Can my dog eat raw chicken everyday
Can Dogs Eat Chicken Breast Everyday?
Chicken is a staple of Western cuisine and many people wonder whether their dogs can eat chicken breast every day.
It is after all a lean meat, rich in protein, affordable and easily available, so it sounds like a very good idea.
The short answer is yes, dogs can safely eat chicken breast, but maybe not just every day. Its not just that its boring, though it is, but it might not be such a great idea from a nutritional point of view.
In this article well be looking at the nutritional values of chicken breast, see how it compares with other types of meat and how you should serve it to your pet.
What is the nutrition in chicken breasts?
Chicken breast is a great source of protein for a dog and it provides essential amino acids, which help maintain and support healthy muscles.
Skinned chicken breast is 80% protein and only 20% fat. A regular 135 grams serving provides 238 calories.
Chicken breast is an excellent source of minerals and even some vitamins.
For instance, one regular serving of chicken breast provides 74% of the average adults daily selenium needs, and 44% of the phosphorus.
As most dogs are smaller than an adult person this means theyll get all the selenium and phosphorus they need, and this is good for their metabolism, their bones and for the immune system.
Chicken breast is low on calcium, just 1%, and iron is just 3%, so definitely not enough to meet a dogs needs.
On the plus side, chicken breast is quite rich in vitamins B3 (niacin) and B6, with 85% and 89% of an adult humans daily needs.
B vitamins are essential for good cellular health and for protecting the skin barrier.
At the same time, this type of meat provides a healthy dose of Omega 6 fatty acids, which supply your dog with energy, help him absorb vital nutrients and vitamins, and fight inflammation in the body. Oh, and they do give a nice shine to the dogs coat.
If you have a senior dog, chicken breast provides a decent amount of glucosamine, which fights arthritis and promotes strong bones.
Can dogs eat raw chicken breasts?
Most experts warn against feeding your dog raw chicken breast, or any type of raw meat for that matter. Raw meat might be infected with Salmonella or other types of bacteria, so it might make you sick.
On the other hand, proponents of the raw diet for dogs say that theres no risk if you have a reliable source of fresh meat, so its basically up to you.
Chicken breast vs chicken thighs
Many pet owners wonder whether chicken thighs are healthy for dogs. They are, after all, more affordable than chicken breast and since they come from the same animal there shouldnt be very different.
Chicken thighs are indeed safe to eat, but they have a lower protein content. While they provide the same amount of calories, chicken thighs are only 66% protein, and the rest is fat. If your dog has a problem with cholesterol you might want to avoid that. Chicken thighs are also lower in most minerals and vitamins, with the notable exception of iron, 9% of the average adults daily needs.
However, if youre thinking about slipping your dog a nice juicy chicken thigh from the family dinner, you will want to get rid of the bones. Chicken bones are not safe for dogs, either raw or cooked. Cooking makes chicken bones brittle, so they can easily splinter. Bone splinters are a major choking hazard and if they make it to the stomach, theres the risk of puncturing the stomach lining which may lead to a very nasty infection.
Chicken vs beef vs pork: what nutrients do chicken breasts not have?
Beef is also very affordable and most dog foods contain this type of meat. How does it compare to chicken? Well, chicken breast has more protein than beef (66%), although they provide roughly the same number of calories. Beef stands out as it provides more iron (12%) and covers 93% of an adults vitamin B12 daily needs. B12 supports normal brain function so it is essential for an elderly dog struggling with cognitive decline.
Pork is also widely available and has more calories than chicken breast, 297 calories for a 113 g serving, so it will fill your dogs belly better. Unfortunately, it is only 39% protein and the rest is fat. On the other hand, pork is very high in vitamin B1 (thiamine) which is essential for the good functioning of organs that require a lot of energy, such as the brain.
How much chicken breast should I feed my dog?
That depends on the size of your dog. According to experts, a dog should eat between and cup of meat protein for every 20 lbs of body weight.
Are boiled chicken breasts good for my dog?
Boiled chicken breasts are probably the healthiest option for your dog. The taste might be a bit bland for humans, but its just great to a dog.
