Dogs are a hefty bunch. Keeping a dog is probably the best and the most challenging thing for us because, well, a dog is your best friend, but when it’s hungry, you struggle to keep it calm.
Ah, a dog’s hunger; it’s probably the one thing that’s never going to end. And that’s a good thing because dogs need a nutritious diet to keep them healthy.
But a dog’s eagerness to gobble food up can get it in trouble, and experienced dog parents already know this. A dog is always willing to munch, so you’ll often find your dog chewing on leftovers, bones, chew toys, socks, and weird little trinkets.
While it is fun seeing dogs be happy, experienced dog parents know these chews won’t get your dog the nutrition it needs. It is up to a dog parent to balance a dog’s diet, so you need to serve equally delicious and healthy food.
Thankfully, chicken is a safe food for dogs and gives them a yummy, nutritious boost.
But hold on! Don’t begin just blindly serving chicken to dogs because even this yummy food can be dangerous.
I know, I know; how can chicken be dangerous?
Well, raw chicken can be dangerous because it can carry bacteria or viruses of some sort. Of course, you could always go for cooked chicken, but serving cooked chicken could be risky, too, because of dog-unsafe seasonings.
So, what is the best option you have? Boiled chicken.
While boiled chicken is a safe and delicious snack for dogs, you need to know a few things before serving it.
So let’s discuss everything there is to it, including when to serve it and how to boil chicken for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Chicken?
Dogs can’t eat everything, but luckily for them, chicken is a safe, delicious meal waiting to be eaten.
Chicken is probably the best meal for a dog because it contains healthy nutrients and tastes good. Plus, dogs love to gnaw on a chicken bone after eating the meat, so there’s really nothing to worry about.
Except, dogs shouldn’t eat raw chicken because it could make them sick. Eating batter-fried or marinated/seasoned chicken can also make dogs sick because there are a lot of spices a dog can’t safely digest.
However, you can safely serve your pupper boiled chicken if you prepare it correctly. There’s a lot to unload with this, so let’s just ease into it.
Is Chicken Nutritious For Dogs?
Chicken is jam-packed with nutrients a dog needs to grow and maintain its health. In fact, chicken is a major part of a dog’s diet, so vets recommend serving it frequently to a dog.
You’ll also find chicken in many dog treats, showing how nutritious it can be.
But let’s discuss the nutritional value of chicken before we dig a little deeper into boiled chicken:
| Nutritional Component | Nutritional Value | Daily Value % |
| Total fats Saturated fat Polyunsaturated fat Monounsaturated fat | 11 grams 3.1 grams 2.4 grams 4.4 grams | 17% 16% – – |
| Total carbohydrates Dietary fiber | 0 grams 0 grams | 0% – |
| Protein | 20 grams | – |
| Cholesterol | 80 milligrams | 27% |
| Minerals Sodium Potassium Iron Calcium | 60 milligrams 173 milligrams – – | – 3% 5% 7.6% 0.8% |
| Vitamins Vitamin A Vitamin C | – – | 10% 0.6 % |
● Proteins Energize
Dogs need protein for energy. Proteins provide dogs with a healthy dose of energy, build lean muscle mass, and improve growth.
● Fatty Acids Promote Skin Health
Chicken contains many saturated fatty acids like Omega 3-s. Omega 3-s fatty acids promote skin health and aid muscle development.
Omega 3-s is also the magical nutrient that maintains coat health and gives it a glossy sheen.
● Minerals Strengthen Bones
The various minerals in chicken strengthen bones and aid bone growth.
Can Dogs Eat Chicken Eggs?
There’s an old debate between dog parents; some believe eggs are safe for dogs, while others believe they are not.
Well, I’ll make the debate quite simple. Yes, eggs are safe for dogs, but they are best if organic and cooked.
Serving raw eggs can sometimes make a dog sick, if not always. However, if you’re careful with cooking and serving the eggs, they can be one of the healthiest snacks for dogs.
Of course, you should always consult the vet before serving your dog eggs because not all dogs can safely eat them.
Can Dogs Be Allergic To Chicken?
I know you want to find out how to boil chicken for dogs, but we need to discuss whether it is safe for your dog.
You see, chicken is a safe and healthy meal for most dogs, but not all.
Yes, you’ll rarely find a dog that’s allergic to chicken, but it can still happen.
Some dogs are allergic to chicken and will get sick from eating it.
In other cases, dogs who have been sick for a while might not have the stomach tolerance and general strength needed to digest the chicken.
While a dog with chicken allergies is rare, it isn’t impossible, so it’s best to visit the vet and get your dog tested.
You might also need to consult the vet if your dog has pancreatitis or other chronic conditions before serving it chicken; however, most pancreatitis patients can safely eat boiled chicken.
How to Tell if My Dog is Allergic to Chicken?
