Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken Wings

Feeding raw food has grown in popularity among dog owners, and raw chicken wings often come up as a common choice. But is it safe? And is it actually good for your dog?

The answer is yes—dogs can eat raw chicken wings, provided they’re handled properly and fed as part of a balanced diet. Raw wings can be beneficial for your dog’s teeth and jaw strength, but there are a few important safety considerations to keep in mind.

Why Raw Chicken Wings Are Popular

Raw chicken wings contain bone, skin, and muscle, making them a natural and nutrient-rich option. The act of chewing through the bone helps clean your dog’s teeth and strengthens their jaws, acting as a natural toothbrush.

They’re also relatively easy to portion and are the right size for many small to medium dogs. Wings contain calcium, phosphorus and glucosamine—all good for bones, joints and overall health.

Is It Safe to Feed Raw Chicken Wings?

When raw chicken is fresh and handled hygienically, it’s generally safe for dogs. Dogs have shorter digestive tracts and more acidic stomachs than humans, making them more resistant to bacteria like salmonella or E. coli.

That said, it’s still essential to:

• Source chicken from reputable suppliers
• Store it properly (refrigerated or frozen)
• Defrost safely and serve fresh
• Clean all surfaces after handling

Never cook the chicken wings before feeding—cooked bones can splinter and cause serious internal damage. Raw bones are flexible and easier for dogs to chew and digest.

Which Dogs Shouldn’t Eat Raw Chicken Wings?

While many dogs tolerate raw wings well, some may not be suitable candidates. These include:

• Puppies or elderly dogs with weaker teeth or sensitive digestion
• Dogs with a history of pancreatitis, as chicken skin is fatty
• Small breeds that might struggle with bone sizes

Always supervise your dog when feeding raw bones to prevent choking or gulping. If your dog is a fast eater, wings may need to be held by hand or fed frozen to slow them down.

How Often Should You Feed Them?

Chicken wings should be fed in moderation and not as a daily meal. Once or twice a week is usually enough to enjoy the dental benefits without overloading on fat or unbalancing your dog’s diet. They should be part of a wider raw or fresh feeding plan—not a standalone food.

If you’re new to raw feeding, it’s a good idea to consult with a vet or canine nutritionist to make sure your dog is getting everything they need.

Raw Chicken Wings as Part of a Raw Diet

Raw chicken wings are often included in BARF diets (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) and prey model raw diets. These feeding plans aim to replicate what a dog might eat in the wild—meat, bone, and organs in natural proportions.

In this context, raw wings are typically used to:

• Provide edible bone for calcium and phosphorus
• Help with dental hygiene through chewing
• Encourage natural chewing behaviour that exercises jaw muscles

However, wings are considered "soft bones", meaning they’re safer than weight-bearing bones but still not suitable for all dogs—especially those who tend to swallow food without chewing.

Portioning & Meal Planning

If you’re using raw chicken wings as a bone source in a raw diet, they shouldn’t exceed 10–15% of your dog’s total daily intake. Too much bone can lead to constipation or a chalky stool.

Some owners also remove the wing tip or separate the wing into sections (drumette, mid-joint, tip) for smaller dogs.

Potential Risks

Although rare with proper handling, a few risks are worth keeping in mind:

• Bacterial contamination (e.g., salmonella or campylobacter): Healthy adult dogs usually handle this well, but it can be an issue for immunocompromised dogs or people handling the food.
• Choking or gulping: Dogs that eat too fast might try to swallow a wing whole. Feeding frozen, holding it by hand, or choosing a different raw bone can reduce this risk.
• Unbalanced diet: If you're feeding wings often without variety, your dog might miss out on key nutrients. A complete raw diet needs organs, muscle meat, bone, and supplements.

Feeding Tips

• Introduce slowly, especially if your dog is new to raw.
• Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled—not frozen solid, unless you're doing it deliberately to slow them down.
• Always supervise your dog while eating raw bones, especially the first few times.
• Don’t mix raw bones with dry kibble in the same meal—raw digests faster, and mixing the two can cause gas or discomfort in some dogs.

Vet Caution

Some vets are cautious about raw feeding due to hygiene concerns and risks of unbalanced diets. If you plan to feed raw long-term, it’s a good idea to:

• Use a canine nutritionist to build a balanced plan
• Get regular vet check-ups to monitor your dog’s weight, coat, digestion and overall health

Summary

Yes, dogs can eat raw chicken wings safely—as long as they’re raw, fresh, and given under supervision. They can support dental health and offer useful nutrients, but should be fed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Never feed cooked wings, and always handle raw food with care to keep both you and your dog safe.