When it comes to feeding your german-shepherd a raw food diet, you must’ve thought of feeding your canine raw meat. But is it safe for your german-shepherd? It is advised not to feed your raw dog chicken as it can lead to Salmonella and several other digestion problems.
Raw chicken could contain certain bacteria and viruses which your dog’s immune system would not nicely welcome, and your dog may end up suffering from painful diseases. It is best to feed cooked chicken to your german-shepherd, but if the need arises, you can feed it a small amount of raw chicken.
Because all dogs are descendants of ancient wolves, it’s only natural that they should eat meat, chicken, or any other animal protein. Dogs can eat everything from the skin to the flesh, bones, and practically every other chicken component.
Because German Shepherds are omnivores, chicken is a staple in their diet. Kids can eat chicken three to four times a week until they are allergic to any form of meat.
Now, to understand why raw chicken is not recommended for a german shepherd to eat, you need to first learn about what a raw food diet is.
What is a raw food diet for german shepherds?
A raw diet feeds your dog exclusively raw goods such as bones, uncooked meat, and specific veggies.
On the other hand, most store-bought dog food has a blend of cooked meat, vegetables, grains, and fruits. Raw food proponents argue that commercial feeds are “artificial” and that raw food diets are more similar to what dogs consume in the wild.
Raw dog food proponents argue that it offers various health benefits, including a lower incidence of dental disease, cancer, and allergies. However, there is currently no reliable scientific data to support these statements.
Now we can talk about whether you should give the raw chicken to your german-shepherd or not. Raw chicken is a staple in most of our diets, and it is only natural to be feeding it to our dogs, but can you claim that it is completely safe? The answer is no.
Is it safe for you to feed raw chicken to your german-shepherd?
German Shepherds are herding dogs with a natural physique that allows them to live wild. Their mentality and instincts are suited for a wild setting, irrespective of their attractiveness as pets. As a result, they have developed a habit of hunting their meals and even eating them raw.
Whether it is common for a canine to consume raw chicken, boiling it is always a healthier alternative. Although uncooked chicken is fully natural and uncooked, it also poses several health risks.
Since there is no oversight, canines in the wild surviving on raw meat acquire a variety of health problems that eventually lead to death. However, when it concerns pet dogs, owners must concentrate on characteristics that can improve or decline their health.
So now that you are aware of the fact that raw chicken is not safe for your german-shepherd and there could be severe complications, we will now be talking about these complications.
Disadvantages of eating raw chicken for german shepherds
Chicken is among the most popular proteins on the planet. Since it has reduced fat and a greater protein ratio than other meats, it’s a good choice for lean protein. It’s critical to ensure that the chicken is thoroughly cooked to a safe temperature. It’s because some germs that might cause illness are commonly found on chickens.
However, if you do feed raw chicken to your german-shepherd, the following issues could occur.
Risk of Bacteremia
Bacteria can spread in different parts of a german shepherd’s body when they enter the bloodstream. This is referred to as bacteremia. Depending on which body part becomes infected, it can take various forms.
Bacteremia is more likely to develop in dogs who have weakened immune systems. Those who use medicine to reduce acid in the stomach are also more vulnerable. This is because the acid protects the intestine from infection.
Risk of Salmonella
Salmonella is a widespread risk associated with eating raw or undercooked meat, not just chicken. Salmonella is a gram-negative bacteria harmful to both humans and animals when ingested. It’s generally discovered in animals’ feces or intestines.
When ingested, it has been linked to food poisoning, diarrhea, intestinal infection, vomiting, and other digestive problems. If left unattended for an extended period, the condition can be fatal to the sufferer, especially in dogs.
Salmonella is more likely to be consumed by dogs who consume raw chicken. However, once you wash & boil the raw chicken, all of these bacteria are washed away as well.
Risk of choking on raw chicken bones
If your german-shepherd eats raw chicken on bones, it can end up choking on them as well. If your german-shepherd is consuming raw chicken, it likely contains bones. Even if you’re giving them the fleshy section, there’s a good chance it’ll have little bones inside.
If your dog eats the same thing, this will either get lodged in its esophagus or intestine. Tooth and gum injuries are also a possibility. While dealing with bones lodged in the throat is easier, dealing with those stuck in the intestines can be harmful.
As a result, it has the potential to penetrate their gut, leading to internal bleeding, hemorrhaging, and even death.
Reactive arthritis as a result of eating raw chicken
Reactive arthritis is a condition that occurs because of the consumption of raw chicken. Arthritis, or joint inflammation, is a common issue in dogs, causing pain, stiffness, and discomfort. Cartilage within a joint (hip, elbow, etc.) changes or is damaged in dogs with arthritis, making it less flexible and leading to the bones in the joint rubbing together.
Your german-shepherd could be allergic to chicken
How can you determine if your dog has a chicken allergy? Although German shepherds are not always allergic to chicken, it is not surprising that a significant number of them are.
Although your german-shepherd may digest most meats easily, they may develop sensitivities to chicken. In any event, it’s best if they avoid eating chicken or chicken-based items.
Chicken allergies in dogs can be diagnosed in one of two ways:
- First, have your german-shepherd tested for allergies.
