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Chicken, Beef, or Turkey? Choosing the Right Protein for Your Dog’s Health

Best Protein for Dogs

Learn how each protein supports digestion, energy, and allergy prevention in small and large breeds alike.

Why Protein Choice Matters More Than You Think

Choosing a dog food isn’t just about price or brand—it’s about making the best nutritional decision for your dog’s long-term health. For pet owners across Cornwall and nearby townships, understanding which protein—chicken, beef, or turkey—is the most beneficial can feel overwhelming.

Each protein offers unique nutritional value, digestibility, and risk profile, especially when you factor in things like allergies, activity level, age, and size. Add in the raw food conversation, and it gets even more nuanced.

That’s why we’ve broken it down here—so you can confidently choose the best option for your dog and feel good about every bowl.

Chicken: Lean and Versatile for Most Dogs

Chicken is one of the most common proteins used in dog food, and for good reason. It’s affordable, widely available, and typically well-tolerated.

Key Benefits:

  • Lean protein with low fat content

  • Rich in B vitamins and phosphorus

  • Easily digestible for most dogs

  • Works well in transition diets from kibble to raw

Chicken is a great fit for healthy, active dogs that need a clean, efficient protein source. It’s also a good “baseline” protein for identifying potential food sensitivities, as it’s neutral and simple.

However, it’s also one of the most commonly reported allergens. If your dog is experiencing skin irritation, itching, or loose stools, chicken might be worth avoiding.

At All Raw Dog Food, we offer Premium Plus chicken blends made with human-grade meat and no additives—perfect for dogs who thrive on poultry.

Beef: Rich and Hearty, But Not for Every Dog

Beef is naturally higher in fat than chicken, making it ideal for active or underweight dogs. It’s a good option for dogs that need to build or maintain muscle, but not always suitable for every digestive system.

Key Benefits:

  • Higher calorie density for working or active breeds

  • Packed with iron, zinc, and amino acids

  • Encourages healthy coat and skin when fed in balance

  • Can boost interest in food for picky eaters

Beef does carry a higher risk of allergy response than turkey or fish, especially in dogs with a history of digestive issues. It’s also richer, so portion control is essential—especially for small or sedentary dogs.

We offer beef-based formulas by special order and recommend using them under guidance if your dog has a sensitive stomach.

Best Protein for Dogs

Turkey: Lean, Hypoallergenic, and Balanced

Turkey offers a middle ground between chicken and beef. It’s lean like chicken, but with a slightly richer nutrient profile—and it’s generally less allergenic than both.

Key Benefits:

  • Great for dogs with allergies or food sensitivities

  • Offers selenium and tryptophan, which support immune health and mood

  • Easier to digest than beef, and often gentler than chicken

  • Suitable for puppies, adults, and seniors


We include turkey in several of our hypoallergenic blends, and it’s a core part of our Small Breed Delight line, designed specifically for dogs with delicate systems and picky appetites.

If your dog is new to raw feeding or recovering from a dietary issue, turkey is one of the safest proteins to start with.

What About Allergies? Understanding Sensitivities by Protein

Food allergies in dogs are often triggered by overexposure to a single protein over time. Chicken, being so common, is a frequent culprit—not because it’s a “bad” protein, but because dogs have often eaten it exclusively in processed foods for years.

Common Symptoms of Protein Sensitivities:

  • Recurring ear infections

  • Licking or biting at paws

  • Digestive upset (gas, diarrhea, or inconsistent stools)

  • Red, inflamed skin or hotspots


If you suspect your dog has a protein intolerance, switching to a novel protein like turkey or duck (offered in our raw blends) is a great starting point.

Our team at All Raw Dog Food can guide you through an elimination diet and help you monitor symptoms safely.

Whole Protein vs. By-Product: What’s Really in the Bowl?

One of the biggest concerns among dog owners is ingredient quality—and rightfully so. Not all “chicken” dog foods are created equal.

At All Raw Dog Food, we only use whole, identifiable proteins sourced from trusted Canadian farms and processed under MAPAQ guidelines. That means:

  • No rendered meats

  • No “meal” or by-product substitutes

  • No artificial preservatives or flavouring agents

  • All raw blends are prepared and frozen for optimal freshness

This transparency gives Cornwall dog owners peace of mind—and gives dogs the nutrition they deserve.

Best Protein for Dogs

Matching Protein to Your Dog’s Size, Age, and Lifestyle

Every dog is different, and the “best” protein isn’t universal. Here’s a quick guide to help tailor your choice:

Dog Type

Best Protein Choice

Why

Active breeds (e.g., Labs, Huskies)

Beef or chicken

High energy and protein demand

Sensitive stomachs (e.g., Bulldogs, Doodles)

Turkey

Gentle and hypoallergenic

Small breeds (e.g., Yorkies, Poms)

Turkey or duck

Calorie-dense but easy to digest

Seniors

Turkey or lamb

Soft texture, lower fat

Picky eaters

Beef or wild game

Richer flavour profile


Need a more personalized recommendation? Our Cornwall team is always ready to help you choose based on your dog’s unique health profile.

Why Cornwall Dog Owners Trust All Raw Dog Food

We’re proud to offer dog owners in Cornwall, Russell, Embrun, and surrounding townships:

  • Raw food blends made from clean, local proteins

  • Options tailored to allergies, size, and age

  • In-house guidance for first-time raw feeders

  • Competitive pricing and convenient local pickup

  • Trusted formulations, no fillers or shortcuts

We’ve helped hundreds of pet parents make the switch to raw with confidence—and we’d love to help you next.

Customer Testimonials

Sharon Van Doran: “Amazing local store with various raw dog food choices from turkey to lamb. Beef available through special order.”

Chloe Perjul: “Raw food has helped my highly allergic dog get the nutrients she needs. She’s eating much better and healthier.”

Jim Stroud: “This is the only food I feed my dog. It’s cost-effective compared to kibble and keeps my pet very healthy.”

Ana Prates: “Best place for raw dog food! Friendly owner and great prices!”

Want to Try a New Protein? We’re Here to Help

We know that trying a new protein—or switching to raw—can raise questions. That’s why we offer consultations for first-time feeders, sensitive dogs, and long-time customers alike.