Best Puppy Food for Large Breeds Without Chicken UK 2026
- Harringtons Puppy Salmon & Rice is the best value chicken-free large breed puppy food in the UK
- Wellness CORE Ocean is the best grain-free option with salmon and tuna for joint support
- James Wellbeloved Puppy Turkey is the best hypoallergenic option for sensitive large breed puppies
- Large breed puppy food must control calcium and phosphorus to prevent overly rapid bone growth
- Chicken is the most common protein allergy in dogs, so chicken-free formulas are worth considering even if your puppy hasn't reacted yet
Suggested reading: Best Dog Food for Allergies UK 2026 · Wet vs Dry Dog Food
Quick Picks
Finding puppy food without chicken sounds simple until you actually start looking. Chicken shows up in the vast majority of UK dog food, from budget brands to premium ranges. For large breed puppies, the search gets harder because you also need controlled calcium and phosphorus levels to protect developing joints.
We compared five chicken-free options suitable for large breed puppies in the UK, looking at protein source, nutritional balance, ingredient quality and value for money. Our comparison is based on Amazon purchaser reviews, manufacturer specifications and independent feedback.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Protein | Grain | Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harringtons Puppy Salmon & Rice | Salmon | Yes (rice) | 10kg | Value, everyday feeding |
| Wellness CORE Ocean | Salmon & Tuna | No (grain-free) | 10kg | Grain-free, high protein |
| James Wellbeloved Puppy Turkey | Turkey | Yes (rice) | 2kg | Sensitive stomachs |
| Harringtons Lamb & Rice | Lamb | Yes (rice) | 15kg | Budget, all-ages feeding |
| Hunger of the Wolf Salmon | Salmon | No (grain-free) | 2kg | Grain-free budget option |
In-Depth Reviews
1. Harringtons Complete Dry Puppy Food Salmon & Rice 10kg
Salmon protein | Contains rice | 10kg bag | All natural ingredients | From 3 weeks
Harringtons is one of the most accessible chicken-free puppy foods in UK supermarkets and online. The salmon and rice recipe uses freshly prepared salmon as the primary protein source, with rice as the carbohydrate. At around 10kg for under 30 pounds, it's the most cost-effective option for feeding a large breed puppy through the growth phase.
Amazon reviewers consistently mention that their puppies' coats improved within a few weeks of switching to this food. Several owners of Labradors and German Shepherds noted less itching and fewer ear infections after moving from chicken-based food. The kibble size is suitable for medium to large breed puppies, though very young puppies may need it soaked first.
The formula includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health, plus essential vitamins and minerals. It's not grain-free, which some owners prefer for long-term digestive health. For large breed puppy owners on a budget who want to avoid chicken, this is the default choice in the UK.
- Widely available in UK supermarkets
- Excellent price per kilogram
- All natural ingredients, no artificial additives
- Good coat and skin results reported
- Not specifically formulated for large breeds
- Contains grains (rice)
- Smaller brand recognition than premium options
2. Wellness CORE Ocean Salmon & Tuna 10kg
Salmon & Tuna protein | Grain-free | 10kg | High protein | Medium to large breeds
Wellness CORE Ocean is a grain-free, chicken-free formula that uses salmon and tuna as the primary proteins. The 42% protein content is higher than most puppy foods, which supports muscle development in growing large breed puppies. The fish-based recipe also provides DHA for brain development and omega-3s for joint health.
Amazon reviewers praise the food for dogs with multiple food sensitivities. Several owners reported that their puppies' digestive issues resolved within two weeks of switching. The kibble is appropriately sized for medium to large breeds. One reviewer noted their Great Dane puppy's coat became noticeably shinier after a month on this food.
The grain-free formula uses sweet potato and peas as carbohydrate sources instead of rice or wheat. While grain-free diets are generally safe, discuss with your vet if you're concerned about the FDA's investigation into grain-free diets and DCM. For puppies confirmed to react to grains as well as chicken, this covers both bases.
- High protein content supports growth
- Grain-free and chicken-free
- Excellent for puppies with multiple sensitivities
- Strong omega-3 content for joints
- Premium price point
- Grain-free diets have FDA scrutiny
- Not specifically a puppy formula
3. James Wellbeloved Puppy Turkey and Rice 2kg
Turkey protein | Contains rice | 2kg | Hypoallergenic | Puppy formula
James Wellbeloved has built its reputation on hypoallergenic dog food, and their turkey puppy formula is one of the few dedicated chicken-free puppy foods in the UK. The recipe uses turkey as the sole animal protein source, with rice as the carbohydrate. It's designed for puppies with sensitive stomachs and food intolerances.
Amazon reviewers consistently highlight the food's gentle effect on digestion. Multiple owners of Golden Retriever and Labrador puppies reported less wind, firmer stools and reduced itching after switching. The smaller 2kg bag is useful for trial feeding before committing to a larger quantity, though it's less economical for ongoing feeding.
The formula includes prebiotics (FOS and MOS) to support gut health, plus yucca extract to reduce stool odour. It's one of the most veterinarian-recommended hypoallergenic puppy foods in the UK. For large breed puppies with confirmed chicken sensitivity, this is the safest starting point.
