Is chicken good for dogs?

We all know dogs love their meat, but is chicken good for dogs?

In short, chicken is brilliant for dogs. It provides amino acids that contribute to benefiting your dogs overall health, it’s a great source of energy, and it works to build lean muscle mass. You may have also spotted that chicken is a rather popular ingredient in many high-quality dog foods. This is because the ingredient is also high in protein and relatively low in fat when compared to other meat sources.

What type of chicken can dogs eat?

So now you know that chicken is good for dogs, it’s important to know the variants of chicken that are suitable for your furry friend. Naturally, there are multiple types to choose from and so we’ve broken it down for you!

Boiled chicken

For those who have dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies, boiled chicken is perfect! This is because this variant is much easier on your dog’s stomach, whilst still being rich in protein and helping to build their energy levels.

It’s also super versatile, making it possible for us as a main meal, mixed with their regular food or even as a treat!

Fried chicken

When it comes to feeding your dog friend chicken, this is a big no. Fried chicken can cause several risks to your furry friend's health, including increased cholesterol, gaining weight and pancreatitis!

Why? Fried chicken is breaded and often spiced before it is served and these spices can have a harsh impact on your dog's overall digestive health. Common human spices like onion, garlic, salt and pepper are just to name a few.

Chicken broth

On the topic of harsh seasonings, Chicken Broth is another variant to be cautious about. Whilst this product is generally safe for your dog, it’s important to check the ingredients to ensure there are no possible seasonings or additives that could have a negative effect on their health.

Outside of the possible dangers, Chicken Broth is super versatile. For example, this product can be frozen into tiny cubes with other ingredients, like carrots and pumpkin, and turned into small, icy treats!

Chicken nuggets

Similarly to Fried Chicken, dogs should NOT eat chicken nuggets. Whilst they may be a tasty treat for us humans, the high content of salt, fat and processed ingredients in this product can have a significantly negative impact on your dogs well-being.

And although one single nugget may be harmless, a larger quantity can cause diarrhoea or much greater side effects for those with pre-existing conditions surrounding the kidney or even their heart.

Benefits of sweet potato for dogs

Sweet potatoes are a common ingredient when it comes to dog foods, but you’re probably wondering why. Well, this vitamin-rich carbohydrate is high in fibre, greatly helping your dog with their digestion, a great source of vitamins and minerals, and a natural antioxidant. Essentially, this ingredient acts as a superfood, greatly benefiting your dog's health and positively promoting their overall wellbeing.

And don’t be fooled by the name either! Sweet potatoes actually help to stabilise the blood sugar levels within dogs. This is because the fibre content helps to slow down the release of sugar into the bloodstream, therefore preventing spikes in blood sugar levels. Just like magic!

Can dogs be allergic to chicken?

Chicken meal vs actual chicken - What's the difference?

You may notice that some brands offer Chicken Meal Dog Food but did you know that this is different to actual chicken?

To compare, chicken meal is a rendered meat that has been both dried and ground up, and includes flesh, skin or accompanying bones. Whereas actual chicken refers to a clean communication of chicken flesh and skin.

However, whilst chicken meal sounds daunting, this ingredient is completely safe for dogs to digest as it has several nutritional benefits, like being packed with protein and essential nutrients. This is because the ingredient does not contain elements of feathers, heads, feet or intestinal contents.

So, chicken meal is still real chicken! It’s a dry protein made up of clean, fresh skin and/or accompanying bones, whereas actual chicken dog food contains chicken by-products like lungs, spleen, liver and kidneys that have a high nutritional value.

Vet-Approved chicken dog food

Well, now you know what Chicken is good for dogs, it’s time to pick your kibble of choice. Luckily, Skipper’s have got exactly what you’re looking for in the form of their NEW Chicken & Sweet Potato adult dog food. Not only is this meat-based kibble packed with flavour and high in protein, but it’s also vet-approved! Each element of this food adds integral value and health benefits, ensuring your dog lives a happy and healthy life.

Freshly prepared chicken

The finest, freshly prepared chicken in this dog food is cooked at a gentle 82 degrees to protect the valuable protein, increase digestibility, and enhance flavours.

Herbal benefits

Herbs, including marjoram, basil, oregano, sage, thyme, and parsley, contain essential vitamins and beneficial plant compounds, including antibacterials and antioxidants.

Digestive health

Prebiotics MOS & FOS, which may help to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria and aid digestion.

Added Omega-3 supplement

Rich in essential fatty acids to support healthy skin and a glossy coat. Also helps reduce itching, irritation, and inflammation.

Our Chicken & Sweet Potato Dog Food is also grain-free, making it a gentle choice for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. Beyond this, Skipper’s offers a wide range of both Working Dog and Grain-Free kibbles, ensuring there is a vet-approved food option for everyone!