As a matter of fact, boiled chicken breast (skinned and deboned) is the go-to remedy for a dog with an upset stomach as it is very easy to digest. If your dog has diarrhea, give him some boiled chicken breast with a bit of boiled rice for a couple of days and it will solve the problem.
Grilled chicken is also good, but you should avoid feeding your dog fried chicken on a regular basis as he doesnt need that much fat in his diet.
Can dogs eat canned chicken breast?
A dog can eat canned chicken breast, but only on occasion. If you dont have anything else available or if your dog is simply begging you for a bite of your canned chicken breast he can have some. It wont do any harm every once in a while, but definitely on a regular basis. Just check out the label on your canned meat and youll see why. Most canned foods have a high-salt content, which is not good for your pet. And theres also the danger that the product might contain seasonings hes not allowed, such as onions or garlic.
Can dogs eat frozen chicken breasts?
Freezing chicken breasts is a good way of killing almost all of the bacteria the meat might be contaminated with. Also, serving your dog frozen foods is the ultimate in convenience as you dont have to cook and theres no cleaning up required.
However, frozen food is not exactly easy on the dogs stomach as all the thawing required puts a strain on the digestive system. At the same time, pieces of frozen meat are a serious choking hazard if the dog doesnt bother to chew. On the other hand, if he does try to chew on the frozen meat he might break a bone, which would cause him a lot of misery and will cost you quite a bit in dentists fees.
If you want, you can freeze raw chicken breasts to destroy the bacteria in it, but let it on the counter to thaw for 4-5 hours before feeding it to your dog.
Can dogs eat chicken breast every day?
Technically, yes, a dog can eat chicken breast every day, but this might lead to certain nutritional deficiencies. Some people wonder whether a dog can live on chicken meat alone. Maybe he can, but he wont be a very healthy dog.
Dogs need a balanced diet and chicken breast doesnt provide that. No animal can live on one type of food alone, no matter what that food might be.
For instance, chicken breast has no fiber at all, which is definitely not good for his digestive system. Lack of fiber in the dogs diet can lead to severe constipation. A healthy dogs diet should contain around 10% fiber. The best fiber sources for dogs include broccoli, leafy greens, pumpkin, green beans, carrots, apples or berries. If youre boiling some chicken breast for your dog, throw in a couple of carrots and some green beans and hell have a more balanced meal. Plus, the sweet taste of meat will make your dog ignore the veggies in his bowl.
If you want your dog to be strong and healthy, you should feed him various types of meat one day he can have chicken, the next one a bit of beef, or maybe some salmon, etc.
Closing Thoughts:
Chicken breast is a very healthy type of meat for a dog, but that doesnt mean you should feed him just that day in, day out. Dogs need variation in their food and not only because its more fun. When your dog eats the same type of food every day, hes bound to develop some nutritional deficiencies which will eventually make him ill, even though you think hes getting prime meat every day. If your dog happens to be a very picky eater you can give him chicken breast every day, but make sure to mix it with some veggies or even some kibble to make sure he gets all the important nutrients.
Can Dogs Eat Chicken?
NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially people foods. What might be OK for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.
Chicken is a nutritious protein source for humans and dogs alike. Its a popular ingredient in dog food, and there are plenty of chicken-flavored dog treats and toys to choose from.
But while dogs can eat chicken, youll want to be careful about how much you give themand how its prepared. As with any new food that finds its way into your dogs bowl, moderation is key. Heres what to know.
Is Chicken Good for Dogs?
Chicken can be a healthy food for dogs if prepared correctly. Its an excellent source of protein and contains several nutrients that can help maintain your dog's overall health, including vitamin B6, vitamin B3, and zinc.
Just be sure any chicken fed to your dog is cooked thoroughly to avoid the risk of salmonella and other foodborne illnesses. Watch out for extra ingredients that might make them sick, like garlic and onions, and remove any bones because they can cause choking or digestive issues.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken?
Do not feed your dog raw chicken. Raw chicken is known to harbor unsafe bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, which can make your dog very sick. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked before sharing it with your dog.
What Chicken Products Can Dogs Eat?
There are several ways to prepare chicken, and not all of them are a good choice for our four-legged friends. Plain, boiled chicken is generally considered safe. But fried chicken and chicken thats been prepared with seasonings such as garlic, onions, or high-fat ingredients like cream or oil should be avoided.
