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Chances are if you’ve ever cooked chicken thighs, your dog has tried to get a piece.
Dogs absolutely love chicken thighs – but should they be allowed to eat them? And are there any benefits or dangers associated with feeding them this type of meat?
To find the most accurate answer, I reach out to our consultant Dr. Littlejohn to get a vet’s opinion.
So, can dogs eat chicken thighs?
The answer is a resounding yes! Chicken is the main ingredient in many dog foods, and for good reasons. Chicken thighs are great served raw or cooked. Just be sure to remove the skin and bones, and make sure your dog has no chicken allergy.
In this article, you’ll discover:
- Why dogs can eat a chicken thigh
- Why dogs should avoid eating chicken thigh skin and bones
- The dangers & benefits of dogs eating chicken thigh
- What to do if your dog eats too many chicken thighs
- How to properly cook chick thighs for dogs
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Can Dogs Eat Chicken Thighs?
The simple answer to can dogs eat chicken thighs is yes.
As with most meats, there are some benefits and dangers associated with feeding your dog chicken thighs.
Chicken is a common ingredient in a ton of dog foods and for a good reason. It’s a lean protein that is packed with essential nutrients like vitamin B, niacin, and phosphorus.
Chicken thighs also contain a good amount of omega fatty acids, which are important for maintaining a healthy coat and skin.
The big things dog owners need to be worried about when feeding their dog chicken thighs are allergies, bones, and chicken skin.
Can Dogs Eat Chicken Thigh Bones?
Chicken thigh bones when cooked, become very brittle and can easily splinter.
This can cause mouth injuries, as well as blockages and perforations in the digestive tract.
For this reason, it’s best to remove the bones from chicken thighs before feeding them to your dog.
However, if you feed your dog raw chicken thighs, they can actually eat them with the bones in.
This is because when bones are not cooked, they are softer and, thus, safe for dogs to consume.
Can Dogs Eat Chicken Thigh Skin?
The skin on chicken thighs can be tough and difficult for dogs to digest. This is for both raw and cooked chicken thighs.
It can also cause an upset stomach or diarrhea in some dogs.
Although some dogs might have no problem with the skin, it’s high in fat and unhealthy for dogs to eat. Plus, cooked chicken skin usually contains spices and seasoning that can be composed of onion, garlic, salt, etc.
These are all toxic to dogs, and even nontoxic seasonings can still give dogs an upset stomach.
For these reasons, it is best to remove the skin from raw or cooked chicken thighs before feeding them to your dog.
Related Reading: Can Dogs Eat Rotisserie Chicken? 5 Benefits & 3 Dangers
Health Benefits Of Chicken Thighs For Dogs
Are chicken thighs even good for dogs?
Yes, chick thighs can be very good for dogs to eat. Here are a few benefits to feeding your dog chick thighs:
Dental Health
Minerals such as phosphorus and calcium in chicken thighs help promote dental health in dogs. These minerals work together to form a hard enamel on teeth that helps protect against cavities and gum disease.
In addition, chewing chicken can help remove plaque and tartar from a dog’s teeth.
So, chicken thighs provide essential nutrients for dental health and can also help keep your dog’s teeth clean!
Muscle Development & Maintenance
Chicken thighs are a great source of protein essential for muscle development and maintenance. Protein is also vital for repairing tissue damage and strengthening the immune system.
So, suppose your dog is active or recovering from an injury. In that case, chicken thighs can help them build and maintain muscle mass and repair tissue damage.
Joint Health
Omega fatty acids are essential for maintaining joint health. They help reduce inflammation and keep the joints lubricated.
The omega fatty acids in chicken thighs can help improve joint health in dogs, especially seniors or those with arthritis. Plus, the cartilage found in chicken contains chondroitin, which is also beneficial for joint health.
Immune System
Vitamin B, protein, niacin, and phosphorus found in chicken thighs all boost the immune system.
These nutrients help support the immune system by producing white blood cells and antibodies. White blood cells help fight off infection, while antibodies help destroy viruses and bacteria.
Skin & Hair
Omega fatty acids are also crucial for maintaining healthy skin and coat. In addition, they help keep the skin moisturized and can reduce inflammation.
The omega-3 fatty acids found in chicken thighs can help improve skin and coat health in dogs. This is especially beneficial for dogs with allergies or dry, itchy skin.
Is Chicken Breast Or Thigh Better For Dogs?
Dogs can eat both chicken breast and chicken thighs. However, there are some benefits to feeding them chicken thighs over chicken breast.
Here are a few reasons why:
More nutrients
Chicken thighs actually have more nutrients than chicken breasts. This is because they contain more fat and connective tissue.
The extra fat helps your dog absorb more of the fat-soluble vitamins found in chicken thighs.
These include vitamins A, D, E, and K. The connective tissue also contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which can support joint health.
