Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken? Get Your Answer Here!

Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken?

Yes, they can. But they should not!

Many people think that raw chicken is healthier than cooked, but they're wrong! The truth about this supposed food trend might surprise you: it can be dangerous for both humans and dogs.

While raw chicken is not always problematic, it's more important to be safe than sorry. The risks associated with feeding your dog this type of food carry enough potential for disaster. This is why most pet owners choose caution when deciding how much raw chicken their pets will eat - even if they're healthy omnivores!

Since most pet owners are confused about feeding raw chicken to their dogs, they usually ask questions like:

• “Can dogs eat raw chicken breast?”
• “Can dogs eat raw chicken liver?”
• “Can dogs eat raw chicken thighs?”
• “Can dogs eat raw chicken drumsticks?”

The answer to all these questions is NO! In whichever form it may be, you should avoid giving raw chicken to your dog because of the associated health concerns.

Why Can’t Dogs Eat Raw Chicken?

“Is it safe to feed your dog raw chicken?”

It is never a good idea to feed your pet raw chicken from the grocery store. Raw chicken can contain harmful bacteria that can make both people and dogs sick.

Dogs' stomachs are typically more resistant to harmful bacteria than human stomachs, but it is still not a good idea to give them raw poultry.

There are two bacteria that you can get from raw chicken from the grocery store. These are called Salmonella and Campylobacter. They can cause very bad sickness in both people and dogs, including a high fever and severe diarrhea that may last for weeks. You can also get sick from these bacteria if your dog poops on you.

Risks of Feeding Raw Chicken to Dogs?

There are two risks associated with feeding raw chicken to your dog as a part of their diet. If it is the only thing your dog eats, or if it makes up the majority of its diet, there is an even greater risk.

Risk of Salmonella Infection

“Can a dog get sick from eating raw chicken?”

Dogs can get sick from eating raw chicken. Salmonella sp. is the most common cause of food poisoning. This bacteria is present in many foods, including chicken. It can be found in the intestines or feces of animals and it is not safe to consume.

When a pet owner handles raw chicken, they increase the chances that this bacteria will spread to their hands, countertops, dishes, utensils, dog bowls, and your dog. If this bacteria enters a person's mouth or dog's mouth at high levels, they can get sick from Salmonellosis.

The common symptoms of this infection include:

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

Treatment for the infection requires antibiotics and other medications as well as IV fluid therapy. If your dog has a poor immune system or severe dysbiosis of the gut, then not treating the infection can be fatal.

Risk of Choking from Chicken Bones

“Can dogs eat raw chicken bones?”

Chickens have bones. If you give your dog raw chicken, there is a higher chance that the chicken will have a bone in it. Bones can cause obstructions in the stomach or intestinal tract, puncture a dog's internal organs, get stuck in the mouth or throat, and break teeth.

If your dog likes to eat raw meat, make sure to remove the raw chicken bones first. This will help keep your dog safe from any potential harm. Cooked chicken bones are no less dangerous, but that doesn’t mean you can take bones in raw chicken lightly!

Dog owners are often found asking:

• “Can dogs eat raw chicken wings?”
• “Can dogs eat raw chicken feet?”
• “Can dogs eat raw chicken necks?”

Dogs should avoid all these bony parts of the chicken especially if you want to save them from choking. All these bony parts of a chicken can be extremely hazardous for your dog and damage their mouth, teeth, and digestive tract.

Risk of Malnutrition

If you feed your dog only raw chicken or mostly raw chicken, your dog will become malnourished. Raw chicken is not a complete and balanced food for any dog. Dogs need other nutrients in order to be healthy and strong, such as vitamins and minerals.

If you also feed your dog a complete and balanced diet, the risk of malnutrition is much lower.

How Can Raw Chicken Be Made Safe for Dogs?

Feeding your dog raw food is a trend because many people believe that it is healthier for their pets. Raw chicken is a popular option for raw food, and some people give this to their dogs as part of their diet.

Since it is true that dogs are descendants of wolves, especially wild dogs, they are believed to eat raw meat easily. Their digestive tracts can digest raw meat fairly and it is better than other human food.

Uncooked poultry may seem healthier than processed kibble, but there are some caveats to it. You need to feed them raw chicken safely.

You can serve raw chicken that has been through a pathogen reduction treatment to dogs who eat high-quality raw dog food that follows AAFCO standards.

If you want to add chicken to your dog's diet, do it gradually so that their body can get used to the raw diet. Some good ways to give your dog raw chicken are:

• In addition to your dog's regular food, give them a smaller serving.
• Make a treat from raw chicken and serve it on its own.
• Dehydrate raw chicken to make it chewy
• You can make your own dog food by mixing raw chicken with a healthy grain like brown rice with a vegetable like green beans.

Health Benefits of Raw Chicken for Dogs

Even though there are some risks associated with feeding raw chicken to dogs, some dog owners choose to do it. This is because raw chicken is a rich source of protein, doesn't have carbohydrates or sugar, and has other nutrients that are beneficial to dogs.

Another advantage to feeding your dog a raw chicken diet is that dogs with severe food allergies or sensitivities don't have to worry about consuming anything they shouldn't.

Additionally, raw chicken is an inexpensive meat option. So, raw chicken meat is easy on the pockets of the pet owners.

So, can dogs eat raw chicken? The answer is a little complicated.

Dogs can technically eat raw chicken, but there are some risks associated with doing so. You can make raw chicken safe for your dog by keeping the above-mentioned tips in mind.

At the end of the day, feeding your dog raw chicken is a personal decision that you will have to make based on what you feel is best for your pet.

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