Boiled Chicken
Boiled chicken is a good option to feed your dog. In fact, boiled chicken and rice is a common remedy for dogs with digestive issues, and your vet might recommend feeding this if your pup is vomiting or has diarrhea.
Fried Chicken
A tiny piece of fried chicken probably wont make your dog sick, but its certainly not a healthy option for your pup. Fried chicken made with oil can cause digestive upset, and eating high-fat food can cause a painful condition called pancreatitis. Fried chicken can also contain seasonings that are toxic to dogs, including onion and garlic.
Chicken Nuggets
Your pooch probably wont get sick if he snags one of your kiddos chicken nuggets from the floor, but its not a good idea to give your dog these as a regular treat. Chicken nuggetsespecially if theyre friedare not a healthy snack for dogs.
Chicken Feet
Unfortunately, your dog should also steer clear of chicken feet, as both the raw and cooked kinds can cause digestive issues. Just like any other type of raw meat, uncooked chicken feet carry the risk of harmful bacteria like salmonella that can make your dog very sick.
Cooked chicken feet dont have the same risk of bacteria, but the bones can splinter and cause tears or obstructions in your dogs digestive system.
Chicken Broth
Dogs can have chicken broth as long as it doesnt contain any harmful added ingredients. But onion and garlic are both common additives found in canned chicken broth andagainthese are toxic to dogs. But plain, low-sodium chicken broth (or homemade broth!) can make a nice addition in their dog food bowl when given in small amounts.
Can Dogs Eat Chicken Bones?
Do not let your dog eat chicken bones, as they can cause serious internal problems. Though theyre small, chicken bones can be serious choking hazards for dogs who ingest them.
Even if your dog doesnt choke, the bone can easily splinter and, as they move through your dogs digestive system, those tiny sharp-edged pieces can cut your dogs stomach and intestines. This can potentially cause ruptures, blockages, and infections that all require serious medical attention.
If your dog likes having something to gnaw on, skip the chicken bones and opt for a safer alternative, like a chicken-flavored chew bone or another chew toy.
What To Do if Your Dog Eats a Chicken Bone
If your dog eats a chicken bone, try to get it out of their mouth (as long as you can do it without distressing them further or getting bitten). Try offering another treat to get them to drop the bone.
If your pup ends up swallowing it, watch them carefully. If the bone appears to be stuck in their throat, this is an emergency and should be addressed ASAP. Take your dog to the vet immediately.
If you suspect your pooch has eaten a chicken bone, watch for signs of distress. If they display any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet as quickly as possible:
If your dog is acting normal, its OK to keep monitoring them closely from home. Always call your vet if you have concerns about your pets health.
Can Dogs Be Allergic to Chicken?
Protein sources such as chicken (or beef, dairy, egg, lamb, and fish) are some of the most common causes of allergies in dogs.
Most of the time, dog food allergies affect the skin and coat, though they can also cause vomiting or diarrhea. Symptoms that may indicate your dog has a chicken allergy include:
Its possible for dogs to develop a food allergy at any point in their lifeso if Fido is suddenly scratching after he eats his regular chicken and rice kibble, you may want to try an elimination diet to see if something in his food is causing it.
How Much Chicken Should You Feed Your Dog?
Chicken is a common ingredient in commercial dog food and treats, so its safe to feed your pup chicken as a treat or occasional food topper. Just be sure its 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 1/41/3 cup of meat protein per 20 pounds of body weight each day.
Extra-small dog (220 pounds) = About 1 tablespoon cooked, unseasoned chicken
Small dog (2130 pounds) = 2 tablespoons cooked, unseasoned chicken
Medium dog (3150 pounds) = Up to 1/4 cup cooked, unseasoned chicken
Large dog (5190 pounds) = About 1/3 cup cooked, unseasoned chicken
Extra-large dog (91+ pounds) = About 1/2 cup cooked, unseasoned chicken
Examples:Newfoundlands,Bernese Mountain Dogs,SaintBernards,Great Pyrenees
If your dog experiences digestive upset or other discomfort after chowing down on chicken, stop feeding it to them and call your vet.
Featured Image: Adobe/bit24
WRITTEN BY
April Saylor
Freelance Writer
