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Quick answer: no protein is best for every dog. If your dog does well on chicken, there is no reason to change. Lamb or fish are common alternatives for variety or when the vet suspects a sensitivity to a protein. Always compare recipes for the same life stage and size, and look at the full composition, not just the picture on the bag.
In the shop you will see the same food in several versions: chicken, lamb, fish, ham… Choosing seems complicated, but with a few key points you will know whether a change suits your dog and how to compare.
Differences between the most common proteins
| Protein | What is usually valued |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Widely accepted and common; a good default choice. |
| Lamb | A frequent alternative for variety or for dogs that do not tolerate another protein well. |
| Fish | A different flavour; many recipes highlight its fatty acids. |
| Ham / pork | Very tempting for fussy dogs. |
A “lamb” dry food may contain other protein sources. If you want to avoid a specific ingredient, read the full ingredient list or choose a single-protein recipe.
When a change makes sense
- Your vet suspects a food allergy or intolerance and recommends trying another protein or a specific diet.
- Your dog has lost interest in its usual food.
- You want to rotate recipes from the same range, always with a gradual transition.
If your dog has itching, skin or digestive problems, do not change food blindly: the vet needs to assess the cause.
How to compare two recipes
- Same life stage and size: adult medium with adult medium.
- Composition: ingredients are listed in order of quantity.
- Analytical constituents: protein, fat, fibre and ash.
- Feeding guide: a more energy-dense recipe will need fewer grams.
- Price per kilo: divide the price by the kilos in the bag.
How to switch
Transition over 7 days: 25% new food on days 1–2, 50% on days 3–4, 75% on days 5–6 and 100% on day 7. If stools become soft, go more slowly.
Schesir Medium recipes compared
Browse all our dry dog food and our grain-free turkey dry food.
Frequently asked questions
Is lamb better for dogs with allergies?
Not necessarily. What matters is identifying what the dog reacts to, and that requires a vet's assessment. Specific diets are sometimes recommended.
Can I switch flavours with each bag?
Many dogs tolerate it well if the recipes are from the same range and you make a gradual transition. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, it is better to stick with one recipe.
Does fish dry food smell stronger?
It usually has a stronger smell. Keep it tightly closed in an airtight container.