Can Dogs Eat Chicken Meat?

You probably know the answer, and dogs can definitely eat chicken meat! Chicken is one of the main ingredients in commercial dog food, and in our house, it’s the most popular source of protein. Since we probably eat chicken two times a week, we always share it with our dog. But we don’t give him fried chicken or the one we eat with lots of spices and salt. There’s a reason why, and we’ll dig deep into that.

raw chicken meat on a wooden board and a dog

First of all, lean, plain-cooked chicken is an excellent source of protein for dogs (and for us!), so you can safely include it in your dog’s diet. However, fried or raw chicken is a whole different story. In this article, we will cite sources and dig deep into optimal protein intake, what vets say about raw chicken, and why greasy, fried chicken doesn’t belong on your dog’s menu!

Can dogs eat cooked and grilled chicken?

Cooked and grilled chicken is one of the best options for dogs! It is a lean source of protein that supports muscle growth and overall health. Dogs typically need about 18-25% of their daily diet to be protein, depending on their age, size, and activity level. Cooked chicken is a great way to meet this requirement without adding excessive fat or calories.

The information about the protein levels is in the textbooks I read for certifications and in the official document from AAFCO. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a voluntary group that establishes pet and animal feed guidelines in the United States. Their primary role is to develop and implement uniform regulations, ingredient definitions, and nutritional guidelines to ensure the quality and safety of animal feed and pet food.

Here are a few key points about AAFCO from the link above:

Nutritional standards: AAFCO establishes nutrient profiles for pet foods, which specify the minimum and maximum levels of essential nutrients, such as proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, that pet foods must contain to be considered “complete and balanced.”

Ingredient definitions: The organization defines and approves ingredients for pet foods, ensuring they are safe and appropriate for animal consumption.

Labeling guidelines: AAFCO provides guidelines for labeling pet foods, helping ensure that labels are accurate and informative so pet owners can make informed choices about their pets’ diets.

Testing protocols: AAFCO sets the protocols for feeding trials and laboratory analyses that manufacturers must follow to substantiate their nutritional claims on pet food labels.

Although AAFCO does not directly regulate or enforce pet food laws, its guidelines and standards are widely adopted by state feed control officials and pet food manufacturers to ensure consistency and safety in the pet food industry. For more information, you can visit AAFCO’s website. So I really trust them, you should too!

Health benefits of chicken for dogs

Chicken is a fantastic and nourishing protein for dogs, offering several health benefits that can help keep our pets happy and healthy. Here are some of the key benefits of chicken:

High-quality protein: Chicken is rich in lean protein, essential for building and maintaining muscle mass. Protein also supports a healthy immune system and helps repair tissues. Since dogs typically need 18-25% of their daily diet to be protein, chicken can be an excellent way to meet this requirement.

Essential amino acids: Chicken provides important amino acids, including arginine, leucine, and lysine, which are vital for various bodily functions. These amino acids support muscle repair, metabolic processes, and overall growth.

Omega-6 fatty acids: Chicken contains omega-6 fatty acids, which help promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. These fatty acids also maintain healthy cell membranes and reproductive health.

Vitamins and minerals: Chicken is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins (like niacin and B6), phosphorus, and selenium. These nutrients support energy metabolism, bone health, and immune function.

Easily digestible: Chicken is generally easy for dogs to digest, making it an excellent option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. Its digestibility ensures that dogs can absorb and utilize the nutrients efficiently. Vets often suggest feeding plain chicken to dogs with upset stomach!

Not to mention that it’s tasty, healthy, easy to cook, and perfect for meal prep!

Can dogs be allergic to chicken?

Yes, dogs can be allergic to chicken. A study found that some dogs have specific immune responses to chicken, indicating an allergy. The researchers looked at three groups of dogs: those not sensitive to chicken, those who were, and those with a confirmed chicken allergy. They discovered that specific proteins in chicken triggered allergic reactions in these dogs. Some of these proteins can also cause reactions with other meats and fish, meaning if your dog is allergic to chicken, they might react to different foods, too. If you suspect your dog has a chicken allergy, it’s best to consult your vet for proper diagnosis and diet advice.

