Is Raw Chicken Bones Good for Dogs? 3 Vet-Approved Powerful Answers You Need!

The question “Is raw chicken bones good for dogs?” is one that many pet owners grapple with as they seek the best nutritional choices for their canine companions. This debate involves traditional nutrition, modern veterinary research, and pet care. Modern dogs have access to commercial pet diets and veterinary care, unlike wolves and wild dogs that have eaten raw bones for millennia. Both sides of the raw feeding argument have strong opinions regarding raw chicken bones. While some worry about bacterial contamination and damage risks, supporters point out dental and nutritional benefits. Let’s tackle this difficult subject to guide dog owners in their decisions.

Is Raw Chicken Bones Good for Dogs? 3 Vet-Approved Powerful Answers You Need!

1. The Safety Perspective—Dr. Sarah Johnson, DVM, DACVN

“As a veterinary nutritionist with 15 years of experience, I can tell you that raw chicken bones are a controversial topic in veterinary medicine. While raw chicken bones are softer and more pliable than cooked ones (which should NEVER be fed to dogs), they still carry risks that pet owners need to understand.

The primary concerns include bacterial contamination (particularly Salmonella and Campylobacter), potential for intestinal perforation, and choking hazards. However, when given the right size and proper supervision, many dogs can safely eat raw chicken bones.

If you choose to feed raw chicken bones, select bones appropriate for your dog’s size (necks for small dogs, backs for larger dogs), always supervise, and source from high-quality suppliers. For many dogs, especially aggressive chewers or those with dental issues, safer alternatives like dental chews or recreational bones may be more appropriate.”

2. The Nutritional Perspective—Dr. Michael Chen, DVM, PhD in Animal Nutrition

“From a nutritional standpoint, raw chicken bones do provide valuable nutrients for dogs, particularly calcium and phosphorus in an appropriate ratio. They also contain collagen, marrow, and cartilage that can support joint health.

However, it’s critical to understand that bones should be part of a balanced diet, not the foundation of it. A dog fed a complete commercial diet doesn’t nutritionally ‘need’ bones, though they may derive other benefits from them.

If you’re feeding a homemade diet, working with a veterinary nutritionist is essential to ensure proper balance. Too many bones can lead to constipation and excess calcium, while too few can create deficiencies. For most pet owners, I recommend caution and proper education before introducing raw bones, as the nutritional benefits can be obtained through other, safer means if bone feeding seems too risky for your situation.”

3. The Practical Perspective—Dr. Lisa Martinez, DVM, 20+ years in clinical practice

After seeing thousands of dogs in my clinical practice, I’ve developed a practical approach to the raw chicken bone question. The truth is that it depends entirely on the individual dog, the household situation, and the owner’s commitment to proper handling.

I’ve seen dogs thrive on diets including raw bones, with excellent dental health and digestion. I’ve also treated serious complications from bone consumption, even in experienced raw-feeding households.

My practical advice is this: know your dog (their chewing style, digestive sensitivity, and any health conditions), be willing to handle raw meat safely, always supervise bone-chewing sessions, and start with small amounts to see how your dog responds. Be prepared to adjust or stop if you notice any negative effects.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but with proper education, supervision, and an individualised approach, many dogs can safely enjoy raw chicken bones as part of their diet. For others, the risks may outweigh the benefits, and that’s okay too.”

The Natural Diet Argument

Ancestral Diets and Modern Dogs

Dogs developed from wolves, and their digestive systems still have many parallels with that of their wild forebears. Wolves naturally devour whole prey animals including organs, bones, and muscular meat. This underlines the foundation of the “ancestral diet” theory.

Modern domestic dogs, it is noteworthy, are not wolves, though. Dogs have evolved some really unusual digestive skills throughout thousands of years of domestication. Dogs have evolved genes for starch digestion absent in wolves, according to studies reported in the journal Nature, which helps them to more effectively consume carbohydrates found in human food waste.

That said, many aspects of canine digestion remain similar to their wolf ancestors:

• Dogs have acidic stomachs (pH 1-2 when food is present)
• They have relatively short digestive tracts optimized for meat
• Their teeth are designed for tearing and minimal chewing

These traits suggest that raw meat and bones may still be biologically appropriate for many dogs, though individual variations exist.

