Quick Answer
Dogs with chicken allergies should not eat regular Greenies dog treats, as they contain chicken as an ingredient. However, Greenies does offer some chicken-free treats that would be safe for dogs with chicken allergies to eat. The chicken-free Greenies options include Greenies Hip & Joint Care Dental Dog Treats and Greenies Weight Management Large Dog Dental Treats. As with any new treats, owners of dogs with food allergies should introduce chicken-free Greenies slowly and monitor their pet for any adverse reactions. Consulting with a veterinarian is also recommended when making any dietary changes for a dog with known food allergies.
What are Greenies?
Greenies are a popular brand of dental chew treats for dogs. They are designed to help clean your dog’s teeth and freshen their breath as they chew. Greenies come in a variety of sizes and flavors, including regular, large breed, small breed, hip and joint care, weight management, and more.
The original Greenies contain chicken as a main ingredient. Chicken provides protein to support lean muscle mass in dogs. Most Greenies also contain other ingredients like wheat gluten, glycerin, gelatin, oat fiber, sodium caseinate, and vegetable oil. The specific ingredients may vary slightly based on the type of Greenies.
Greenies get their name from their green color, which comes from chlorophyll added to the treats. The chlorophyll helps control tartar and bad breath. The treats are flexible and durable enough to scrape away plaque and tartar as the dog chews, helping clean their teeth.
Can Dogs with Chicken Allergies Eat Regular Greenies?
Dogs with chicken allergies should not eat regular Greenies, as they contain chicken as a primary ingredient. Chicken is one of the most common food allergens for dogs.
When a dog is allergic to an ingredient like chicken, their immune system overreacts to the protein molecules in chicken. This overreaction leads to inflammation and symptoms like itching, hives, ear infections, gas, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, dogs may even go into life-threatening anaphylactic shock.
It’s important to avoid all foods containing chicken and all forms of chicken, including whole chicken, chicken meal, chicken fat, chicken liver, and chicken broth. Many popular dog foods and treats contain chicken as an ingredient. Reading ingredient labels carefully and selecting chicken-free options is key for dogs with chicken allergies.
Chicken-Free Greenies Options
The good news is that Greenies does offer some chicken-free dental chew options that are safe for dogs with chicken allergies. Here are some of the top choices:
Greenies Hip and Joint Care Dental Dog Treats
These Greenies are specially formulated for dogs with joint issues. They contain glucosamine, chondroitin, and antioxidants to support joint health. The formula is chicken-free, making it a good option for dogs with chicken allergies. Ingredients include wheat gluten, glycerin, gelatin, oat fiber, sodium caseinate, and vegetable oil.
Greenies Weight Management Dental Dog Treats
These low-calorie Greenies are designed for dogs that need to lose weight. They help clean teeth while supporting a healthy weight. The weight management Greenies contain a chicken-free recipe with ingredients like wheat gluten, oat fiber, glycerin, gelatin, soybean oil, and natural flavors. They come in both standard and large breed sizes.
Greenies Desserts Dog Treats
The Desserts line of Greenies offer chicken-free flavors like Apple Pie, Strawberry Yogurt, and Blueberry Cobbler. They provide an indulgence for dogs with chicken allergies. Ingredients include wheat flour, glycerin, gelatin, oat fiber, carob, and natural flavors.
Greenies 8 oz. Dog Treats
The regular dental dog treats are also available in new 8 oz. bite size pieces. These contain all the same benefits of original Greenies but in a petite size. The Blueberry and Peanut Butter flavors are chicken-free.
Introducing New Treats Slowly
When transitioning a dog with food allergies to a new treat, it’s important to go slowly at first. Start by giving your dog just a small amount of the Greenies, such as a quarter or half of one treat. Monitor them closely for the next 24 hours for any signs of an allergic reaction.
If they tolerate the initial portion with no issues, you can gradually increase the amount at a comfortable pace. Stick to the recommended feeding guidelines on the package based on your dog’s weight once they adjust to the new treat.
Also be aware that some dogs may be allergic to other ingredients like wheat, soy, milk proteins, or specific fruits and vegetables. So even chicken-free items may still cause a reaction. Work closely with your vet when making any diet changes for a dog with known food allergies.
Other Chicken-Free Dental Chew Options
Greenies aren’t the only chicken-free dental chew option out there. Here are a few other brands and products to consider:
- CET Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews – Available in sizes from Petite to Extra Large
- Pedigree Dentastix – Original and Grain Free varieties are chicken-free
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Dental Chewz – Formulated to dissolve plaque
- Milk-Bone Brushing Chews – Available in sizes from Small to Large
- Iams Chunks Dental Treats – Chicken-free formula helps reduce plaque
As always, gradually introduce any new treat or chew and watch for signs of an allergic reaction. Rotate different chicken-free chews to keep your dog’s oral health routine interesting and effective.
Homemade Chicken-Free Dental Treats
Another option is to make your own homemade dental treats for your dog. This allows you to control all the ingredients so you can avoid chicken and anything else your pup is allergic to.
Here are some chicken-free recipes to try:
Sweet Potato Chews
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice sweet potato into 1/4 inch thick slices.
- Toss slices in coconut oil until evenly coated.
- Arrange slices in a single layer on baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, flipping once halfway through.
- Remove from oven and let cool. The chews will harden as they cool.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
The hard texture of the baked sweet potato slices helps clean tartar off dogs’ teeth as they chew.
Apple Oat Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup mashed banana
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 egg
- 1/2 apple, peeled and shredded
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together oat flour, peanut butter, banana, coconut oil, and egg.
- Stir in shredded apple.
- Scoop dough by the tablespoonful onto baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly browned.
- Let cool completely before serving.
The crunchy oats and apples in these treats help scrub plaque while giving your dog a delicious cookie!
Carrot Mint Treats
Ingredients:
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 1/4 cup mint leaves, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix all ingredients together until a thick batter forms.
- Scoop batter by the tablespoonful onto baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until crunchy.
- Let cool before serving.
The fiber in the carrots and mint freshens breath while providing a satisfying crunch.
Tips for Caring for Dogs with Chicken Allergies
Here are some other tips for keeping dogs with chicken allergies happy and healthy:
- Always read ingredient labels carefully to check for any chicken products.
- Look for dog foods with novel, unique protein sources like kangaroo, bison, or salmon.
- Use topical flea/tick prevention instead of chicken-flavored oral treatments.
- Avoid toys and treats with chicken components like rawhide or pig ears.
- Watch out for cross-contamination if you also handle regular dog foods.
- Supplement their diet with omega-3s from fish oil or flaxseed.
- Bathe regularly to prevent skin infections and minimize itching.
- Consider seeing a veterinary dermatologist to help manage skin or ear issues.
While it takes diligence to avoid chicken, dogs with this allergy can live happy lives with the right care and diet. Chicken-free Greenies provide one safe way to give them an enjoyable treat that cleans teeth too. Just be sure to introduce slowly and supervise your pup to ensure he tolerates it well.
Conclusion
Dogs with chicken allergies should avoid regular Greenies dog treats, as they contain chicken. However, Greenies does offer chicken-free dental chew options that are safe for dogs with chicken allergies. The chicken-free varieties include Hip and Joint Care, Weight Management, and Desserts flavors. Other brands like CET Chews and Pedigree Dentastix also offer chicken-free formulations. Homemade dental treats are another allergy-friendly idea. Check with your vet before making any dietary changes. Monitor your dog closely when first giving chicken-free Greenies or new treats. But they can provide dental benefits to dogs with chicken allergies when introduced properly.