What not to do when feeding your dog chicken

Well, while feeding chicken to your dog is a great way to give them a healthy source of protein, there are some important things to avoid to keep them safe:

Avoid cooked bones: Cooked chicken bones can be a serious choking hazard and can splinter easily, causing internal injuries. This is especially dangerous for small dogs who might try to swallow small bone parts. Always give your dog chicken without any bones to prevent any accidents.
Avoid deep-fried and greasy chicken: Fried chicken and other greasy preparations like chicken nuggets are not good for dogs. They contain unhealthy fats and oils that can lead to digestive issues and even pancreatitis. Plus, the breading often contains unsafe seasonings and ingredients for dogs. Stick to plain, cooked chicken to keep it healthy.
Avoid seasonings and spices: While a small amount of some seasonings may not be immediately harmful, many common spices can upset your dog’s stomach. Ingredients like onion and garlic powder, in large quantities and if eaten frequently, can be toxic to dogs. Avoid using any seasonings, such as chili flakes, onion, garlic, or other spices, on your dog’s chicken to keep their tummy safe.
Don’t give your dog raw chicken: Although raw food diets are popular among some dog owners, feeding raw chicken carries a risk of salmonella infection, which can be harmful to both dogs and humans. If you’re unsure about the safety of raw chicken, it’s best to stick with cooked or grilled chicken served plain without any additives. We’ll dig deeper into this topic below!

Avoid seasonings and spices when feeding your dog chicken

Some seasonings and spices, like garlic and onion powder, can be toxic for dogs in massive amounts, so it’s really better to avoid them and cook chicken separately for your dogs!

Can dogs eat raw chicken?

Some people choose to feed their dogs a raw diet, which has become quite popular in the United States. In fact, around 17% of dog owners in the US have adopted raw feeding practices for their pets. Bones and Raw Food (BARF) diets are a trend driven by the belief that raw diets are more natural and healthier, mimicking what dogs’ ancestors ate in the wild. However, while the idea of feeding dogs raw chicken might sound appealing, there are significant risks to consider.

One of the biggest worries about giving your dogs raw chicken is the risk of Salmonella poisoning. Raw chicken can carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause severe gastrointestinal issues in dogs. Symptoms of salmonella infection in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and fever. These bacteria can also pose a risk to humans, especially if cross-contamination occurs during food preparation.

Besides the risk of bacterial infections, raw chicken can also pose other health risks. Bones in raw chicken, while not as brittle as cooked bones, can still cause choking hazards and internal injuries if they splinter. Additionally, raw chicken does not provide a balanced diet on its own, and it lacks the essential nutrients your dogs get from dog food.

While raw diets are trendy, and some dog owners swear by them, it’s essential to weigh the potential risks. If you’re unsure about the raw food, it’s best to stick with cooked or grilled chicken served plain. This way, your dog will enjoy the health benefits of chicken without the associated dangers of raw feeding.

17% of dog owners in the US follow raw food diets

While raw food diets are becoming more and more popular, there are certain risks associated with giving your dog raw chicken, like salmonella poisoning. If you’re unsure, it’s best you stick to plain cooked chicken.

The risks of feeding raw chicken to dogs

This 2019 study about raw diets for cats and dogs shows that we actually don’t have much evidence supporting claims that BARF diets are better. While there is some evidence that raw diets can alter the intestinal microbiome and improve stool quality, there is no robust evidence supporting many of the claimed benefits. Documented risks of raw feeding include malnutrition due to improper diet formulation and testing, as well as infection risks for both pets and humans. Surveys in Europe and North America frequently find Salmonella in raw pet food samples, posing a significant health risk.

Additionally, raw pet foods often exceed hygiene thresholds for Enterobacteriaceae, which can carry resistance to critical antibiotics. Other infectious organisms in raw diets include Listeria, shiga toxigenic E. coli, Toxoplasma gondii, and Brucella suis. Feeding raw diets can also lead to pets shedding antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, which poses a broader public health risk. Despite these risks, raw feeding remains popular among some pet owners, often driven by psychological factors and skepticism toward conventional pet food manufacturers.

What chicken parts are safe for dogs to eat?

Now that we know chicken is a good source of protein for our dogs, it’s essential to learn which parts of the chicken are safe for them to eat. Different parts of the chicken offer various nutritional benefits, but not all are suitable for our furry friends. Let’s explore which chicken parts you can safely include in your dog’s diet to ensure they get the most out of this healthy protein source.

Chicken breast

Our favorite, chicken breast, is a lean and versatile part of the chicken that we often cook for pasta, curries, and other tasty dishes. For Ricco, our dog, we cook it simple and plain on a hot pan, and during summer, we grill a piece or two just for him. And since we both eat lean meats and follow a Mediterranean diet, lean chicken breast is probably the top protein choice in our house.

Is chicken breast safe for dogs to eat? — Chicken breast is safe for dogs to eat when cooked plain without any seasoning. It’s the top choice when it comes to chicken!

Health benefits of chicken breast for dogs — Chicken breast is a great source of lean protein, which supports muscle development and maintenance.

How much is usually recommended? — It’s typically recommended that you feed your dog chicken breast in moderation as part of a balanced diet. A few pieces mixed with their regular food are usually sufficient.

