Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken? Read This Before You Bark Up That Tree

Feeding dogs a raw diet has become a topic of much debate among pet owners and veterinarians. One of the most controversial components of this diet is can dogs eat raw chicken. While some argue that raw chicken is a natural and healthy option for dogs, others caution against the potential health risks it poses. 

Raw chicken can carry harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can lead to serious infections in dogs. Additionally, the bones in raw chicken can pose a choking hazard or cause internal injuries. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of feeding raw chicken to dogs, the potential health risks, and safer alternatives to ensure your furry friend stays healthy and happy.

So, Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken?

It is usually not common for a dog’s regular diet to contain raw chicken. The uncooked meat will have bacteria such as campylobacter and salmonella, which can poison dogs, and if the chicken has bones, it could physically hurt its digestive system. 

But can dogs eat raw chicken? Dogs are descendants of wolves, and many pet owners think giving dogs 100% natural and unprocessed chicken is the correct way to feed them instead of regular cooked chicken. If you want to offer your dog a raw meat diet, consult your veterinarian to ensure all the nutrients your dog needs are also included. 

But first lets learn about the effects of raw chicken on a dog’s diet. 

Should Dogs Eat Raw Chicken?

Raw chicken is not known to be hurtful to dogs, but it may not be all that safe, either. Sometimes it could pose serious dangers that have made pet lovers choose the safer route of avoiding uncooked food entirely.

Many veterinary experts discourage offering raw diets to dogs. The American College of Veterinary Nutrition and the American Veterinary Medical Association have recommended avoiding raw diets as it poses way too much risk for the overall health of your dog.

Risks include potential disruption of your dog’s digestive system and infections. A raw chicken-only diet can also deprive your dog of other necessary nutrients. 

Salmonella Infection

The bacteria salmonella is the most common cause of food poisoning, and it can be found in most undercooked and uncooked foods that, include raw chicken. This bacteria is found in the intestines and feces of animals, which is absolutely not safe to be consumed. 

If a considerable amount of this bacteria enters your dog’s mouth, the following symptoms of salmonellosis will develop:

• Lethargy
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Lack of appetite 
• Diarrhea

If your dog shows the above signs, visit our vet immediately. The treatment will require antibiotics and other medicine along with IV fluid therapy. Ignoring this infection can prove fatal if your pup has severe dysbiosis of the gut or a poor immune system. 

Salmonella isn’t detectable with the naked eye, so you cannot ensure its removal from the raw chicken you feed your dog. Foods do get recalled due to salmonella contamination, but that, too, is discovered when a person or pet gets sick. Feeding your dog raw chicken entails the main risk of salmonellosis.

Campylobacteriosis

Raw chicken can also contain the bacteria campylobacter, which makes dogs sick on consumption of raw poultry. Similar to salmonella, campylobacter also shows up with signs of digestive upset, such as:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloody stool
• Diarrhea
• Fever

Diarrhea in dogs is the primary symptom of infection lasting between 5-15 days for pups older than 6 months. It could appear bloody, watery, or contain bile or mucus. Many dogs do not show any symptoms of infection.

The vet can diagnose campylobacteriosis by examining the stool sample. Medications include antibiotics and supportive care such as IV therapy. 

Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken Bones?

Feeding your dog raw chicken can increase the chances of a bone slipping into the food. These bones can cause obstruction in the intestinal tract and stomach, puncture their internal organs, get lodged in their throat or mouth, or even break their teeth. This can be avoided if the bones are removed from their food.   

Drawbacks of Eating Only Raw Chicken

An exclusive chicken-only diet can leave out a large chunk of nutrients that your dog needs, leaving your dog malnourished. Malnutrition can cause severe illnesses. Chicken is not a balanced and complete food for dogs, and if they don’t get all the appropriate minerals and vitamins, they could suffer from various issues such as organ malfunction and brittle bones. 

Dogs require a lot more than just chicken to stay strong and healthy. When fed a balanced diet, including raw chicken, all risks of malnutrition are almost eliminated. 

What If Your Dog Ate Raw Chicken?

So you weren’t looking, and your dog stole some raw chicken from the trash or counter? What now? 

You have probably Googled, can dogs eat raw chicken breast? Or can dogs eat raw chicken liver? But it’s not about whether your dog can or cannot eat raw chicken. It’s about what happens after.

But if you are still worried that your dog ate some chicken bones, contact your veterinarian. They would understand your dog’s health the best and give the most accurate action plan on what to do next. And if your dog shows signs of distress, definitely visit your vet. 

But Raw Chicken Is Good

There are a few potential benefits of feeding raw chicken to your dog, notwithstanding the risks. Raw chicken is packed with protein, no sugar or carbohydrate, and a little phosphorus, potassium, vitamin b12, magnesium, and other nutrients that are good for dogs. 

If you like homemade recipes for your dog, raw or otherwise, you must talk to your vet beforehand. Many online recipes from actually reputable sources are not complete or balanced. Consulting your veterinarian can help you create a diet that is balanced and complete. You don’t want your pet to be hungry inspire of being fed.

Are There Any Safe Ways to Incorporate Raw Chicken Into a Dog’s Diet?

Yes, there are safe ways to incorporate raw chicken into a dog’s diet, but it requires careful planning and strict hygiene practices to minimize health risks. Here are some guidelines:

• Use Human-Grade Chicken: Ensure the raw chicken you use is of high quality and human-grade to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
• Balanced Diet: Raw chicken should be part of a balanced diet. Combine it with other proteins, vegetables, and supplements to ensure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients.
• Proper Handling: Always wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw chicken to prevent the spread of bacteria.
• Freeze Before Feeding: Freezing raw chicken for a few weeks can help kill parasites. Thaw it properly before feeding it to your dog.
• Avoid Bones: While some raw feeders include bones, they can pose a choking hazard or cause internal injuries. If you choose to include bones, ensure they are appropriately sized, and supervise your dog while eating.
• Consult a Veterinarian: Before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet, consult with a veterinarian to ensure it meets your dog’s specific nutritional needs and health conditions.
• Commercial Raw Diets: Consider commercially prepared raw diets that are formulated to be nutritionally complete and balanced. These diets often undergo rigorous safety testing.

By following these guidelines, you can safely incorporate raw chicken into your dog’s diet while minimizing potential health risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions that pet owners ask when Google-ing, “Can dogs eat raw chicken.”

To Conclude

You may be thinking of shifting to a new diet, something unconventional, and want to know can dogs eat raw chicken.

We hope we answered all your queries regarding a raw meat diet for your dog. If you have more questions or you have thoughts to share, leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you. 

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