Raw food diets are popular among dog owners and are often touted as supporting your pet’s nutrition as nature intended. However, there are some misconceptions and risks associated with feeding dogs raw food diets — especially those that contain raw chicken.

Though cooked chicken is a nutritious, protein-dense meat option for dogs, raw chicken may carry harmful bacteria like salmonella, campylobacter, clostridium perfringens, listeria and staphylococcus.

In this article, we’ll cover misbeliefs about raw diets, additional risks of feeding dogs raw chicken and healthy alternatives to a raw diet for your dog.

One of the most common misconceptions among dog owners is that, because dogs evolved from wolves, they should naturally thrive on raw meat diets. However, this is an oversimplified view that doesn’t consider how dogs’ bodies have changed over thousands of years of domestication.

Though dogs and wolves share a common ancestor, modern, domesticated dogs are far from being wild carnivores. Their bodies have adapted to live among humans, and that means large changes in how they process and digest food.

Modern dogs have evolved to thrive on a more varied diet, which makes a raw diet more or less a personal choice and not a necessity.

While dogs did evolve from wolves, they are two very different animals today, especially when looking at their diets. Wolves are true carnivores and rely almost entirely on meat for their survival. In the wild, wolves hunt, kill and eat their prey immediately, consuming fresh, raw meat to fulfill their nutritional needs.

On the other hand, dogs’ evolution has been closely tied to dietary changes that reflect a human diet. Unlike wolves, dogs have developed the ability to digest and thrive on a more omnivorous diet. So wolves are biologically reliant on raw meat, while dogs are not dependent on it as their main food source.

As noted, dogs are omnivorous by nature, unlike wolves, who are strict carnivores. Dogs have not only developed a tolerance for grains and carbohydrates — most actually benefit from high-quality grains and carbs.

Wolves, on the other hand, cannot digest grains and carbs the same way as dogs since they are evolutionarily predisposed to need a diet solely of meat.

Another difference between wolves and dogs is how they digest food and their meal patterns. When wolves are in the wild, they may only eat one large meal after a successful hunt and then go without food for a while. A large gray wolf can eat up to 22.5 pounds of meat in one sitting and then go for days or even weeks without food.

Dogs, however, need to eat smaller, more frequent meals. Their digestive systems can’t process pounds of food at one time. Even more, the meat in the grocery store is meant to be cooked, not eaten raw, due to the risk of bacteria and other harmful pathogens. Grocery store meat is very different from the raw meat wolves eat immediately after a kill.

As noted above, significant risks are associated with feeding raw chicken to dogs. While a raw diet may seem appealing, it can introduce several health hazards, both to your pup and your entire household, including:

The most significant issue with feeding raw chicken to dogs is the risk of bacterial contamination, particularly from salmonella. The bacteria can lead to severe illness in both humans and dogs.

While dogs have strong stomach acids that help with certain bacteria, they’re no match for salmonella. Dogs with weakened immune systems — puppies, older dogs, dogs with cancer and those who are taking immune-suppressing medications like Atopica or Apoquel — are particularly vulnerable.

In addition to the internal risks of bacterial contamination, dogs aren’t especially neat and polite eaters. If you feed your dog raw chicken, they may spread raw chicken juices around kitchen surfaces, floors, and even furniture. This can create a hazard for anyone else in the house, including young children, older adults and those with compromised immune systems.

Beyond contamination, some bacteria found in raw chicken can produce harmful toxins that can lead to more severe illness in dogs. In very extreme cases, these toxins can lead to death in dogs with already compromised immune systems.

For example, some forms of salmonella release toxins (endotoxins and exotoxins) as they multiply, causing more than just digestive upset. Dogs can develop fever, severe dehydration and even systemic infections.

These toxins are hazardous because they aren’t always neutralized by freezing, meaning raw chicken from the grocery store can still contain them even after proper storage.

One of the more immediate risks of feeding a dog raw chicken is gastrointestinal upset. Dogs that eat raw chicken can experience symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. While these symptoms aren’t necessarily life-threatening, they can lead to dehydration and distress for both the pup and their owner.

Dogs with more sensitive stomachs — or those not used to a raw meat diet — are especially at risk. Dogs who eat raw chicken even once can experience severe discomfort, and in some cases, it can cause long-term issues like chronic diarrhea or a disrupted gut microbiome.

When considering a raw diet, it’s also important to understand the risks of allergic reactions. Some dogs are allergic to chicken, and feeding it raw can exacerbate the allergy. Symptoms of a chicken allergy can include itching, hives, swelling, digestive issues or even difficulty breathing.

If a dog who is allergic to chicken eats it raw, they may experience intense itching, hair loss or even more severe reactions like swelling of the face or throat. If you suspect your dog is having an allergic reaction, call your emergency veterinarian immediately.

When it comes to digestion, there are major differences in how raw chicken is digested versus cooked chicken.

Raw chicken contains a high bacterial load, as noted previously, which dogs’ modern microbiomes aren’t able to handle. The bacterial load in cooked chicken, on the other hand, is much lower as cooking chicken kills harmful bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, making it a safer option for your pup.

Cooked chicken not only eliminates the bacterial threat to dogs but also provides a more bioavailable protein source. Essentially, the protein in cooked chicken is easier for your dog’s body to absorb and use than raw chicken breast. Just make sure you don’t feed any chicken bones, as they can splinter and severely damage your dog’s digestive system.

