Do you want to make your dog’s meal bowls more nutritious but don’t want what can be done without spending dollars and dollars on it? Well, it’s high time you asked, “can dogs eat chicken?”
In short, we can say that yes! You can feed your dog chicken in moderation as a part of a well-balanced diet. But that is not all! There is much more you need to know before feeding your dog this fantastic source of protein- chicken.
Is Chicken Good For Dogs?
It’s clear that this human food, chicken, is not toxic to dogs in any way but instead brings a lot of health benefits to dogs. Although this does not mean you toss your doggo tons of chicken nuggets, a balanced and healthily cooked chicken can bring goodness of:
1. Lean protein source
It is super important to add good sources of lean protein to your doggo’s diet that helps them in regular body functions. This includes building muscles, repair, and overall growth that depends directly on what your dog consumes in their meals.
2. Nutrients
We know that chicken is primarily famous for its protein, but it has a rich nutritional value that also brings in many essential vitamins and minerals for your dog’s overall well-being. It has nutrients like- B6 and B12, niacin, and minerals like zinc and phosphorus.
3. Easy digestibility
Another reason why chicken is good for dogs is because it is easy to digest. Dogs have sensitive stomachs, and not every meat is easily processed, which can cause digestive problems. But with chicken, if you feed it in moderate amounts, dogs can digest them pretty well and efficiently.
Things to Keep in Mind When Feeding Your Dog Chicken
Before you serve your dog chicken, it’s essential to know that not all parts of the chicken are edible, such as chicken bones. Also, not all ways of serving chicken are safe for dogs. Hence, we have mentioned some things you should keep in mind when feeding your dog chicken:
1. No seasonings or marinades
When you feed your dog anything healthy, be it chicken or other meats like turkey, pork, crabs, fish, etc, the biggest catch (besides cooking) is to keep it plain. The moment you add seasonings and salt to spice things up, you make that perfectly healthy dish a harmful one for your pooch. It is because most seasonings include garlic or onion (powder or extracts) and chilis, which are a HUGE NO for dogs.
2. Cook well
Even though a lot of dog owners like to give their dogs a raw meat diet to promote the healthy and natural strength of dogs, it might not be the best idea! Giving your dog raw chicken has both pros and cons, but it is not advisable because of bacterial contamination. So, to be on the safer side, you should cook the chicken well and serve plain/ unseasoned.
3. Moderation is key
Last but not least, you should only feed your dog chicken in moderation! No matter how healthy a human food might be, too much of anything will eventually make your dog sick. Hence, focus on giving your dog a balanced diet.
Here are some veggies that you can feed your dog along with chicken:
- Celery
- Eggs
- Beets
- Carrots
- Zucchini
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Beans
- Rice
- Barley
- Cook it in coconut oil
- Mixed with kibbles
Final Thoughts
The straight answer to “can dogs eat chicken?” is a BIG YES! Chicken is packed with nutrients and a great alternative to many unhealthy dog treats out there. So, if your dog is bored of eating plain rice with veggies, then it is high time that you toss them chicken pieces that will keep your dog’s tummy full! However, you should be careful when feeding your dog chicken because it has bones and splinters, and you may want to feed your dog a gravy, spicy chicken- but seasonings are a big no for dogs!
Frequently Asked Questions
You should not feed your dog sausages as they are not the healthiest version of the meat. Sausages often contain additives, and even if they are plain, the fat content can pose harm to your dog’s health.
Yes, you can feed your dog chicken liver, but it should be fed in moderation only. We do not recommend feeding your dog chicken liver daily as anything in excess can make your doggo sick or give them gastrointestinal problems.
Yes! You can feed your dog boiled chicken as it is a good source of lean protein and it is the best when cooked without any additives or seasonings. Also, boiling the chicken will hold all its nutritional value and make it easier for your pooch to digest.
The amount of chicken that is good for dogs depends on your dog’s size and energy level. There is no one-shoe-fit rule when it comes to a balanced diet. Generally, small dogs can have small portions of chicken, while large dogs may need more.
Dogs can technically eat chicken wings, but you have to be super cautious! Most commercial chicken wings are seasoned for human consumption, but they can be toxic due to garlic and onion. Also, the splinters and spiky little bones can be a choking hazard and cause injury to dogs.
