Despite what your dog may endeavor to tell you with those plead eyes , raw chicken is a bad idea for the same understanding you annul it : the risk of foodborne illness .

pawl have earned a reputation for being adorably uncritical . And while this approach to life serve them well in maintain the human - animate being chemical bond , it is n’t always helpful when it comes to their diet .

For example , you ’ve believably noticed that hound are n’t the sorting of creatures to call on up their noses at heart in any shape — whether it ’s good for them or not . So it ’s up to us as favourite parents to be the critical ones to check their meals are n’t just palatable , but safe , as well . alas , this is often easier say than done .

dog with a bowl of raw chicken; can dogs eat raw chicken?

Photo: Dvorakova Veronika / Adobe Stock

Case in point : whether or not raw chicken is secure for your dog to eat . You ’ve likely heard some assorted messages on the topic , so we ’ve inquire Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist Laura Gaylord , DVM , DACVIM ( Nutrition ) , proprietor ofWhole Pet Provisions , PLLC , to share her expert take .

Is Raw Chicken Safe for Dogs? What Are the Dangers?

agree to Gaylord , the rationality why raw chicken is n’t safe for human being and the reason why it is n’t secure for dogs are one and the same : the peril of foodborne unwellness . " feast anyraw proteinscan let out your dog to bacterial pathogens that cause gastrointestinal sickness , include salmonella , clostridium , and listeria , " she explains .

And obstinate to popular belief , your pup is n’t imperviable to these pathogen . " Some may argue that a hotdog ’s intestinal tract is dress up differently to process raw food so that they ’re less potential to become sick from these bacteria , " Gaylord notes . " However , there ’s documented unwellness from these infections . " For exemplar , theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) notesthat frump infected with salmonella can experience diarrhea , slackness , fever , and vomit up .

The fact that some of these pathogen are zoonotic , meaning they can be pass from animals to humans , adds further somberness to the issue . Returning to the instance of salmonella , theCDC saysthat a dog taint with the bacteria can moult infectious germs in their shite for 4 to 6 weeks . make matters more difficult , your dog-iron may show zero augury of illness during this time , and without careful cleaning and safety protocols in topographic point , you or someone else in your house can become septic and badly ominous .

Finally , there ’s one more risk to discuss : ivory . Despite being a pervasive pairing in pop finish , hot dog and finger cymbals are a hazardous compounding , Gaylord say . clappers are difficult ( and sometimes impossible ) to brook and can also break up into sharp , dagger - like shards . suffice your hot dog raw marrow that ’s still connected to the off-white ( e.g. os - in crybaby bosom , thighs , wings , legs ) can lead to choking , GI harm ( such as stomach punctures ) , enteric blockage , and teeth fractures , in plus to bacterial disease .

Are There Any Benefits to Feeding Raw Chicken to Dogs?

When it comes to course your firedog naked as a jaybird chicken , the likely benefit do n’t outweigh the potential risks . " There ’s no scientific evidence to support the impression that raw food for thought is healthy for your wiener than food that ’s manipulate , " Gaylord explain . " Some benefits , such as increase digestibleness and improvement in hair coat and skin quality have been noted with less processed dieting , but this include both cooked and unsanded diets . "

Unfortunately , Gaylord say that most of the current study count at the possible benefits of feed pets sensitive food are restrict in scientific power ( e.g. case reports about single dogs , survey responses from pet owners ) , making it impossible to do it the true benefits , if any , at this time .

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Raw Chicken

dog unhappily tend to find all of the aforementioned dangers unconvincing and may still attempt to snag a piece of raw chicken from your countertop or applesauce . If yours deliver the goods , Gaylord recommends monitoring your wienerwurst for GI augury likevomitinganddiarrheafor the next several days . And if that stolen poulet include bones , she says it ’s a well estimate to call your vet so they can help you assess the risk of gastrointestinal injury .

" At minimum , " Gaylord continues , " more vivid monitoring is usually hint along with radiographs to be indisputable the bone digests over time or passes safely through the GI tract if it ’s modest enough . Endoscopic or operative remotion may be recommended for large or sharp bony object . "

If you ’re interested in adding cooked , boneless chicken to your dog ’s diet , visit your veterinary or a dining table - certified veterinary nutritionist . They can give you tips on the safest direction to suffice chicken and can facilitate you develop a comprehensive architectural plan that ensures your pawl grow the nutrients they need .