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Dog on grain-free dry food. Can I add boiled chicken for picky eating?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 8 years and 10 months old | 9.6 lbs

My dog's vet put him on a grain free diet due to food allergies. He was recently switched from wet to dry food. It has been a big adjustment for him. My question is would it be okay if i add boiled chicken to his dry food being that he is on grain free food? He is not so anxious to eat anymore since switching to the dry food.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on October 2nd, 2017

A lot of food allergies are also due to an allergy to chicken and/or beef. I would recommend to refrain from putting chicken on there until you ask your vet because it depends on the type of food your vet put him on as to whether or not chicken is okay. In the meantime, maybe just top the food with some canned green beans or hot water. Also, most foods have a canned version that you can top the dry food with. If you want to set up a consult and talk to me about the specific food they put him on I would more than happy to look at the ingredients with you and see what other options might be okay to add to Benji's diet. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi and thanks for your post! The boiled chicken, although grain free, may add to Benji's calorie intake each day which may cause him to gain weight rapidly. He will also get very use to the boiled chicken and become accustomed to it making him into a potentially very picky dog. I hope this helps and best wishes to you!

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