- Dedicated puppy formula
- Veterinarian recommended for sensitivities
- Prebiotics for digestive health
- Single animal protein source
- Small 2kg bag, expensive per kg
- Contains grains (rice)
- Lower protein than grain-free options
4. Harringtons Rich in Lamb & Rice 15kg
Lamb protein | Contains rice | 15kg | All natural | From 8 weeks
Harringtons Lamb & Rice is technically an all-ages formula suitable from 8 weeks onwards. It's not marketed as a large breed puppy food, but the lamb protein, balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio and natural ingredients make it a viable option for puppy owners who want to avoid chicken without paying premium prices.
At 15kg for around 35 pounds, this is the most economical way to feed a chicken-free diet to a growing large breed puppy. Amazon reviewers note the food works well for multi-dog households where adults and puppies eat the same food. Several owners of large breed puppies reported good growth rates and healthy coats.
The recipe contains no artificial colours, flavours, dairy, soya or added wheat. The lamb is sourced from UK farms. For large breed puppy owners who want a simple, natural, chicken-free option at the best price per kilogram, this 15kg bag is hard to beat. Just be aware it's not specifically formulated for large breed growth, so monitor your puppy's weight carefully.
- Best price per kilogram
- 15kg bag lasts months
- All natural, no artificial additives
- Suitable from 8 weeks
- Not specifically a puppy formula
- Not formulated for large breed growth
- Contains grains
5. The Hunger of the Wolf Salmon 2kg
Salmon protein | Grain-free | 2kg | All breeds | High meat content
The Hunger of the Wolf is a niche brand that focuses on high-meat-content, grain-free recipes. Their salmon formula uses 35% salmon as the primary ingredient, with sweet potato and peas as the carbohydrate sources. It's chicken-free and grain-free, making it suitable for puppies with multiple food sensitivities.
Amazon reviewers praise the food's palatability - fussy eaters tend to accept it readily. The 2kg bag is useful for trial feeding, though the price per kilogram is higher than the larger Harringtons bags. Several owners of large breed puppies noted steady growth without the weight gain that some higher-calorie foods cause.
The formula includes glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, which is particularly relevant for large breed puppies whose joints are under more stress during growth. If you want a grain-free, chicken-free option but the Wellness CORE price is too steep, this offers similar benefits at a lower entry point.
- High meat content (35% salmon)
- Includes joint support supplements
- Grain-free and chicken-free
- Good palatability for fussy eaters
- Small 2kg bag
- Higher price per kg than Harringtons
- Niche brand, harder to find in stores
How to Choose Chicken-Free Puppy Food for Large Breeds
Check the protein source first. The ingredient list should clearly state the primary protein (salmon, lamb, turkey, etc.) without any chicken meal, chicken by-products, or poultry by-products hidden further down. Some foods list "meat and animal derivatives" without specifying the source, which could include chicken.
Look for large breed-specific formulas. Large breed puppy food controls calcium (typically 0.8-1.5% dry matter) and phosphorus levels to prevent overly rapid bone growth. If a food isn't specifically labelled for large breeds, check the calcium content on the analytical constituents and compare it to the FEDIAF guidelines for large breed puppies.
Consider grain-free vs grain-inclusive. Grain-free foods use sweet potato, peas or lentils as carbohydrate sources. They're not inherently better unless your puppy has a confirmed grain allergy. The FDA investigated a possible link between grain-free diets and DCM in dogs, though the evidence is inconclusive. If in doubt, grain-inclusive foods with rice or oats are a safe default.
Watch for hidden chicken. Some foods are marketed as "chicken-free" but contain egg, which some dogs with chicken allergies also react to. Others use "poultry" as a generic term that could include chicken. Always read the full ingredient list, not just the marketing claims on the front of the bag.
Transition slowly. When switching to a new food, mix increasing amounts over 7-10 days. Start with 25% new food and 75% old food, then gradually shift the ratio. This reduces the risk of digestive upset, which is especially important for large breed puppies whose digestive systems are still developing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Verdict
For most large breed puppy owners in the UK looking to avoid chicken, Harringtons Puppy Salmon & Rice hits the best balance of price, availability and nutritional quality. It's chicken-free, uses real salmon as the primary protein, and costs under 3 pounds per kilogram.
If your puppy has multiple food sensitivities beyond just chicken, Wellness CORE Ocean covers grain-free and chicken-free in one formula with high protein content for growth. For puppies with confirmed digestive sensitivities, James Wellbeloved Puppy Turkey is the safest starting point with its dedicated hypoallergenic formula.
Whatever you choose, transition slowly over 7-10 days and monitor your puppy for any reactions. If itching, ear infections or digestive issues persist after switching, consult your vet about a proper elimination diet.
Affiliate Disclosure: WhoPets is supported by our readers. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. We compare products using Amazon purchaser reviews, manufacturer specifications and independent feedback. No physical testing is conducted. Prices and availability are accurate as of the date shown and may change.