Chicken meat is not a primary allergen for pets, said veterinarian Alexey Kuleshov. He debunked three myths that, according to him, have formed over many years in the field of veterinary dietetics and are still supported by some specialists.
“The first myth is that chicken is evil. This is not true. Research conducted back in 2016 showed that among allergens for both cats and dogs, beef ranks first,” noted the veterinarian.
He added that chicken meat only ranks third on the list of food allergens for animals. Dairy products are in second place for dogs, while fish is second for cats. Chicken often appears on the list of potential allergens simply because this type of meat is the most accessible and is most commonly used in budget feeds as an additional protein source.
“The second common myth is the belief that gluten is evil. This is also not true. Dogs have a normal ability to digest gluten when the feed is prepared correctly,” explained the veterinarian, adding that cats can also digest carbohydrates, although in smaller amounts compared to dogs.
The last misconception is related to the necessity of giving milk to cats throughout their lives. “This is not the case. Moreover, in most kittens, the production of the enzyme (lactase) that breaks down milk sugar—lactose—ceases after 6 months. Many cats experience lactose intolerance, which later manifests as gastrointestinal symptoms,” added the veterinarian.
