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Can Dogs Eat Chicken?
Chicken is safe for dogs when served plain and in a sensible amount.
Is chicken safe for dogs?
Chicken is a lean, widely available poultry meat and a common ingredient in commercial pet food. Plain, fully cooked chicken meat with no skin, bones or seasoning is a safe, common protein for dogs, and is used in many commercial dog foods.
How to serve chicken to your dog
- Remove the skin, fat and all bones before offering any
- Cook it plainly with no seasoning, onion, garlic or butter
- Cut it into small pieces appropriate for your dog's size
What to avoid
- Raw or undercooked chicken, because of Salmonella and other bacteria
- Chicken bones, which can splinter
- Fried, breaded or heavily seasoned chicken
- Chicken skin, which is fatty
How much chicken can my dog have?
Treats, including chicken, should stay under about 10% of your dog's daily calories. As a rough starting point, small dogs can have 1 to 2 bite-size pieces, medium dogs 2 to 4, and large dogs a small handful. Introduce it slowly and do not make it a daily habit.
Signs your dog may be having a problem
Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, pawing at the mouth, loss of appetite, tiredness, a swollen or painful belly, or trouble breathing. Contact your vet right away if you see these signs, or if your dog has eaten any of the parts listed above.
Frequently asked questions
Can puppies eat chicken?
Young animals have more sensitive digestive systems and a carefully balanced diet, so check with your vet before adding chicken. If you get the go-ahead, start with an even smaller amount than an adult would get.
What if my dog ate too much chicken?
The most common result is an upset stomach with vomiting or diarrhea. Offer water, skip further treats, and call your vet if symptoms are severe or last more than a day, or if your dog ate any of the parts listed under "What to avoid".
How often can my dog have chicken?
Treat it as an occasional extra rather than a daily food. Once or twice a week at most is a sensible starting point for a healthy adult dog, and less for small ones.
More questions dog owners ask
Wondering about the other pet in your home? Can Cats Eat Chicken?