Yes, dogs can have raw chicken in moderation. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, and the problem occurs precisely at the size of the portion consumed by the dog. Vets warn against raw chicken because it’s prone to cause salmonella or other bacterial infection. Therefore, cooked chicken is more reliable.
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Is Raw Chicken Safe for Dogs?
Raw chicken is safe for dogs to eat in moderation. However, there are some risk factors pet parents should not overlook.
Do not feed your dogs Chicken necks as it might cause choking hazards.
Unwashed raw chicken has the potential to cause bacterial infection.
Why is Raw Chicken Good for Dogs?
Different parts of raw chicken have numerous benefits if cleaned and washed properly before serving it up to your pet dog. Let’s take a look at these benefits:
Bone: Adding bones to a dog’s diet is healthy and beneficial. However, you must be cautious while feeding cooked bones because those are breakable, and shards can tear off while consuming. If a fragment is dislodged from the bone, it will cause fatal damages. So, it is more reliable to serve them raw bones because it is less prone to splint or cause intestinal issues and choking than cooked ones. Feeding bones also help to keep your dog’s teeth and gums strong.
Muscle meats: Chicken pieces, including the legs, back, and neck, are known as muscle meats which provide nutrition to the canine. If you want to add nutrients and protein to your dog’s diet, feeding muscle meat is advantageous.
Organs: Giblets and liver are the sources of protein. Hence, it is advised by vets. Chicken organs are advantageous to your dog as it provides large amounts of amino acids.
Chicken feet: Glucosamine present in raw chicken feet is healthy for your dog’s joints. The rough texture of the teeth improves the dog’s oral strength. Raw chicken feet act like a natural way of cleaning and tooth brushing along the gum line.
Chicken Breast: Boiled chicken breast is beneficial for dogs containing 20% fat and 80% protein.
Why is Raw Chicken Bad for Dogs?
There are some risks connected with serving your dog raw chicken, which includes:
Bacteria: It is the primary reason why raw meat is thought unsafe. The bacteria present causes salmonella, which is also seen in processed dog food. Hence, this is not a substantial cause to ignore raw chicken as a component of your dog’s diet.
Constipation: Raw chicken bones can lead to constipation if consumed excessively. Never serve your dog raw chicken bones more than twice a week.
Choking: Dogs can engulf an entire bone if it is small, which leads to choking. This risk is also applicable to large portions of meat.
Allergy: Dogs can be allergic to chicken due to the presence of salmonella and other bacteria.
How to Serve Raw Chicken to Your Dog?
Be sure to include chicken into your dog’s menu gradually. Dogs may enjoy raw chicken if served:
Along with a smaller portion of your dog’s regular meal
On its own as a treat
Dehydrated as a chewy treat
Use raw chicken instead of Turkey in delicious meatballs.
Mix with a vegetable (such as green beans) and a healthy grain (such as brown rice) for homemade dog food.
Chicken broth/chicken and rice
How Much Raw Chicken Should I Feed My Dog?
You can feed your dog raw chicken twice or thrice a day, providing each meal of 1 to 3 chicken quarters, depending on your dog’s size. A grown-up dog, like the Alaskan Malamute, will have to intake 2 pounds of raw chicken.
To minimize the hazard of bacteria which is dangerous to the dogs, you can take a few precautions.
First, ensure the raw chicken is clean and properly washed.
Ensure that the worktops, chopping board, knife, and the dish you serve your dog are cleaned regularly to eliminate bacterial growth.
When changing your dog to a raw food diet, it is essential to make gradual changes. Shifting the old menu and replacing it with raw chicken will make your dog sick, causing abdomen and pancreatic difficulties.
If your dog is ill, do not serve him raw chicken as the weak immune system cannot counterbalance the impact of the bacteria.
What if my Dog Ate Raw Chicken?
Even though raw chicken supposedly won’t hamper your dog’s health, you will have to keep a check on symptoms after he has consumed some of it, which includes:
Difficulty in Breathing
Wheezing
Panicking
Abdominal Pain
Intestinal Obstruction
Rectal Bleeding
Diarrhea
Fever
Loss of Appetite
Paralysis
Swollen Belly
Call up your vet immediately if you notice any of the above symptoms.
Final Thought
To conclude, you may feed your dog raw chicken in moderation. However, the health risks posed by the bacteria present, such as Campylobacter and Salmonella in the raw chicken, are difficult to ignore. Hence, it is advised to properly clean the raw chicken before feeding it to your dog. Please discuss with your vet first whether it is acceptable to offer your dog raw chicken.
