Can dog's eat... Raw Chicken?

The answer to this is a complicated debate. Raw chicken poses a risk of foodborne illness, so many vets don't recommend it. However, there are plenty of raw feeding fans out there. We're going to explore raw chicken in more detail, as well as the topic of raw feeding.

#Raw Feeding

Let's start with the debate around raw feeding generally.

Raw feeding has become more popular in recent years. Advocates report health benefits from raw feeding and believe it more closely replicates a dog's natural diet. It’s also suggested that fussy dogs find raw food much more palatable than commercial diets.

However, it is important to remember that the domestic dog has evolved over thousands of years, so its digestive system differs from that of its ancient ancestors.

While there is a lack of published papers on proven health benefits, the risks of raw feeding are well-documented. These include:

• Risk of foodborne illnesses – Raw chicken carries bacteria, including Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria, which is why we cook our meat before eating it. Even if these bacteria don't make your dog sick, your pet can still carry them and transfer infection to you by licking your face or hands. Worryingly, research shows that higher levels of antibiotic resistant bacteria were found in raw-fed dogs' faeces vs those on non-raw meat diets. Immunocompromised people, like pregnant women, children, elderly people, and people with health conditions, will be especially at risk. Remember that even 'human-grade' meat doesn't mean
  safe. It could still carry bacteria, which is why we would never eat our chicken raw or undercooked. Freezing doesn't kill these bacteria either, only cooking does.
• Risk of nutritional imbalances - Plain, raw chicken meals will be deficient in many nutrients. If you plan to raw feed your pet with a home-made diet, it must be done under the supervision of a veterinary nutritionist; otherwise, you could accidentally damage your pet's health.
• Choking and intestinal obstructions - Bones, whether cooked or raw, are not recommended for dogs. They could cause choking, especially in small breeds, brachycephalic dogs, and puppies. They could also cause a dangerous blockage in your pet's digestive tract.

If you are still exploring raw feeding because you are looking for something other than a normal commercial food, then why not consider fresh cooked diets? These contain ingredients that have undergone minimal processing, but they have been gently and safely cooked to destroy bacteria first.

If you are still unsure about the best diet for you and your pet, then always speak to your vet for advice.

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#Ok… but can dogs eat raw chicken?

Most vets don't advise feeding your dog raw chicken. While raw chicken is a great source of protein, as well as essential vitamins and minerals, dogs can still benefit from all of these when the meat is safely cooked.

If you still wish to give your dog raw food, then you will need to handle things carefully:

• There are reputable companies that formulate raw diets to ensure they are properly balanced. This can be a good idea for some pet owners and makes feeding more convenient. However, if you want to do your own home prepared food, then you must speak to a vet who specialises in nutrition. It is important that your dog receives all their nutrients in the right levels; otherwise, dietary imbalances could occur.
• When handling raw chicken, you must use gloves or wash your hands immediately after touching it
• Make sure that your raw chicken is fresh and from a reputable source.
• Ensure you practice good kitchen hygiene by keeping raw meats in tightly sealed containers to avoid cross-contamination in your fridge or freezer.
• Thoroughly sanitise any surfaces that the chicken has touched.
• Do not raw feed if you have an immunocompromised family member. They can become infected by handling your pet or by touching things like contaminated food bowls or toys.

Let's now explore some specific raw chicken scenarios...

##Can dogs eat raw chicken bones?

Bones are not recommended for dogs, raw or cooked. Bones are hard to digest and could cause a blockage in your pet's intestines.

##Can dogs eat raw chicken wings?

Many vets don’t recommend raw chicken wings. Not only is there the risk of infectious disease from the uncooked meat, but the wings could also cause choking or a digestive tract blockage.

##Can dogs eat raw chicken breast?

Raw meat can carry pathogens like bacteria and parasites. The risks of eating raw chicken breast outweigh the benefits in most cases. If you plan to raw feed, it must be done very carefully under the supervision of a veterinary nutritionist. You must maintain good hand hygiene and ensure your dog doesn't contact immunocompromised people.

##Can dogs eat raw chicken liver?

Raw chicken liver carries the same risks as raw chicken breast. Plus, liver is a very concentrated source of vitamin A, so care needs to be taken not to overdo things, or vitamin A toxicosis could occur. 

##Can dogs eat raw chicken feet?

While some sources online approve of giving raw chicken feet, it’s not advisable. These are tough to digest and could carry bacteria. Look at safer chews or toys to offer your dog instead.

#What should I do if my dog has accidentally eaten raw chicken?

If your dog has accidentally eaten a small amount of raw chicken meat that you didn't intend them to – just keep an eye on them. There is not usually a need to call a vet unless your pet is showing signs of ill health like vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, or loss of appetite. But if they have eaten a very large amount of meat, or they have eaten other parts of the chicken carcass, then a quick call to your vet is recommended.

#Conclusion - Can dogs eat raw chicken?

Most vets would not recommend feeding raw chicken due to the lack of evidence around health benefits, as well as the documented risks. Let's summarise the key points here:

• Raw chicken can contain harmful bacteria, which are only killed by cooking.
• Raw-fed dogs can shed bacteria, with immunocompromised family members being most at risk of infection.
• Bones and chicken feet could be a choking hazard or cause a digestive tract obstruction. Read our guide to how to help a choking dog.
• If you decide that raw feeding is right for you, then make sure to formulate a diet plan under the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist.