dog food salmon vs lamb

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Lamb vs Chicken vs Salmon Dog Food: Pros, Cons & Differences

In this article, well look at three of the most common protein sources found in commercial dog food: lamb, chicken, and salmon. Chicken is by far the most widely used protein. In fact, some chicken components may even be found in lamb and salmon diets. However, chicken is also a frequent culprit in food sensitivities among dogs. If your dog has confirmed food allergies or a sensitive stomach, lamb or salmon diets may be a better option, although youll need to read ingredient lists carefully to ensure theres no chicken present. If you dont have to be cautious about avoiding chicken products, congratulations! Your biggest issue will be deciding which of the dozens of chicken-based dog foods works best for your pup.

At a Glance

Image Credit:Lamb (Louella938, Shutterstock), Chicken (xpixel, Shutterstock), Salmon (cucuceku, Shutterstock)

Lets look at the key points of each product.

Lamb Dog Food	Chicken Dog Food	Salmon Dog Food
Often used in allergy-friendly or sensitive stomach diets	Probably the easiest to find online and in stores	Frequently used in novel protein allergy diets
Not every brand makes a lamb-based product	Many different brands and food specifications (fresh, raw, grain-free, etc.) to choose from	Some brands do not produce salmon-based meals
Typically costs more because lamb is a more expensive protein	Generally cost-effective due to the overall cheaper price of chicken-based ingredients	Usually not available as a fresh food
Some lamb foods still contain chicken components	Chicken is a common cause of food sensitivities	It may have a fishy odor
Its often sustainably sourced, which increases the cost

Overview of Chicken Dog Food:

Chicken, chicken meal, and chicken by-products are the most common protein sources in dog foods. Chicken is sourced worldwide and affordable, especially if the manufacturing company has no qualms about buying from factory farms.

If youre loyal to a particular dog food brand, you wont have trouble finding meals with chicken. Chicken products are available in canned and dry food for every life stage. Chicken dog foods are sold at your local pet store, grocery store, big-box chain, and convenience store.

The quality of the chicken used in these recipes can vary widely. For example, some brands advertise that they use whole or real chicken and shun by-products and meals. The term chicken by-products refers to the parts of the chicken leftover after processing for human consumption, essentially the organs. Chicken meal is dried out, ground chicken remnants and whole chicken is the actual meat of the bird.

All are acceptable protein sources for dog food, but dog food companies know that most humans assume whole chicken is higher quality and will generally pay more for it. Some dogs would probably eat a dead chicken they found on the side of the road and dont care which type of chicken they consume. However, many dogs develop food sensitivities and allergies to chicken diets.

Pros

Essentially every brand makes a chicken dog food
Usually, the most cost-effective diets are chicken-based

Cons

A frequent culprit in food allergies and sensitivities

Overview of Lamb Dog Food:

For many years, lamb dog food was considered the go-to choice for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. Now, because its been available as an ingredient for so long, several dogs have been exposed to it, and lamb is not typically considered a true novel (new) protein.

While not as common as chicken options, most dog food brands, mainly the big ones like Purina and Science Diet, offer at least one lamb-based diet. Youll more than likely be able to find lamb food on shelves at pet stores, grocery stores, and big-box stores. Not all the specialty brands will offer lamb foods, however.

Lamb foods are also rarely available from the smaller, fresh pet food companies that are growing more popular. Real lamb is an expensive cut of meat, and private companies already have high production costs.

If you want to serve lamb to your pup, you may not be able to find it for every life stage of your dog. For example, a company may produce a lamb-based puppy or adult diet but not a senior one.

If youre interested in lamb food because you suspect your dog is sensitive to chicken, youll need to check the labels carefully. Some lamb diets, especially lower-cost ones, use chicken products to fulfill their protein requirements.

Pros

Often a better choice for dogs with food sensitivities
More corporate brands are using lamb

Cons

It may not be available from smaller companies
Not a true novel protein

Image Credit: dmytro Zinkevych, Shutterstock

Overview of Salmon Dog Food

Salmon dog foods are generally considered true novel protein diets, suitable for use in food allergy trials and feeding to dogs with various digestive conditions. Prescription allergy diets often use a salmon formulation.

Besides the recipes designed for canines with allergies, youll also see salmon commonly used in sensitive skin and stomach formulas. The naturally high fatty acid content of salmon makes it an easy choice as an ingredient to support skin health in particular.

Of the three dog foods, salmon diets will likely be the least accessible. Some pet food makers do not produce salmon food, and those that do are typically charge higher prices.

Like lamb, salmon is rarely available as fresh dog food, and it typically costs more than chicken and lamb meals.

Because wild salmon is over-fished, you may want to be more particular about researching the source of the ingredients in your dog food. Dog food companies usually make it easy to find this information, especially because they know people are looking for it.

One problem with salmon dog food is that it has a strong, fishy odor that people find off-putting, and some dogs wont care for the smell or taste of salmon meals either.

Pros

The true novel protein of the three foods
Best choice for dogs with food allergies
A good option for dogs with sensitive skin

Cons

Least accessible of the three foods
Often has a strong odor
Some dogs dont like the taste

Image Credit: thanakarn Singto, Shutterstock

What Are the Differences Between Them?