Raw Food Diet Movement in Pet Care

In the 1990s, the BARF diet, developed by Australian veterinarian Ian Billinghurst, became the basis for the contemporary raw feeding movement. To get dogs back to their natural diets, this method suggests giving them raw meat, organs, and a little bit of plant stuff.

Raw chicken bones, being relatively soft and widely available, became a staple in many raw feeding programs. Proponents report benefits including:

• Improved dental health
• Healthier skin and coat
• Reduced allergies
• Better digestion
• Increased energy

Though many of these advantages are anecdotal and there is little research especially on raw chicken bones. We do have some comparative studies on raw diets generally and observational data from raw feeders.

Potential Benefits of Raw Chicken Bones

Dental Health Advantages

One of the most frequently cited benefits of raw bones is dental health. When dogs chew on raw bones, the mechanical action can help:

• Remove plaque and tartar
• Massage gums
• Exercise jaw muscles
• Reduce bad breath
• Potentially prevent periodontal disease

Dogs fed a diet incorporating raw bones had noticeably less dental calculus, according a study written up in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. Commercial diets The researchers said: “The data clearly shows that the feeding of raw meaty bones, but not bovine ribs or bully sticks, minimises or prevents dental calculus formation in dogs.”

Nutritional Content of Raw Chicken Bones

Raw chicken bones contain several valuable nutrients for dogs:

Nutrient	Amount per 100g	Benefit
Calcium	86-120 mg	Essential for bone development, muscle function, nerve transmission
Phosphorus	67-92 mg	Works with calcium for bone formation, part of DNA and cell membranes
Collagen	20-25%	Supports joint health, skin elasticity, and digestive lining
Marrow	Varies	Source of healthy fats and blood-forming elements
Cartilage	Varies	Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health

 

Note that the particular bone—neck, back, wings, etc.—as well as the chicken’s diet affect the nutritional value. Bones from pastures-raised chickens often have superior nutritional profiles than those from conventionally grown animals.

Mental Stimulation and Behavioral Benefits

Beyond physical health, raw bones can provide significant psychological benefits:

1. Natural chewing outlet: Dogs have an innate need to chew, and raw bones can satisfy this urge in a way that’s more engaging than commercial chew toys
2. Mental stimulation: Working on a bone requires problem-solving and persistence
3. Reduced anxiety: The act of chewing has been shown to release endorphins in dogs
4. Decreased destructive behaviors: Dogs with appropriate chewing outlets are less likely to damage furniture or personal items

Veterinarians and many behavioural experts understand how important species-appropriate chewing hobbies are for dog mental health. Appropriate raw bones can provide dogs hours of mental stimulation and stress relief,” writes eminent veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker.

Safety Concerns and Risks

Bacterial Contamination Risks

Raw chicken is known to commonly carry pathogens such as:

• Salmonella spp.
• Campylobacter spp.
• Listeria monocytogenes
• E. coli

Dogs are more resistant to many foodborne diseases but are not immune; their stomachs and shorter digestive systems than those of humans contain more acid. Raw chicken-fed dogs have been found to shed these bacteria in their faeces, so posing possible public health issues.

Dogs given raw chicken were noticeably more likely than dogs fed commercial foods to shed Salmonella in their faeces, according a 2018 study written up in the journal Zoonoses and Public Health. This creates potential risks for:

• Immunocompromised family members
• Young children
• Elderly household members
• Pregnant women

To minimize these risks, proper handling practices are essential:

• Store raw bones separately from human food
• Clean all surfaces thoroughly after handling
• Wash hands before and after handling raw bones
• Discard bones after a few hours to prevent bacterial growth
• Never leave raw bones at room temperature for extended periods

Choking and Intestinal Obstruction Hazards

Raw chicken bones, while softer than cooked bones, still present some physical risks:

1. Choking: Pieces can become lodged in the throat, especially if dogs “gulp” rather than chew properly
2. Intestinal puncture: Though rare with raw bones, sharp edges could potentially damage the digestive tract
3. Blockage: Larger pieces could cause obstruction, particularly in small breeds
4. Impaction: Bone fragments could accumulate in the digestive tract

