Can dogs eat chicken?

Updated 18/04/2024

As one of the most consumed meats by us humans around the world, chicken has pride of place in so many of the world's favorite dishes. From chicken curries in the East to roasted joints in Britain and the fried chicken scene that's taken the world by storm, it's safe to say that chicken won't be budging from our plates any time soon. So with its popularity in the world of 'people food' and its well known nutritional value, you might have wondered - can dogs eat chicken? It's a definite yes on this one - chicken is one of the most commonly used sources of animal protein in dog food, and is loved by canines across the globe. For info on feeding your pooch chicken safely and for answers to some of the most common questions around sharing the meat with your pup, take a look below.

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Is chicken poisonous to dogs?

So is chicken bad for dogs in any way, or can dogs eat chicken just willy-nilly? Well we're happy to let you know that cooked, plain chicken is perfectly safe for dogs. But can chicken be toxic to dogs in any way? Well raw chicken could certainly give your pup food poisoning due to salmonella and other bacteria which can be present. This is despite the popularity of feeding dogs raw food lately. But generally, if the chicken is within date, cooked plainly and all the way through, then there shouldn't be any reason for it to poison your dog.  

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Is chicken good for dogs?

And can dogs eat chicken and get any health benefits? Most definitely. Chicken is one of the most common ingredients in dog food because it complements their omnivore diet so well. As you'll probably know, dogs need a balance of nutrients from both animals and plants, and as a meat that's generally low in fat and high in protein, it's a common choice for dog foods, treats and training snacks. 

Can dogs eat raw chicken?

And is raw chicken good for dogs or should it be avoided altogether? Well as you'll probably know, it's pretty common for raw chicken to contain bacteria such as salmonella, which can cause serious cases of food poisoning and nasty symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea. So, despite the raw dog food scene becoming more popular in recent years, it's safer to always cook any chicken that you feed to your pup first.  

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Health benefits of eating chicken for dogs

So, what are the macro and micronutrients present in chicken that make it such a popular ingredient in dog foods for pups of all ages, sizes and breeds? Take a look below to find out.

• Protein.
• Vitamin B12.
• Iron.
• Zinc.
• Choline.
• Selenium.
• Phosphorus.

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Feeding your dog chicken

So, now we've settled the question - can dogs eat chicken - you might be wondering what the tastiest and of course safest way to serve it up to your pup is. Take a look below for advice on cooking chicken for dogs and for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions pet parents have on the topic.

Cooking chicken for dogs 

Cooking chicken for your furry friend is super simple. Don't add any seasonings or additional fat, then either boil, bake or grill the meat until it's cooked all the way through. Serve up once it’s cool, without the skin (as this is high in fat) and with the bone removed (this is of course a serious choking hazard).

Can dogs eat boiled chicken?

Certainly - boiling chicken for dogs is a low fat, efficient way to serve up chicken to your furry friend.

Can dogs eat seasoned chicken?

You shouldn't be adding any form of seasoning to your dog's food. Firstly, Fido will totally appreciate the flavor of plain chicken, and secondly (and most importantly), seasoning can be toxic to dogs and add far too much additional salt into their diets.

Can dogs eat grilled chicken?

Certainly - grilled chicken is a tasty, easy way to cook chicken for dogs. Just don't be tempted to add any spices, seasonings or flavorings.  

Can dogs eat chicken breast?

The chicken breast is a low-fat part of the bird, which makes it the perfect choice to serve up as a treat for your pooch.

Can dogs eat chicken thighs?

Chicken thighs are safe for dogs to eat, but be sure to remove the skin as it's high in fat, and serve it bone-free as chicken bones pose the risk of your pup choking and injuring their gastrointestinal tract.

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Other chicken products

Chicken sure is delicious when cooked in herbs, spice, and all things nice, and your pup sure does give you those irresistible puppy dog eyes when you're tucking in, so we wouldn't blame you for wondering if you can share a morsel. But can dogs eat fried chicken? And can dogs eat chicken tenders from your favorite fast food restaurants? Unfortunately not, we're afraid. The coatings are laced with seasonings that are often toxic to dogs, not to mention cooked in lots of oil that'll add far too much fat into your dog's diet. 

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So now we're clear on the question - can dogs eat chicken, let's explore some of the other foods dogs can eat, starting with those below.

• Watermelon
• Sweet potato
• Pork

Meet our veterinary expert, Gemma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Gemma Cliffin BSc BVSc MRCVS. Gemma is an experienced small animal vet who combines her love of writing alongside working in practice. Since her graduation from the University of Liverpool in 2014 she has worked in a wide variety of roles including first opinion practice, as a night vet, and as a locum vet. She has also spent time working at a charity clinic in the Cook Islands which was a challenge but also immensely rewarding. She loves all aspects of veterinary work, but she especially enjoys medicine cases and diagnostic imaging. She is passionate about pain management, particularly in her more senior patients. She currently works in a first opinion small animal practice in North Yorkshire where she deals with both routine and emergency cases.