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Chicken vs. lamb protein: which is better for my dog's digestion?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 1 year and 6 months old | 27 lbs

Do you think chicken or lamb is a better protein option for dry dog food? Is there one that is more easily digestible?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By David Darvishian

Veterinarian

Published on September 4th, 2017

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Great question. I like to stick with the more common protein sources such as chicken unless the pet starts to have problems from a suspected food allergy to chicken. I don't think one is more digestible than the other but that would also depend on the quality of the food and how well Annabelle tolerates the particular food. I like to leave the lamb and other proteins out of the regular diet in case you need to do a food trial down the road. Then lamb, duck, rabbit, kangaroo, etc all become possibilities. I will say one more thing. The grain free pet foods are just a marketing ploy by the pet food manufacturers. Very few pets ever have problems with grain and these diets are usually more expensive. Allergies to food are due to the protein source and not the grains. A grain problem in pets is very very rare. Good luck and I hope this helps.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH
Veterinarian
Hello and thank you for your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Either one is a good protein option for Annabelle as long as she does not have a known allergy to either one of these proteins.

Either protein is digestible- the ease of digestibility has to do with how these proteins are handled and processed during manufacturing. Sometimes the proteins are hydrolyzed or broken down further to make them easier to digest especially for dogs with IBD or food sensitivities.

There are some brands that have this option- most of which are Rx food you can obtain from your veterinarian.

I hope this helps and best wishes to you and Annabelle!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jessica Desrosiers
Veterinary Technician
Published on February 20th, 2019
If your dog is otherwise healthy and doesn't have any food allergies, then there isn't much difference as long as you are purchasing high quality protein sources (or checking the ingredient label on the dog food). Most foods are sold by total protein percentage, rather than on what protein is used.

If Annabelle does have food allergies or other health issues, then feeding the protein she is not allergic to is best, or working with your vet to see if she requires specific dietary amounts depending on any underlying conditions (such as liver or kidney disease.)
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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