Why does chicken get such a bad rap in the pet food industry?
Chicken is a hot protein, meaning it can cause inflammation when eaten. A lot of pet parents assume their pet is allergic to chicken when it could just be that their pet is hot natured and chicken was tried during a warm time of year. Their pet became itchy, red, and uncomfortable. This reaction could potentially happen with ANY hot protein (like lamb or goat). However, if there has been a rest period from chicken, and chicken is tried again during a colder portion of the year, chances are better than your animal may not have as heightened of a reaction.
Chicken meal (found in most kibble/canned pet food) is basically rendered and dried chicken powder. The poultry industry labels the chicken as "clean", which means no feathers, feet, or intestines.. but this is only half the story. "4D Meats" stand for meat is that Dead, Dying, Disabled, or Diseased. After proper kill steps, this chicken is labeled as "safe" but not nutritious. These meats can contain high levels of pharmaceuticals due to their origin (4D). These animals are not typically fed a high-quality feed which will further lower the quality of the chicken.
Chicken that is organic, humanely-raised, sustainably sourced, and fed a higher quality diet result in a much higher quality of protein that your furry friend can digest. A commerial raw diet that contains a higher quality chicken- with organs, bones, and nutrients from their natural state (not a synthetic form)- is a very economical and nutritious option for your pet!