Most dogs love eating meat–after all, they descend from mighty ancient wolves. That said, today’s house-puppers have a host of nutritional requirements that may have you guessing. How many times have you almost shared a bite of your dinner with your pup, then stopped and wondered if it was safe for them to eat?
A big question a lot of owners ask centers around chicken, because it’s versatile, lean, and a common source of protein. So, the million dollar question is this: Is chicken good for dogs?
Sometimes yes but sometimes no. As with most questions, the answer is full of nuance. Read on to learn about the potential benefits of chicken for dogs, while also paying special attention to important caveats. So, is chicken good for dogs? Let’s find out!
Let’s Talk About The Benefits!
Most people consider chicken to be a powerhouse of nutrition. If you want to know if chicken is good for dogs, here are some of the facts about chicken that can shed some light on the subject.
- Chicken can be an awesome source of protein, which is a necessary macronutrient for dogs. Protein contains essential amino acids and is well-known for building muscle and tissue. Plus, most chicken is lower in calories–which can be great for doggies on a diet.
- The nutrient benefits don’t stop there. Chicken is known to be a good source of omega-6 fatty acids, which can help your dog absorb other nutrients. Omega-6 fatty acids are also known to boost energy!
- Chicken contains glucosamine, which is known to promote bone support.
- Necessary vitamins, such as B3 and B6 are found in chicken. These essential nutrients are said to boost protein absorption, boost brain function, and more.
These are only a few of the ways chicken for dogs can be a nutritious option. Plus, chicken tenders are tasty–we can’t forget about that. Your dog is likely to enjoy this lean meat, and possibly at times when they may be suffering from an upset tummy.
Is Chicken Good for Dogs? Here are Some Things To Consider
Chicken is good for dogs but you’ll want to keep a few things in mind when preparing chicken for your dog. Even though we may enjoy our chicken well-seasoned with crispy skin and on the bone, that’s not so good for them. If you’re preparing chicken for your dog, make sure to remove the skin and all the bones, which can be a choking hazard. Instead, opt for chicken breast, which is leaner (and healthier) than dark, fatty meat. As for the seasonings, those spicy, savory flavors we humans enjoy are too much for dogs and can be hazardous. Protect their sensitive tummies and skip the seasonings, specifically garlic and onion which can be very dangerous
Another important thing to remember when preparing chicken that is good for dogs is that your dog’s chicken needs to be fully cooked. Their ancient ancestors may have eaten raw meat, but not today’s dogs! Today’s dogs also need nutritional variety, so make sure cooked chicken is only one part of their diet.
As always, check with your vet when you have questions about your dog’s needs. Some dogs may have a poultry allergy, which is a good thing to know ahead of time!
Need Ideas For Doggy Chicken Treats? We’ve Got You Covered!
If you’re looking for an easy way to feed your dog more chicken, look no further. Blue Ridge Naturals’ extensive line of dog treats has plenty of options when it comes to chicken for dogs… so plenty, that you’ll stop wondering, “Is chicken good for dogs?”
We get it–life gets busy, and sometimes boiling up a skinless, boneless chicken breast is too much work. We can take the guesswork out of the equation, so you can focus on enjoying your furry friend. (And so that your dog can focus on gobbling up some nutritious chicken treats!)
Check out our Chicken Jerky Coated Sweet ‘Tater Stix! This awesome treat is made with premium chicken–nothing artificial here! Plus, it’s made with natural ingredients that are easy on your dog’s tummy. This best-selling treat is sure to please even the choosiest of puppers.
But wait, the chicken for dog treats don’t stop there. Blue Ridge Naturals also offers Chicken Wrapped Sweet ‘Tater Stix and Chicken Wrapped Sweet ‘Tater Bones. As mentioned above, these nutrient-packed treats are made with lean, top-quality chicken.
Looking for something simple? Try our Premium Chicken Tenders. Why mess with a classic, right? Our Chicken Tenders are sure to get your doggy’s tail wagging for more!
Great Snacking Is Our Mission
Let us tell you a little more about ourselves. Here at Blue Ridge Naturals, we take pride in crafting treats for your doggies, ones that you can feel great about. We know that your dog is more than a pet–they’re a member of your family. You want the best for them, and that desire is what drives us.
At Blue Ridge Naturals, we pride ourselves on creating only the finest dog treats. Everything in our treats is responsibly sourced and manufactured here in the USA. When it comes to what goes into our treats, we’re picky! We value natural and wholesome ingredients. Oh, and did we mention they’re super tasty for your furbaby? We don’t compromise on quality, and that means we also don’t compromise when it comes to great taste! So the next time you ask, “is chicken good for dogs,” well, if it comes from Blue Ridge Naturals, yes!
Now, what if your dog is diabetic? Learn about the best treats for diabetic dogs here.