- Alternatively, remove chicken from its diet and track its development.
German Shepherds with a chicken allergy may exhibit particular symptoms after consuming the meat. Vomiting, diarrhea, itching, skin infection, excessive licking, ear or paw infection, or a combination of these symptoms can occur.
The information given above must be enough to convince you not to feed raw chicken to your german-shepherd. But it is also important to talk about the parts of chicken other than its flesh, for example, the intestines, bones, etc.
Can german shepherds eat chicken’s intestines?
Chickens have two intestines comparable to those of mammals but are smaller. The majority of the nutrients in their daily food are digested & absorbed in their small bowel.
On the other hand, their big intestine absorbs trash from meals and passes it through Cloaca. As a result, as far even as chicken Intestines are properly cleaned & cooked, your german-shepherd can eat them.
Before you give your german-shepherds chicken intestine, make sure to do the following:
- Ensure that the big intestine has been properly cleaned. There must be no food waste (poop) inside.
- The intestines should be washed, sliced into smaller bits, and then boiled.
- Make sure to contact the veterinarian before deciding between feeding chicken intestines to your german-shepherd because each dog is different and different things apply to different cases.
Finally, they become safe for your german-shepherds to consume only if they do not have a pre-existing condition that could harm their health.
Is it safe for your german shepherd to eat chicken bones?
You adore your dogs, and nothing makes your faithful canine buddy happier than chewing on a tasty bone. If you believe this is natural, you are mistaken.
German Shepherds cannot consume raw or cooked chicken bones at any time. Chicken bones can create choking hazards, blockages, perforations, and lacerations. Raw bones can also carry bacteria like Salmonella, making you or your pet sick.
If you want to add bones to your german shepherd’s diet, raw ground bone pieces as part of a raw diet are a safer option.
Although your german-shepherd can not eat raw chicken, it may be beneficial to feed it cooked chicken because cooked chicken brings several different advantages with itself.
Benefits of eating chicken for german shepherds
Strengthens muscles
Chicken is a good source of amino acids because of its lean protein. Amino acids help your dog’s body develop muscular tissue, which is especially important as we get older. Higher protein consumption has also been demonstrated to help preserve bone mineral density in studies.
Chicken consumption can assist in creating stronger muscles and help promote healthier bones, reducing the incidence of injuries and disorders like osteoporosis.
Helps maintain a healthy weight along with maintaining heart health
According to research, eating 25-30 grams of protein, each meal can help your german-shepherd feel more satisfied. Protein-rich meals can help your dog feel fuller even when it eats less, which aids with weight management. Reduced risk factors for heart disease, like high triglyceride levels & high blood pressure, are associated with a healthier weight. Chicken is a high-protein food that can help your dog lose weight and lower the risk of heart disease.
Provides a lot of energy to dogs
Chicken is lean meat that provides a lot of energy to dogs. Since German shepherds are very active animals, they need a lot of energy throughout the day to remain fit. This allows them to have fun in the backyard and do all the fun activities they are supposed to do.
It is easy to digest
If you cook the chicken properly, your german shepherd’s system will be able to digest it easily and absorb the nutrients present in it. This can help if your dog already has any health issues and wants to eat easily digestible foods. It is one of the easiest digestible raw meat that provides dogs with the necessary protein and energy.
Contains essential growth vitamins
Chicken is high in amino acids, which help dogs maintain bone health and muscular mass. Chicken is high in Omega 3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, D, B, and F. Minerals such as phosphorus, zinc, and copper are also abundant. All of these vitamins are essential for your german shepherd’s growth and health.
So now you must be wondering, “Well, what is the final verdict then?”. The final verdict is that your german-shepherd can not eat raw chicken and chicken bones as they are not safe for him, but they can eat cooked chicken and avail the benefits present in it.
How often can you safely feed chicken to your german-shepherd?
Chicken is a healthy meal for german shepherds, but there is a limit to how much of it they may eat. Because dogs are omnivores, their diet must include equal and required amounts of both plant & meat.
When one of them is overpowered, it might cause long-term health problems in dogs. Once or twice a week, feed your german-shepherd clean, boiled chicken. You can prolong the days to four, but not more, depending on how the dog digests meat.
German shepherds should ideally be fed chicken for breakfast or lunch. This is because dogs take 4 to 6 hours to digest and help absorb their food thoroughly. As a result, when served as a meal, it may cause harmful excess weight in dogs.
Final Thoughts
Finally, as you must know by now, raw chicken is not safe for your dog. It may lead to health problems such as bacteremia, digestive system damage, Salmonella and many other issues. Whereas, you can feed some amount of cooked chicken to your german-shepherd as it may even be beneficial for them.
A few things that you should consider before making any such decision of feeding raw or cooked chicken to your german-shepherd are explained below.
- Ensure that the chicken is washed and cooked properly so that no harmful stuff is on it.
- Talk to the veterinarian before taking any decision.
- Check if your dog has any pre-existing conditions which could worsen with chicken consumption, then only give it any amount of chicken.
Lastly, chicken can be beneficial and very harmful. It all depends on how you feed it to your dog, so be careful about that.