Veterinary emergency rooms do occasionally see cases related to raw bone consumption, though at lower rates than with cooked bones. The risk varies significantly based on:

• The dog’s size
• Chewing style (aggressive vs. gentle)
• Type of bone (weight-bearing bones are harder)
• Individual digestive sensitivity

Comparison: Raw vs. Cooked Chicken Bones

It’s crucial to distinguish between raw and cooked chicken bones:

Aspect	Raw Chicken Bones	Cooked Chicken Bones
Texture	Pliable, somewhat flexible	Brittle, prone to splintering
Digestibility	Generally digestible, though varies by dog	Poorly digestible, higher risk of obstruction
Splintering risk	Low to moderate, depending on bone type	High, especially with roasted or boiled bones
Bacterial risk	High if improperly handled	Lower, but still present
Nutritional value	Contains intact proteins and enzymes	Some nutrients degraded by heating

 

Cooking alters bone structure fundamentally, hence cooked bones are far more harmful. Veterinarians almost all agree that cooked chicken bones should never be given to dogs; opinions on raw bones vary.

Veterinary Perspectives

Current Veterinary Consensus

The veterinary community remains divided on the issue of raw chicken bones.

Professional groups such the FDA Centre for Veterinary Medicine and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) have policy statements against raw animal protein diets because of pathogen issues. However, these positions address raw feeding broadly rather than chicken bones specifically.

Among individual veterinarians, opinions vary widely:

• Conventional veterinarians typically caution against raw bones
• Holistic and integrative veterinarians often support raw feeding, including appropriate bones
• Veterinary nutritionists generally emphasize the importance of balanced diets, whether raw or cooked

A 2019 survey of veterinarians found that while 53% reported concerns about raw diets, 45% believed that appropriately sourced and handled raw diets could be beneficial for some dogs.

Research Studies on Raw Bones for Dogs

Scientific research specifically on raw chicken bones for dogs is limited, but some relevant studies include:

1. Raw chicken intake has been linked, according a 2018 study in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, to a paralytic illness known as acute polyradiculoneuritis (APN) in Australian dogs. But this seems related more to a Campylobacter infection than to the bones themselves.
2. Chicken bones had better digestion (95%) than beef bones (77–80%), according to research on digestibility of various raw meaty bones in dogs published in PLOS ONE.
3. Though at lower rates than for cooked bones, a 2013 study in the Canadian Veterinary Journal recorded instances of dogs showing up for issues connected to raw bones visiting emergency rooms.

What’s clear from the research is that both benefits and risks exist, and more controlled studies are needed to fully understand the impact of raw chicken bones on canine health.

Expert Opinions and Recommendations

Veterinary experts who do support raw bones typically offer these guidelines:

• Choose appropriate bones for the dog’s size and chewing style
• Supervise all bone-chewing sessions
• Source bones from high-quality, human-grade meat
• Introduce bones gradually to monitor for digestive tolerance
• Remove bones when they become small enough to swallow whole
• Avoid feeding bones to dogs with certain health conditions (dental issues, pancreatitis, etc.)

Supporting raw feeding, proactive veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker advises, “Raw chicken necks and backs can be appropriate for many dogs, but each animal should be evaluated individually, and owners should be educated about proper handling and supervision.”

Practical Considerations for Dog Owners

Selecting Appropriate Chicken Bones

In terms of dog safety, not all chicken bones are created equal:

Bone Type	Suitability	Notes
Chicken necks	Good for small to medium dogs	Rich in cartilage, appropriate size for smaller dogs
Chicken backs	Good for medium to large dogs	Contains some organ meat, good calcium-phosphorus ratio
Chicken wings	Suitable for small dogs	May be too small for larger breeds, risk of swallowing whole
Chicken legs/thighs	Variable	Harder bones, may be appropriate for larger dogs with careful supervision
Chicken feet	Generally safe	High in cartilage, good for joint health
Chicken breasts	Not recommended	Little bone content, poor calcium-phosphorus ratio