Price

Manufacturers use several forms of chicken in their products, but the cheapest dog foods overall are generally made with chicken.

Convenience

Chicken is the most common protein used in dog food. If a rural gas station stocks a bag of dog food just in case a road-tripping pet parent forgets to pack theirs, chances are its a chicken diet.

Quality

The quality of the salmon will vary depending on the brand of dog food. However, salmon is generally only found as an ingredient in expensive dog food.

Allergy-friendliness

Salmon is the only one of the protein sources we discussed thats considered a true novel protein by veterinarians. Prescription salmon meals are usually single protein recipes. However, you need to double-check the labels of over-the-counter salmon foods to ensure they dont contain any chicken products.

Image By: Jaromir Chalabala, Shutterstock

What the Users Say

Dog food manufacturers have their fans and their critics, so weve taken a look at customers opinions on lamb, chicken, and salmon foods overall.

Fans of chicken-based meals appreciate the low cost and convenience. However, they tend to be divided on their opinions of the various forms of chicken ingredients. Some are opposed to using recipes with by-products, for example.

We also noticed that users sometimes blame chicken dog food for any sign of itchy skin or digestive troubles in their pups, which may not always be fair.

Lamb dog food generally receives positive reviews, again with variations among brands. Several customers mentioned that even picky dogs seemed to enjoy the taste of lamb meals. Others found that lamb food did help with their dogs potential food sensitivities. Some dog owners were frustrated that some lamb recipes also contain chicken ingredients.

Most customers were pleased with the quality and effectiveness of dog food with salmon, especially for sensitive pups. The primary complaint about salmon across the board was the smell. A few users warned pet parents to look out for hidden chicken ingredients in salmon-based meals, and others claimed the fish might not be the best choice for picky eaters.

Final Thoughts

For the average dog owner, chicken foods are the easiest and best option due to their broad appeal and wide availability. They generally work well for all life stages and breeds, barring those dogs with confirmed food sensitivities. Dogs with suspected food sensitivities should look towards lamb or salmon options as long as they proceed cautiously to ensure there are no hidden chicken ingredients. Pups with severe food allergies will likely need a true novel protein (check with your veterinarian before switching), making salmon dog food the superior choice.

Featured Image Credit: Lamb (margouillat photo, Shutterstock), Chicken (Pixabay), Salmon (congerdesign, Pixabay)

Lamb Vs Salmon Dog Food: The Quest For The Top

The choice between lamb vs salmon dog food can be a perplexing one for pet owners. Both offer unique nutritional advantages, and understanding their differences is crucial for selecting the optimal diet for your canine companion. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the distinct characteristics of lamb and salmon dog food, comparing their protein profiles, fat content, and other essential nutrients.

Protein Profile

Lamb Dog Food: Lamb is a lean protein source, providing a high concentration of essential amino acids that are vital for muscle growth and repair. Its amino acid profile is particularly rich in leucine, which plays a crucial role in muscle synthesis.

Salmon Dog Food: Salmon is also an excellent protein source, offering a complete amino acid profile. It is particularly high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and support cognitive function.

Fat Content

Lamb Dog Food: Lamb is a moderate-fat protein source, with a fat content typically ranging from 10-20%. This fat content provides energy and supports the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Salmon Dog Food: Salmon is a high-fat protein source, with a fat content typically ranging from 15-25%. The majority of this fat is in the form of omega-3 fatty acids, which offer numerous health benefits.

Other Nutrients

In addition to protein and fat, both lamb and salmon dog food provide a range of other essential nutrients:

Lamb Dog Food:

Iron: Rich in iron, which is necessary for red blood cell production.
Zinc: Supports immune function and skin health.
B vitamins: Essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function.

Salmon Dog Food:

Omega-3 fatty acids: Supports brain health, reduces inflammation, and promotes joint mobility.
Vitamin D: Important for bone health and immune function.
Selenium: An antioxidant that protects cells from damage.

Which Type is Right for Your Dog?

The choice between lamb vs salmon dog food depends on your dogs individual needs and preferences.

Lamb Dog Food: Ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies to other protein sources. Also suitable for dogs who are active and require a moderate amount of fat.
Salmon Dog Food: Excellent option for dogs with joint issues, skin allergies, or cognitive decline. Also suitable for dogs who are less active and require a higher fat content.

Considerations for Sensitive Dogs

Dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies may benefit from lamb dog food, as lamb is a highly digestible protein source. It is also hypoallergenic, making it less likely to trigger allergic reactions.

Choosing the Right Brand

When selecting a lamb or salmon dog food, it is important to choose a high-quality brand that uses real ingredients and avoids artificial additives. Look for products that specify the percentage of lamb or salmon in the formula.

In a nutshell: Empowering Your Choice

Understanding the nutritional differences between lamb vs salmon dog food empowers you to make an informed decision about your pets diet. By considering your dogs individual needs, preferences, and health conditions, you can select the optimal food to support their well-being and vitality.