Can I feed chicken to my puppy every day
Can I feed my dog chicken everyday?
Chicken is probably the most popular and common food that people feed their dogs. Because of its complete protein profile, people are always wondering how much is appropriate to have in their dogs diet.
Chicken has been known to possess many benefits for dogs, including increased muscle repair and helping promote bone health.
If fed to a dog daily, it may have positive effects on a dogs overall health. As well as being the least expensive meat, chicken is also very high in lean protein, B3 and B6 vitamins and phosphorous and selenium.
But can I feed my dog chicken everyday?
The evidence from scientific studies has shown that chicken in a dogs diet may have many positive effects on our pups similar to dog foods with other meats likeTylee's Human-Grade Beef Recipe Frozen Dog Food, Spot & Tango Beef & Millet Dog Food Recipeor Farmer's Dog Beef & Lentil Dog Food Recipe. This article goes through the scientific benefits of chicken for dogs, along with what type of chicken ingredients to avoid when choosing a dog food.
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Vitamins and Minerals in Chicken
A high quality protein with natural vitamins and minerals is essential for healthy dogs in all stages of their lives. Chicken is not only very high in lean protein, but in B3 and B6 vitamins, phosphorous and selenium as well.
Vitamin B3 is an essential nutrient. Your dogs entire body needs it to function properly. Vitamin B3 has been shown to lower cholesterol, ease arthritis and boost cognitive function[*][*][*].
Vitamin B6 is one of the vitamins that is responsible for protein synthesis in dogs. This is especially important for a growing puppy. It also plays a key role in healthy hemoglobin production[*].
Phosphorus also plays a versatile role in a dogs diet. Along with calcium, it is responsible for healthy bones and bone density. When a dog is deficient in phosphorus, they can experience bone weakness and fractures[*].
Selenium is a trace element that is known to have many benefits to dog. Some of these include antioxidant properties, improved skin and coat condition, and a stronger immune system[*].
Shop our chicken dog food While these are all are essential to your dogs health, it is important to note that naturally occurring nutrients in chicken may be more bioavailable than dried supplements alone[*]. In conclusion, chicken has many essential and beneficial nutrients that are present in its natural form.
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Avoid Chicken Meals and By-Products
Responsible dog owners take pride in making sure that their dogs are fed with the most high-quality food. But many dogs can develop allergies to food at any stage in their life.
Dogs can experience a variety of symptoms when they develop a food allergy. Some of these symptoms include:
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Various gastrointestinal issues
If left alone, these symptoms can progress into other more serious health issues.
But why does this happen with regular dog food?
Unfortunately, many of the cheaper foods available to dogs contain by-products and meals such as chicken meal or bonemeal. This type of ingredient may contain bones and other parts of chicken that may not be meat itself, such as beaks and fragments of feathers.
These types of ingredients are considered fillers, and can cause extra gastrointestinal issues.
So why should you feed your dog chicken?
Whole-meat chicken as the number one ingredient in dog food is one of the least common allergens to dogs. Recent studies have shown that as little as 15% of dogs have an allergic reaction to chicken[*].
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A Complete Protein Source
Chicken is considered a complete protein. A complete protein contains all essential amino acids that promote good development in dogs.
But what are amino acids?
Amino acids are organic compounds that make up protein, which is an important part to every cell in your dogs body.
After chicken is broken down in a dogs digestive system, it is broken down into amino acids and is then absorbed by the intestines. The intestines then distribute these amino acid chains to help repair muscle and build bone, as well as support the major organs.
Chicken is also a very lean meat. For example, the average 8 oz of ground beef has between 600 and 700 calories, while the same amount of chicken has around 400 calories. If your dog needs to lose weight, this means that they can fill their belly without gaining excess pounds.
So can I feed my dog chicken every day?
As long as its cooked, the answer is yes. Because chicken is a safe, healthy and easily digestible form of protein, it is often the main source of protein in high quality dog food.
Avoid raw chicken due to the risk of salmonella, and make sure all bones are removed from the meat. Cooked chicken bones can cause blockages and other problems for dogs when ingested.
