My Dog Ate Raw Chicken: What to Do?

Dogs have an enormous appetite. Sometimes, in a spurt of mischief, they manage to get their paws on food not meant for them—like raw chicken. If this happened to your pup, you may ask yourself, “Can dogs eat raw chicken?”

Don’t panic! We’re here to help. Here’s everything you need to know about dogs and raw chicken, including whether they can eat it and what to do if you suspect a problem.

Is Raw Chicken Dangerous for Dogs?

Most pet owners feed their four-legged friends food specially formulated to meet their nutritional needs.

Although raw chicken seems to be a part of a feral dog's natural diet, is it healthy for them? This is what you should consider:

Natural Tolerance

Dogs, as descendants of feral canines, have a more robust gastrointestinal system than humans and can typically resist bacteria with ease. 

Most canines that survive on raw foods have no complications when consuming raw chicken regularly. That doesn’t mean, however, that it’s completely safe for all pups.

Potential Risks

You may still wonder, “Can dogs have raw chicken and why is this risky?” Let’s explain.

The first danger when eating raw chicken is a bacterial infection, mostly Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can cause gastrointestinal complications. Campylobacter is especially dangerous as, according to AVMA, many cases of outbreaks in humans were linked to sick dogs.

Besides that, some dogs have sensitive guts and thus can become victims of food poisoning.

Immediate Steps to Take

Although raw chicken doesn’t necessarily cause a problem, it’s advisable to act immediately for your pup to stay safe.

Assess the Situation

There are a few things you need to think about when you notice your dog munching on that raw poultry.

First, check how much raw chicken your canine consumed and whether it included bones.

Make sure to also check whether the chicken was spoiled. Both of these factors have the potential to significantly compromise their health. 

Monitor Your Dog

Be careful and monitor your dog for any signs of distress, such as nausea, diarrhea, weakness, and excessive salivation.

Also, monitor for any symptoms of poisoning. According to AKC, these include:

• Loss of appetite

• Pale gums

• Bloody or discolored urine or stool

• Seizures

• Irregular heartbeat

Contact Your Veterinarian

In case your pet is weakened, struggling with gastrointestinal complications, or having any of the symptoms discussed, consult your veterinarian.

The same applies if your pooch is a pup or an older dog. In both instances, canines have sensitive stomachs, so it’s best to act in a preventive manner.

Symptoms to Watch For After Eating Raw Chicken

When learning about dogs and raw meat, one of the first things you need to know is what to look for when your furry companion eats uncooked chicken.

The most telling red flags are:

• Nausea

• Diarrhea (which sometimes turns blood-red in color)

• Lack of appetite

• Lethargy

• Fever

• Dehydration (parched nose, shallow eyes, excessive salivation)

When to See a Veterinarian

In case your pup shows any of these extreme symptoms, such as persistent nausea, blood in stool, fever, and symptoms of dehydration, have a veterinary consultation at your earliest opportunity.

Estimate the amount of raw chicken eaten and mention any allergies and medical complications your pet suffers from.

Risks of Eating Chicken Bones

Raw chicken bones are less likely to splinter and are softer in comparison with cooked bones but can still lead to choking or an obstruction in the gut. In case your pet ate bones, monitor for:

• Stumbling and gagging

• Trouble with a bowel motion

• Stomach aches

• Bloody stool

Bones are a larger hazard than raw chicken, so it’s important to take any of these symptoms seriously.

How to Prevent Future Incidents

It’s better to stay safe than sorry, so preventative measures are always a good idea. If you keep your beloved Fido from eating raw chicken altogether, you won’t have to worry about complications or health issues. 

• Keep raw chicken out of your pet’s range in a secure position.

• Monitor your pet when preparing and working with raw meat.

• Make your pet learn "leave it" commands to prevent accidental consumption.

This way, you’ll keep your pooch safe and healthy.

Alternatives to Raw Chicken

PetMD states that a raw diet for dogs always has certain dangers, no matter the preventative measures. Many dog owners still want to provide their pups with what they consider to be their natural diet.

For pet owners wishing to present a pet with a raw meat meal, safer alternatives include:

• Lightly prepared chicken (to destroy bacteria but preserve nutrition)

• Industrial raw diets (safe and balanced in preparation)

• Freeze-dried raw diets (processed to destroy deadly bacteria)

These diets will provide canines with natural food without endangering their health.

Conclusion

So, can dogs eat raw chicken, or is it dangerous for them?

Many animals eat raw chicken with no complications, but it’s not without dangers. Our pups have been domesticated for so long that raw chicken for dogs is no longer their preferred diet.

If your pooch does eat a small bit of raw poultry, it’s most likely not a reason for panic. Cautiously monitor your pet for symptoms and act with urgency if you suspect that something is wrong. 

Consult a veterinarian at any sign of concern, and practice preventive actions, so your pet cannot access raw meat again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat chicken feet?

Yes, raw chicken feet can be safe and have supportive ingredients for dogs’ joints. Nevertheless, monitor your pet when consuming them, as they can still be a choking hazard.

Can dogs eat raw poultry?

Some raw diets include poultry, but there’s always a risk of bacterial contamination. If feeding raw poultry, ensure it's fresh and from a trusted source.

Can dogs eat slightly undercooked chicken?

Undercooked chicken may have a small amount of lingering bacterial presence. It’s best to totally cook chicken first and then serve it to your pet.