Can Dogs Eat Chicken Nuggets? Everything you Need To Know

No, dogs should not eat chicken nuggets. Chicken nuggets are prepared with vegetable oil meaning they have high fat content which can result in obstructed arteries and lead to poor blood circulation. Additionally chicken nuggets contain large amounts of sodium which make it toxic to dogs.

What are Chicken Nuggets?

Chicken nuggets are small pieces of deboned chicken meat that is breaded or battered. Chicken nuggets are generally deep-fried but sometimes baked. The primary ingredients in chicken nuggets are chicken parts, flour, eggs, starch, oils, preservatives, salt, pepper, sugar and its substitutes, and spices.

Are Chicken Nuggets Safe for Dogs?

No, chicken nuggets are not safe for dogs. Their high sodium content can make them toxic.

Chicken nuggets have high sodium content that can cause high blood pressure and dehydrate your dog! Additionally, chicken nuggets are high in fat content and too much fat is unhealthy for dogs and causes obesity or heart difficulties. It can also clog arteries which limits blood flow, leading to low blood supply to various parts of the body.

Why are Chicken Nuggets Bad for Dogs?

Chicken nuggets are not nutritious and will make your dog sluggish. Serving them chicken nuggets is also detrimental to their eating habits.  The following is why chicken nuggets are bad for dogs:

• High-fat content: As chicken nuggets are usually fried, they have a high-fat content. A high-fat diet can cause weight gain in dogs, leading to many health issues such as diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, and other diseases.
• Breading: Another factor that makes chicken nuggets delightful is the tempting coat of golden-brown bread. Bread can lead to weight gain and health problems in the long run. So, it’s best to avoid serving bread (particularly fried breading).
• Seasoning: Chicken nuggets include additives such as sugars, condiments, and preservatives, which are harmful to dogs. They also contains onion powder or garlic powder, which are dangerous and should be evaded at all costs.
• Sodium Content: One of the components that make snacks delicious is salt. A 33-pound dog needs 200 milligrams of sodium daily, but just two chicken nuggets have an average of 180 milligrams of sodium. If your dog consumes too much salt, it can lead to dehydration and even high blood pressure in the long run.

Many fast food chains serve chicken nuggets – they all have sodium contents too high for your dog to consume.

The symptoms if your dog consumes high-fat content food are:

• Lethargy
• Cardiac Disorder
• Gastrointestinal Issues
• Diabetes
• Pancreatitis
• Obesity

The symptoms if your dog consumes high-sodium content food are:

• Kidney Failure
• Dehydration
• Muscle Spasm
• Hypertension
• Sodium Poisoning

What if my dog ate chicken nuggets?

If your dog has consumed chicken nuggets, do not panic. You could either wait until your dog shows symptoms of chicken nugget poisoning or visit the vet immediately. The following are signs of poisoning:

• High Fever
• Excessive Urination
• Weakness
• Drowsiness
• Runny Stool
• Vomiting
• Breathing Problem
• Low/No Appetite

Can I Feed Chicken Nuggets Safely?

Even serving chicken nuggets in moderation can also pose risks for a dog’s health. However if you’re adamant that you want to serve them some chicken nuggets, a small bite-sized chicken nugget can be served, provided:

• You minimize the quantity; do not serve your dog more than a piece of nugget in a month. This will give their body enough time to deal with the chaos
• You eliminate the greasy coating. The crispy coating of nuggets covers most body fat and seasonings. The inner meat is more consistent for your dog as it is not exposed to too many spices and vegetable oil.

Note: Even in moderation, chicken nuggets (toned down quantity, eliminated greasy coating) are unnecessary and unhealthy. 

Alternatives to Chicken Nuggets

Healthy alternatives to chicken nuggets which you can serve your dogs include:

• Apple: Remove the seeds and slice the apples for your dog. 
• Carrots: Carrots are crunchy, and dogs love them. They are the source of vitamins and perfectly healthy for dogs. Slice them before serving.
• Bananas: It is packed with potassium and vitamins. Either slice them into small pieces or sun-dry them before giving them to your dog. 
• Pumpkin: Good source of fiber and helps keep the digestive system healthy. Chop them into small pieces and serve them to your dog.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Nuggets should not be in your dog’s diet at all. The high fat and sodium content will cause numerous health disorders.