When selecting a dog food, all ingredients labeled as meals should be avoided. Chicken meal is a highly processed ingredient made from the leftover parts of a butchered chicken. Beaks, feathers, bones and undesirable (even diseased) meat scraps are all transported unrefrigerated to meat meal processing facilities, where they are processed into a powder and sold as a pet food ingredient (we do not use it).
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How Much Chicken Should I Feed?
So how much chicken should I feed my dog per day? The right amount of chicken to give your dog depends on your dog's weight.
If youre feeding fresh dog food, you should feed your dog between 1/4 and 1/3 cup of boiled chicken for every 20 lbs of body weight.
Try our chicken DIY dog food Although chicken is a great protein choice, you should make sure that their diet also has the appropriate amount of vitamins, minerals and fiber as well. Chicken alone will not be enough to meet these needs.
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The Bottom Line
Feeding your dog chicken everyday may be a healthy way to reduce calories and deliver highly bioavailable and essential nutrients to your dog.
Cooking chicken breast yourself or avoiding cheap dog foods made with by-products may be a good start to prevent many health issues in dogs. Look for a dog food with chicken as the #1 ingredient. Here is a dog food with fresh chicken that we recommend.
As long as you prepare chicken properly, it is a safe and healthy option to feed your dog everyday.
Discuss on Twitter View Discussions Can Shih Tzus Eat Chicken: Everything You Should Know
I receive many questions from Shih Tzu owners about feeding chicken. Is it safe? Can it be beneficial? And what about the bones!
There are many important questions surrounding this topic, and its handy to know the answers.
Ill cover everything you need to know about Shih Tzus and eating chicken below. Lets get straight into it.
Is Chicken Safe for Shih Tzus?
In general, chicken is safe for Shih Tzus to eat. Its a great source of protein, which is essential for their overall health.
However, it should be prepared properly and given in moderation. Remember, every dog is unique. So, just because chicken is safe for most dogs doesnt mean your Shih Tzu will tolerate it well.
Always consult with your vet before making significant changes to your pets diet.
Heres a link from the American Kennel Club that provides more information on dogs eating chicken.
Raw Chicken: Yay or Nay?
A debate exists in the dog world about whether raw food is good for dogs. While some argue that raw chicken, part of a raw diet, can provide natural nutrients, others caution against it due to the risk of bacterial infection, such as Salmonella or Campylobacter.
Most vets recommend against feeding raw chicken to Shih Tzus. The risk of bacterial contamination is high, and small breeds like Shih Tzus might be particularly susceptible to these infections.
If youre interested in a raw diet for your pet, consult your vet first. This article from PetMD discusses the pros and cons of raw diets for dogs.
Related: Can Shih Tzus Eat Eggs? What To Know
What About Chicken Bones?
Its crucial to never feed your Shih Tzu chicken bones. While it might seem natural for dogs to chew on bones, chicken bones pose serious hazards.
They can splinter easily, potentially causing your dog to choke, or injure their mouth, throat, or digestive system.
For more details on the dangers of chicken bones, check out this link from Vets Now.
Using Chicken as Training Treats for Shih Tzus
Chicken can be a fantastic tool when it comes to training your Shih Tzu.
Dogs love the taste, and the high protein content can give them the energy they need for training sessions.
But, as with anything, there are a few things to keep in mind when using chicken as a training treat.
- Size Matters: Keep the pieces small. Training treats are meant to be quick rewards, not meals. You want your Shih Tzu to be able to eat the treat quickly and get back to the task at hand. Plus, smaller pieces mean fewer calories, which can help prevent weight gain.
- Use Sparingly: Even though your Shih Tzu might love chicken, its essential to keep it as a special treat. Overuse can lead to your pet becoming less interested in their regular food or becoming overweight.
- Monitor Your Dog: Always watch your Shih Tzu when theyre eating chicken, especially during training sessions. This is important to ensure they dont choke and to spot any signs of food allergies or intolerances.
- Balance is Key: Remember, treats (including chicken) should not make up more than 10% of your Shih Tzus daily caloric intake. Their main diet should still be a balanced dog food that meets all their nutritional needs.
