Can Dogs and Cats Eat Raw Chicken? Pet Food Guide
Can dogs and cats eat raw chicken? is the question aften arises when it comes to feed pets. Though feeding of your pets will be among the most significant parts of being a pet owner as you want to invest in a balanced, nutritious diet. In recent years, a greater number of pet owners have accepted raw feeding, feeding of raw chicken being among the few forms of feed offered to their pets. However, similar to most activities related to pets, it has various advantages, drawbacks and dangers that should not be overlooked. This all-inclusive guide will be looking into whether dogs and cats can consume raw chicken, what the advantages and dangers of doing this are and what professionals suggest regarding taking care of safe raw feeding. You can know more about your pets by visiting our website Pet Fresh Supplies.
There has been increased popularity of raw feeding with pet owners desiring to feed their pets in a more carnivorous manner that is closer to nature. The theory around it is that since dogs and cats are an offshoot of the wild animal kingdom, they should have eaten uncooked meat. Raw poultry, in particular, chicken, is usually seen as a readily available and cheap source of proteins. However, is it pet-safe to eat? Are raw chicken safe for dogs to eat? Is raw chicken dangerous to cats? What of raw chicken bones? This article will address these queries and important insights on how to go about feeding raw chicken to your pets with fur.
Raw Chicken Nutrition Value
For Dogs
Raw chicken has a great source of protein which is vital in the muscles of dogs, their energy and body well-being. Chicken has high quality protein that has got amino acids needed in appropriate body functions. Raw chicken meat also contains fat with an essential fatty acid that enhances the shininess of the coat and good skin. Furthermore, chicken contains other important vitamins compounds and minerals like B vitamins (niacin, riboflavin and vitamin B6), as well as minerals such as phosphorus and selenium.
Nonetheless, one should take into consideration that dogs have rather complex nutritional requirements. Though chicken is a good protein dietary source, a dog needs other products to be added to his diet such as vegetables, grains, and supplements to make his intake of nutrients balanced. All the dog breeds may not follow the same pattern for food.
For Cats
Cats belong to obligate carnivores and thus they will not do well without animal-based protein. Chicken is a good food considered as a source of protein for cats and helps them to maintain their muscle mass, cellular activities as well as general body health. Also, chicken contains taurine, which is a vital amino acid to a cat which aids in heart operation, vision and digestion.
Cats also take advantage of the fats in chicken because it facilitates energy and the metabolism of a cat at large. Like the case with dogs though, the diet should be balanced and should have other nutrients to prevent any deficiency. There are other cat breeds whose habits are different according to their breed.
Potential Risks of Feeding Raw Chicken
Bacterial Contamination
One of the significant problems that arise when thinking of raw chicken as a source of pet food is bacterial contamination. Raw chicken as any other food item may have harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter that may lead to food poisoning in humans and animals. Dogs and cats are not spared by these bacteria and their infection can cause vomiting, diarrhea and fever as well as dehydration.
Dog digestive systems are tougher as regards bacteria compared to human beings although taking into consideration the fact that they are also not immune to infection. More prone to illness are cats, which are more sensitive to any modifications in their diet, and therefore there is a high probability of their developing serious health problems due to bacteria in raw food.
Parasites
The other danger of raw chicken is that it may contain parasites, e.g., a roundworm parasite or a tapeworm parasite. Such parasites may be introduced in undercooked or raw meat causing gastrointestinal upsets or even serious health illnesses.
Bones
Raw chicken bones may prove dangerous when fed to your pets. Raw chicken bones have a lesser likelihood of splintering as compared to cooked bones, but they have a potential of causing choking or even making internal injuries to the digestive system. Are chicken bones raw edible to dogs? They can chew and digest them without any problem but caution should be exercised, some dogs might swallow big pieces and this can cause obstruction or puncture.
Likewise, there is a possibility that cats might suffer splinter burns in their mouth or throat and be badly injured.
Dogs and Cats; Digestive System
There are variations in the digestion system of dogs and cats and these variations will shape the ways in which both swine drink raw foods such as chicken.
Digestive System of Dogs
Dogs have a carnivorous type of diet since they can process meat but have diverse nutritional needs like plants. As compared to cats, their stomachs are not as acidic and hence they might not be able to kill the bacteria contained in the raw foods as effectively as them. This increases their susceptibility to bacteria infections by raw chicken than cats. Nevertheless, the digestive systems of dogs are able to process raw food to some second, particularly in case it is incorporated into a balanced diet.
Digestive System of Cats
Cats being strict carnivores possess a digestive system well geared to working on raw animal protein. Their stomach’s acidity can be very high making them unable to digest raw meat and destroy any bacteria and parasites. Cats have a tendency to at least fare better when it comes to digestive problems on raw chicken; it does not convey, though, that cats are sheltered against any dangers of raw feeding. Cats should obtain quality protein sources and chicken bones should not be used since they are dangerous to the cats.
