Is Raw Chicken Good for Dogs? | Best Facts by Vets

Whether you want to dip your toes into the raw dog feeding world or just wondering what you can feed your pup to give them a different taste, you might be concerned about raw chicken for dogs? Dog owners and vet specialists often debate this controversial topic. That’s because there can be many biological differences between domesticated and wild dog breeds and their preferences may vary.

While wild dogs probably won’t have any difficulty eating raw chicken, domestic dogs can be exposed to safety or health risks when consuming raw meat. If you are one of those pet parents concerned about your dog’s food consumption, you must want to know is raw chicken good for dogs? Regarding pet owners’ concerns, Pet Life Expert has shared valuable information with every dog parent.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken?

Is it safe for dogs to eat raw chicken? Although it is technically possible for dogs to consume raw or undercooked chicken, dog parents must be aware of the risks associated with raw chicken or chicken meal in dog food and how to best care for their pets health and welfare.

Dogs must not eat raw chicken as their diet part because it might contain bacteria. The uncooked chicken and meat can have salmonella and campylobacter that can poison dogs. Also, this unprocessed chicken can also hurt their digestive system as well. The main drawbacks of giving a dog raw chicken could include, but are not restricted to: 

• Parasites  
• Food Poisoning 
• Nutritional Deficiency
• Bone Splinters and Shards
• Toxic (spices & sauces)
• Bacterial Infections (Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria)

Benefits of Raw Chicken for Dogs

For pet owners who are concerned, why is raw chicken good for dogs? Here are some reasons to help you understand the benefits of feeding raw chicken to dogs.

1- Healthy Skin and Coat

Research shows that feeding dogs raw meat significantly helps them develop a glossier coat and improve their skin luster and texture.

2- Improved Joint and Bone Health

Glucosamine and chondroitin, found in chicken cartilage, support joint health. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties.

3- Better Digestion

Raw meat doesn’t contain processed ingredients or fillers that can cause gastrointestinal issues, so it improves digestion and reduces stomachache.

4- Fewer Allergies and Food Sensitivities

Eating raw, unprocessed meat or chicken relieves your dog from allergies and food sensitivities due to allergen-free food.

What Are the Risks of Feeding Raw Chicken to Dogs?

While feeding natural dog food has multiple risks, some risks are involved. The FDA and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) have spoken out against feeding raw chicken to dogs. If a pet owner is concerned about raw chicken good for dogs skin, body, and health, and the potential risks of feeding raw chicken to a dog, it is suggested to go through these drawbacks.

1- Bacterial Contamination

Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli are among the germs found in raw chicken. These germs can cause severe gastrointestinal distress in dogs, particularly in pups, elderly dogs, or dogs with compromised immune systems. They can also cause lethargy and even lethargy.

2- Bone Damage

Raw chicken bones, mainly cooked ones, can shatter and become brittle, leading to intestinal perforations, esophageal rips, and choking. Additionally, they may result in constipation or the lodgment of bone fragments in other parts of the digestive tract.

3- Food Poisoning Risk

After eating raw chicken, handling your dog’s feces can contaminate surfaces, increasing the risk of bacterial diseases for you and your family. Due to bacterial contamination in raw chicken, there are chances of food poisoning that lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy symptoms.

4- Nutritional Imbalances

Giving your dog exclusively raw chicken could result in an unbalanced diet deficient in vital vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients crucial to their health. Therefore, a dog diet should not primarily consist of raw chicken.

5- Choking Problems

Giving raw chicken to dogs can be harmful for them because they can be difficult for digestion. Bones in chicken can become a choking hazard based on the piece size. The sharp pieces of chicken can also cause internal injuries in throat and intestine.

Is It Safe to Give Raw Chicken to Dogs?

Do you think your dogs can eat raw chicken? Our specialists do not advise it. Can I feed my dog raw meat from the grocery store if you are determined to do so? Here are some safer methods for preparing raw chicken for dogs. 

• Consult your vet for specialized advice before feeding raw chicken to your dog.
• Keep your raw chicken in a tightly sealed container in the freezer.
• Selecting or ordering chicken from a reliable source is advised.
• Ensure that raw chicken meat is fresh from the packaging.
• After holding the raw chicken, use gloves to wash your hands.
• Dispose of the gloves immediately after each use.
• Be sure to sanitize any surface that will touch the raw chicken.

When it comes to giving raw chicken to your dog for eating, the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) highly recommends some of the essential cleaning steps to pet parents.

How To Handle Raw Chicken When Serving to Dogs

Handling raw chicken with care is crucial, as is taking all the necessary precautions to ensure your pup’s safety. If your concern is whether raw chicken is good for dogs, some of the precautionary measures are given below.

Thoroughly Wash Your Hands

After handling raw meat or bones, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Additionally, wash your hands after handling items or surfaces that might have come into contact with raw meat or bones, such as: 

• Cutting boards
• Feeding bowls 
• Kitchen utensils 
• Countertops
• Inside of microwaves and refrigerators 

Disinfect Objects & Surfaces

Any surface or item that comes into contact with raw meat or bones should be thoroughly cleaned in two steps: 

• Use hot and soapy water. 
• Thoroughly wash every surface.
• Sanitize with a disinfectant. 

What to Do If a Dog Ate Raw Chicken?

Has your dog consumed raw chicken meat? or are can dogs have raw chicken bones. After the dog consumes any quantity of raw chicken bones, get in touch with your veterinarian. 

• For large amounts of raw chicken meat, instantly consult your vet.
• Watch for any signs of vomiting, dehydration, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fever, or lethargy for a smaller amount of raw chicken meat. 
• These signs signal a bacterial infection or parasitism that requires an instant vet’s attention.

End Point

Is raw chicken good for dogs? It can be the most common query any individual who owns a dog asks. Although it is neither wholly toxic nor entirely beneficial, it has specific pros and cons. You can go through every factor in detail with a detailed guide of every plus and minus point discussed. Also, we’ve recommended seeking a vet’s assistance if anything goes wrong. Hopefully, pet owners will get the idea and make a clear and wise decision while feeding their dogs.

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions