can dogs eat chicken heads? If you’ve ever wondered whether or not your dog can eat chicken heads, you’re not alone! Chicken heads are a trendy treat for dogs, but many people aren’t sure if it’s okay to feed them. I’ll share the surprising answer in this article and explain why it makes sense to include them in your dog’s diet—as long as you choose organic chicken heads! Keep reading to learn more about this tasty treat!
Why are people worried about feeding dogs chicken heads?
One of my first dogs was a sweet, little black terrier named Buddy. One day, his parents gave him chicken heads to eat. I was horrified! I had never heard of dogs eating chicken heads, so naturally, I worried he might get sick. Why would you feed your dog chicken heads, anyway? Are they healthy for dogs to eat, or should we avoid feeding our pets? Below is a list of reasons people are worried about providing their dog’s chicken heads. After reading it, you’ll see why they have nothing to worry about when feeding dogs chicken heads.
What happens if your dog eats a chicken head?
If your dog eats a chicken head, it may need veterinary care depending on how much chicken it ate. Some ingested bones can cause intestinal blockages, which will require surgery in some cases. So, if you notice your dog is uncharacteristically lethargic or has thrown up within two hours of eating chicken heads, it might be time to call a vet and get some medical attention. If you wait too long, their condition could worsen from there. Because of possible complications with ingesting bones and poultry in general, it’s always better to err on caution for your pup’s health. If you have any further questions about whether dogs can eat chicken heads, consult with your veterinarian for more information.
Do I cook the chicken head before giving it to my dog?
This is tricky because it depends on how you feed your dog. Some dogs do well with raw meat or bones, while others prefer their food cooked. If you’re using chicken heads as a training treat, it doesn’t matter whether they’re cooked. You can give them to your dog before or after cooking them, and they will still be tasty and nutritious treats. However, if you want to give your dog a chicken head straight off of the bone (or right out of its oven), you must make sure that it is thoroughly cooked. The reason for doing so is simple: bacteria.
How much of a chicken head can I give my dog?
It all depends on how big your dog is, their age, and the chicken you’re feeding them. According to PetCareRx, a healthy adult dog can eat one or two chicken heads per week without experiencing any adverse side effects. You can feed puppies chicken heads about 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 pounds (raw weight) for every 10 pounds. However, you should always consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet to determine whether or not they have food allergies or other dietary restrictions. If you know your puppy has allergies and there’s a particular type of protein they can’t tolerate, it’s best not to take chances—don’t give them chicken heads at all!
Can I use this recipe for other meats like duck, turkey, etc.?
You can make duck necks, turkey necks, etc. You could use its channel for any bird you would want to eat. As long as you cook it thoroughly and are willing to pick out bones before feeding it to your dog (or cat), it’s OK to provide them. Some say they boil them first, while others throw them in a pot without anything added because dogs have more muscular digestive systems than humans. IIf a chicken neck is suitable for your dog (it likely will be), so will duck or turkey. It all depends on how much meat there is on each of their necks, though; if their channels are full of bones and cartilage, go with something fattier like chicken first.
Why shouldn’t I feed my dog raw meat or bones from chickens?
This is just one of many questions people have about feeding dogs. If you’re looking for information on whether or not it’s safe to feed dogs chicken heads or raw meat, hopefully, you found your answer in my recent post on how much is too much protein for a dog. For more information on what foods are safe to feed your pet and which ones should be avoided, look at our previous posts: Is It Safe To Feed My Dog Raw Meat? 5 Dog Food Blunders (And How To Avoid Them). We’ve also put together an infographic that summarizes all these tips: Do’s and Don’ts of Giving Your Dog Treats.
How much of this will make my dog sick or die?
Although you may want to know more about feeding your dog chicken heads, it’s a pretty bad idea. Dogs should not be fed raw chicken, whether cutting off a chicken head or giving them parts of a whole uncooked bird. If your dog eats raw poultry, he could get sick from salmonella. Salmonella poisoning can cause vomiting and diarrhea, likely leading to dehydration if not treated quickly by a veterinarian. It can also cause fever and abdominal pain, according to Animal Planet. Death is rare but has happened in some cases.
Yes, my dog loves it, but
Yes, dogs can eat chicken heads. A raw chicken head is a rich source of protein and nutrients that dogs need to thrive. Still, before you let Rover take a bite of your next drumstick dinner, you might want to consider some of these details: Cooking poultry thoroughly kills bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter (the most common causes of foodborne illness in humans), so it’s okay for you to cook chicken before serving it to your dog; however, raw bones are incredibly brittle and contain harmful bacteria that can easily be transmitted to both humans and pets. If you feed your dog uncooked bones from a whole chicken or other fowl without cooking them first, don’t be surprised if they get sick.
