Why dogs can have it
Chicken is a lean, easily digested meat that is rich in protein. It is used in many dog foods, so cooked chicken suits a dog as a treat or as a small addition to its usual food.
How it is prepared matters. Cooked poultry bones break into sharp splinters, fatty skin can upset digestion, and raw chicken can carry salmonella and other bacteria. Dishes cooked for people can contain onion and garlic, which are dangerous for dogs.
How to give it
- Boil it or bake it in the oven without salt, oil or seasoning.
- Remove the skin and take out every bone.
- Cut it into small pieces and let it cool.
- All treats together should make up only a small part of what a dog eats in a day.
What to watch out for
- Cooked chicken bones break into sharp splinters that can injure the mouth, the gullet or the gut.
- Raw chicken can carry salmonella and other bacteria that are harmful to both the dog and people.
- Fatty skin and meat fried in oil can cause vomiting or diarrhoea.
- Seasoning, onion and garlic from dishes made for people are bad for dogs.
- Some dogs are allergic to chicken: if itching or diarrhoea appears, stop giving it.
Different parts
Not every part of this food is equally safe.
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Bones
Not safeCooked chicken bones break into sharp splinters, so they must not be given to a dog.
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Skin
Not safeThe skin is fatty and may be seasoned, so it is better removed.
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Raw chicken
Not safeRaw chicken can carry salmonella, so give only thoroughly cooked meat.
What to give instead
- Turkey Yes, plain cooked turkey without skin, bones or seasoning is fine for a dog, but do not give festive turkey with stuffing and gravy. Safe
- Beef Yes, lean cooked beef without seasoning makes a good treat for a dog, but do not give fatty cuts, bones or raw meat. Safe
- Rice Yes, plain cooked rice is fine for dogs: it is easy to digest, as long as it has no salt, seasoning or sauce. Safe
- Eggs Yes, well-cooked eggs without salt or seasoning are a nourishing treat for a dog, but do not give raw eggs. Safe
Looking for a treat?
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