Did you know that there are more chickens on the planet than humans? With numbers like that, it’s not surprising that chicken is a favorite food for many people. But is chicken good for dogs too?
Dogs, like humans, need a varied diet full of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins. Chicken is a great food that has many vital nutrients a dog needs.
While chicken is safe for dogs to eat, there are some considerations to take with how you prepare the chicken and how much to give your furry pal. We’ll look at the benefits of chicken for dogs and how to safely introduce chicken into your dog’s diet.
Is Chicken Good for Dogs?
When it comes to your furry family member, you may not be sure what food is off-limits and what foods are okay for them to eat. Should dogs stick with protein-based meals or can dogs eat almonds and other table food? Chicken is one type of food that, when served the right way, can be great for your dog’s wellness.
Chicken, in a cooked and unseasoned form, is a great addition to your dog’s diet because of the nutrients and protein in it. It is rich in vitamins B3, B6, and all of which are beneficial to your dog’s health. Chicken also has the protein that your dog needs to stay healthy.
Vitamin B3
This vitamin, called Niacin, helps turn the food your dog eats into energy. It does this by supporting the enzymes that metabolize the fats and proteins in their diet.
B3 helps keep the nervous system running smoothly by releasing certain hormones that can keep stress levels low. Finally, Niacin keeps the digestion system working by helping your dog’s body create stomach acid.
Vitamin B6
This vitamin is a key player in your dog’s immune system. Vitamin B6 helps keep infections away from your dog. It boosts red blood cell production, which moves oxygen through your dog’s body.
Protein
The ancestors of dogs were carnivores, as shown by their large carnassial teeth. Dogs are predisposed to eat meat and need it for their bodies to function the way they should.
The key player in chicken is protein. High-quality proteins, like the type found in chickens, have the essential amino acids that dogs need to thrive.
Types of Chicken Products and Dog Health
Not all types of chicken are equal when it comes to a dog’s health. Some forms of chicken have many benefits for your pup, while others may give your dog tummy trouble.
Boiled Chicken
A good way to serve your dog chicken is to boil it. Boiled chicken is perfect for dogs with some digestive problems. It’s also a good choice for dogs who have diarrhea or other stomach issues.
To boil chicken, first cut some skinless boneless chicken thighs or breasts and put them in a large pot. Cover the pot with water and boil the chicken for at least twelve minutes. Be sure to cool the chicken and cut it into small pieces before serving to your dog.
Fried Chicken
This form of chicken is off-limits for your dog. The oil in fried chicken can make your dog’s stomach upset. Too much fat in a dog can cause pancreatitis, a painful condition your dog can develop.
Fried chicken usually has a seasoning that contains onion and garlic. These spices can be toxic to dogs because they can cause a breakdown of red blood cells. Too much onion or garlic can lead to anemia in dogs.
Chicken Nuggets
If you have small kids, it may not be uncommon for them to sneak your dog a chicken nugget or two. While that likely won’t cause any harm, too many chicken nuggets aren’t good for your dog.
Chicken Broth
Plain chicken broth is okay for your dog, but be sure to read the label. Chicken broth with extra spices can cause harm to your dog.
Remember, onion and garlic are a no-no for your dog. If those ingredients are on the label, your dog shouldn’t be eating it.
A good option is to make homemade broth for your dog. You can make the broth low-sodium and without harmful ingredients. Add some broth to your dog’s food for extra nutrition and flavor.
Raw Chicken and Your Dog
Although you may think a raw food diet is good for your dog’s natural hunting instincts, you should not give your dog raw chicken. Feeding your dog can lead to a bacterial infection that can turn deadly. Bacteria like salmonella and E. coli are common in uncooked chicken.
Considerations Before Feeding Your Dog Chicken
Before serving your dog chicken, you’ll want to steer clear of bones. Not all dogs can handle chicken in their diet. Some dogs can have a chicken allergy that can make eating chicken more harmful than good.
Chicken Bones
Be very careful not to feed your dog chicken with bones. Small chicken bones can be a choking hazard for your dog.
If a dog does eat a bone, it can splinter and cut a dog’s intestines and stomach. This damage can cause infections, blockages, and ruptures of your dog’s internal organs, leading to medical intervention.
You can buy safe alternatives to give your dog the feeling of chewing chicken bones. Chicken-flavored chew toys or chew bones are the perfect choice.
Chicken Allergies
Some dogs can be allergic to chicken. Dogs with a chicken allergy may show hair loss, itchy skin, or ear and skin infections after eating chicken. Allergies can develop at any time in a dog’s life, so watch for these signs.
Chicken: A Popular Dog Food Choice
Dog owners want to feed their dogs nothing but the best, which is why it’s natural to ask the question, “Is chicken good for dogs?” As long as you prepare chicken the right way, your dog can reap many benefits from this lean protein.
It’s not only your dogs who can enjoy chicken, humans can reap the benefits of chicken too. Check out our articles on food and nutrition today to get inspiration for your next meal.