Benefits of Duck Dog Food

Why Feed Duck Dog Food?

A relative newcomer to the dog food aisle, duck dog food (which is made using duck meat as the main protein) has been gaining popularity, often in diets created for dogs with food sensitivities. Considered an alternative protein source, duck meat is one of several of the more exotic proteins you might find listed on dog food labels. This list includes:¹

• Duck
• Bison
• Rabbit
• Salmon
• Venison
• Herring

Dogs can develop a food sensitivity to a pet food ingredient even after eating it for a long period of time, resulting in symptoms from GI upset to skin inflammation. Beef and chicken are two of the most commonly identified sources of food sensitivities in dogs. This list also includes:² 

• Dairy
• Wheat
• Lamb
• Eggs
• Soy

Switching from a dog food with a more common protein source such as beef, chicken or lamb to an alternative protein formula such as a duck, is one option owners may try to eliminate a specific protein ingredient. Other dog owners might try a food with an alternative protein source as a way to provide their dog with an enticing new taste experience, as well as a nutritious meal.

Two recipes you might find containing duck meat are duck and potato dog food, and duck and sweet potato dog food. Just like grains, root vegetables like potatoes and sweet potatoes provide valuable nutrition, as well as an alternative source of carbohydrates. But because they aren’t grains, a dog with grain sensitivities is less likely to react to these.³

If you and your veterinarian think your dog could benefit from a food with an alternative protein, remember that duck meat is just one of many delicious options you can try. For example, one of the choices offered by Purina^® Beyond^® Natural Dog Food is Grain Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Ground Entrée. This formula features the alternative protein salmon as the first ingredient, plus sweet potatoes, to provide a delicious meal with the complete and balanced nutrition dogs need.

To help you decide if a novel protein diet such as duck dog food is right for your dog, talk to your veterinarian. 

1. What Are Novel Proteins in Dog Food? http://pets.petsmart.com/food-center/dog-articles/what-are-novel-proteins.shtml
2. Nutrition Myths & Facts. https://www.proplanveterinarydiets.com/pet-food-myths-and-facts/
3. Eating Gluten-Free or Grain-Free? Here’s Why Beets and Sweet Potatoes Are Your New Best Friends! http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/beets-and-sweet-potatoes-gluten-free-grain-free-diet/