There’s no outright way to tell if your dog is allergic to chicken because some dogs can easily get an upset stomach from eating any heavy meal.
However, you can look for a few signs indicating if your dog has an allergy to chicken. Not all of these signs might be present, but you can still be on the lookout for the following:
● Changes in the Skin
Sudden changes in the skin after eating chicken indicate an allergic reaction.
Symptoms such as red, itchy skin, red patches on the skin, or a general hive-like rash spreading through the fur point toward a possible allergy.
● Frequent Infections
A dog might not get the classic symptoms of an allergic reaction to chicken. Instead, your dog might get the frequent ear or skin infections even days after eating the chicken.
Such reactions happen when eating chicken triggers the body, but in a way that possibly lowers the dog’s immunity.
● Stomach Problems
A dog vomiting or experiencing stomach aches and diarrhea after chicken might not always be allergic to it, but it’s still a sign to visit the vet.
Why Can’t Dogs Eat Raw Chicken?
We’ve all grown up with cartoons like Tom and Jerry showing dogs chewing on a good ol’ raw t-bone.
Such cartoons made us think raw meat was good for dogs, but that’s not the case. You see, raw meat isn’t the safest snack for dogs, no matter what type, so it is best to serve it cooked.
Dogs might be tough and rough on the outside, but not many know they are quite sensitive on the inside.
And no, I don’t mean dogs being the lovable softies they are; I mean their stomachs are quite literally sensitive to many things, even foods that are typically safe for them, like chicken.
A dog won’t get sick from eating chicken all the time, but it could if the chicken contains harmful bacteria or viruses.
Salmonella
The biggest threat to eating raw chicken for dogs is salmonella. Now, there’s a huge debate on whether chicken can give salmonella or not, but research has always suggested the risk is there.
Salmonella is a bacterial disease caused by the Salmonella species. Salmonella isn’t restricted to dogs; humans, cats, and other animals can get it too.
Typically, salmonella spreads contaminated food and water, but it can also spread through direct contact, so it’s very important to treat it promptly.
Symptoms of Salmonella
Salmonella doesn’t have distinct symptoms, so you could easily confuse them with a general upset stomach. But, some symptoms indicate something serious, so it’s best to contact the vet if you spot:
● Bloody Diarrhea
Stool with blood or mucus is a common symptom of salmonella.
● Temperature Changes
Frequent and often unexplained changes in body temperature, i.e., fever, is a symptom of salmonella.
● Upset Stomach
An upset stomach isn’t a cause of concern but can be if your dog is frequently sick or seems to be in pain and distress.
Does Salmonella Always Show Symptoms?
While the symptoms I listed before can indicate salmonella, dogs don’t always show symptoms. Salmonella can spread through dogs without a single carrier showing symptoms.
Since you might not know if your dog has salmonella, it is best to visit the vet regularly. Regular checkups at the vet keep you in the loop and promote a healthier doggie lifestyle.
Why Boiled Chicken?
You might think of serving your dog fried or baked chicken, but don’t do that; boiled chicken is the healthiest chicken meal for a dog.
We recommend serving boiled chicken to dogs because it’s healthy, delicious, nutritious, and doesn’t carry the germs that could kill a dog.
Benefits Of Boiled Chicken For Dogs
But there is more than just this one reason to serve boiled chicken to dogs; let’s discuss them in detail:
● Eliminates Bacteria
You can’t tell if the chicken you’re serving your dog has harm like salmonella to it, but you can always reduce the risk by giving it a few cozy minutes in boiling water.
People have always relied on boiling something to eliminate the germs, so you essentially kick off any potential threats by doing the same to chicken.
Boiling the chicken eliminates germs and bacteria like salmonella, effectively protecting your pupper against a serious disease.
● Absence of Seasoning
Dogs can’t handle most seasonings, including simple salt and pepper.
Eating salt, sugar, and various seasonings can severely harm a dog, so you can’t serve baked or marinated chicken to a dog.
However, boiled chicken does not contain any seasoning and is thus the safest meal for a dog.
I know some of you like to add salt and pepper to your boiled chicken, but please do not add any seasoning to your dog’s meal.
● Contains No Harmful Ingredients
One of the reasons why vets won’t suggest serving batter-fried or breaded chicken is because dogs can’t eat most of the ingredients in it.
● Easier to Digest
Boiled chicken has more protein than baked or seasoned chicken, so it’s healthier for a dog.
Boiling also softens the chicken (if boiled correctly) and makes it easier for the stomach to digest it.
How to Correctly Serve Boiled Chicken for Dogs
Now that you’re all caught up with why it’s the best meal for them let’s proceed with how to boil chicken for dogs.
I know it sounds a little weird to detail how to boil chicken for dogs, but incorrectly preparing the chicken could create some difficulties for them.
Under-boiling the chicken allows some bacteria and germs to live, while over-boiling gives it a rubbery texture that’s difficult to chew.
