As a dog parent, you might get worried about your pooch’s health if he is a fussy eater, has insufficient protein intake, or suffers from stomach issues. What if a very easy and simple solution exists to all your woes? Yes! There is a solution – the good old, boiled chicken. Feeding your dog boiled chicken is one of the best ways to include a healthy dog diet homemade, which is very healthy and tasty at the same time. But why not raw chicken, you may ask? Yes, we will explore why you should never feed raw chicken to your dog, how to boil chicken for dogs, the associated risks, the boiled chicken recipe, and other suggestions, one step at a time.
Things to Know Before Feeding Chicken for Dogs
Chicken seems easy and non-harmful; you may not think twice before feeding it to your pooch. But there are certain things to know before feeding chicken for dogs.
#1 Salmonella Risk
You should never give your dog raw chicken to your dog as it may carry salmonella or other bacteria, which can cause severe gastronomical issues in your pup.
#2 Allergy
It may surprise some dog parents, but chicken comes under the top ten allergens for dogs. So, make sure your dog does not have a chicken allergy. And stop it immediately and consult your vet if he shows any signs of allergy after having chicken.
#3 Say No to Seasonings and Flavorings
Unlike you, the dog likes to have their chicken plain, and it’s for their stomach interest too. Avoid any seasoning like salt, spices, onion, and garlic while preparing boiled chicken for dogs, as these plants are toxic for them(whether raw, cooked, or powdered) and might easily upset their stomach.
#4 Say No to Bones
Ensure you remove all the bones before feeding chicken to your dog, as they serve as choking hazards. They can also rupture their stomach tissues and intestines if they ingest them.
How to Boil Chicken for Dogs?
As we told you, dogs devour the test of plain boiled chicken without any add-ons. Boiling is one of the best dog food recipes with chicken to give them a nutritious and fulfilling meal, especially when they suffer from stomach issues. Here, we are giving you a step-by-step guide on how to boil chicken for dogs?
#1 Choosing the Right Meat
Chicken breast for dogs is the best part to feed, as it’s the leanest part and contains a good amount of protein and very little fat.
#2 Preparing the Meat
It is necessary to thaw frozen meat in the freezer before boiling chicken for dogs. After complete defrosting, place breast pieces in a medium-sized pan, making sure they lie side by side and not on top of each other; this will ensure even cooking. Now fill the water in the pot, so there is at least a two-inch gap between the edge of the water and the pan; we do this to ensure overflowing does not happen. Indeed, you don’t like a mess while cooking.
#3 How Long to Boil Chicken for Dogs?
Many people have this question how long to boil chicken for dogs? After you turn on the heat, wait till the water starts boiling and, after that, simmer the chicken for at least 12 minutes. To be sure, You can cut a breast piece and check if it’s cooked inside.
#4 Cut into Small Pieces
After it’s cooked, you should shred it into smaller parts. You can easily do it with the help of two forks. The size of the pieces would depend on the size of your dog, and if he has dental issues, you can make the size even smaller to help him to chew it comfortably.
#5 Let it Cool Off
Don’t give hard chicken to dogs as they might burn their mouth. Allow the chicken to cool down before feeding them. After it’s cooled down, you can take out a portion according to your dog’s calorie needs and save the rest in freeze for later feeding for up to 4-5 days. If kept in the freezer, it can last up to 6 months.
Can I Feed My Dog Boiled Chicken Everyday?
Though your dog loves chicken, and it’s full of nutritional value, too, it should not be a regular in your dog’s diet. If it clears your pooch’s stomach, then what could be the harm, you might be wondering can I feed my dog boiled chicken everyday.
Your Dog May Become a Picky Eater
I know this might confuse some dog parents. If your dog has no issues with having regular dog food or has stomach or dental problems, you should avoid giving chicken meal in dog food regularly (chicken dog treats are okay as rewards). Because once they start having only chicken, they may become fussy about their regular food, and that’s not what we want.
Chicken Does Not Fulfill all the Nutritional Requirements
Chicken is one of the sources of nutrition, and other foods are as important too. The problem regarding giving only chicken to your dog might make them reliant on it. However, you can incorporate boiled chicken and rice for dogs, boiled veggies, and other grains. It is important not to abruptly introduce or remove any food from your dog’s diet.
If you want to give them homemade dog food with chicken meal, start with tiny portions and check for any allergy issues. If they have any reaction, stop it immediately and consult your vet. As a whole meal or mixed with white rice or pumpkin, boiled chicken works well for stomach issues for up to 3-4 days. It is better to give your dog brown rice if he suffers from a weak stomach, even though brown rice has more nutritional value.
Conclusion
So this is all about how to boil chicken for dogs? After your dog’s stomach woes are dealt with, you can switch to regular food but don’t start it in one go. Keep giving them a boiled chicken diet mixed with regular dog food. Gradually the chicken portion can be reduced to smaller quantities before you entirely switch to typical store food for your canine baby.