You are there in the kitchen, marinating your chicken and making dinner then suddenly step out to get something and the next thing you see is your tray of chicken on the floor with your dog munching on them. The first thing to come to your mind is the question, can dogs eat raw chicken?

Raw chicken is obviously not good for your health as humans, but what about your dog? Can dogs eat raw chicken without getting sick? The answer to this question is in this article, keep reading.

Raw chicken can be harmful to dogs because it contains harmful bacteria such E.coli and salmonella which can cause food poisoning and it also contains parasites such as toxoplasma gondii which can cause serious health problems.

If you have to give your dog chicken, you should give them cooked chicken, cooked thoroughly to kill any bacteria and parasites. Cooked chicken is a great source of essential nutrients for dogs, but you have to avoid feeding them chicken bones because they can cause choking or internal damage.

If you’re unsure about what to feed your dog, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian. They can recommend a balanced diet that meets your dog’s nutritional needs.

Nutritional Value Of Chicken For Dogs 

Raw chicken is not recommended for dogs as we earlier mentioned, so we are going to look at the nutritional value of cooked chicken. Just be sure any chicken fed to your dog is cooked thoroughly to avoid the risk of salmonella and other foodborne illnesses and to avoid feeding your dogs bones.

That being said, cooked chicken is an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients for dogs. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein essential for a dog’s overall health. 

Protein is crucial for maintaining and repairing tissues, supporting the immune system, and providing energy. As an animal-based protein, chicken can help maintain your dog’s muscle structure and naturally provides all the amino acids essential to carnivorous animals. Protein also helps to maintain healthy skin and coat, and it provides energy.

Chicken is also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals that are important for dogs. Essential vitamins for dogs are: vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, and some important minerals are phosphorus, calcium, chloride, and sodium. With important vitamins like B6, B3, and B12, it promotes energy production and a healthy metabolism.

Additionally, minerals like iron, zinc, and selenium, are vital in the development of strong bones, immunity, and a healthy coat.

Chicken is also a good source of essential minerals such as iron, which is highly bioavailable and easily absorbed by the body and important for the production of red blood cells.

Another benefit of feeding your dog chicken is that it is low in fat, especially if you remove the skin. The breast is the leanest part of a chicken. A 3-oz (85-g) serving of roasted, skinless chicken breast contains only 3 g of fat but provides 26 g of protein ( 62 )

This makes it a good choice for dogs that are overweight or have a history of pancreatitis. However, it’s important to note that chicken should not be the only source of protein in your dog’s diet. Dogs also need other sources of protein such as beef, fish, and eggs to ensure that they are getting all of the essential amino acids that they need.

Risk Of Raw Chicken For Dogs

Raw chicken poses several risks to dogs. One of the biggest risks is the risk of food poisoning. Raw chicken can be contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can make your dog sick from eating it and the symptoms can range from mild to severe.

There’s generally a short amount of time between when your dog eats contaminated food and when they start showing a physical reaction. The symptoms and severity of food poisoning depend on the type of bacteria and the symptoms includes, vomiting, diarrhoea, panting and salivation, nausea, uncontrolled peeing and cramping.

In severe cases, your dog may have heart palpitations, tremors, seizures and even death. Dogs that are very young, very old, or have weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing complications from food poisoning.

Another risk of feeding raw chicken to dogs is the risk of parasites. Raw chicken can be contaminated with parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii and Echinococcus granulosus.

When feeding your dogs raw chicken, For example, raw chicken bones can splinter and cause choking or internal damage in dogs. Raw chicken is also high in fat, which can lead to obesity and other health problems if fed in excess.

Precautions To Take While Feeding Your Dogs Raw Chicken 

Raw chicken is not recommended for dogs due to the risk of food poisoning and parasites as we earlier mentioned, but if you still want to feed your dog raw chicken, we will give you the precautions that you should take to minimize the risk of food poisoning and other health problems. These precautions include:

1. Choose high-quality chicken: If you must feed your dog raw chicken, then there is a need to choose high-quality fresh chicken. Fresh chicken should have a pinkish colour. Avoid cosmetic damages, such as bruising or tears in the skin, which can affect the chicken’s quality and freshness

Look for chicken that is labelled as “human-grade” or “fit for human consumption” to ensure that it’s safe for your dog to eat and also chicken that has been raised without antibiotics.