However, keep in mind that over-processing chicken — like what happens in mass-produced kibble — can reduce its digestibility and nutritional value. So, when evaluating commercial dog foods, look for foods with slowly cooked meat rather than over-processed meat meals.

Looking for a healthy and delicious cooked chicken recipe for your dog? Try our hearty chicken pot pie recipe!

If you’re still considering raw chicken in your dog’s diet, it’s essential to understand the risks and take precautions to minimize potential health problems for both your pup and your household. Keep reading to learn more.

One of the most significant dangers of feeding raw chicken to dogs is the zoonotic risk, which is the transfer of bacteria like salmonella or E. coli from the chicken to humans. These bacteria can easily spread when preparing or handling raw chicken and contaminate surfaces, utensils and hands. Proper sanitation is crucial to avoid food poisoning.

Always immediately clean any surfaces that come into contact with raw chicken with hot water and soap. Wash your hands frequently, and be mindful of cross-contamination in your kitchen. Disinfect cutting boards and utensils after each use, and avoid using the same tools for raw and cooked food without cleaning them in between.

Next, if you decide to feed your dog raw chicken, the source of the meat is extremely important. To reduce contamination risks, try to buy the freshest possible chicken from a trusted source — ideally from a small farm where the chicken is butchered on-site.

This limits the amount of processing time and risk of contamination compared to large-scale mass-production chicken operations. Chickens raised in cleaner environments with higher welfare standards are also generally less likely to carry harmful bacteria, making them a safer option for raw feeding.

Finally, it’s important to recognize that not all dogs can safely consume raw chicken. Puppies, senior dogs or those with weakened immune systems are more at risk of bacterial infections. And dogs on certain medications, such as immunosuppressants, shouldn’t eat raw dog food diets at all.

If your pup falls into one of the above categories, it’s best to avoid raw feeding altogether to prevent serious health complications. Instead, you can opt for a limited-ingredient holistic food. And if you’re unsure about your dog’s specific risks, talk to your vet.

For pet owners seeking a safe and nutritious alternative to a raw diet, The Honest Kitchen offers high-quality recipes designed to provide dogs with human grade, nutrient-dense meals.

The Honest Kitchen’s line of vet-recommended dog foods are all made in the USA using a combination of trusted domestic and globally sourced ingredients, ensuring both quality control and ingredient transparency.

The Honest Kitchen’s dog food offerings include dehydrated food, whole food clusters, wet dog food, and toppers.

The Honest Kitchen’s dehydrated dog food offers a raw-like nutritional profile without any of the risks associated with raw foods. A gentle dehydration method is used to preserve the food’s high nutritional value while eliminating the need for artificial preservatives. This method also locks in essential nutrients and makes the food easy to prepare and digest.

Dehydrated food from The Honest Kitchen just needs water to rehydrate into a meal packed with flavor and nourishment. There are even base mixes for those dog owners who prefer to customize their pup’s diet. These mixes include all the fruits, veggies and vitamins needed for a balanced diet, while allowing you to add your own fresh protein.

There are also numerous flavor profiles to choose from including whole grain chicken, fish, turkey, and beef, as well as grain-free recipes of similar flavor profiles. You’ll also see whole food ingredients like organic oats, flaxseed, sweet potatoes, navy beans, and tons of produce like carrots, apples, cabbage, and spinach.

Next are The Honest Kitchen’s Whole Food Clusters — another excellent choice for pet owners looking for minimally processed, holistic meals for their dogs. The clusters are made from high-quality, human grade ingredients and provide balanced nutrition but in a safer and more convenient form than raw food.

Whole food clusters are gently cooked to ensure flavor and nutrients are retained. There are multiple recipes to choose from tailored to different life stages and dog breeds, from puppies and small breeds to senior dogs and giant breeds.

Whole food clusters are also available in a handful of different flavor profiles. These include whole grain and grain free chicken, beef, and turkey recipes. Some ingredients in whole food clusters include wholesome meats, barley, lentils, peas, and veggies like broccoli, pumpkin, and kale.

For those dogs who prefer wet food, or just need an added hydration or flavor boost, The Honest Kitchen offers wet food and topper options. These are perfect for enhancing your pup’s regular meals and providing variety, flavor and added nutrition. Wet dog food from The Honest Kitchen is rich in moisture, which can support dogs’ hydration.

Food toppers from The Honest Kitchen also provide added nutrition and flavor that even the pickiest of dogs will love. Wet dog foods and toppers can provide versatility to a dog’s diet without any of the risks of raw chicken. They can also be mixed with other food for a balanced, complete meal.

The most variety in flavor profile is seen in wet food and toppers — there’s something for every dog’s taste. There are stews in warming flavors like braised beef and lamb, simmered salmon and chicken stew, and patés with root veggies and super greens. Toppers come in a variety of recipes, some even crafted to support various health concerns like skin health, bone and joint health, and heart health — all utilizing natural ingredients like wild caught salmon, bone broth, butternut squash, and blueberries.

Safety and nutrition go hand in hand when it comes to supporting your dog’s needs and well-being. Though raw chicken and other raw meats may seem like a natural alternative to mass-market pet food, there are numerous risks associated with raw diets that can have serious effects on your dog’s health.

Decisions to feed dogs raw chicken should be made with immense caution, preferably under the guidance of a veterinarian. If you decide it’s not worth the risk, check out the safe and nutritious options from The Honest Kitchen. With a variety of recipes full of high-quality, delicious ingredients, there’s something for every dog’s palate.

For a safer, nutritious alternative to raw diets, check out  dog food  from The Honest Kitchen.