Maybe. Chicken is a great source of protein for dogs, and it’s exactly the sort of food your dog would be eating in the wild. Some vets warn against raw chicken because of the risk of salmonella or other bacterial contamination. For that reason, cooked chicken is safer. But a dog’s stomach acid is much more acidic than a human’s, providing greater protection against bacteria. In other words, you’re taking a risk, and if you do feed your dog raw chicken, keep an eye on the purchase date and be sure to serve it fresh. As an added precaution, it’s best to rinse the chicken before serving.
Serving Ideas
Be sure to introduce chicken into your dog’s diet gradually. Dogs will enjoy raw chicken:
- Along with a smaller serving of your dog’s usual food
- On its own as a treat
- Dehydrated as a chewy treat
- Mixed with a healthy grain (such as brown rice) and a vegetable (such as green beans) for homemade dog food
What Else Can Your Dog Eat?
We offer a collection of articles on foods that are safe, dangerous or even toxic for dogs to eat, including vegetables, dairy, bread, and junk food. There is a wide variety of “human food” that is healthy for your dog to eat, while others are considered toxic and dangerous. Check out which fruits and veg are good for your dog and which spices and seasonings are ok to give to your furry little buddy. We’ve created these articles to ensure you’re informed on feeding your dog a wonderfully varied diet while learning the limitations of a dog’s sensitive digestive system.