Chicken feet

We wrote a lot about this topic, and there’s an article on our website about whether dogs can eat chicken feet! When served raw, chicken feet can be a good snack, and they’re often a popular choice as a dental treat replacement, keeping dogs’ teeth and gums healthy!

Are they safe for dogs to eat? — Raw and dehydrated feet are safe for dogs. Raw chicken feet are probably the safest options as they are soft and chewy.

Health benefits for dogs — Chicken feet are high in glucosamine and chondroitin, both of which are beneficial for joint health. They are also great for dental health.

How much is usually recommended — One or two chicken feet per day can be a good treat for dogs, but for smaller dogs, you may want to reduce this to a couple of times per week.

Chicken hearts

Chicken hearts are small, nutrient-dense organs often used in various traditional dishes, typically grilled or sautéed. And they are a nutritious treat for dogs!

Are they safe for dogs to eat? — Chicken hearts are safe for dogs and can be served cooked or raw.

Health benefits for dogs — Chicken hearts are high in protein, taurine, and essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health.

How much is usually recommended — Chicken hearts should be fed in moderation, with a few pieces added to your dog’s diet a couple of times a week.

Chicken liver

Chicken liver is rich and flavorful, often used in pâtés and other gourmet dishes. It’s typically sautéed or baked, and it’s a really good source of iron for dogs.

Is it safe for dogs to eat? — Chicken liver is safe for dogs when fed in small amounts, but please talk to your vet about this topic because your dog may be sensitive to chicken liver.

Health benefits of chicken liver for dogs — Chicken liver is rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins A, iron, and B.

How much is usually recommended — Due to its high vitamin A content, chicken liver should be fed sparingly, around once a week.

Chicken necks

Chicken necks are often used to make stock or broths and can be roasted or boiled. This is the only part of chicken where we’re not openminded, and we don’t recommend chicken necks for dogs.

Are they safe for dogs to eat? — Chicken necks are not safe for dogs. In addition, you shouldn’t give your dog cooked chicken necks as well, because bones can splinter and cause internal blockage.

Health benefits for dogs — Not worth the risk. They provide calcium and phosphorus, which benefit bone health, but they are not recommended.

How much is usually recommended — We don’t recommend chicken necks for dogs.

Chicken skin

Chicken skin is often removed before cooking for a healthier meal, but when included, it adds flavor and crispiness, especially when roasted or fried. Even though some people love it (it’s so crunchy!), it’s high in fat, so be careful with it. If you’re interested in details about how chicken skin is not suitable for dogs, you can check out our other article, but since it’s high in fat, it’s not the best snack.

Are they safe for dogs to eat? — Chicken skin is safe for dogs, but it’s not recommended since it’s high in fat. We don’t recommend it, and you shouldn’t give your dog chicken skin as a treat. If they accidentally eat a piece of chicken with skin, then don’t worry; nothing bad will happen, but still, it’s best you avoid it.

Health benefits of chicken skin for dogs — Chicken skin can provide some energy and essential fatty acids, but the cons outweigh the pros (even for us people). Due to the fat, it’s best to avoid them in large quantities.

How much is usually recommended — It’s not recommended that you give chicken skin to your dog. A small piece of chicken skin as an occasional treat is usually fine, but it should not be a regular part of their diet.

Chicken gizzards

Chicken gizzards, a nutritious and flavorful part of the chicken, are often used in soups, stews, and other hearty dishes. They can be a really good snack, providing a rich source of protein and other nutrients.

Are chicken gizzards safe for dogs to eat? — Chicken gizzards are safe for dogs to eat when cooked thoroughly without any seasoning. They are a great addition to your dog’s diet!

Health benefits of chicken gizzards for dogs — Chicken gizzards are an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle development and maintenance. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, iron, and vitamin B12, which support overall health.

How much is usually recommended? — It’s typically recommended to feed your dog chicken gizzards in moderation as part of a balanced diet. You probably won’t overdo it, so whenever you feel like making this special treat is fine.

Chicken thighs

Quite often, people ask can dogs eat dark chicken meat, and by dark meat, they mean chicken things and legs! Chicken thighs are flavorful and juicy, and we eat them grilled, baked, or use them in soups and stews.

Are they safe for dogs to eat? — Chicken thighs are safe for dogs as long as they are cooked plain and deboned. They are healthy, easy on the stomach, and easy to chew.

Health benefits for dogs — Chicken thighs are a good source of protein, but they contain more fat than breasts, which means that they provide extra energy but also extra fat. However, the impact of this fat is minimal on your dog’s diet, so nothing to worry about.

How much is usually recommended — A piece or two of chicken thigh, cut into small pieces, can be added to your dog’s meal occasionally.

