You are out of kibble. You are also running late while hoping to make a 7pm screening of Sleepless in Seattle in the park with your friends. You look in the fridge, which of course is almost empty. But wait!  Can your dog eat raw chicken?

Yes, but there are risks associated with it. 

The Good

Raw chicken is high in protein, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and vitamin B12. Many owners use raw chicken as an inexpensive choice for their dogs, especially those with food allergies and sensitivities. 

Raw chicken alone is not a balanced diet. You will also need to supplement with other foods to make sure your dog is getting the correct amount of vitamins and minerals. You will need to speak with a veterinarian to create the perfect diet tailored to your dog. 

If you give raw chicken to your dog, always leave it plain. Do not add salt or seasoning. Salt can cause salt toxicity. Human seasonings are also toxic to dogs. 

The Bad

Raw chicken can be a source of salmonella poisoning. Salmonella is not something you can detect in the meat you are feeding your dog. It is often unknown something has been contaminated until symptoms associated with consumption arise. These symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and fever.  

If you give your dog raw chicken and any of these symptoms occur contact a vet. It is likely your dog will require antibiotics in mild occurrences and a hospital visit to get IV fluids and other assistance in more extreme cases.  

A second concern is chicken bones. Chicken bones found within raw chicken can cause damage to your dogs mouth, can cause choking and can cause internal blockages or tears. Always remove any bones before you offer raw chicken to your dog.