Raw chicken and turkey bones should be safe for dogs of all sizes. You just want to feed pieces of meat with bone that are large enough so your dog can’t swallow the pieces whole and potentially choke.
Raw chicken and turkey bones should be safe for dogs of all sizes. You just want to feed pieces of meat with bone that are large enough so your dog can’t swallow the pieces whole and potentially choke. (This risk is rare, though.)
How Big a Danger is Salmonella?
Salmonella is certainly a risk when feeding your dog raw chicken, but the actual risk to your dog is unclear. Dogs have a higher acidity level in their stomach than we do. You’ve probably seen your dog eating something that would make you violently ill at some point.
It may have been spoiled meat, garbage, or even a dead animal. Dogs have evolved to eat raw meat, and even meat that has been dead for days. This is how they survive in the wild.
According to the FDA, dogs and cats rarely contract salmonella. However, when they do, they can spread it to their owners. Dogs can shed the bacteria in their feces and saliva, even if they aren’t showing symptoms of the illness themselves.
In most cases, a dog who gets salmonella poisoning has an underlying health issue that makes them more susceptible.
If you want to feed your dog raw chicken and minimize the risk, it’s wise to speak with your vet. If your pooch has no health problems that can weaken their digestive system, the risk is low.
If you are at a higher risk of salmonella complications, this should be considered as well. For most people, salmonella can cause them to be very sick, but causes no permanent damage. However, the very young, elderly, and pregnant women are at a higher risk of serious complications or death from salmonella.
A full leg portion is a hefty meal for a dog, particularly a smaller pooch. If your dog is eating a raw diet, a large dog should have about 2 pounds of raw chicken at least once a day. This should be supplemented with organs and beef, at least some days.
If your dog isn’t eating a completely raw diet, and you are supplementing their standard pet food, one chicken leg may be too much, particularly if they aren’t accustomed to raw meat.
Chicken feet can be an excellent addition to your dog’s diet. They are very high in glucosimine and chondroitin, which support joint health. They also make a great chewy.
Chicken feet are high in many vitamins and minerals. If your dog eats a commercial diet, they are a great supplement. If your dog has a raw diet, they are still a suitable treat.
The texture of chicken feet make them an excellent dental bone. The act of chewing the feet will help clean your dog’s teeth.
The glucosomine and chondrotin in chicken feet is highly beneficial for joint health. If you have an older dog who suffers from arthritis, they may help relieve the symptoms, particularly over time.
They are high in protein and low in calories. If your dog is on a diet, they are a great alternative to commercial dog treats. In addition to being low calories, they provide entertainment and can keep your dog occupied much longer than typical treats.
The simplest way to get chicken feet is at your local butcher or grocery store. When it comes to chicken feet, it’s ok to feed your dog “human food”. Some stores carry raw chicken feet. Others may have frozen chicken feet.
They have not been processed at all. They are similar to something your dog would eat in the wild, which can provide a healthy addition to a standard diet. You’ll need to store them in the fridge or freezer, just as you would raw meat.
If you want a treat with a longer shelf life, or a slightly less lifelike appearance, dehydrated chicken feet are an option. These are often sold as dog treats. Because they are dehydrated, they can be stored at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Can dogs eat raw chicken drumsticks?
Raw chicken drumsticks will carry the same risks and benefits of raw chicken legs. Generally, if your dog is healthy, you can feed your pooch raw chicken drumsticks.
There are ways you can reduce the risk of salmonella and other problematic bacteria. First, always rinse the chicken thoroughly before serving it to your dog.
Do not thaw frozen chicken on the counter. It should be thawed in the refrigerator. If you really need to thaw it quickly, use the microwave. It may diminish its nutritional value slightly, but it won’t allow bacteria to grow.
Never let chicken sit at room temperature. Once it reaches room temperature, harmful bacteria begin to grow. If your dog doesn’t finish their meal, dispose of any leftover raw meat after they finish eating.
Learn More:
If you’re like me, you’ve probably wondered: Can dogs eat cooked chicken drumsticks?
The answer is yes, but not without some caveats.
First of all, cooked chicken drumsticks are fine for your dog to eat—as long as the drumstick is white meat and not dark meat.
Dark meat has more fat than white meat and therefore contains more calories per ounce than its lighter counterpart.
In addition to this difference in nutrition content between the two types of poultry products, there’s also a difference in safety due to cooking methods used in preparation processes (more on that later).
So if your dog eats raw chicken drumsticks and they seem fine afterward, then go ahead and let him munch on some cooked ones too!
Just make sure they’re safe for canine consumption before giving them to your pet by following these guidelines:
FAQ
Can dogs eat chicken drumsticks uncooked?
Can dogs eat raw frozen chicken drumsticks?
What happens if a dog eats a chicken drumstick?
Can dogs eat raw chicken thigh?