Chicken wings

Chicken wings are often enjoyed as appetizers. They are typically fried or grilled and coated in various sauces. Although they are not ideal for dogs, cooked or grilled meat from the wings can still be part of their diet.

Are they safe for dogs to eat? — Chicken wings are not safe for dogs. They are not safe raw, and cooked bones can be dangerous. The only thing you can give your dog is meat from the wings.

Health benefits for dogs — Chicken wings provide protein as any other chicken meat.

How much is usually recommended — Depending on the size of your dog, you can give them meat from the wings. One to two wings a few times a week can be a good addition to their diet.

Part of Chicken	Safe for Dogs	Healthy for Dogs
Chicken breast	Yes	Yes
Chicken feet	Yes (raw or dehydrated)	Yes
Chicken hearts	Yes	Yes, but only in moderation
Chicken liver	Yes	Yes
Chicken necks	No	No
Chicken skin	Yes (in moderation, but not recommended)	No
Chicken gizzards	Yes	Yes
Chicken thighs	Yes (deboned)	Yes
Chicken wings	No	No

Can I feed my dog chicken every day?

While chicken is a great source of protein, it should only make up 10% of your dog’s daily diet if your vet gives you the green light. Think about it this way: you probably don’t eat chicken every day, and your dog doesn’t need to either. Chicken is already an ingredient in many dog foods and kibbles, so your pup will likely get plenty of it. It’s especially good to give your dog chicken when they’re feeling under the weather or have an upset stomach, as it can help boost their appetite. But remember, variety is key to ensuring your dog gets all the nutrients they need. So, while chicken can be a part of their diet, mix it up with other healthy foods to keep them happy and healthy.

How to prepare chicken for your dog?

Since we’ve covered the risks of feeding raw chicken to your dog, let’s look at the most popular methods of preparing chicken and which ones are safe or unsafe.

Boiled chicken — Safe for dogs. Boiling chicken plain without any seasoning is the best way to prepare it for your dog. You can also mix it with their regular food or give it to them as a special meal.

Canned chicken — Safe for dogs, but with caution. Canned chicken can contain high levels of sodium and preservatives, so it’s best to rinse it thoroughly or choose low-sodium options before feeding it to your dog.

Fried chicken — Not safe for dogs. Fried chicken is greasy and often contains breading and seasonings that are not good for your dog’s digestive system and can lead to obesity and pancreatitis.

Rotisserie chicken — Not safe for dogs. Rotisserie chicken is typically seasoned and may contain additives that are harmful to dogs. Additionally, the bones can pose a choking hazard.

Smoked chicken — Not safe for dogs. Smoked chicken is often made with lots of salt and it’s seasoned with spices that are not healthy for dogs.

Grilled chicken — Safe for dogs, if plain. Grilled chicken without any seasoning or marinade is fine for dogs. Be sure to remove any bones and cook it thoroughly.

Baked chicken — Safe for dogs if plain. Baking chicken plain without spices or marinades is a healthy way to prepare it for your dog.

Sautéed chicken — Safe for dogs, with modifications. Sautéed chicken should be cooked without any oils, butter, or seasonings. Using water or a little bit of chicken broth is a better option.

Preparation Method	Safe for Dogs	Reason
Boiled chicken	Yes	Easy to digest, no seasoning
Canned chicken	Yes, with caution	High sodium, rinse thoroughly
Fried chicken	No	Greasy, breading, unhealthy
Rotisserie chicken	No	Seasoned, bones, additives
Smoked chicken	No	High salt, spices
Grilled chicken	Yes, if plain	No seasoning or marinade
Baked chicken	Yes, if plain	No spices or marinades
Sautéed chicken	Yes, with modifications	Cook without oil or butter

We hope this detailed analysis has been helpful. Chicken is often recommended when dogs have stomach issues like diarrhea because it’s easy to digest. While it’s a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, there are some limitations regarding which parts of the chicken are safe and how they should be prepared, as explained above. Always talk to your vet before making any changes to your dog’s meals.

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Can dogs eat raw chicken meat?

Feeding dogs raw chicken meat is a debated topic. Some folks swear by a raw diet, but there are risks, like Salmonella and other bacterial infections. If you’re thinking about a raw diet, it’s crucial to talk to your vet to make sure it’s done safely.

Can too much chicken affect dogs?

Yes, too much chicken can be a problem for dogs. While chicken is an excellent protein source, it shouldn’t be more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet without checking with your vet. Relying too much on chicken can lead to nutritional imbalances and digestive issues if it’s not part of a balanced diet.

Can dogs eat cooked chicken meat?

Yes, dogs can eat cooked chicken meat. It’s a healthy and safe option as long as it’s cooked plain without any seasoning, spices, or added fats. It’s a great source of protein and a great choice for dogs with an upset stomach.