No loving dog owner wants to choose the wrong food, that's why understanding your options is so important. Many healthy dog foods feature lamb and chicken as key ingredients, which are popular for a reason. But when it comes to your beloved pooch, is one better than the other? Or are both good choices?
This article will provide a comparison between two popular meat sources, lamb and chicken. This is what you should know when choosing between lamb and chicken dog food.
Benefits of Adding Lamb to Your Dog's Diet

You might think of lamb as a special holiday meal, but it's actually a great protein option for dogs too! It's often overlooked, but lamb-based dog food can be a fantastic choice, especially if your pup has food allergies or sensitivities.
One thing that sets lamb apart is its fat content. It has more healthy fats than some other common dog food proteins. These good fats give your dog energy, help keep their organs protected, and even help them absorb vitamins.
And for those super active dogs who just never stop, they often require more calories, and the higher fat content of lamb makes it an effective source of energy to meet their demands.
Lamb is also rich in important nutrients…
For example, it has Vitamin B12, which is significant for their nerves, brain, and blood. This vitamin also helps with DNA creation. It also contains zinc, which is a really useful mineral that aids in growth, development, healing, and keeps the immune system strong.
Another awesome benefit is selenium. This mineral is like an antioxidant, which helps protect your dog's cells from damage. And, it might even help with heart disease and cancer.
Finally, lamb is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Compared to beef, lamb has more of these healthy fats, which are important for cell health, reducing inflammation like arthritis and allergies, and keeping their skin and coat healthy.
Benefits of Adding Chicken to Your Dog's Diet

You see chicken in dog food everywhere, and it's not just a coincidence. It's a key ingredient, full of benefits that make it a true powerhouse for our canine friends.
One of the main reasons chicken is so great for dogs is its high-quality protein. And that's what helps your dog grow strong and healthy, from the inside out. Protein is essential for everything from growing and repairing tissues to maintaining a healthy weight.
Chicken is also a great source of amino acids, which your dog needs to keep their muscles, tissues, and overall body strong. Given all of this, we can say that chicken is a fast and safe way to help them get the protein they need.
Beyond protein, chicken also provides a variety of other essential nutrients that are important for a well-rounded diet. It's a good source of vitamins like B3 and B6, as well as minerals like niacin, phosphorus, and zinc. All these nutrients help with energy production, support their immune system, keep their metabolism running smoothly, and even contribute to strong bones.
And, if you want to keep your pet's coat looking shiny…
Chicken can help there too! It contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are known for supporting skin health.
Importantly, chicken can also help keep your dog's joints healthy. The cartilage in chicken contains chondroitin and glucosamine, two compounds known to have a positive impact on joint health.
Lamb or Chicken? Making the Best Choice for Your Dog's Food

When it comes to choosing between lamb and chicken dog food, what's the best option? Honestly, it really depends on your dog. Every dog is different, with their energy levels, unique needs, and even food preferences. The best meat choice is the one that best supports your dog's lifestyle.
And what about taste?
Well, that's a tricky one because every dog has their own likes and dislikes. It's hard to say what flavor will be a universal hit. However, dogs are often drawn to meats with stronger scents, and lamb tends to have a more robust aroma, making it a potential favorite for many pups.
Now, let's talk about nutritional value.
Chicken is often considered a great choice when we look at its nutritional profile. It’s an excellent source of lean protein and is generally lower in saturated fat. Lamb, on the other hand, has a higher protein and fat content, which can be great for many dogs, but it might not be the best choice if your dog is starting from a stance of being overweight.
Price is another thing to consider
Chicken dog food is often much more budget-friendly and affordable compared to lamb. That's a common reason why many dog owners opt for chicken blends.
Generally speaking, chicken is often a great choice for dogs who are less active, overweight, or senior. On the other hand, lamb might be a better fit for dogs with sensitivities or food allergies. It's also a good choice for picky eaters.
We Make it Easy for You to Decide
Healthy Dogma knows how much high-quality lamb and chicken can do for your dog's health. That's why we've created our Lamb Dinner PetMix and Chicken Dinner PetMix recipes, which blend both chicken and lamb with whole eggs, fruits, and veggies. We want to make sure your pet gets all the complete and balanced nutrition they need to stay healthy. We even recommend not sticking with a single protein and instead giving your dog the same variety we choose for our own meals; give them some chicken and some lamb meals throughout the month.
We also take pride in where our proteins come from, our chicken and lamb are Midwest-sourced proteins. This is really important to us because it means we can have better control over the quality of the ingredients we use, compared to proteins that might come from other areas.
Lamb Dinner PetMix™

Chicken Dinner PetMix™

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Want to learn even more about what goes into your dog's food? We've got many other articles that can help you understand which ingredients are safe and which ones to avoid. You might be interested in our article “Top 13 Dog Food Ingredients to Avoid”, where we break down some common but potentially harmful ingredients.
We also have an article “What are the Benefits of Rotating Proteins for Dogs?”, which explains why switching up your dog's protein source can be great for their health and how to make the switch easily.