It would be unfair of me to say no to that. Chicken thighs are too juicy a treat for your dogs to resist, but still, I’ll advise treading with caution.
Are Chicken Thighs Safe for Dogs?
Well, I’ll say yes but then it depends on how well you cook them and serve them to your pet.
These are the things you need to do to make chicken thighs safer for your dog:
- First off, get rid of all the bones in the chicken thighs before you feed them to your pooch. You wouldn’t want them splintering and either choking your pet or causing internal injuries.
- The next thing is to remove the skin from the chicken thighs. Now, I have nothing against the skin, it’s just very high in fat and if your dog gets carried away feasting on it, they can develop pancreatitis or other digestive issues.
- Lastly, cook the chicken thighs properly to get rid of nasty microbes like Salmonella which can make your pet sick.
Why your dogs should eat chicken thighs
My endorsement of this treat for your dogs is not founded on some personal desire. There are actually a lot of benefits that they can get from eating chicken thighs and I’m about to share a few with you:
- Lean Protein: Chicken thighs are the perfect treat if you want to juice up your pets with an abundant amount of lean protein. It’s all they need to maintain healthy muscles and support overall bodily functions
- Essential Nutrients: Chicken thighs also contain important nutrients like niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, and selenium, which contribute to a well-balanced diet for your pet.
- It’s a Good Occasional Treat: Despite my high praise for chicken thighs, it shouldn’t be a staple food. At best, it can be an occasional treat or a healthy addition to your dog’s regular meal.
The not-so-good stuff about chicken thighs for dogs
Chicken thighs are a mix of the good and the bad. Now that you know what makes this treat nice for your pet, you should also know a few unpleasant things.
- High-Fat Content: Ideally, I’ll pick chicken breast over chicken thighs because the latter has more fat and when your dog consumes too much of it, they may suffer from pancreatitis. Trust me, that’s something you don’t want for them.
- Tendency to choke: If you cook chicken thighs and serve them to your dogs with the bones intact, one of two things is going to happen – choking or internal bleeding. These are two dangerous but avoidable conditions.
- Stomach upset: I get it, chicken thighs are delicious but still, you can’t afford to allow your dogs to eat too much of it. Additionally, you can’t serve your pets undercooked or spoiled meat because that will just mess up their tummy. I’m talking about issues like vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.
- Allergies: Though this is not common, it’s equally important. Some dogs may be allergic or sensitive to chicken and when they eat even a small amount, it can cause skin irritation, digestive problems, or ear infections.
How much is safe?
There’s no fixed amount because it all comes down to your dog’s size, activity level, age, and diet. Here are some guidelines to ensure you feed your pooch the appropriate amount:
- 1-2 ounces of chicken thigh meat for small dogs (under 20 lbs)
- 2-4 ounces for medium dogs (20-50 lbs)
- 4-6 ounces for large dogs (over 50 lbs)
If your dogs are the hyperactive sort, it won’t hurt to feed them a bit more but don’t push your luck.
Suitable cooking methods for preparing chicken thighs for your dogs
I recommend baking, boiling, or grilling chicken thigh meat because they have little business with excess oils and seasonings.
What I don’t recommend is frying because it will just take the fat and calorie content to another level which will be unhealthy for your dogs.
How to feed chicken thighs to your dogs
- Introduce them gradually into your dog’s diet to avoid stomach upset or digestive issues.
- Start with small portions and monitor your dog’s reaction before increasing the amount.
- Ensure your dog stays well-hydrated when introducing a new food to them
Other options for your pup
I know I’ve said this countless times but I just have to put it out there again – chicken thighs are a delight. But that doesn’t mean they’re the only treat on the block.
Just in case you don’t want to go with this, there are numerous alternatives to consider:
- Chicken breast – leaner than the thighs and ideal for dogs that are prone to weight gain or pancreatitis.
- Turkey breast or thighs – both leaner in fat and offer a different flavor
- Fish – oily breeds like salmon, tuna, and sardines are great sources of protein and healthy fats.
- Lean cuts of beef, pork, or lamb
Just be sure to remove the skin and bones for the meat. As for the fish, avoid those that are packed in oil or brine.
Summing It up
Chicken thighs are a treat made in heaven for your dogs, but you have to prepare them well and feed your dogs on occasion to prevent things from going south. And if your pet hasn’t had them before, slowly introduce the meat to their diet and ensure it’s the right portion for them.
Before I forget, don’t fail to give your vet a ring if you’re having doubts about the right amount to feed your dog. They will either provide you with sound advice or tell you to forget about chicken thighs (if your dog is allergic to them). Until next time!
Read More: Can Dogs Eat Chicken Hearts?
