Is it OK for dogs to eat raw chicken?

Raw food feeding is popular for a reason: many dog owners want to provide their pets with a more natural diet. One raw food that dog owners occasionally feed their canines is raw chicken. This raw poultry may appear to be healthier than processed kibble, but it can cause major problems for dogs who eat it—and for the pet owners who prepare it.

Is it safe for dogs to eat raw chicken?

Because dogs are descended from wolves, some people believe that feeding raw chicken is healthier than giving cooked chicken because it is 100 percent natural and unprocessed. Raw chicken, unfortunately, can be harmful to both you and your dog. Although raw chicken isn't always dangerous, that doesn't mean it's always safe. When it comes to feeding raw chicken to a dog, there are risks involved, therefore most people choose to play it safe.

The Dangers of Feeding Dogs Raw Chicken

While some individuals are primarily concerned with the advantages of raw chicken, the risks are serious and should not be overlooked. There are two major hazards associated with feeding raw chicken to your dog. There is a third major worry if it is the only thing you feed your dog or if it is the majority of its diet.

Infections with Salmonella

Salmonella sp. is the most prevalent cause of food poisoning, and it can be found on many raw or undercooked foods, including chicken. The bacteria can be found in animal intestines or excrement and is dangerous to eat. When a pet owner handles raw chicken, the risk of spreading the bacteria to their hands, counters, dishes, utensils, dog bowls, and your dog increases.

Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, a loss of appetite, and a fever are all signs that your dog has contracted Salmonella. Antibiotics and other drugs, as well as IV hydration therapy, are required for treatment. If your dog has a weak immune system or severe dysbiosis of the intestines, ignoring the infection can be fatal. You can't see salmonella without a microscope, so you have no way of knowing if the raw chicken you're giving your dog is tainted. Foods are frequently recalled owing to Salmonella contamination, however, this isn't always detected until someone becomes ill. The biggest risk and concern with feeding raw chicken to your dog is salmonellosis.

Bones from chickens

Chickens have bones, and if you offer raw chicken to your dog, there is a greater possibility that a bone will be present. Bones can create stomach or intestinal blockages, pierce internal organs, get lodged in the mouth or throat, and damage teeth. Cooked chicken bones can be a major concern for dogs, but raw chicken bones can also be a problem for some. This risk to your dog can be avoided by removing bones from raw chicken.

Malnutrition

If you give your dog a raw chicken diet exclusively or most of the time, he will become severely malnourished. For any dog, chicken is not a complete and balanced meal.

To be healthy and robust, dogs require much more than chicken. Malnutrition is largely eliminated if you offer a healthy and balanced diet together with some raw chicken.

The Advantages of Feeding Dogs Raw Chicken

Despite the dangers of feeding raw chicken to dogs, some dog owners opt to do so for a variety of reasons. Raw chicken is high in protein, low in carbohydrates and sugar, and high in potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin B12, and other nutrients that are good for dogs. Furthermore, dogs with severe food allergies or sensitivities won't have to worry about consuming foods they shouldn't eat if their diet consists primarily of raw chicken. Finally, raw chicken is low-cost meat and a low-cost option for feeding your dog.

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