Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken? How Much is Safe for Them to Eat?

Did you know that Chickens are the closest living relatives of dinosaurs? There is scientific evidence stating shared common ancestry between chickens and the Tyrannosaurus rex. While dinosaurs went extinct, it is estimated that there are over 33 billion chickens worldwide! ⁽¹⁾ And today, these birds have become one of the favorite foods for millions of people on the planet. 

We also know that our canine buddies love to eat these birds. But should we feed it to them raw? 

This question has been in debate for a long time now. Let us tell you everything you need to know about it. 

Raw chicken is safe for your dog to eat but it comes with some conditions. You may think that raw chicken may contain bacteria that can make your dog fall sick. However, a dog’s digestive tract is highly acidic and short, making it suitable to eat and process raw meat without getting sick. The benefits of raw chicken for dogs include – ⁽³⁾

These in turn can offer improved digestion, healthier skin, coats and teeth for dogs. Having said that, raw chicken should never form a complete diet for your dog. They need to right amount of muscle meat, organ meat and bone for a holistic nutritional gain. 

Don’t already go to the market and get a pound of raw chicken for your dog. There are some potential risks of feeding raw chicken to your dog as well. These include – ⁽³⁾

Is Feeding Dogs Raw Chicken Everyday Dangerous?

As we mentioned above, the bacteria in raw chicken can pose a big threat to dogs. Salmonella, which is usually found in uncooked or undercooked foods like chicken, can cause an infection in your dog’s stomach. If your dog ends up eating a lot of raw chicken while you were busy watching that last episode on Netflix, you need to check for the below signs in your dog – ⁽³⁾

If you see such signs, you should consult your vet immediately.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Food?

Usually, two opinions are developed on this. One is that dogs are direct descendants of wolves and hence feeding them 100% natural, unprocessed meat is safe and healthy as it is for wolves as well. The second is that raw food usually comes with high risks of harmful bacteria. Most vets do not recommend raw meat. 

Raw fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, can be safe and even healthy for your dog. You can feed raw fruits like bananas, carrots, apples, etc. and raw vegetables like beetroot, carrots, green beans, peas, etc. Avoid grapes, raisins, garlic and onions as they are all toxic to dogs. ⁽²⁾

Can Dogs Eat Frozen Raw Food?

When it comes to meat, dogs can eat frozen raw meat given that it is defrosted. It can be a good way to maintain the freshness of meat, inhibit bacterial growth and preserve nutrients. However, the risks of feeding raw meat to your dog remain. 

Even for other foods that are safe for dogs to eat, feeding them frozen versions of them is also safe. They can also aid in teeth cleaning and promote dental health for dogs. However, the high risk of bacteria remains and there can even be choking hazards if your dog ends up ingesting a big piece of any frozen food.  ⁽⁵⁾

What Raw Meats Can Dogs Eat?

Dogs can safely eat various types of raw meat including chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, pork, fish, duck and rabbit. They can also eat chicken necks and wings, beef marrow bones and lamb bones. Your dog needs to eat a combination of muscle meat, organ meat and bone meat for overall nutrition. 

However, the risks of bacteria in any raw meat remain. Bones, on the other hand, should always be fed raw as cooked ones can splinter and cause internal injuries that can turn out to be very serious. 

We would like you to know that ‘The American Veterinary Medical Association’ and ‘The American College of Veterinary Nutrition’ discourage feeding raw diets as they offer too much risk in return for only anecdotal results. ⁽³⁾ So, before incorporating any new diet, it is very important for you to check with your vet as it is essential to keep your dog’s medical history in mind before changing diets. 

More About Spot Pet Insurance, 

Owning a pet can be tough at times. You need to constantly be aware of what and how much goes into their mouths. Some things you can control and others you may not be able to. Sometimes unwanted foods can cause severe reactions in your dog and even require surgery for treatment. The bills can put a severe dent in your savings at such times. 

Not with pet health insurance though! With pet health insurance, you can save up to 90% of medical costs. With Spot Pet, you can save many more costs. 

Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more. 

Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!