Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken? A Dog Owner’s Guide

Key Points

• Dogs can eat raw chicken, but there are also serious risks such as bacterial contamination.
• Proponents of a raw diet for dogs argue that raw chicken has health benefits and provides essential nutrients.
• Moderation, safe handling, and proper preparation are important when feeding your dog any raw meats.

Only the most hardcore paleo dieters would even consider eating raw chicken, but you know dogs will eat anything you leave within paw’s reach

Whether your dog took a chomp of something they shouldn’t have, or you’ve been reading about raw food diets for pets and want to learn more, you may wonder if raw chicken is safe for dogs to eat.

Raw chicken can be okay for your dog to eat, meaning it’s not toxic. However, feeding raw meat to your dog carries serious risks, and raw chicken can make your pup sick.

In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about raw chicken for dogs, the risks and benefits, and how to prepare it safely.

Is raw chicken good for dogs?

Lean meats like chicken and turkey are very beneficial for our dogs. Raw chicken isn’t inherently toxic to dogs, but it carries the risk of bacterial contamination, such as Salmonella or Campylobacter, which can lead to food poisoning.

Some proponents of a raw food diet for dogs argue that dogs’ digestive systems are equipped to handle bacteria better than humans, but this is a topic of ongoing debate in the veterinary community.

The nutritional value of raw chicken

Raw chicken is a cheap and lean source of protein, which is just one reason some dog parents want to add it to the dinner bowl.

Raw chicken breast is rich in amino acids, fatty acids, and protein, with over 22 grams per 100 grams of meat. It’s also low in fat and contains no carbohydrates.

Beyond protein, it includes vital nutrients that are important to both human and dog health:

• Niacin: This mineral, also known as vitamin B3, promotes healthy and active digestion.
• Selenium: Selenium supports thyroid health in both dogs and humans.
• Potassium: Potassium maintains muscle health and heart health.
• Phosphorous: This mineral supports bone health and helps produce healthy cells.
• Magnesium: This powerhouse mineral promotes healthy immune function and 300 other bodily processes. 

There is a difference between white and dark meat though. Dark meat like chicken thighs and drumsticks is higher in calories and fat but also contains additional nutrients like iron, riboflavin, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Does the nutritional value of chicken change when cooked?

When cooked, the nutritional content of chicken changes very little. The vitamins and minerals found within can withstand a careful cooking process.

When cooked properly, any bacteria within the chicken meat will be destroyed by heat. Considering this, cooked chicken is a much safer way to add healthy protein to your dog’s diet.

Benefits of raw chicken for your dog

According to veterinarians, dogs fed a raw food diet maintain a healthy body weight and are less likely to be overweight. Additionally, a raw food diet may also be a good option for dogs with food allergies, as commercial dog foods may trigger allergic reactions.

Pet owners who have switched to a raw diet for dogs argue that raw chicken provides a range of extra health benefits to their pups. These owners report that a raw food diet provides their pups with:

• Healthy muscles and bones
• Higher energy levels
• Shinier coats
• Cleaner teeth
• Regular bowel movements

However, at this time, there are no peer-reviewed studies on the benefits of feeding a raw meat diet to pets. For this reason, make sure to consult with your veterinarian on whether including raw meat in your dog’s diet is right for them.

The risks of dogs eating raw chicken

Feeding raw chicken to dogs comes with risks. The primary risk is exposure to harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter, which can lead to food poisoning.

Symptoms of food poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and lethargy. In severe cases, it can be fatal.

Raw meat may also contain parasites and antibiotic-resistant bacteria which can cause ongoing health issues in dogs.

Chicken allergies

Chicken or poultry is one of the most common food allergies in dogs. When feeding your dog chicken for the first time, make sure to watch out for any signs of an allergic reaction, including:

• Itching
• Hives
• Trouble breathing
• Indigestion
• Ear infections
• Gas
• Vomiting
• Obsessive licking
• Skin infection
• Rash

If you think your dog is having an allergic reaction, contact your vet as soon as possible.

What happens if my dog eats raw chicken?

When feeding your dog human food, always monitor them for any signs of digestive upset, allergies, or general discomfort. Because raw chicken isn’t toxic for dogs, they may be fine.

However, if your dog consumes raw chicken and later shows signs of illness, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Control Hotline. Your dog may be experiencing food poisoning due to bacterial contamination.

Can puppies eat raw chicken?

Raw chicken also presents a risk of bacterial infection for puppies. A puppy’s immune system is not fully developed, so they may be at greater risk of health issues compared to adult dogs.

How to prepare raw chicken for dogs

If you decide to feed your dog raw chicken meat, you should take some precautions:

• Buying meat from poultry farms that routinely check for Salmonella and other bacterial infections.
• Thawing from frozen, in the fridge, and only the amount your dog will eat over 3 to 5 days.
• Removing any bones, as they are prone to splintering and can damage your dog’s intestinal tract.
• Removing excess chicken skin, which is very high in fat and can lead to health issues like pancreatitis over time.
• Discarding any uneaten chicken after an hour and thoroughly cleaning the bowl.

Make sure you share only unseasoned chicken without added salts, seasonings, or marinades as these can be harmful for dogs.

Can dogs eat other raw meats?

If the risk of Salmonella poisoning is your key concern and you still want to try feeding raw meat to your dog, avoid chicken and opt for raw beef instead. Stick to cuts of meat directly from the butcher and trim off the outside layer that has been in contact with the air.

Moderation is still important, as raw beef is higher in fat and calories than chicken.

Turkey and other poultry share the same potential risks as chicken. Raw pork also contains higher risks of parasites and should be avoided.

It’s important to know that all raw meats carry the risk of bacterial contamination. Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods into your dog’s diet. If the risks of feeding your dog raw chicken are just too high, there are plenty of other human food alternatives to share with your pooch instead.

Snack alternatives to raw meat

The best alternative to raw chicken for dogs? Cooked chicken! Prepare it without seasoning by baking, frying, or boiling it. Make sure it’s cooked to a safe temperature to eliminate any harmful bacteria.

Cooked beef and pork are also great protein-rich alternatives to their raw versions.

Besides meat, try these healthy snacks for dogs:

• Eggs
• Plain yogurt
• Carrots
• Apples (without seeds)
• Blueberries
• Sweet potatoes
• Pumpkin
• Green beans

To protect your dog’s health, discuss any changes to their diet with a veterinarian.

So, is raw chicken safe for dogs?

While dogs are natural predators who evolved to eat raw meat, our domesticated pups are hardly wild predators. Adding raw meat to the diet carries the risk of bacterial contamination, which can lead to serious health problems. Safer alternatives, such as cooked chicken or other lean meats, can be just as enjoyable for your dog and much less risky.

Pet Pro Tip: If you have a dog that is prone to ‘snacksidents’ – you should consider getting a dog insurance plan as soon as possible. It can help you afford the best care in the future by covering eligible vet bills for digestive illnesses, toxic ingestion, and more.

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Pumpkin Team

Passionate Pet Experts & Parents

We are a team of writers, designers & product developers who all double as passionate (ok, obsessive) nerds of the pet world.