Pawkeen editorial team | Reviewed by Hazel, BVSc | April 2026
Duck is one of the better novel proteins available in the Australian pet food market. While some mainstream brands have added duck to their lines in recent years, it remains far less common than chicken, beef, or lamb — meaning most dogs have not been previously exposed and are not sensitised to it.
Duck is a rich red-meat poultry with a distinct amino acid profile from chicken or turkey. Higher fat content than chicken breast (but comparable to chicken thigh). Excellent palatability — highly palatable for most dogs.
TOP DUCK DOG FOODS IN AUSTRALIA
Natural Balance L.I.D. Duck & Potato
Duck: Primary protein, limited ingredients | Price: ~$25/kg (imported) | Grain-free
Why: Genuine limited-ingredient formula with duck as sole protein — excellent for allergy elimination trials.
Fromm Four-Star Duck & Sweet Potato
Four-generation family-owned brand, high duck inclusion, grain-free with sweet potato
Advance Sensitive Skin (Duck & Rice)
Duck as primary protein, grain-inclusive, widely available at PetBarn/Pet Circle, reasonable price
Real Dog Food Duck BARF
Australian-made, whole duck in BARF ratios, good for allergy-focused raw feeding
DUCK AS AN ELIMINATION DIET PROTEIN
USEFULNESS: Duck is a solid 2nd or 3rd tier novel protein choice. It is more novel than chicken, beef, and lamb; less novel than kangaroo, venison, or brushtail for most Australian dogs.
IF YOUR DOG HAS PREVIOUSLY EATEN: A duck-flavoured treat, duck-inclusive multi-protein food, or any product with duck — duck is no longer novel for that dog.
RECOMMENDATION ORDER FOR ELIMINATION DIETS:
- Kangaroo or venison (most novel for most dogs)
- Duck or rabbit (moderately novel)
- Salmon or ocean fish (good but increasing exposure)
- Turkey (some cross-reactivity with chicken)
TRULY NOVEL: Brushtail (Addiction), insect protein (black soldier fly)
FAQ
Is duck better than chicken for dogs with allergies?
If your dog has chicken sensitivity, duck is a better choice — it is a different species with different proteins. However, duck is not completely non-cross-reactive with chicken (both are poultry). For severe chicken allergy, red meat (kangaroo, venison) or fish is safer.
Is duck dog food available in Australia?
Yes — Advance Sensitive (Duck & Rice) is the most widely available at mainstream AU retailers. Premium options like Natural Balance Duck are available via import. Raw duck through Real Dog Food (Australian) is available online.