis could also be allergic to grains like wheat, corn, etc. As stated earlier, it is important to know for sure the distinction between food allergy and food sensitivity. They are two different things with different symptoms.
Some commercial dog foods also contain additives, preservatives, chemicals, dyes, and artificial flavors which could trigger allergies in sensitive pets.
2. Skin allergies
Skin allergies can occur due to flea bites, detergents, certain shampoos, environmental allergens, and even from certain foods. These manifest as skin issues mainly dry skin, itching, hot spots, hair loss, tear stains, paw licking, etc.
3. Environmental allergies
These include allergens like grass, mold, dust, etc. A Chihuahua could unknowingly bring mold and fungus in its paws from outside. That is why it is important to wipe your Chi’s coat and paws after its daily walks.
Don’t forget to check out our comprehensive guide on “What are Chihuahuas Allergic to”?
What Do You Feed a Chihuahua With Chicken Allergy?
When you buy commercial wet or dry dog food or puppy food for an allergic Chihuahua, you will find a vast majority of them containing chicken. So, always look for brands that are chicken-free if you are sure your small breed dog is indeed allergic to chicken.
Your Chihuahua still needs it protein. So you will have to find healthy protein alternatives for your sensitive pet.
You could try feeding your Chi beef, lamb, pork, turkey, fish, eggs, or rabbit.
Vets often recommend trying the elimination diet with novel protein sources for allergic dogs. Novel protein is a protein that your Chihuahua hasn’t tried before. It could include exotic meats like emu, kangaroo, venison, buffalo, mackerel, venison, etc.
Try the new hypoallergenic dog food for a few days to see if it makes a difference in your Chi’s allergies. Please know that any dietary change will take at least a few weeks to show results.
Also consider your pet’s other nutritional needs and based on all these factors, choose a natural, wholesome, and balanced dog food.
You could also opt to feed homemade dog food containing ingredients like brown rice, protein from the list above, and vegetables like carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potato. Check out this simple dog food recipe containing turkey.
FAQs on Are Chihuahuas Allergic to Chicken?
1. What home remedies can I give my Chihuahua with allergies?
If your pet is scratching consistently, spray its coat with a mixture of aloe vera, apple cider vinegar and water.
You can also bathe it in warm water mixed with some colloidal oatmeal. This will soothe its skin and relieve itchiness.
If needed, give your Chi some Benadryl (confirm with your vet first) and apply a bit of corticosteroid on the itchy areas. You can also administer fish oil supplements as the omega fatty acid can help soothe inflamed skin.
2. How long does it take for a Chihuahua to react to a food allergy?
Food allergy symptoms could show up in your Chihuahua within 12 to 24 hours after eating the food. Most dogs develop hives or utricaria although some could have gastric symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
3. What are Chihuahua’s favorite foods?
Most Chihuahuas love meat. It is not only its favorite, it should also be the main constituent of your Chi’s diet. Dogs are carnivores and they need meat to satisfy their protein requirements. If your Chihuahua pup is allergic to chicken, try feeding it fish, lamb, or beef. You can also make bone broth for your tiny breed dog.
Conclusion
Are Chihuahuas allergic to chicken?
Yes, a Chihuahua could be allergic to chicken. Even if you have been feeding it chicken for all these years, a dog could suddenly develop an allergy to this protein.
It is important to know if you are indeed dealing with a food allergy as it could also be food intolerance. Therefore, it is important to work with your vet.
You could try switching to other protein foods like turkey, fish, or duck or even novel proteins like kangaroo or venison.
We hope this guide helps you and your pet!
