Can Dogs Eat Chicken Necks?
Technically, dogs can eat chicken necks, but vets don’t recommend it. The only safe type of chicken necks are the raw ones, as cooked necks come with hazardous risks because they can splinter and cause internal injuries. But then again, raw chicken necks are not safe due to potential risks like bacteria, choking hazards, and a serious disease called acute polyradiculoneuritis (APN). Out of all chicken meat, raw chicken necks are the worst. In this article, we’ll show you why.
Even though many pet parents follow raw diets, BARF, and other types of raw feeding, and their pets are perfectly fine, they love their pets, and everything is well, vets don’t recommend giving your dog raw poultry, especially chicken necks.
Why chicken necks are dangerous
Feeding dogs raw chicken necks has been linked to a rare but potentially fatal type of dog paralysis called acute polyradiculoneuritis (APN). This finding comes from a study by the University of Melbourne’s U-Vet Werribee Animal Hospital. If you have time and know how to read studies, check it out! This study led to many vets saying that it changed their opinion and that they no longer recommend raw chicken necks and bones for chewing!
When we wrote about whether dogs can eat chicken feet, we mentioned that even the FDA warns against raw chicken for dogs. There are plenty of published papers online, so it’s really best to talk to your vet and read about it yourself. With the information from these papers, you can ask informed questions, and your vet will be able to provide a well-reasoned argument for or against raw food. In another blog post, we recently wrote, you can also read more about what chicken meat is safe for dogs.
Let’s go back to the study. The researchers discovered that dogs consuming raw chicken meat, particularly chicken necks, were over 70 times more likely to develop APN compared to those not fed raw chicken!
What the study is about
The study aimed to understand the relationship between Campylobacter infection and APN in dogs. Researchers focused on whether the consumption of raw chicken meat, which could harbor the Campylobacter bacteria, was a significant risk factor. They examined 27 dogs with APN symptoms and compared them to 47 healthy dogs. Data was gathered through physical examinations and owner questionnaires, focusing on the dogs’ diets, particularly the consumption of raw chicken.
The risks of raw chicken necks and other bones
The primary risk associated with feeding dogs raw chicken necks is the development of APN, an immune-mediated peripheral nerve disorder. This condition starts with weakness in the dog’s hind legs, potentially progressing to affect the front legs, neck, head, and face. Severe cases can lead to paralysis of the chest muscles, which may be fatal. The study found that dogs with APN were 9.4 times more likely to have a Campylobacter infection compared to healthy dogs, supporting the hypothesis that raw chicken consumption is a significant risk factor.
Researches warn against raw chicken necks
The study concluded that feeding dogs raw chicken necks poses a high risk for developing APN due to the presence of Campylobacter bacteria. The bacteria cause the dog’s immune system to attack its own nerve roots, leading to paralysis. This condition is similar to Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in humans, where Campylobacter is also a known trigger. The researchers recommended that dog owners avoid feeding their pets raw chicken to prevent this debilitating condition.
What should we do when it comes to raw chicken necks?
Based on the study’s findings, here are some practical tips:
In the study, most people fed their dogs raw chicken necks and wings, showing just how important it is to be careful with these parts. Smaller dog breeds are at even greater risk because they tend to get chicken necks and wings more often.
In conclusion, it might seem natural to feed dogs raw chicken necks, but the health risks, especially the chance of developing APN, make it a practice to avoid. By choosing safer food options, you can prevent serious illnesses and keep your dog happy and healthy.
What to choose instead of chicken necks
While chicken necks have some nutritional benefits, the risks associated with feeding them raw to your dog outweigh the benefits. Here are some benefits of chicken necks and safer alternative sources:
- High in protein — Alternative: Cooked chicken gizzards are a super nutritious alternative, providing a high protein content without the risk of APN.
- Rich in calcium — Alternative: Canned sardines (in water, without added salt) offer a good source of calcium and other essential nutrients.
- Good for dental health (due to chewing) — Alternative: Pizzles (bully sticks) and store-bought dental chews are great for dental health, helping to clean teeth naturally while providing a satisfying chewing experience.
- Chicken necks contain glucosamine and chondroitin (for joint health) — Alternative: Green-lipped mussels are excellent for joint health and are rich in glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Essential minerals — Alternative: Beef liver is packed with essential minerals and vitamins, making it a nutritious and safe treat for dogs.
By choosing these alternatives, your dog will get the necessary nutrients without risking their health and well-being with raw chicken necks.
Love, life, and fur forever!
FAQs
Can dogs eat cooked chicken necks?
No, dogs should not eat cooked chicken necks. Cooking chicken necks will make them brittle and prone to splintering, which can cause serious injuries such as choking, gastrointestinal blockages, or perforations.
Can dogs eat boiled chicken necks?
No, dogs should not eat boiled chicken necks. Boiling chicken necks, like any form of cooking, makes the bones brittle and increases the risk of splintering. These splintered bones can cause choking, blockages, or severe internal injuries.