More flavor
Chicken breasts can be quite bland in comparison to chicken thighs. The extra fat in chicken thighs gives them a juicier and more flavorful taste.
All in all, both chicken thighs and chicken breast provide great benefits to your dog, so select one based on your dog’s preference and your budget.
Related Reading: Can Dogs Eat Canned Chicken? Benefits & Risks (Vet Answers)
Dangers Of Dogs Eating Chicken Thighs
Now let’s take a look at some of the dangers associated with feeding your dog chicken thighs.
Allergies
If your dog is allergic to chicken, they may develop symptoms such as:
- Itching
- Hives
- Swelling of the face, ears, or lips
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Trouble breathing
If your dog has any of these symptoms after eating chicken, it’s best to take them to the vet.
Chicken Bones
Another danger is that cooked chicken bones can splinter and cause internal bleeding or blockages in the digestive tract.
For this reason, it’s important to make sure if you are giving your dog-cooked chicken thighs that, the bones are removed.
If you are feeding them raw chicken thighs, the bones are softer and, thus, safe for them to eat.
Bacteria In Raw Chicken
If you are thinking of feeding your dog raw chicken thighs, it’s important to be aware of the bacteria that can be found in raw chicken.
This includes salmonella and listeria. Both of these can make your dog very sick and, in some cases, can be fatal.
To avoid this, make sure to store and handle raw chicken properly.
Related Reading: Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken Gizzards? Benefits & Dangers
Hormones & Antibiotics In Chicken
Hormones and antibiotics are often given to chickens to help them grow faster and to prevent them from getting sick. However, these can be passed on to your dog when they eat chicken.
These hormones and antibiotics can disrupt your dog’s endocrine system and cause problems with their digestion. To avoid this, make sure to buy chicken that is hormone and antibiotic-free. Look for organic, free ranged chickens, if possible.
How Many Chicken Thighs Can Dogs Eat?
As a general rule of thumb, you can feed your dog one chicken thigh per 20 pounds of body weight.
For example, if your dog weighs 40 pounds, you can give them two chicken thighs.
What About Raw Chicken Thigh Vs. Cooked Chicken Thigh?
The debate of raw chicken vs. cooked chicken for dogs is a continuous one.
On the one hand, some people believe that feeding their dog raw meat is more natural and closer to what they would eat in the wild.
On the other hand, baked chicken thighs are less likely to contain bacteria that can make your dog sick.
If you do choose to feed your dog raw chicken meat, it’s important to source it from a trusted supplier and handle it safely to avoid contamination. Raw food has its risks, so if you’d rather your dog eat raw meat just make sure you are aware of the safety precautions and dangers.
There is a lot of healthy freeze dried dog food options on the market today that take care of all the preparations so you don’t have to.
This can make life a little easier for feeding your dog a raw food diet. However, it does come at a price.
As always, if you have any concerns about what’s best for your dog, consult with your veterinarian.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Cook Chicken Thighs For My Dog?
The safest and healthiest way to cook chicken thighs for a dog is to boil them.
This is because dogs’ stomachs aren’t immune to oils, spices, and tastes that result from other types of cooking.
Plain, boiled chicken is ideal.
Cooking chicken for your dog is easy! All you need is a pot of boiling water and some chicken thighs.
- First, boil a pot of water large enough to fit your chicken thighs. Then place them in the pot of boiling water. Make sure that each chicken thigh is completely submerged.
- Boil the chicken for about 15 minutes or until cooked through. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and let it cool.
- Once cooled, chop the chicken into small pieces and serve. Your dog will love this delicious and healthy meal or treat!
Can Dogs Eat Skinless Chicken Thighs?
The answer is yes! In fact, chicken skin can be unhealthy for dogs because it’s hard to digest and high in fat.
So, if you’re feeding your dog skinless chicken thighs, that’s actually ideal!
Can I Give My Dog A Whole Chicken Thigh?
To answer this question, it really depends on the size of your dog.
As a general rule of thumb, you can feed your dog one whole chicken thigh per 20 pounds of body weight.
So if your dog is under 20 pounds, you might need to cut up the chicken thigh to accommodate their size.
Dogs over 20 pounds can have a whole chicken thigh and even more if they are much bigger.
Can Chicken Thighs Give Dogs Diarrhea?
Diarrhea can be caused by many things, but chicken thighs are not one of them.
In fact, chicken thigh meat is easy for dogs to digest.
The only time you might see diarrhea after feeding your dog chicken thighs is if they eat too much, have a chicken allergy, or if the chicken is cooked in oils or spices, which can cause stomach upset.
If your dog does have diarrhea after eating chicken thighs, it should only last for 24 hours and then go away on its own.
If diarrhea lasts longer than that or is accompanied by other symptoms, contact your vet.
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