Pawkeen editorial team | Reviewed by Hazel, BVSc | April 2026
Lamb has long been marketed as hypoallergenic — but this is only accurate as a novel protein for dogs that haven’t previously eaten lamb. With the widespread adoption of lamb in mainstream dog foods over the past two decades, many dogs have been exposed to lamb and may have developed sensitivities to it as well.
For dogs that have only eaten chicken-based food, lamb can be an excellent novel protein for an elimination diet trial. For dogs that have eaten both chicken and lamb regularly, kangaroo, duck, or venison are better novel protein choices.
Lamb nutritional profile: Moderate fat (higher than chicken, lower than pork), excellent B12, zinc, and iron. Good palatability — most dogs enjoy lamb-based food.
TOP LAMB DOG FOODS
Black Hawk Original Adult (Lamb & Rice)
Lamb: Named lamb, high inclusion | Protein: 26% DM | Price: ~$12/kg | Australian-made
Why: Consistently top-rated Australian lamb food. Named lamb, quality rice carbohydrate, no artificial additives. Dental health benefit as a dry food with appropriate kibble size.
Meals for Mutts Grain Free (Lamb)
Lamb: Primary protein listed first | Grain-free | Price: ~$14/kg | Australian-made
Hills Science Diet Small Paws (Lamb & Rice)
Small kibble, complete nutrition, WSAVA gold standard | Price: ~$18/kg
Ziwi Peak Lamb Air-Dried
NZ grass-fed lamb, 96% animal ingredients, exceptional quality | Price: ~$50/kg
Advance Adult (Lamb & Rice)
Named lamb, Mars research, widely available
FAQ
Is lamb good for dogs with food allergies?
Lamb is a useful novel protein for dogs that have only eaten chicken or fish previously. However, many modern commercial foods contain lamb, so if your dog has eaten multiple foods over their life, lamb may already be sensitised. Use a protein your dog has definitively never been exposed to for an elimination trial.
Is lamb higher in fat than chicken?
Yes — lamb is typically 15–20% fat versus 6–10% for chicken. For dogs prone to pancreatitis, obesity, or hyperlipidaemia, consider a leaner protein (chicken, kangaroo) or choose a lamb-based food with reduced fat guarantee.