Incorporating chicken as a training treat can create a positive association with learning new commands or good behavior, making training sessions more effective and enjoyable for both you and your pet.
How to Best Cook Chicken for Your Shih Tzu
When preparing chicken for your Shih Tzu, keep it simple. Heres a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Choose skinless, boneless chicken breasts. These cuts have less fat and no dangerous bones.
- Boil the chicken. Boiling is the best method as it doesnt involve any oil or seasoning, which can upset your dogs stomach.
- Cut the chicken into small, manageable pieces. This step reduces the risk of choking.
- Let it cool. Always cool food before offering it to your pet to prevent burns.
Avoid using any spices, onion, or garlic, which are harmful to dogs. Also, dont replace a meal with chicken. It should only be a treat or a supplement to their regular, balanced dog food.
How Much Chicken Can a Shih Tzu Eat?
While chicken is safe for Shih Tzus, it doesnt mean they can eat unlimited amounts. Chicken should not make up more than 10% of your pets daily calorie intake.
Too much can lead to obesity, which is a serious concern for small breeds like Shih Tzus. It can also cause an imbalance in their nutrient intake.
Again, always consult with your vet to determine an appropriate amount based on your Shih Tzus age, size, and overall health.
Possible Side Effects of Eating Chicken
Despite being generally safe, some Shih Tzus might have adverse reactions to chicken. Watch out for signs of:
- Allergies: Some dogs are allergic to chicken. Symptoms can include itching, redness, and gastrointestinal upset. If you suspect your Shih Tzu is allergic, contact your vet.
- Digestive issues: Overconsumption can lead to diarrhea or constipation. Always introduce new foods gradually and monitor your pet for any changes.
- Choking hazard: Even small, boneless pieces can be a choking hazard if your Shih Tzu eats too quickly. Supervise them while theyre eating.
This link from PetMD provides more information about allergies in dogs.
When Should You Not Feed Your Shih Tzu Chicken?
While chicken can be a great addition to your Shih Tzus diet in moderation, there are times when its best to avoid it. Here are a few key situations:
- Allergic Reactions: If your Shih Tzu shows signs of a chicken allergy (like skin irritation, ear infections, or gastrointestinal issues), stop feeding them chicken immediately.
- Digestive Upset: If your pet has had a recent bout of diarrhea or vomiting, chicken or any change in diet could potentially exacerbate the issue. In these cases, its best to stick to their regular food until theyre feeling better.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Certain conditions, like pancreatitis or kidney disease, require a special diet. If your Shih Tzu has a chronic condition, always consult with your vet before adding chicken or any new food to their diet.
- Overweight or Obese Dogs: If your Shih Tzu is overweight, its crucial to monitor their caloric intake. While chicken isnt high in fat, it still contains calories. You might need to adjust their regular meals if youre adding chicken to their diet.
- After Surgery or Illness: If your Shih Tzu has recently undergone surgery or been ill, their stomach might be more sensitive than usual. In this case, stick to their regular diet until theyre fully recovered.
Remember, when in doubt, its always a good idea to consult your vet.
Expert Opinions
Many experts emphasize the importance of a balanced diet for Shih Tzus. Dr. Jerry Klein, the AKCs Chief Veterinary Officer, states that Fresh chicken can be fed to dogs in small amounts, but make sure it makes up no more than 10 percent of your dogs daily calorie intake (source).
On the other hand, Dr. Ian Billinghurst, a pioneer of the raw food diet for dogs, believes that raw chicken, including bones, can be beneficial for dogs.
However, this remains a controversial opinion, and most vets recommend against feeding raw chicken due to the risk of bacterial infection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, chicken can be a safe and healthy treat for your Shih Tzu when prepared and given properly.
Always avoid raw chicken and chicken bones, keep the portion sizes in check, and monitor your pet for any adverse reactions.
As always, consult with your vet before making any significant changes to your Shih Tzus diet.
With careful attention and a bit of knowledge, chicken can indeed become a favored treat for your fluffy companion. Happy feeding!
