- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Chicken is in our dog’s kibble, so it’s no surprise when your dog sniffs around your cooked chicken for humans to see if they can get a bite. While dogs can eat cooked chicken, feeding our dog chicken from your plate has risks and benefits depending on the way the chicken is prepared. Your dog may have no issues with unseasoned, boiled chicken as snack. But seasoning or cooked bones pose health risks such as allergic reactions or choking.
Meaghan Thomas, DVM from East Ridge Animal Hospital, says chicken is a safe, lean protein for dogs in small amounts as long as they don’t have an allergy to it. However, she says pet parents should still feed their dogs a normal diet to avoid weight gain and obesity.
“By feeding your dog an AAFCO-certified diet, your pet should have a complete and balanced meal. Feeding something like chicken would be for enrichment purposes,” Dr. Thomas says. Enrichment means chicken is a treat for your dog, not a meal supplement or replacement. The amount of chicken you feed should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
Now that you know chicken is safe for dogs, read on to explore:
- benefits and risks feeding chicken to dogs
- health and safety of different cooking methods
- parts of chicken that’s safe for consumption
Health Benefits of Chicken for Dogs
Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for a dog’s overall health. Protein is crucial for maintaining and repairing tissues, supporting the immune system, and providing energy. Additionally, chicken contains essential amino acids necessary for a dog’s well-being. These nutrients help promote healthy muscle development, skin, and coat condition, making chicken a valuable addition to their diet.
Chicken is also considered a low cost, high value training treat for dogs. Using chicken in your dog training may result in improved training lessons, increased attention, and eagerness to learn.
What To Avoid When Feeding Your Dog Chicken
While chicken can be beneficial for dogs, Dr. Thomas says to keep these precautions in mind:
- Bones: Avoid giving dogs cooked chicken bones, as they can splinter and pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal damage. If you want to offer them bones, consider giving them raw bones that are safer for consumption.
- Seasonings: Seasonings like salt, herbs, spices, and sauces added to chicken can be harmful to dogs. It’s best to serve them plain, unseasoned chicken to avoid any potential adverse reactions.
- Preparation and cooking: Properly handling and cooking chicken is vital to avoid any contamination and bacteria, like salmonella. Make sure the chicken is thoroughly cooked and free of any additives harmful to dogs.
“I never recommend feeding any seasoned food item; a lot of the seasonings we use—like garlic and onions—are toxic to dogs,” Dr. Thomas explains. “It’s always better to feed your dogs plain, skinless meat.”
Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken?
Some people opt to feed their dogs raw meat, including chicken. However, feeding raw chicken to dogs comes with potential risks. Raw chicken may contain harmful bacteria like salmonella, which can lead to food borne illnesses in both dogs and humans. Symptoms of salmonella poisoning in dogs may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and fever.
It is generally recommended to avoid feeding dogs raw chicken and opt for cooked chicken instead.
What Parts of The Chicken Are Safe for Dogs to Eat?
Dogs can consume various parts of the chicken but be mindful of potential hazards. While some pet parents may feed their dogs the entire chicken, it’s safer to stick to certain parts to avoid bones. The following table outlines safe chicken parts for dogs and their nutritional benefits.
| Chicken Part | Healthy for Dogs? | Benefits for Dogs |
| Chicken Breast | Yes | Lean protein, low in fat, and easy to digest. |
| Chicken Thigh | Yes | Contains essential nutrients and vitamins. |
| Chicken Liver | Yes | Rich in iron and vitamins A and B. |
| Chicken Heart | Yes | High in taurine, an amino acid essential for heart health. |
| Chicken Gizzard | Yes | Good source of protein and low in fat. |
How to Cook Chicken for Your Dogs
When introducing chicken as a dog treat, it’s essential to do so gradually. Start by offering small portions to see how your dog’s digestive system responds. Additionally, consider consulting with a veterinarian or nutritionist to determine the appropriate amount of chicken based on your dog’s breed, size, age, and overall health.
We clarify the safety of different cooking methods below:
| Cooking Method | Safe for Dogs? | Recommendation |
| Roasted | Yes | Remove excess fat and avoid using seasonings or spices. |
| Grilled | Yes | Avoid using BBQ sauces or high-sodium marinades. |
| Steamed | Yes | Serve plain chicken without any added seasonings. |
| Boiled | Yes | Avoid using any spices or salt during cooking. |
| Sauteed | No | This method typically implies using high-fat cooking methods, and potentially poisonous seasonings like garlic and onion. |
| Fried/Air fried | No | Fried chicken is not recommended for dogs. |
| Baked | Yes | Serve plain chicken without any added seasonings. |
| BBQ | No | BBQ chicken often contains seasonings and sauces unsuitable for dogs. |
| Braised | Yes | Serve plain without any added seasonings. |
| Poached | Yes | Serve plain without any added seasonings. |
| Rotisserie | No | This method typically uses high salt and other seasonings. |
| Smoked | Yes | Unseasoned and skinless. |
Can Chicken Replace A Full Meal for a Dog?
In some cases, a veterinarian may recommend chicken as a suitable meal replacement for dogs. Chicken can serve as a temporary alternative for dogs with specific dietary needs or health conditions and is often recommended when a dog has diarrhea. Its high protein content and easily digestible nature make it a viable option for short-term meal substitutions.
However, chicken alone won’t meet your dog’s nutritional needs. This short-term meal should not be fed for more than a few days otherwise your dog will start to experience nutritional deficiency.
What Other Meats Can Dogs Eat?
Chicken can be a healthy and tasty addition to a dog’s diet when served in moderation and prepared appropriately. It provides valuable nutrients and protein that support their overall health and well-being. Since chicken is great for dogs, pet parents might wonder if other meats are healthy for them too. The following meats are safe for dogs to eat (in moderation).
When in doubt, always consult with a veterinarian or a qualified nutritionist to ensure you’re making the best dietary choices for your dog. With proper care and attention, you can safely incorporate chicken or other meats into your dog’s diet and provide them with a nutritious and delicious treat.