2. Handle chicken safely: When handling raw chicken, you must learn to wash your hand thoroughly before and after handling the chicken, after which you should use separate cutting boards and utensils for chicken, and also use the freezer to store your chicken to prevent bacteria growth.

3. Freeze chicken before feeding: To minimize the risk of parasites, it’s recommended to freeze chicken for at least 48 hours before feeding it to your dog. Ideally, wrap first in a layer of plastic wrap or freezer paper, then a layer of foil, then store in a freezer bag or plastic container. Multiple layers will help maintain quality and prevent freezer burn. Wrap tightly, pressing out as much air as possible. This will kill any parasites that may be present in the chicken.

4. Feed in moderation: Raw chicken is high in fat, so it’s important to feed it in moderation to avoid obesity and other health problems. It’s recommended to feed your dog no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake in raw chicken.

5. Monitor your dog’s health: When feeding your dog raw chicken, it’s important to monitor their health closely for any signs of food poisoning or other health problems. Pay attention to their reaction to it and ensure there are no symptoms of food poisoning in dogs including vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Contact your veterinarian immediately.

6. Avoid feeding chicken bones: Raw chicken bones can splinter and cause choking or internal damage in dogs. If you must feed your dogs raw chicken, you It’s important to avoid feeding your dog chicken bones, and to choose boneless chicken or chicken with soft, edible bones such as chicken wings or necks.

7. Consult with a veterinarian: If you’re unsure about what to feed your dog, it’s recommended to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that they are getting a balanced diet. A veterinarian can help you determine the appropriate amount of raw chicken to feed your dog and can provide guidance on other types of food that are safe for your dog to eat and can provide guidance on other types of food that are safe for your dog to eat. They can also help you determine if your dog has any underlying health conditions that may be affected by a raw chicken diet.

8. Consider a balanced diet: While raw chicken can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, it’s important to ensure that they are getting a balanced diet that includes all the nutrients they need. Consider adding other types of protein, such as beef or fish, as well as fruits and vegetables to ensure that your dog is getting all the essential nutrients they need.

9. Be aware of the risks: While raw chicken can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. Raw chicken can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can cause food poisoning in dogs and humans. It can also contain parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii and Echinococcus granulosus, which can cause serious health problems in dogs.

In summary, feeding your dog raw chicken can be a healthy addition to their diet if done properly. However, it’s important to take precautions to minimize the risk of food poisoning and other health problems. Always choose high-quality chicken, handle it safely, feed in moderation, monitor your dog’s health, avoid feeding chicken bones, consult with a veterinarian, consider a balanced diet, and be aware of the risks.

Precautions When Feeding Raw Chicken To Dogs

1. Choose high-quality chicken: When feeding your dog raw chicken, it’s important to choose high-quality chicken that is fresh, free from hormones and antibiotics, and sourced from a reputable supplier.

2. Handle chicken safely: Raw chicken can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can cause food poisoning in dogs and humans. To minimize the risk of contamination, always wash your hands and surfaces thoroughly before and after handling chicken, keep chicken refrigerated, and use separate cutting boards and utensils for chicken and other foods.

3. Feed in moderation: While raw chicken can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, it should be fed in moderation. Too much chicken can cause digestive upset and other health problems. A general guideline is to feed your dog about 2-3% of their body weight in food per day, with about 80% of that coming from protein sources such as chicken.

4. Monitor your dog’s health: When feeding your dog raw chicken, it’s important to monitor their health for any signs of digestive upset or other health problems. If your dog experiences vomiting, diarrhoea, or other symptoms after eating raw chicken, stop feeding it and consult with your veterinarian.

5. Avoid feeding chicken bones: Chicken bones can splinter and cause choking, digestive blockages, and other health problems in dogs. Always remove bones from chicken before feeding it to your dog.

6. Consult with a veterinarian: Before feeding your dog raw chicken, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that it’s safe and appropriate for your dog’s individual needs.

7. Consider other types of food: While raw chicken can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, it’s important to ensure that they are getting a balanced diet that includes all the nutrients they need. Consider adding other types of protein, such as beef or fish, as well as fruits and vegetables to ensure that your dog is getting all the essential nutrients they need.

8. Be aware of the risks: While raw chicken can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. Raw chicken can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can cause food poisoning in dogs and humans. It can also contain parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii and E. coli, which can also be harmful to dogs. 

