Can Dogs Eat Raw Poultry
Can dogs eat raw poultry?
Yes, dogs can eat raw poultry — but that doesn’t always mean they should. While some pet owners include raw chicken, turkey or duck in their dog’s diet as part of a raw feeding routine, it’s not a decision to make lightly. Raw poultry comes with potential risks, including harmful bacteria, choking hazards and nutritional imbalances. With the right knowledge, preparation and support from your vet, it can be done safely — but it isn’t suitable for every dog.
What happens if my dog ate raw chicken?
If your dog accidentally snatched a bit of raw chicken from the kitchen counter or gobbled some off the floor, don’t panic. Most healthy dogs will be just fine — their stomachs are more acidic than ours and better equipped to deal with certain bacteria. However, you should keep a close eye on your dog for any signs of illness, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, tiredness or loss of appetite. If anything seems off, or if your dog is very young, elderly or has a health condition, it’s wise to ring your vet for reassurance.
Is raw chicken safe for dogs?
Raw chicken can be safe for dogs if it’s handled and served properly — clean, fresh and part of a balanced raw diet. But that doesn’t make it risk-free. Raw poultry often carries salmonella or campylobacter, bacteria that can make your dog (and your household) quite unwell. If you’re choosing to feed raw chicken intentionally, it must be sourced carefully, prepared hygienically, and introduced gradually under your vet’s guidance.
What to do if your dog eats raw chicken
If your dog eats raw chicken unexpectedly, take a moment to stay calm. Check if they’ve swallowed any bones, especially cooked ones (which are dangerous). If it’s just a piece of meat, monitor them closely for any changes in behaviour or digestion over the next 24–48 hours. Offer fresh water, keep them calm, and don’t feed anything rich or heavy straight after. If you’re worried, especially with puppies or senior dogs, it’s always worth calling your vet for peace of mind.
Benefits of feeding raw chicken to dogs
Supporters of raw feeding say that raw chicken offers several benefits:
- High-quality protein
- Natural fats for skin and coat health
- A more “natural” diet, closer to what dogs’ ancestors might have eaten
- Meaty bones that encourage chewing and support dental health
Some owners also find that dogs fed raw diets have firmer stools, shinier coats and better breath — but results vary, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Why would you want to feed your dog raw chicken?
Feeding raw chicken can feel like a more instinctive or natural way to nourish your dog, especially for owners who prefer unprocessed diets. It gives full control over what goes into your dog’s meals, which can be helpful for pets with allergies or sensitivities. But it requires careful balance — a raw chicken-only diet is not enough. Dogs need organs, bones, muscle meat and sometimes supplements to meet all their nutritional needs.
What you need to know about raw chicken
- Always handle raw chicken as you would for yourself — clean hands, clean surfaces, clean bowls
- Never serve chicken that’s been sitting out or that smells off
- Freeze portions in advance and defrost safely in the fridge
- Avoid feeding raw chicken to dogs with compromised immune systems
- Introduce new proteins slowly, and one at a time
If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to ask a vet or pet nutritionist before making changes to your dog’s diet.
Dogs aren’t as close to wild predators as some people think
It’s easy to imagine dogs as little wolves who thrive on raw meat — but the truth is, modern dogs have evolved quite far from their wild cousins. Their digestion has adapted to a mix of meats, grains and vegetables, and many breeds do well on high-quality commercial food. Feeding raw is a personal choice, but it should be based on knowledge, not nostalgia.
Dogs that eat raw chicken are more exposed to infection
Raw-fed dogs can carry bacteria like salmonella in their saliva and stool without showing symptoms — and this can pose a risk to other pets, children or anyone with a weaker immune system in the home. It’s important to practise strict hygiene when feeding raw and to clean food bowls, surfaces and hands thoroughly after every meal.
Raw chicken can spread resistant bacteria
There’s growing concern around antibiotic-resistant bacteria found in raw poultry, especially when the meat comes from poorly regulated sources. These bacteria can affect both dogs and humans, and they don’t always respond to standard treatment. This doesn’t mean raw feeding is wrong — but it does mean sourcing meat responsibly and understanding the risks involved is essential.
Is raw poultry a choking hazard for dogs?
It can be. Poultry bones (like chicken wings or necks) are softer when raw and less likely to splinter than cooked bones, but they can still pose a choking risk — especially for dogs who gulp their food or try to swallow large pieces. Always supervise your dog when feeding bones, and choose pieces suited to your dog’s size and chewing habits.
Should I feed the skin and fat too?
Raw poultry skin and fat are high in calories, and too much can cause tummy upset or even lead to pancreatitis in sensitive dogs. A little bit is usually fine for healthy adult dogs, but trimming excess fat and avoiding particularly greasy parts can help keep everything balanced and gentle on the digestive system.
Can raw poultry be frozen before feeding?
Yes — and it’s often recommended. Freezing raw poultry for at least 3–5 days can help kill certain parasites and reduce the risk of bacteria, though it doesn’t completely sterilise the meat. Defrost it in the fridge (never at room temperature), and only offer fresh portions. Anything left in the bowl after mealtime should be discarded.
Can raw poultry upset a dog’s stomach?
It can — especially if introduced too quickly, or if the meat is fatty, spoiled, or contains bones that irritate the gut. Signs of trouble include diarrhoea, vomiting, gas or discomfort. Always start slowly, serve small portions, and watch how your dog responds before making raw poultry a regular part of their diet.
What about salmonella — is it really a problem?
Yes, salmonella is a real concern, not just for dogs but for humans too. Some dogs can carry and shed salmonella without being sick themselves, spreading it through their drool or faeces. If you have young children, elderly family members or immunocompromised people at home, this risk becomes more serious. Good hygiene and safe handling are essential if you choose to feed raw poultry.
Is turkey or duck safer than chicken?
Not necessarily. All poultry — including chicken, turkey and duck — can carry harmful bacteria. What matters most is quality and handling. Organic, free-range meat from reputable sources is usually safer than low-grade or imported cuts. No matter the bird, the same rules apply: fresh, clean, plain and carefully prepared.
Can I combine raw and kibble diets?
Some raw feeders prefer not to mix raw and kibble in the same meal, as they digest at different speeds. However, others find their dog tolerates the mix just fine. If you want to combine both, it's best to serve them at separate meals (for example, raw in the morning, kibble in the evening), and always introduce the change slowly to avoid tummy upset.
A Final gentle note
Raw feeding is a personal choice — and it’s okay if it’s not the right one for you or your dog. What matters most is feeding a diet that keeps your dog happy, healthy and well-supported. Whether that’s raw, cooked or commercial food, the best path is the one that suits your pup’s needs, lifestyle and wellbeing.
Summary
Dogs can eat raw poultry, but it’s not a simple yes or no. When served thoughtfully, raw chicken can be a nutritious part of a balanced raw diet. But without proper handling, preparation and planning, it can also carry risks — for your dog and your household. If you're considering raw feeding, take the time to learn, prepare and speak with a vet or canine nutritionist. Every dog is different, and the best diet is the one that keeps your pup happy, healthy and wagging.