Did you know that poultry is the second most consumed type of meat worldwide, after pork? There are so many recipes with chicken, turkey, and duck that are time-efficient and favored by many people with dynamic daily routines.
Poultry, particularly chicken, is a popular ingredient in many dog foods as well. Owners often feed their dogs chicken as part of a balanced diet, whether it is included in their commercial food or homemade.
When it comes to chicken bones, particularly those from cooked chicken, things become more complicated. 'Why is that?'- you may ask. In today’s article, we will explore the potential hazards of dogs eating chicken bones, and what you can do about it.
Cooked vs Raw Chicken Bones
The primary distinction when discussing chicken bones for dogs is whether they are cooked or raw. This is because the safety of the bones primarily depends on this factor.
Cooked Chicken Bones
When bones are cooked, their structure changes, making them more fragile and easier to break. As they become brittle, they are prone to splintering. Bone splinters can get stuck in your paw friend's mouth, throat, or digestive tract, leading to injuries such as choking and internal blockage.
In more severe cases, they can even puncture organs like the stomach or intestines. If there are life-threatening conditions, an emergency surgery may be required.
This is why you should avoid feeding your canine cooked chicken bones.
Raw Chicken Bones
Raw chicken bones, on the other hand, are softer and less likely to splinter. Many dog owners, who feed their dogs following the BARF diet, advocate for raw bones. BARF, which stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food Diet or Bones And Raw Food, is “an alternative raw diet designed to provide dogs with a modified homemade diet that consists of raw muscle meat and raw meaty bones, as well as vegetables and fruits while eliminating all processed foods”.
You can read more about raw diet for dogs in our article Is Raw Food Diet Good for Dogs?
Where does the potential issue with raw chicken bones come from?
Even though raw chicken bones are less likely to splinter, they still pose risks. There is a chance of choking, and large bones may also cause blockages.
Additionally, raw meat and bones can carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can pose a risk not only to your dog but also to you and your family if proper hygiene practices aren’t followed.
While BARF has proved beneficial for dogs in several aspects such as improved dental health, shinier coat, fewer digestive issues, and even increased energy levels, it is not good for all dogs and can not cure all health issues. Also, some dogs may struggle with balancing the nutrients in a BARF diet, leading to deficiencies and health problems.
If you are considering switching your dog’s diet to BARF, please consult a veterinarian or nutritionist who can recommend a balanced diet tailored to your furry friend's age, health profile, and breed.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Chicken Bone?
As responsible pet parents, we strive to protect our beloved paw companions at all times. However, it is impossible to observe them 24/7 and ensure they eat only the food we provide. Accidents can happen, such as your dog grabbing a chicken bone from your leftovers.
If such situations occur, it is important to handle them properly.
Stay Calm
We know that telling someone who is worried not to panic usually does not help much… However, it is really important to remain calm.
In many cases, the eaten bones pass through the digestive system without causing harm, especially if it's a small bone. However, to ensure your dog’s safety, it is important to observe them for any signs of distress.
Monitor Your Dog
It is important to keep a close eye on your dog, at least for the next 24–48 hours. Look for signs such as:
- Choking or gagging;
- Vomiting;
- Lethargy;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Bloody stool or diarrhea;
- Abdominal pain or bloating.
Consult a Veterinarian
If your furry friend exhibits any of the symptoms listed above, or if you have any concerns, you should contact your veterinarian for advice. Based on the situation and your dog’s symptoms, they may recommend bringing your dog in for an examination or X-ray.
Alternatives to Chicken Bones
If you're looking for a safer alternative to chicken bones, you may be interested in our suggestions listed below!
Organic Dental Chews / Sticks
Products specifically designed for dental health, like dental sticks, can be a good option for cleaning teeth while providing a tasty treat. They can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on your furry friend’s teeth and contribute to fresher breath. Many dental sticks contain ingredients such as parsley, mint, or green tea extract for this purpose.
Last but not least, dental sticks can satisfy dogs' natural chewing instincts while keeping them engaged. This, in turn, helps reduce boredom and prevents them from displaying unwanted behaviors.
If you opt for dental sticks, please keep in mind that they are recommended for dogs who are at least six months old. Younger puppies should not have dental chews because their adult teeth have not come in yet.
Vegetable Chews
Vegetable chews are a healthy alternative to traditional dog chews, that provide various benefits for your paw friend’s dental health and overall well-being. In contrast to conventional treats, these chews are usually made from natural ingredients and contain no artificial additives or preservatives. This makes them an excellent option for dogs with sensitivities or allergies to certain proteins or fillers often found in regular treats.
Additionally, many vegetable chews are low in calories, making them a great choice for dogs on a weight management diet. Vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which can promote digestion, immune function, and skin health.
Of course, they can also satisfy a dog's chewing instincts and keep them occupied.
Freeze-Dried Treats
As the name implies, freeze-drying is a preservation method that removes moisture from food. Its great advantage is that it also maintains food’s nutritional content and flavor.
Freeze-dried treats retain most of the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals found in fresh ingredients, which makes them a healthy alternative to chicken bones.
The freeze-drying process helps concentrate the flavor of the ingredients, often making these chews more appealing to dogs.
Bully Sticks
There are other alternatives to chicken bones on the market, such as bully sticks and synthetic chews. There are somewhat controversial opinions about their benefits, and some dog owners have strong preferences for one type of chew over another.
Bully sticks, for example, are tasty for many dogs and can help with dental hygiene. However, they are also high in calories and may not be suitable for dogs whose diet aims to help them lose weight.
Moreover, they can carry harmful bacteria including salmonella, if not properly processed. We strongly advise buying them from reliable sources and always washing your hands after handling them.
Synthetic Chews
Synthetic chews, on the other hand, can provide a safer option for aggressive chewers, as they are less likely to splinter or cause gastrointestinal blockages. However, since they are designed for chewing rather than digesting, it is important to monitor your dog while they use these chews.
In summary, we recommend choosing natural treats without additives or preservatives and avoiding giving your dog cooked chicken bones. While raw chicken bones are safer, they should still be given with caution and under supervision. It is important to ensure your dog chews bones slowly and safely, and avoid giving bones that are too small or too large for their size.
