Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken? Things to Know Before Feeding Your Dog Raw Meat

Can dogs eat raw chicken? The answer is: it depends. There are a few things that dog owners need to take into account before letting your dog feast on raw meat.

Benefits of Raw Chicken for Dogs

Why feed dogs raw chicken at all if you can just cook it? Apart from being a time-saver, raw chicken is in some aspects healthier than cooked because it contains more vitamins and minerals, which might be destroyed during cooking. Here are some of the benefits of feeding raw chicken to dogs that raw diet advocates swear by.

• Chicken is a great source of protein, which helps maintain muscle mass and supports overall health.
• It also contains essential vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for dogs, such as zinc, selenium, and vitamin B12.
• Raw meat is more difficult to chew than cooked meat, which can help your dog clean their teeth as they eat.
• Last but not least, raw chicken can help keep dogs’ digestive system healthy by providing them with beneficial bacteria.

So can dogs eat raw chicken? Despite all the benefits above, there are still risks that dog lovers need to take into beware of. Read on to learn those!

Risks of Dogs Eating Raw Chicken

Many experts think that feeding raw chicken to a dog is risky. Raw chicken can contain harmful bacteria that can cause your dog to become ill. It is important to talk to your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet. Read on for more details (and counterclaims).

Food Poisoning

Salmonella and E. coli are two common bacteria found in raw chicken that can cause severe foodborne illness when ingested by dogs (and humans). Salmonellosis is often fatal for dogs if left untreated, so it’s best to avoid this risk altogether!

Counterclaims

✅ Dogs’ digestive juices are very acidic and kill the bacteria before they can cause illness. This is true for perfectly healthy dogs, though, and there’s no guarantee that they won’t get poisoning.

✅ Commercial meat is tested for harmful bacteria prior to sale. While this is true, there have been cases of people getting poisoned by store-bought meat that hadn’t been handled or transported properly.

Intestinal Obstruction or Perforation

Raw chicken bones can be a hazard for dogs. They may get stuck in the intestines and cause an obstruction or perforation if swallowed whole without chewing first.

Counterclaims

✅ Canines eat raw bones in the wild. This is true, but they don’t hunt domestic chickens, so it’s not enough proof for the safety of their bones.

✅ Cooked bones are even more dangerous because they splinter into shards, which can severely injure the dog’s digestive system. This is true, but it doesn’t say anything about the safety of raw bones.

Allergic Reaction

If a dog has an allergy or sensitivity to eggs and/or chicken, they may experience symptoms such as itching, hives (red bumps), vomiting diarrhea when eating raw meat from these animals. The best way around this problem is by feeding your pet an alternative protein source instead of chicken or eggs.

Counterclaim

If raw meat causes an allergic reaction, it would do the same if cooked. This can’t be argued with, and you’d probably know if your dog was allergic to poultry by now because of how often it’s found in dog foods.

Acute Polyradiculoneuritis

A 2018 study found a link between a nerve disorder known as acute polyradiculoneuritis in dogs and them eating raw chicken. This is explained by the fact that chickens often contain the bacteria Campylobacter, which increases the risk of developing the disease.

Counterclaim

This is a rare disease, and most dogs that are fed raw chicken don’t develop it. This may be true, but would you risk your pup’s health to see if they might get away with eating it?

Precautions to Take

If you still want to give your dog raw chicken, make sure these conditions are met.

• Remove any bones and cut the meat into bite-sized pieces so that your dog can’t choke on it.
• Don’t let the chicken sit outside the fridge before serving it to your dog. It should always be fresh and refrigerated properly.
• Don’t overfeed your dog and keep an eye on their digestive condition. If they start vomiting or having diarrhea, stop giving them raw chicken immediately.

How else can dogs eat raw chicken safely? If you grind it, the risk of choking or intestinal obstruction is eliminated.

When Raw Chicken Is Not Safe for Dogs

There are a few cases in which dogs should never eat raw chicken. Note them down:

• If your dog is pregnant or nursing, don’t give her any raw meat – her immune system isn’t as strong as before the pregnancy.
• If Fido has a sensitive stomach or immune system, it’s best to steer clear of raw chicken – gastrointestinal issues and foodborne illnesses can be just around the corner.

Before considering incorporating raw food into your pup’s diet, it’s important to research and consult with a veterinarian. It will ensure that you are making the best decision for both yours and your dog’s individual needs.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken? Final Thoughts

Can dogs eat raw chicken? It can offer important benefits, but it’s essential that you take precautions when incorporating this dish into their meal plan. By following these tips on safe preparation and storage, you will have peace of mind knowing they are chowing down in the healthiest way possible!