Benefits of Feeding Raw Chicken
Better Coat and Skin Condition
Another obvious advantage of a raw diet is that the coat and skin are healthier. Raw chicken contains high fatty acids that prevent skin allergy, dry skin, and make the coat shinier. Most pet owners note an improvement in the condition of their cats and dogs whose fur is dull or dry after adding raw chicken to food.
Better Digestion and Quality of the Stool
After moving to raw food many pet owners mention that their pets improved digestion, and their stool is better. Raw chicken contains easily digested protein which can be used to stabilize the bowel movement, eliminate gastrointestinal upset. Raw meat also contains the natural enzymes that would help in digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Increased Energy
Raw feeding is said to result in pets having more energy level. Raw chicken provides sustained energy due to the natural proteins and fats that it contains, hence your pets become livelier and more alert. This is suitable especially to high-energy breeds or petry pets.
What to Watch Out About Feeding Raw Chicken
In case you choose to feed your pets with raw chicken, it is important to exercise some precaution to make them healthy and safe.
Quality and Origin of Chicken
Your supplier of the chicken should always be of good quality. Raw chicken must be bought in a reputable butcher or supplier that adheres to tight food safety standards. To minimize the chances of the contaminants, buy organic and antibiotic- free chicken preferably.
Safe Processing and Storage
Although your pets love to eat raw chicken, it is always best to have sanitized hands and utensils when handling raw chicken to preserve the safety and health of your pets. Raw chicken should never be left at room temperature and it is always advisable to keep it in the refrigerator or even the freezer.
Visit to Veterinarian
It is important to refer to a veterinarian before switching your pets to a raw food diet and more so raw chicken. They will be able to inform you on the serving amounts, whether raw feeding would suit your pet’s medical condition, and on what basis they can come up with a balanced diet.
The Balance of Diet
Chicken meat by itself does not yield all the nutrients that the dog or the cat requires. You will have to complement the diet with any other raw or cooked ingredients, including organ meat, vegetables, and healthy fats. An improperly composed raw diet may be deficient or excess in nutrients that result in chronic health problems.
Alternatives to Poultry Raw Feeding
Trade Raw Diets
It would be safer to offer raw meals that are packaged by the companies with good brand reputation. They are convenient to those who want to feed raw diets to their pets since the food is usually well balanced and without harmful bacteria, parasites and pathogens.
Cooked Chicken
Raw chicken is risky as compared to cooked chicken. Although it does not provide all the same earning aspects as raw, cooking the chicken is going to remove the chance of the bacteria contamination and the exposure to the parasites. You simply need to ensure that there are no harmful substances such as onions and garlic with the chicken being unseasoned.
Other sources of Proteins
In case you do not wish to feed raw chicken there are other sources of protein that you can think of, like turkey, beef and lamb. The proteins have similar nutritional values and can be applied in a balanced meal.
Symptoms of Sickness Caused
In case your pet demonstrates some symptoms of illness after eating raw chicken, you have to do something.
Digestive Disturbances
Vomiting, diarrhea, and belly pain symptoms may point out that your pet has been infected by bacteria or parasites.You should immediately call your veterinarian and ask her what to do.
Infections
When your animal dog or cat runs a fever or shows some lack of energy that could be a symptom that they have infection by bacteria like Salmonella or Campylobacter. One should use immediate veterinary assistance.
What should be done upon an Illness
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are raw chicken good to feed dogs?
Raw chicken is safe to give to dogs, yes but it comes with dangers involving bacteria and parasites. All that can be done is to use quality chicken and handle it in a proper knowledge so that these risks are reduced.
- Is it possible to feed cats raw chicken?
Indeed, cats are able to consume raw chicken. They are obligate carnivores, and they feed on animal protein. Nevertheless, just as in dogs, it is risky especially due to bacteria and parasites.
- Is it possible to feed dogs with raw chicken bones?
Uncooked chicken bones are quite harmful when it comes to dogs because they may end up choking or injuring the gastrointestinal system. Do not worry, you should watch your dog and opt for the alternatives in bones.
- Are raw chicken wings safe to feed dogs?
Although there are dogs that may consume raw chicken wings, one has to remember that there must be no splintering of the bones. When feeding your dog, make sure to keep an eye on them at all times, and you should not feed them wings in case you are not sure.
- Are raw chicken good to feed dogs?
Yes, but you must be careful and watchful of the risks. They should be handled well and a balanced diet should be served.
Conclusion
Raw chicken could be beneficial when fed to dogs and cats but this must be approached with intelligence and understanding of its dangers. Raw chicken may be a healthy alternative to your pets by using high-quality chicken, controlling it safely and spreading the diet to make it nutritionally adequate. To make major changes in your pet diet, you should always consult your veterinarian as he or she can help you ensure a good and healthy diet and make sure that your pet will not be harmed during this period.
