Can Dogs Eat Chicken Bones?
It’s funny how dogs are always pictured with bones in cartoons, right? But in real life, chicken bones are by far the most dangerous for our dogs. They’re sharp and can break into small pieces, easily getting stuck in their throat or digestive tract. Some chicken bones, like those from chicken necks, even carry harmful bacteria that can cause paralysis. We don’t give our dog chicken bones at home because Ricco is a gulper and needs more patience to chew raw bones. His favorite treat is pizzles, which he can chew on for hours! Based on our personal experience and everything we’ve learned on this educational journey, we don’t recommend chicken bones for dogs. However, some are less risky than others, so raw chicken feet can be a good dental treat for dogs when given under supervision.
All in all, dogs shouldn’t eat chicken bones, even though they’ve eaten them for centuries. Now we have more information and know that bones can splinter and cause choking hazards. Bones are indeed chewy and great for teeth cleaning, and many people, including some experts, advocate for raw bones. Since there are always two sides to the story, in this article, we’ll try to list all chicken bones, show what can happen when dogs swallow them, and then really try to show you (with sources and papers) why bones are a tricky option so you can make informed choices.
Why are chicken bones dangerous for dogs?
Chicken bones are not toxic, and a dog’s stomach acid can usually digest them. However, the real danger are physical injuries. Here are some of the main problems that chicken bones can cause for dogs:
These are just the main problems that can happen to dogs. It doesn’t mean this will happen to your dog if they eat chicken bones. It’s about knowing the worst-case scenario and making informed decisions. While chicken bones might seem like a natural treat, the risks outweigh the benefits. You can choose safer alternatives and avoid all the worry.
Can dogs eat raw chicken bones?
Raw chicken bones are often considered better and healthier for dogs than cooked ones because they are softer and more flexible. That means they are less likely to splinter, reducing the risk of harming a dog’s digestive tract. However, even though raw chicken bones are softer, we still don’t recommend feeding them to dogs due to the risks of choking or gastrointestinal issues. It’s essential to consider safer alternatives as a lot can go wrong here.
What to do if your dog eats chicken bones?
The most important thing is that you don’t panic. We’ve had these situations before, and trust me, it’s best that you stay calm. Just watch your dog. How do they look? Are they sad? Anxious? Do they seem fine? This is the time when you need to observe.
Chicken feet, the only bones that you can give raw
Chicken feet are the only bones that you can safely give to your dog raw. They’re soft, pliable, and packed with nutrients like glucosamine, which is great for joint health. Unlike other chicken bones, chicken feet don’t splinter easily, so there’s a lower risk of internal injuries. If you’re interested in reading more, you can check out our complete article about how to give chicken feet to dogs.
But there are two things you need to keep in mind: the size of your dog and their eating style. If you have a small dog, chicken feet are usually just the right size for them to chew safely.
However, for larger dogs, you might need to be more cautious. Big dogs with powerful jaws can still crunch through chicken feet quickly, which might increase the risk of swallowing larger pieces.
You also need to consider your dog’s eating style. If your dog is a gulper and tends to swallow food without much chewing, chicken feet might not be the best option. However, if your dog takes their time and chews their food thoroughly, raw chicken feet can be a safe and beneficial treat. Always supervise your dog when giving them any type of bone to ensure they are eating it safely.
What do experts say – are chicken bones really that dangerous?
Vets generally don’t recommend giving dogs chicken bones because of the many risks involved. Let’s break it down why. For this article, I read dozens of research papers, and I want to show you two of them here.
Study on bone foreign bodies in dogs
A study looked at 129 dogs that had swallowed bones. Some were stuck in the esophagus and some safely made it to the stomach. The esophageal bones often need urgent removal because they can cause serious damage, like tearing the esophagus or causing blockages. Younger dogs with bigger bones relative to their size were more at risk.
On the other hand, most stomach bones were left to dissolve on their own without causing problems. This means that while stomach bones can sometimes be managed without intervention, bones stuck in the esophagus are much more dangerous and often require immediate vet care.