 

Factors to consider when selecting bones:

• The dog’s size and weight
• Chewing habits (aggressive vs. gentle chewer)
• Dental health
• Previous experience with bones
• Any existing health conditions

Safe Handling and Feeding Practices

If you decide to feed raw chicken bones, follow these safety protocols:

1. Sourcing: Purchase from reputable suppliers. Consider:
   • Organic or free-range chickens when possible
   • Human-grade meat
   • Fresh rather than previously frozen when available
2. Storage:
   • Keep bones frozen until ready to use
   • Thaw in refrigerator, not at room temperature
   • Use within 2-3 days of thawing
3. Preparation:
   • Rinse bones under cold water
   • Trim excess fat if your dog is prone to pancreatitis
   • Never cook the bones
4. Feeding:
   • Always supervise bone-chewing sessions
   • Offer bones after a meal, not on an empty stomach
   • Limit chewing time to 10-15 minutes initially
   • Feed on a surface that can be sanitized, or outside
   • Remove when bones become small enough to swallow
5. After feeding:
   • Discard any leftover bones after 1-2 hours
   • Clean feeding area thoroughly
   • Watch for any digestive changes over the next 24-48 hours

Monitoring Your Dog’s Response

Every dog responds differently to raw bones. Watch for:

Positive signs:

• Improved dental health
• Healthier stools
• Increased satisfaction after meals
• Better breath
• Reduced destructive chewing

Warning signs:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Constipation
• Reluctance to eat
• Pawing at the mouth
• Changes in behavior
• Blood in stool

Keep a journal when first introducing bones to track your dog’s response, and be prepared to discontinue if negative reactions occur.

Alternatives to Raw Chicken Bones

Commercial Bone Alternatives

For those concerned about raw chicken bones, several commercial alternatives exist:

1. Usually bigger beef bones sold especially for dogs are recreational bones. Though they have little nutritional value, they help with chewing.
2. Products meant to lower plaque and tartar include dental chews like Greenies, Dentastix, and VeggieDent. Certain bear the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval.
3. Made from dried beef pizzle, bully sticks offer long-lasting chew possibilities free from bone hazards.
4. Yak chews from Himalayans: Long-lasting chews based on hard cheese that offer protein.
5. Products like Nylabones and Benebones are made to be quite robust while also fulfilling chewing needs.

Alternative	Pros	Cons
Recreational bones	Natural, long-lasting	Limited dental benefits, potential for tooth fracture
Dental chews	Clinically proven benefits, convenient	Expensive, high in calories, some dogs eat too quickly
Bully sticks	Natural, digestible, long-lasting	Expensive, can have strong odor, calorie-dense
Yak chews	Hard, long-lasting, digestible	Expensive, can cause tooth fracture in aggressive chewers
Synthetic bones	Durable, various shapes and textures	Not digestible, pieces can cause blockages if swallowed

Other Natural Chewing Options

Beyond commercial products, several natural alternatives can provide benefits similar to raw bones:

1. Carrots: Crunchy, low-calorie, and most dogs enjoy them. Good for teeth but without the bacterial risks.
2. Dehydrated sweet potato chews: Tough, fibrous, and nutritious.
3. Dried tendons: Provide some dental benefits and are digestible.
4. Frozen Kong toys: Can be filled with dog-safe foods and frozen for a long-lasting challenge.
5. Deer antlers: Very hard, long-lasting, but may cause tooth fractures in aggressive chewers.

When selecting natural alternatives, ensure they’re appropriately sized for your dog and monitor for any digestive changes.

Balanced Diet Considerations

Whether or not you include raw chicken bones, ensuring a balanced diet is crucial:

• Raw bones should be part of a balanced diet, not the primary component
• The calcium-phosphorus ratio in the overall diet should be approximately 1.2:1
• Commercial diets are formulated to be nutritionally complete without bones
• If feeding a homemade diet, consult with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure balance

If you’re feeding a primarily commercial diet, discuss with your veterinarian whether supplemental bones are appropriate or if alternatives might better meet your dog’s needs.