Additionally, feeding your dog a diet that is high in raw meat can increase its risk of developing pancreatitis, a condition that can cause inflammation of the pancreas and other health problems. It’s important to weigh the potential benefits of feeding your dog raw chicken against the risks and to make an informed decision based on your dog’s individual needs and health status.

In summary, feeding your dog raw chicken can be a healthy addition to their diet, but it’s important to choose high-quality chicken, handle it safely, feed it in moderation, monitor your dog’s health, avoid feeding chicken bones, consult with a veterinarian, consider other types of food, and be aware of the potential risks. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your dog stays healthy and happy.

How Much Chicken Should You Feed Your Dog?

Chicken is a common ingredient in commercial dog food and treats, so it’s safe to feed your pup chicken as a treat or occasional food topper. Just be sure it’s thoroughly cooked and unseasoned.

As with any new ingredient, moderation is key! Once your pup gets used to eating fresh chicken in small amounts, you can use the following as a guide to feeding your dog chicken. Generally speaking, your dog should have about 1/4–1/3 cups of meat protein per 20 pounds of body weight each day.

• Extra-small dog (2–20 pounds) = About 1 tablespoon of cooked, unseasoned chicken
  • Examples: Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs
• Small dog (21–30 pounds) = 2 tablespoons cooked, unseasoned chicken
  • Examples: Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature American Shepherds
• Medium dog (31–50 pounds) = Up to 1/4 cup cooked, unseasoned chicken
  • Examples: Basset Hounds, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs
• Large dog (51–90 pounds) = About 1/3 cup cooked, unseasoned chicken
  • Examples: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds
• Extra-large dog (91+ pounds) = About 1/2 cup cooked, unseasoned chicken 

Dog Foods With Chicken Recipes 

1.Chicken And Rice Dog Food Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 2 chicken breasts skinless & boneless
• 1 cup dry white rice
• 2 medium carrots
• 1 medium zucchini
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place the chicken breasts and rice in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil.
2. Simmer with the pan lid on for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked thoroughly and the rice is fluffy and cooked.
3. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Using a couple of forks, shred the cooked chicken
4. While the chicken and rice are cooking, peel the carrots. Grate the carrots and zucchini.
5. Heat the coconut oil in a skillet on medium heat and lightly saute the shredded carrot and zucchini for 5 minutes until soft.
6. Mix the vegetables into the chicken and rice mixture and serve once the food is cooled.

2. Chicken Quinoa Dog Food Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 3 medium chicken breasts skinless and boneless
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups kale chopped
• 1 cup pumpkin cut into chunks
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• ½ cup blueberries

INSTRUCTIONS

Cook the chicken

1. Place the chicken breasts in a saucepan of water, bring to the boil and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until they are cooked through.
2. Drain the water, and using two forks, shed the chicken into pieces.

Cook the quinoa

1. Place the cup of quinoa in a saucepan with the 2 cups of water. Cover and bring to the boil. Simmer for 15 minutes until the water has been absorbed.

Cook the kale

1. Heat the coconut oil in a large pan or skillet and add the kale. Saute for 5 minutes until cooked. Stir in the nutritional yeast.

Cook the pumpkin

1. It can be steamed but for this recipe, we boiled the chunks. Place the pumpkin pieces in a medium saucepan. Cover, bring to the boil and simmer for 10-12 minutes until soft.

Assemble

1. Place the cooked quinoa, pumpkin, kale and chicken in a large bowl or container. Add the blueberries and stir well to combine all of the ingredients.

3. Chicken And Sweet Potato Instant Pot Dog Food

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts cut into small cubes
• 2 carrots peeled and diced
• 1 cup green beans frozen
• 1 cup sweet potatoes diced
• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 cup apples peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup celery diced
• 2 cups water
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions

1. Add 1 cup of brown rice to the Instant Pot. 
2. Add chicken breast on top of rice and then add the rest of the ingredients.
3. Add the water and cook on Manual high pressure for 25 minutes.
4. Perform a natural release for 10 minutes. 
5. Add coconut oil and stir ingredients until well combined.

4. Chicken And Rice For Dogs

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into small cubes
• ½ cup brown rice (see notes if your dog has an upset stomach)
• 1 cup unsalted chicken broth (can substitute water)
• 1 Tbsp chopped parsley (I recommend curly parsley)
• ⅓ cup shredded carrots
• ⅓ cup frozen peas, thawed

Instructions

1. Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add cubed chicken.
2. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is just cooked through.
3. Stir the chicken stock, rice, and parsley into the skillet.
4. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cover skillet and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until rice is cooked and tender.
5. Stir in chopped carrots and peas until warmed through.

