Duck

Why this ingredient is used

Duck is used as a hypoallergenic novel protein, similar to lamb but rarer and therefore less likely to have been encountered by sensitised dogs. The iron content is higher than chicken, the flavour is richer and more gamey, and the fat profile includes a good ratio of unsaturated fatty acids. Duck-based pet food is a premium niche: brands like Canidae PURE, Wellness Simple and Acana Singles use duck for dogs with multiple acquired protein intolerances. The main downside is cost, roughly 30 percent more expensive than chicken meal.