Can Dogs Eat Chicken? Cooked, Raw and Seasoned

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Chicken is the most common protein in dog food, and many owners also cook it at home for treats or bland diets. It is a good, lean protein, but preparation matters.

Nutrition

Chicken provides high-quality protein, B vitamins and minerals such as selenium and phosphorus. Breast meat is lean, while thighs and skin contain more fat. Dogs digest cooked chicken well. See our guide to how much protein dogs need.

How to serve chicken safely

1. Use boneless, skinless chicken.
2. Boil, poach or bake it plain, without oil, salt, butter or seasoning.
3. Cook thoroughly until no pink remains.
4. Cool and cut into small pieces.
5. Refrigerate leftovers and use within a couple of days.

Bones

Never feed cooked chicken bones. They splinter and can injure the mouth, throat and gut. See why cooked bones are dangerous. Raw bones carry other risks. If your dog swallows a bone, contact your vet.

Raw chicken

Raw chicken often carries Salmonella and Campylobacter. These bacteria can make dogs ill, although some dogs show no signs, and they can be passed to people. Handling raw chicken also poses a kitchen hygiene risk. See our raw feeding guide.

Skin and fat

Chicken skin and fatty trimmings are high in fat, which can cause diarrhea or pancreatitis. See pancreatitis diets and table scraps. Remove skin before serving.

Seasonings and sauces

Rotisserie chicken, fried chicken and barbecued chicken often contain onion, garlic, salt, spices and sauces. Onion and garlic are toxic to dogs. See onions and garlic. Salt in large amounts can cause problems. See salt poisoning. Serve plain chicken only.

Chicken for upset stomachs

Boiled chicken and white rice is the classic bland diet. See our guide to rice for dogs. It is for short-term use under veterinary advice, because it is not nutritionally complete.

Chicken allergy

Chicken is among the more common food allergens in dogs, largely because it is so widely used. Signs include itchy skin, ear infections, paw licking and digestive upset. If you suspect an allergy, talk to your vet about an elimination diet. See feeding a dog with food allergies.

How much?

Plain chicken as a treat should fit within the ten percent treat allowance. A few small pieces suit a small dog, and a handful a large dog. If you use chicken as part of meals, adjust the calories and make sure the diet remains balanced. See home-cooked dog food.

Chicken-based products

Check labels on chicken jerky treats, because some have been associated with illness in the past. Choose reputable brands made in countries with strong quality control.

Chicken jerky and processed treats

Not all chicken treats are equal. Cheap, imported jerky treats have been the subject of safety concerns in the past, and highly processed chicken products may contain salt, sugar or preservatives. Choose treats with short ingredient lists from reputable makers, and consider baking your own plain chicken strips at a low temperature until dry. Store them in the fridge and use them within a few days.

Variety in the diet

Because chicken is so common in dog foods, feeding it as a treat on top of a chicken-based diet increases exposure. If your dog has itchy skin or ear problems, consider offering other proteins such as turkey or fish, and ask your vet before changing the main diet.

The takeaway

Plain, cooked, boneless chicken is a healthy treat or meal topper. Keep it simple and avoid bones, skin and seasoning.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.