Preliminary assessment of the risk of Salmonella infection in dogs fed raw chicken diets
In a study about Salmonella infection in dogs fed raw chicken diets, researchers looked at the presence of Salmonella in raw chicken diets and the stools of dogs consuming them. They found that 80% of the raw food samples contained Salmonella, and 30% of the dogs fed this diet had Salmonella in their stools. This indicates that feeding raw chicken to dogs not only exposes them to harmful bacteria but can spread to other surfaces during preparation and handling. When dogs eat raw chicken, these bacteria can also be present in their feces, potentially contaminating the environment where they poop. This can pose health risks to other animals and humans who come into contact with contaminated surfaces or feces.
In simple terms, this study highlights the significant health risks of feeding raw chicken bones and meat to dogs. The presence of Salmonella can lead to severe infections in dogs and pose a public health risk due to contamination. This is another reason why experts advise against giving dogs chicken bones.
Chicken necks and dog paralysis and their dangers
Chicken necks are particularly risky for dogs. In our complete article about whether chicken necks are safe for dogs, we mentioned the study about Campylobacter bacteria that causes APN – dog paralysis. Please read the article to understand why it happens and how.
We also found a letter from Dr. Sue Foster discussing a study about the link between raw chicken and acute polyradiculoneuritis (APN), which is similar to Guillain-Barré syndrome in humans. The study found that some dogs with APN had been fed raw chicken and had Campylobacter bacteria in their system. However, Dr. Foster pointed out that the study had several flaws, such as weak criteria for including dogs in the study and not enough controls.
We want to give you all the information, but please remember that even though the study may be flawed, giving your dog chicken necks can be dangerous due to the risk of bacterial infections and bone splintering. It’s best to avoid feeding your dog chicken necks to keep them safe.
Types of chicken bones and their safety for dogs when raw
Here’s a table listing various types of chicken bones and whether they are safe for dogs to eat raw:
| Type of Chicken Bone | Safe for Dogs to Eat Raw? |
|---|---|
| Chicken Necks | No, never |
| Chicken Feet | Yes, they are safe raw, frozen raw, or dehydrated from pet shop |
| Chicken Wings | Only supervised |
| Chicken Drumsticks | Only supervised |
| Chicken Thighs | Only supervised |
| Chicken Backs | Yes, they are safe raw, frozen raw, or dehydrated from pet shop |
| Chicken Breast Bones | Only supervised |
This table reflects general safety guidelines based on available information. Always supervise your dog when feeding any type of bone.
While some types of chicken bones might seem like a natural treat for dogs, they often come with more risks than benefits. Raw chicken bones are softer and less likely to splinter than cooked ones, but they still come with dangers like choking and stomach issues. Chicken neck bones are especially risky because they can have harmful bacteria and splinter easily, which can lead to serious health problems. There’s also some evidence suggesting a link between raw chicken and conditions like APN (acute polyradiculoneuritis), though we need more research on that.
To keep your dog safe, it’s best to choose safer alternatives to chicken bones. Always keep an eye on your dog when they’re chewing on any kind of bone, and check with your vet to make sure their treats are safe and healthy. By staying informed and careful, you can help keep your dog happy and healthy.
Love, life, and fur forever!
FAQs
What type of bones can dogs eat?
Dogs can safely enjoy some raw bones, like chicken feet or certain beef bones, as long as they are given under supervision. Raw bones are softer and less likely to splinter than cooked bones. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your vet before giving your dog any type of bone to ensure it’s safe for their size and chewing habits. Always supervise your dog when they are chewing bones to prevent any accidents.
Can dogs eat chicken wing bones?
No, they can not. While some people give their dogs raw chicken wing bones because they are softer and less likely to splinter than cooked bones, there are still dangers involved. Raw bones can carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter, and there is always a risk of choking or causing a blockage in the digestive tract.