Bird Flu Season 2026: Is Raw Chicken Still Safe for My Dog?

Yes, you can keep feeding commercial raw dog food during bird flu season. The UK government's advice for pet owners is to avoid non commercial raw poultry, game birds and wild birds, keep dogs away from dead or sick wild birds, and handle all raw food hygienically. Buying from a known, approved UK producer is the sensible line to hold.

Bird flu is back in the news because the 2026/27 season started on 1 October, with confirmed cases in poultry in Northumberland, the Scottish Borders and, this week, a duck farm in Lincolnshire. You can follow every confirmed case on the government's latest situation page. A few of you have asked us in the shops whether raw chicken is still OK, so here is our straight answer.

What happens when a UK farm gets bird flu?

When a case is confirmed, the birds on that premises are culled and a protection zone and a wider surveillance zone are put around the farm, restricting bird movements in the area. Every outbreak is logged publicly, which is why you will see so many headlines through the autumn and winter.

What does the official guidance say about pets?

The GOV.UK guidance on keeping pets safe from bird flu is short and practical:

• Don't feed non commercial raw poultry, game birds or wild birds. That means no roadkill pheasant and no birds from a shoot while outbreaks are being reported.
• Keep dogs away from dead or sick wild birds. Take extra care around rivers, lakes, harbours and the coast. Poole Harbour and Christchurch walkers, this one is for you.
• Handle raw food hygienically. Defrost in the fridge, wash hands, bowls and surfaces, and follow the government's raw pet food handling advice.
• Call your vet if your dog seems unwell and tell them what your dog eats and whether they've been near wild birds.

Commercial raw pet food in the UK is made in premises approved by the Animal and Plant Health Agency. That is very different from feeding home sourced game. All of our frozen raw food comes from Southcliffe, a UK producer.

Haven't there been cases linked to raw pet food?

There have been reports, mainly in the United States, and the reported cases have mostly involved cats rather than dogs. It's worth knowing about, and it is the reason we'd always choose a known producer over an unknown one. If you're worried about your own dog, speak to your vet.

Want to go bird free this winter?

Some owners simply feel happier leaving poultry out until the season calms down, and that's completely fine. Remember that duck, turkey and pheasant are poultry too, so bird free means more than chicken free. Our guide to chicken free raw dog food explains how to read labels properly. Here are some recipes whose names contain no poultry. Always check the current ingredient list before you order.

Complete labelled 80/10/10 boxes (24 × 454g)

• Beef Complete
• Lamb Complete
• Scottish Venison Complete
• Beef & Lamb Complete
• Lamb & Tripe Complete
• Oily Fish & Tripe Complete

Complementary 90/10 mince (for confident raw feeders)

Our Beef, Pork, Tripe, Beef & Tripe and Salmon & Tripe minces are complementary, so they need offal and variety added to make up a balanced diet. If you're new to raw, start with a Complete labelled recipe instead.

Chews and treats with no poultry

Buffalo ears, roe deer legs, XL venison legs, fish braids, camel roll, beef trachea and our 1kg frozen sprats are all poultry free. Browse them in our natural dog treats.

If you're changing proteins, do it gradually over about a week, mixing a little of the new food in with the old. Our transition guide walks through it.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs catch bird flu from raw dog food?

Reported cases linked to commercial raw pet food have mostly involved cats, mainly in the United States. GOV.UK says there is a small risk to cats or dogs that catch infected wild birds. Follow the official guidance above and ask your vet if you have concerns about your own dog.

Should I stop feeding raw chicken during bird flu season?

That's your choice. Official UK guidance warns against non commercial raw poultry and wild birds, not against commercial pet food. If you'd feel happier going bird free for a few months, switch to beef, lamb, venison, pork or fish recipes gradually.

Is duck or turkey a safe swap?

Duck, turkey and pheasant are poultry, so they are not a bird free option. Choose red meat or fish recipes if that's what you want.

The bottom line

Bird flu season is a reason to be fussy about where your dog's food comes from, not a reason to panic. Buy from a known UK producer, handle raw food hygienically and keep your dog away from dead birds on walks. Not sure which box suits your dog? Build their personalised raw plan, check delivery and collection, or pop into our Moordown or Blandford shop for a chat.

Outbreak details were checked against GOV.UK and farming news on 5 November 2026. This is general information, not veterinary advice. Photo: Simon Berger on Unsplash.