Notes

• If you’re feeding your dog chicken and rice as part of a bland diet due to an upset stomach, use white rice instead of brown and omit the veggies. I recommend boiling the chicken breasts instead of sautéing them if your dog is ill. Simply, put chicken breasts in a saucepan and cover with enough chicken broth or water (or a mixture) to cover. Cook for 12-15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Remove and cube or shred chicken. You can reuse chicken broth/water for rice if you want. Once rice is cooked, mix together with cubed/shredded chicken.
• This chicken and rice for dogs should keep fresh in your fridge for about 5 days. You can also freeze in individual portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

5. CHICKEN JELLO FOR DOGS

Ingredients

• ¾ cup unsalted chicken broth, divided
• 1 packet (2 ½ tsp) gelatin powder
• ⅓ cup Shredded cooked chicken

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, heat ½ cup chicken broth until it starts simmering (but not boiling).
2. While chicken broth is heating, in a medium bowl, sprinkle gelatin over the remaining ¼ cup of chicken broth. Let sit for about 2 minutes.
3. Pour hot chicken broth into a bowl, stirring or whisking constantly, until granules are all dissolved and no clumps remain. Stir in finely diced chicken.
4. Place molds on a cookie sheet or other solid surface that will fit in the fridge (this will make it easy to transport filled molds to the fridge). Pour or spoon mixture into prepared molds, filling each to the top edge.
5. Place molds in the fridge for about 1 ½-3 hours, depending on how big your molds are, until set. Test by touching jello with your finger. If your finger sticks, jello needs more time in the fridge.
6. Carefully pop jello out of molds by pressing on the backs of moulds to release.
7. Store chicken jello treats in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

6. Crockpot Chicken Homemade Dog Food Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs boneless, skinless
• 1 c peas frozen
• 1 c butternut squash or carrots, cubed
• 1/2 c chicken broth
• 2 tsp cornstarch optional

Instructions

1. Put all items into a slow cooker except for cornstarch. Cover and cook on high for 6 hours or low for 8 hours until the meat falls apart and shreds easily.
2. Remove meat, shred or chop into small pieces. Whisk cornstarch and some of liquid from pot in a cup until smooth, pour into pot and whisk into liquid to thicken. Put chicken back in, stir.
3. Turn pot off and allow to cool. Serve. Can store in refrigerator for up to 3 days or freezer for up to 3 months.

7. Mango Chicken Dog Treats Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast
• 1 cup mango flesh chopped
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ cups rolled oats

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place all the ingredients into a large mixing bowl and stir thoroughly.
3. Using damp hands form walnut-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking tray.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken mango balls are firm and golden.
5. Allow to cool before serving.

8. CROCKPOT WHOLE CHICKEN

INGREDIENTS

• 5 lb. whole chicken, giblets removed
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 lemon, cut in half
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into thin slices
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into thin slices

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Pat the chicken dry all over and in the cavity with paper towels. Use your fingers to separate the skin of the chicken on the breast side from the meat.
2. Combine the seasonings in a small bowl. Sprinkle generously over the chicken, in the cavity and underneath the skin on the breasts side.
3. Tuck the pats of butter underneath the skin on the breasts side. Place half of the lemon in the cavity of the chicken.
4. Place the other half of the lemon in the middle of the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange four even-sized foil balls around the half lemon to make a little rack for the chicken to keep it elevated. (If you have a rack for your crock pot, you can also use that. Or use halved onions.)
5. Place the chicken on the foil balls in the slow cooker insert, breast side up. Use a piece of kitchen string or twine to tie the drumsticks together. Tuck the wings of the chicken underneath the chicken.
6. Cook on high for 3 ½ to 4 hours or low for 7-8 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160.
7. Remove the roasted chicken from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. (You can tent it with aluminium foil so it retains its heat.)

Frequently Asked Questions 

Conclusion 

Feeding dogs chicken can be a healthy addition to their diet, but it’s important to handle it safely, feed it in moderation, avoid feeding chicken bones, and consider other types of food. Consult with a veterinarian to ensure that your dog stays healthy and happy.

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