So let’s go over this topic in detail:
Best Part of the Chicken for Dogs
You first need to know what part of the chicken is best for a dog.
A whole chicken is safer for a dog, but some parts are softer and contain healthy fats.
While dogs love to chew bones, avoiding serving bones from boiled chicken is best. This is because boiling softens the bones and makes it easier for them to break into pieces, which can then hurt your dog’s tongue and stomach by piercing them.
Bone pieces can also be a choking hazard, so sticking to a boneless part of the chicken is best.
I suggest sticking to the chicken breast because it is low-fat, high-protein, and softer.
● How Often to Serve Boiled Chicken to Dogs?
The best thing about a chicken dinner for dogs is that it’s healthy and nutritious, so they can eat it daily.
Of course, one dog’s nutritional requirements differ from the others, so it’s up to your dog’s vet to decide how often you can serve chicken. Mostly, dogs can eat chicken regularly as long as it is cooked properly.
● When to Serve Boiled Chicken to Dogs?
You can serve boiled chicken once a day, daily, to your dog.
However, you can also serve boiled chicken as a reward or treat to dogs.
● Preparing Correctly
Chicken that isn’t boiled properly can harm a dog, as I said before. But there are a few steps to guide you to safely and perfectly boil chicken for dogs.
➔ Choosing the Correct Chicken Part
It is best to boil a skinless chicken breast for your dog.
The bones and skin of the chicken can be a choking hazard for dogs and may cause intestinal problems when eaten.
➔ The Perfect Water-to-Chicken Ratio
Using less water can quickly dry the pot and burn the chicken from the outside while the parts remain uncooked. Using too much water slows the boiling time.
It is best to figure out the quantity of water by checking its level with the chicken.
Put the chicken breast in the pan and then fill it with water. Stop the tap when the water level reaches one-quarter of a finger’s space from the chicken breast.
You want your chicken to be submerged but not too deep.
➔ How Long to Boil the Chicken?
An undercooked chicken could carry bacteria like salmonella, while an overcooked chicken can be too rubbery for a dog to eat easily.
I suggest boiling the chicken for 10-12 minutes until the meat is tender enough to spread into shreds.
➔ Seasoning
Do not use any seasoning, not even salt and pepper, to boil the chicken.
The chicken will boil and flavor the water with itself, creating a delicious chicken broth for your doggo.
➔ Using All Scraps
Most people drain the water, but I suggest using the broth to serve to dogs.
● How to Boil Chicken for Dogs: A Step-by-step Guide
Follow these directions to correctly boil chicken for dogs:
1. Filet/De-skin the Chicken Breast
Remove the skin from the chicken piece and cut out the breast.
You can also cut up the breast piece into smaller parts for a quicker boil.
2. Place in a Pan
Place the chicken with water in a saucepan and set the flame high.
3. Boil
Boil, the chicken for 10-12 minutes.
4. Serve
Serve when cooled.
● How Much Boiled Chicken to Serve Dogs?
Dogs don’t have a ‘too much’ limit regarding chicken, but it’s always best to go with a safe quantity.
You can serve about half a chicken breast to a dog daily; increase the serving size after consulting with the vet.
● Different Ways to Serve Boiled Chicken to Dogs
You don’t necessarily have to serve boiled chicken to dogs by serving it straight on a plate; there are loads of fun ways to serve it.
➔ Boiled Chicken Popsicles
Roughly mash the boiled chicken in the broth and freeze it in a popsicle mold.
You can serve this boiled chicken popsicle to your dog as a treat in the summer.
➔ Boiled Chicken Broth
Dogs can’t eat the soup we can because of additional seasoning, but they can eat a boiled chicken broth instead.
➔ Boiled Chicken with Rice
As surprising as it sounds, dogs can eat boiled chicken with rice as long as it has no seasoning.
The best way to prepare this dish is to boil the rice in the same broth as the chicken and cook it into a porridge-like consistency.
Conclusion
Dogs can safely have chicken as long as it is boiled; raw chicken could transmit salmonella or other bacterial diseases to dogs, while marinated/breaded chicken could have toxic seasoning.
The breast is the best part of the chicken to serve boiled to dogs. You can quickly boil the breast piece in water over a high flame for 10 minutes.
You can serve the boiled chicken with or without the broth.
FAQs
Can Diabetic Dogs Eat Chicken?
Yes, diabetic dogs can eat boiled chicken, but it is best to consult your dog’s vet.
Can Dogs With Pancreatitis Eat Chicken?
Dogs with pancreatitis have difficulty digesting simpler foods, but thankfully, boiled chicken is not one of them.,
You can safely serve boiled chicken to a dog with pancreatitis.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken?
No, dogs must not eat raw chicken even if they previously ate and digested it.
Raw chicken can be difficult to digest and could transmit bacterial diseases like salmonella.
