The 3 biggest myths about chicken

Chicken is one of the most common sources of protein used in dog food. And it's also one of the most misunderstood . Let's take a look at three of the most common ones. 

1. Chicken is an allergen

Myth : Chicken is the most common cause of allergies in dogs, and therefore all dogs should avoid it.

Reality : Chicken is inherently no more allergenic than other proteins. The most common allergens in dog food are:

• Beef (34% of dogs with food allergies)
• Milk/milk protein (17% of dogs with food allergies)
• Chicken (15% of dogs with food allergies)
• Wheat (13% of dogs with food allergies)
• Lamb (5% of dogs with food allergies) [i]

Less common but potentially allergenic ingredients include soy, corn, eggs, pork, fish, and rice. Any ingredient or substance added to the food can be an allergen. [ii] For dogs without known allergies, chicken is a healthy and valuable source of protein.

So where is the problem? If you suspect your dog is allergic to chicken, discuss your concerns with your veterinarian, who will likely recommend an elimination diet, [iii] or blood tests to detect/confirm possible allergies. If your dog is healthy, there is no reason to avoid high-quality chicken.

2. The chicken is of poor quality

Myth : Dog food that contains chicken is low quality and should be avoided.

Reality : Chicken is actually an easily digestible source of protein. It is not for nothing that it is therefore suitable especially for puppies, but also for dogs with overweight or digestive problems (you have certainly received advice from your veterinarian more than once to cook a skinless chicken breast with rice and carrots for your dog when they have digestive problems). Chicken is a source of high-quality protein that the body cannot produce itself (so-called essential amino acids), B vitamins (B3, B6 affecting metabolism and mental performance) and minerals selenium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc. [iv]

So where is the problem? Unfortunately, the quality of chicken used in dog food varies greatly, so you need to be careful about the origin of the meat . Not only in the cheaper foods, you can find leftover meat that is skimmed from the skeletons, the premium parts of which have been removed for human consumption. The problem is especially with meat from industrial farms, which can contain residues from artificially prepared feed mixtures, which can affect the gut microbiome and weaken the immune system. From a taste perspective, the stress factor that animals experience in industrial farms has the greatest impact on the quality of the meat. [v] The solution is to look for chicken from farms with higher standards and free-range, extended breeding periods and a quality diet.

3. Fresh chicken vs. chicken meal

Myth : Fresh chicken in dog kibble is less valuable than chicken meal.

Reality : Meat meal or dried meat is up to 7 times cheaper than fresh meat, as it is mostly made from leftovers : skeletons, tendons and muscle cuts. During processing, it loses omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, vitamins and beneficial fat. Therefore, it is not only less tasty for dogs, but also more difficult to digest. According to European legislation, meat meal must never contain feathers, but unfortunately, it usually contains chemical preservatives that are harmful to your dog's body. The worst possible option is granules that list "meat and animal by-products" as a source of protein - avoid these at all costs, as they can contain absolutely anything from the chicken, including feathers and beaks.

So where is the problem? It depends, among other things, on the way the pellets are processed, but also on the quality of the input meat. Fresh meat in pellets is not only tastier for dogs, but also more biologically usable due to the content of essential amino acids, which the body cannot produce and needs to receive from food. The latest studies confirm that fresh meat in pellets for dogs is much more valuable and digestible than chicken (and other) - ultra-processed - meals. [vi]

Tip for you: While chicken is a common, beneficial, and highly digestible ingredient in dog food, it's important to consider the quality of the source, the processing, and your dog's individual needs. Ask your manufacturer about the specific origin of the meat they use in their kibble. They should be able and especially willing to give you a truthful, unbiased answer.

Photo: Chicken skeleton and chicken meal.

What makes McAdams different?

McAdams is the first ethical dog and cat food brand to use whole free-range chickens from the UK, under the auspices of the oldest royal animal welfare organisation. The meat used in McAdams food is always human-grade and comes from animals raised in better conditions than free-range chickens. [vii]

McAdams is one of the few dog foods that never uses any meat meal . You can be sure that your dog is getting what we as humans would choose at the butcher shop – the best cuts of meat . No scraps of questionable quality. No ultra-processed meal.

In addition, all McAdams recipes are grain-free and gluten-free , preventing possible allergic reactions in more sensitive individuals. For more sensitive tummies, McAdams offers the Sensitive recipe made with turkey meat, and for those who cannot tolerate any poultry at all, there is Freeze-dried Lamb or Salmon .

Feed your dog like a family member. ❤️

 

[i] https://veterinaryskinandear.com/food-allergies-in-dogs/

[ii] https://mazliccivpohybu.cz/blog/articles/3180-konzumace-kureciho-masa-benefit-o-kterych-jste-mozna-nevedeli?page=80

[iii] https://www.uveterinarky.cz/potravni-alergie-eliminacni-dieta/#:~:text=Eliminační%20dietu%20može%20perovést%20be%20an%20never%20met%20yet

[iv] https://www.obchodulidusky.cz/2021-03-20-kureci-maso-myty-a-fakta/#:~:text=Chicken%20is%20a source of%20quality%20proteins,%2C%20zinc%2C%20sodium%20and%20phosphorus.

[v] https://www.obchodulidusky.cz/2021-03-20-kureci-maso-myty-a-fakta/#:~:text=Chicken%20is%20a%20source%20ofquality%20proteins,%2C%20zinc%2C%20sodium%20and%20phosphorus.

[vi] https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/12/1538

[vii] https://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/businesses/corporatepartners/mcadams

Image source: https://www.upworthy.com/this-golden-retriever-is-a-master-at-hide-and-seek