Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken? Risks, Benefits, And Things to Consider
The notion that raw diets are better for our canine companions is rooted in the fact that dogs are descendants of wolves. So, it is believed that feeding them foods that closely resemble what they’d have eaten in the wild — in other words, a biologically appropriate diet — is key to making them thrive. If you have been exploring this school of thought, you may have wondered, “Can dogs eat raw chicken?”
Well, there isn’t a straightforward yes or no answer to this question. While there are some potential benefits of raw chicken for dogs, there are risks and concerns too. Besides, given that a dog, if left to fend for itself in the wild, wouldn’t exactly be feasting on chicken, the point of a natural canine diet sort of cancels itself. So, feeding raw chicken to your dog — yay or nay?
It boils down to your personal choice in feeding your pet. But if you’re looking for resources to develop an informed opinion, this guide on feeding raw chicken to dogs should help.
Is Raw Chicken Good for Dogs?
In theory, the question — is raw chicken good for dogs — seems to answer itself. Chicken is a nutrient-rich, high-quality protein, packed with healthy fats, essential vitamins, and minerals. Besides, dogs with their short digestive system tracks and highly acidic stomachs are believed to be perfectly equipped to process it.
However, as with any raw meat for dogs, there are certain health concerns to be mindful of. It is for this reason that both the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American College of Veterinary Nutrition advise against raw diets for pets. Since all we pet parents want to play it safe when it comes to furry babies’ health, it’s only wise to weigh in all the pros and cons before making a choice.
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To that end, let’s take a look at the potential risks and benefits of raw chicken for dogs.
Can dogs eat raw chicken?
Although not every dog may have an adverse experience with eating raw chicken, it is typically not considered safe for dogs. Experts believe that the benefits of raw chicken for dogs are often anecdotal and may not be worth exposing your pet to the potential risks, which include:
1. Salmonella infection
The Salmonella bacteria is a common cause of food poisoning. Like us, it can affect our canine companions too. Feeding raw or undercooked foods is the common cause of salmonellosis. Salmonella in dogs can cause the following symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
Since it can be seen without a microscope, there is no way to be absolutely sure that the raw chicken you’re feeding your dog is free from this bacteria. It’s also a fact that batches of food are often recalled on account of salmonella contamination, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.
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2. Campylobacteriosis
This is another bacteria commonly found in raw chicken. Like Salmonella, Campylobacteriosis also causes digestive distress, leading to:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in stools
If a dog becomes sick with Campylobacteriosis infection, the symptoms can take up to 15 days to resolve. The sight of bloody, watery poop mixed with mucus or bile is enough to unnerve any pet parent.
3. Malnutrition
A dog diet comprised primarily of raw chicken can lead to serious malnutrition. No single food can meet your dog’s nutritional requirements. This can lead to health issues such as weakened bones or organ dysfunction.
Benefits of Raw Chicken for Dogs
Is raw chicken good for dogs? Well, there certainly have been instances of dogs thriving on a raw chicken diet. I, at least, know of one such dog — a golden retriever named Genie. A baby of the puppy mill, Genie struggled with digestive distress for nearly the first two years of her life. However, since her mom transitioned her to a raw chicken diet — under the guidance of a trained canine nutritionist, I must add — she seems to be thriving. Like her, many pet parents swear by the benefits of raw chicken for dogs, which include:
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1. Better digestion
Pet parents who follow raw diets for their dogs claim that it improves digestion remarkably. I, certainly, have seen it up close in Genie’s case. The belief is that raw meat is easier for dogs to digest since it does not contain any fillers or preservatives that can cause gastrointestinal flare-ups. This, in turn, results in less frequent, less smelly poop as well.
2. Healthy skin and coat
Raw food is also believed to make dog fur shiny and healthy since it is more nutrient-dense.
3. Fewer allergies
Once again, since raw chicken is free of any artificial preservatives or allergens commonly found in commercially produced dog food, it is believed to alleviate the risk of allergies in dogs.
4. Better weight management
Raw chicken makes for a protein-rich diet and no empty calories. As long as there is reasonable portion control, it can contribute toward better weight management.
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Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken Bones?
Remember, I said, there is no straightforward answer to the question, can dogs eat raw chicken? But that is certainly not the case with this question at hand: can dogs eat raw chicken bones? The answer is an unequivocal NO. Raw chicken bones can be highly dangerous to dogs and can lead to the following complications:
- Cause obstruction in the stomach or intestinal tract
- Get lodged in the throat
- Perforate the bowel
- Puncture internal organ
- Cause the teeth to break
My Dog Ate Raw Chicken, What Should I Do?
Picture this: you lay out raw chicken on the kitchen counter, as you start prepping for dinner. Your dog sneaks in and grabs a piece. Before you have the chance to react, they’ve gobbled it up. It’s natural for you to worry, “My dog ate raw chicken, what should I do?”
Or worse, you toss some uncooked chicken in the trash because you think it has gone bad. And your pet goes on a little scavenger hunt and fishes it right out of the trash and eats it. This, of course, can escalate your worries manifold because your dog has eaten raw chicken that has presumably gone bad.
Well, first of all, there is no reason to panic. It’s not like raw chicken is toxic for dogs and eating just a piece or two won’t necessarily lead to severe health complications. Even if you’re panicking over, “My dog ate raw chicken and is throwing up”, I’d urge you to calm down. At the most, eating raw chicken will lead to:
- Vomiting or regurgitation
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
No, I’m not suggesting that these symptoms aren’t a cause for concern. Of course, these indicate that your dog is sick from eating raw chicken and needs medical attention. What I mean is that is the extent of the damage an occasional instance of a dog eating some uncooked chicken can cause.
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The effects of bacteria like Campylobacteriosis and Salmonella in dogs can be concerning while they last, but they can be easily treated with proper and timely medical attention. Even if your worry is “my dog ate raw chicken and is throwing up”, it’s nothing a course of antibiotics and IV fluids cannot cure. And not all dogs may get sick after an occasional helping of some raw chicken.
In any case, if you realize that your dog has eaten raw chicken, the best course of action would be to contact your veterinarian right away. In all likelihood, they’d ask you to monitor your pet closely and bring them in if any of the listed symptoms appear.
Now, circling back to the question we started with: can dogs eat raw chicken? The answer depends on a variety of factors — the owners’ personal preference, the dog’s genetics, health, and age, to name a few. While many owners claim their pets are thriving on a raw chicken diet, the risk of foodborne illnesses and long-term nutritional deficiencies cannot be ruled out. If you’re looking for an alternative to commercially packaged food, my recommendation would be nutritionally complete homecooked meals for dogs.
