Can Dogs Eat Chicken Breast? What You Need To Know!

Chicken breast is one of the most widely available and simple-to-prepare types of meat.

If you try giving chicken breast to your doggie, the little guy is sure to gobble up those yum-yum chops and pop out his big cute puppy-dog eyes to ask for more.

Can dogs eat chicken breast?

Chicken breast may not be the juiciest part of a chicken for dogs but definitely the healthiest. It is a rich source of lean protein and contains only a little amount of fat and sodium. Vets always recommended adding chicken breast to dog bland diet — a tried-and-true home remedy for GI discomfort and diarrhea.

Make sure the chicken breast you feed your dog is cooked and plain, free of salt, onion, garlic, hormones and other harmful additives.

Is Chicken Breast Good For Dogs?

Indeed, chicken breast is very healthy and safe for dogs when cooked. It is toxin-free and can even be combined with their normal diet but one thing to be wary of is that some dog breeds have poultry allergies, occurring in a similar fashion as allergies to other foods like beef, dairy, corn, soy and lamb. If that’s the case for your dog, then keep him away from every cut of chicken goodies.

However, chicken breast is rich in important nutrients, particularly proteins, vitamins, minerals and omega-6 fatty acids. According to USDA, in 100 g of skinless and boneless chicken breast, there is a high protein content of about 31g and a low-fat content of about 3g.

Chicken breast is palatable and easily adaptable by canines. This may result in them having a special preference for chicken meat and refusing to eat any other food.

This will become a problem because while the chicken breast is rich in protein, it is deficient in some other nutrients like carbs. So, you definitely cannot call it a balanced diet. Enough reason why it should never replace your dog’s regular meal.

Moreover, a mixture of white rice and boiled chicken breast be taken by dogs as a bland diet to correct stomach upset or diarrhea.

When feeding your dog chicken breast, be sure to cook it properly to avoid bacterial infection (see further details below).

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Cooked vs Raw Chicken Breast For Dogs

You should give your dog only cooked chicken breasts because this is safer and easier to digest. Cooking those breasts will help to extract the important nutrients and destroy bacteria that can cause diseases in dogs such as salmonella.

Also, the water obtained from cooking chicken breast can be stored and given to your dog as chicken broth.

Raw chicken breast, on the other hand, may be contaminated with harmful bacteria. Vets strongly advise against raw meat consumption due to the health problems that can stem from it.

Boiling is considered a safe and healthy way to prepare a chicken breast for your four-legged companion.

I’ll discuss this in detail further below.

Nutritional Content of Chicken Breast

Chicken breast is high in protein and contains a fair amount of other nutrients such as fats, vitamins and minerals.

As stated by USDA FoodData Central, the following is the list of the nutrients contained in 100g of boneless and skin chicken breast.

Health Benefits of Chicken Breast For Dogs

Eating chicken breast comes with great benefits in the life of your little friend.

First and foremost, the breast of this already nutritious bird has a rich supply of protein to dogs, which helps in lean muscle development and tissue regeneration.

Chicken breast also delivers a substantial amount of energy to your pooch without requiring the supplementation of a highly calorific diet.

Also, chicken breast contains a fair share of glucosamine and essential amino acids which supports bone repair and serves as a lubricant in the canine joints. Heavy dogs are especially prone to joint problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia. In such cases, these nutrients confer a stronger and healthier skeletal system.

Omega-6 fatty acids constitute most of the fat content of chicken breast. Recent studies have shown that omega-6 fatty acids are effective in strengthening the immune function of canines. They also maintain their coat health, keeping them sleek and shiny.

How Much Chicken Breast To Feed Your Dog

Different sources have diverse perspectives about how much chicken breast you should feed your fur baby. However, many dog parents want to have a sweet spot to use when dishing out those savory cuts to your furry friend.

A reasonable amount of chicken breast to feed your dog is between 1 to 3% of total body weight per day.

This may vary depending on the activity levels of your dog. Highly energetic dogs will require a larger amount than their lazier cousins.

Chicken meat does not contain every nutrient and should not be fed alone as dogs require a healthy combination of proteins, carbohydrates and veggies in their diets.

How To Cook Chicken Breast For My Dog

To start with, make sure that the chicken breast you are about to prepare is in a good condition. A boneless and skinless chicken breast without any potentially harmful additives is highly recommended.

• Place the chicken breast inside a pot with an appropriate size and allow some time to unfreeze.

• Then, fill the pot with water to a point just above the chicken breast and cover with a lid. Be sure not to add salt or any other ingredients.

• Afterward, place the pot on your stove and ignite. Boil for 13 minutes. As a general rule of thumb, this duration will depend on the quantity of meat you are boiling.

• When the chicken breast is completely cooked, transfer to a bowl (without the water), cover and spare some time for it to cool.

• Next, place the meat on a cutting board one at a time and shred it into very small pieces.

• Holla at your fur baby. Food is ready!

You can store the meat in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The liquid obtained from the meat is known as chicken broth. It is nutritious and preferably added to a dog’s regular diet.

When and How Often Should You Serve Chicken Breast To Your Dog?

As previously mentioned, when your dog is experiencing abdominal discomfort or diarrhea, vets often recommend a bland diet which is ideally a combination of white rice and chicken breast.

While there is no fixed number of times you can serve your dog chicken breast, once or twice a day is just fine. Bear in mind that chicken breast is just a protein source and should never substitute your dog’s normal food.

If at any point, you notice any symptoms of GI disturbances in your dog. A lot of factors including poultry allergy could be the cause. Never hesitate to contact your vet for assistance.

The Takeaway: Can Dogs Eat Chicken Breast?

The simple answer is a capital YES. Dogs enjoy eating chicken breast and it can serve as a great treat for dog trainers to lure and sometimes reward their dogs.

Besides, it can be a significant source of protein for your pooch’s meal, delivering energy with low-calorie intake.

In essence, it is important to ensure that your pooch has all the classes of nutrients in his diet. Chicken breast is definitely one among others that will supply a good amount of nutrients, keeping your dog healthy and always thankful.

Wish you luck, pals!