Can Dogs Eat Uncooked Chicken Bones?

Chicken is commonly used as a protein source in most households worldwide.

The delicious variations in recipes are fun and easy for anyone to master.

As a  smart dog parent, you might wonder if you can offer your dog uncooked chicken bones while he keeps you company in the kitchen.

Can dogs eat uncooked chicken bones?

Yes.

Dogs can eat uncooked chicken bones as long as they are sizable and meaty, such as chicken wings and drumsticks.

However, raw chicken bones can put your dog at risk for bacterial contamination like salmonella and campylobacter, resulting in symptoms like bloody stool and mucoid diarrhea.

This article will discuss what you should do if your pup eats uncooked chicken bones.

It will also explain which chicken bones are safe for dogs to eat.

Which chicken bones are safe for dogs to eat?

If you want to feed your dog uncooked chicken bones, you can choose meaty bones such as wingtips, drumsticks, backs, necks, and feet, as they are hollow and easy to chew. 

1. Chicken wing tips

Uncooked chicken wing tips can be great for your pup when fed in moderation and under close monitoring.

Some of the benefits include: 

• Excellent for smaller breeds- Raw chicken wing tips are softer and meatier, which are great for smaller dogs, as they are gentle to their teeth
• Rich in healthy lean protein- Wing tips are an excellent source of lean proteins that aid in forming new skin cells, building muscle tissue, and growing hair. Protein also provides energy and keeps the immune system strong
• Dental hygiene- Chewing raw bones like wing tips is essential to your dog’s raw diet, as it is excellent for strengthening their teeth and overall oral hygiene. Dogs also find chewing uncooked chicken wing tips a mentally and physically stimulating activity

2. Drumsticks

Uncooked chicken drumsticks are safe for your dog to eat if their health is in tip-top condition.

Drumsticks are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that help combat the common cold, flu, and other regular infections. 

The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties aid in relieving the symptoms of coughing, wheezing, and other respiratory issues.

3. Chicken feet

Chicken feet are safe for your dog to consume and an excellent source of glucosamine and chondroitin, giving him mobility and flexibility.

It also promotes water retention and elasticity needed for mobility. 

Chicken feet have a texture that makes them an excellent dental bone as it helps clean your dog’s teeth.

Chicken feet are also highly recommended for older dogs suffering from arthritis as they may help lessen the symptoms gradually.

Chicken feet have high levels of protein and low-calorie content, making them an excellent treat, especially for overweight dogs. 

4. Chicken backs

Whole meaty bones such as chicken backs can be offered as a treat for dogs as they are rich in calcium.

Calcium helps in the overall growth of your dog, and it’s healthy bone and teeth maintenance, proper muscle building and function, a strong heart, and a healthy nervous system. 

Chicken backs are also excellent for your dog’s dental health as regular chewing can promote healthy teeth and gums. 

5. Chicken necks

While chicken necks can be safe for older dogs, they are not recommended for small dogs as they can pose a choking hazard.

The high bone and cartilage to meat ratio may also cause constipation. 

However, chicken necks have a high amount of taurine, supporting normal heart function in dogs.

Taurine also supports immunity, brain health, and eye health.

Chicken necks are also rich in protein, chondroitin, and glucosamine, supporting joint health and mobility. 

Are uncooked chicken bones safe for dogs?

Uncooked chicken bones can be dangerous for dogs as they may obstruct the esophagus, trachea, and intestines.

Raw chicken bones can also damage your dog’s teeth. 

Uncooked chicken bones may also pose more severe problems as they contain Salmonella Campylobacter bacteria that may lead to watery to mucoid diarrhea, stomach cramping, lethargy, straining, and fever.

Your dog may also experience loss of appetite and excess salivation.

What to do if your dog eats uncooked chicken bones

If your dog chokes on uncooked chicken bones, you should take quick action, especially if there’s breathing difficulty.

Other signs may include excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, coughing, gagging, and retching. 

Your dog may rub his face against the ground and make choking sounds.

While it’s crucial to perform first aid for your dog, getting him to the vet immediately can save his life. 

If your dog swallowed the bone, the jagged splinters can be a choking hazard and may cause severe internal damage, including obstructions to the esophagus and trachea.

It may also scrape and puncture the walls of the intestines leading to severe infection.

However, you should: 

• Never induce vomiting – Do not induce vomiting as there are risks involved. Forcing your dog to vomit may result in the splintered bones causing further damage as they are brought back up. This may rapture the esophagus more as it is more fragile than the intestinal tract
• Try to feed your dog – Give your dog a slice of high-fiber bread as it may help bind the splintered bits of bone preventing damage as they make their way out. You can also offer your dog half a cup of canned pumpkin in tiny amounts regularly to help settle the stomach
• Look out for delayed signs of distress – Your dog may present symptoms such as vomiting, constipation, fever, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and lethargy

Common signs of intestinal bleeding

The immediate signs of intestinal bleeding in dogs include:

• Weakness
• Difficulty breathing
• Distended abdomen
• Collapse
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• General malaise

Consult the vet immediately if your dog swallows uncooked chicken bones or chokes on them to prevent fatalities.

In summary

While dogs originated from the wolf’s family and are known to eat anything they come across, feeding them uncooked chicken bones should be done with caution.

Always consult your vet before feeding your dog raw chicken bones to prevent accidents while keeping him healthy and active.