Special Considerations for Different Dogs

Age-Related Factors

Dogs at different life stages have varying needs and risks:

Puppies:

• Growing bones need proper calcium-phosphorus balance
• Developing teeth may be damaged by bones that are too hard
• Puppies may be more prone to gulping pieces
• Introducing bones early (under supervision) may help develop proper chewing habits

Adult dogs:

• Generally the most suitable life stage for raw bone consumption
• Individual variation in chewing style must be considered
• Dental health should be evaluated before starting

Senior dogs:

• May have dental issues that make bone chewing painful or risky
• Digestive systems may be less efficient at handling bone fragments
• Existing conditions like arthritis or kidney disease may contraindicate bone feeding

Breed and Size Considerations

Different breeds and sizes of dogs may handle bones differently:

Small breeds:

• Higher risk of choking on larger pieces
• May benefit from smaller bones like chicken necks or wings
• Often have more dental issues that could benefit from appropriate chewing
• May need more careful monitoring due to their size

Medium breeds:

• Generally can handle chicken backs and necks well
• Individual chewing style is still important to consider
• Less prone to both choking and bone crushing than extreme sizes

Large breeds:

• May consume bones too quickly
• Higher risk of breaking teeth on inappropriate bones
• Often need larger bones that won’t be swallowed whole
• Some large breeds are predisposed to bloat, which could be triggered by bone consumption

Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs like Bulldogs, Pugs):

• Higher choking risk due to airway anatomy
• May have more difficulty chewing properly
• Often have dental issues that require special consideration
• May benefit more from other dental care options

Health Conditions That May Affect Raw Bone Suitability

Certain health conditions may make raw chicken bones unsuitable:

1. Pancreatitis: The fat content in chicken bones may trigger flare-ups
2. Dental disease: Broken or infected teeth may be further damaged by bones
3. Previous GI surgery: Dogs with altered digestive tracts may be at higher risk for complications
4. Immunocompromised dogs: Higher risk from bacterial contamination
5. Kidney disease: High phosphorus content may be problematic
6. Allergies to chicken: Obviously contraindicates chicken bone consumption

Always consult with your veterinarian about your individual dog’s health before introducing raw bones.

FAQs About Raw Chicken Bones for Dogs

Are raw chicken bones safe for dogs?

Usually softer and less likely to shatter than cooked bones, raw chicken bones are safe for dogs. They provide dental and nutritional value. To make sure your dog fits its diet, though, always monitor it, pick correctly sized bones, and see a veterinarian.

Can dogs eat raw chicken?

Conclusion

Answering “Is raw chicken bones good for dogs?” is difficult. Dental health, nutritional supplementation, and mental stimulation must be weighed against bacterial infection, physical harm, and individual health concerns.

We know that feeding raw chicken bones carefully reduces dangers. This includes choosing bones that fit your dog’s size and chewing technique, practicing food safety, supervising chewing sessions, and measuring reaction.

When handled appropriately, raw chicken bones can benefit many dogs’ diets. For others, risks may outweigh benefits, thus alternatives may be better. Dog owners should consult a veterinarian who understands raw feeding’s pros and downsides before making the decision.

What counts most is making an informed choice based on your dog’s needs, your family environment, and your risk tolerance. Many dogs can safely benefit from raw chicken bones with correct handling and monitoring.

Resources and Further Reading

1. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) – Policy on Raw Animal-Source Protein Diets: https://www.avma.org/policies/raw-or-undercooked-animal-source-protein-diets-dogs-and-cats
2. FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine – Get the Facts! Raw Pet Food Diets can be Dangerous: https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/get-facts-raw-pet-food-diets-can-be-dangerous-you-and-your-pet
3. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition – “Raw food diet for dogs: basic information”: https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.12644
4. Canadian Veterinary Journal – “Raw food diets in companion animals”: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3003575/
5. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine – “Acute Polyradiculoneuritis in Dogs and Raw Chicken Association”: https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.14940
6. Veterinary Oral Health Council – Accepted Products for Dogs: http://www.vohc.org/VOHCAcceptedProductsTable_Dogs.pdf
7. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry – “Effectiveness of Selected Bones for Oral Hygiene in Dogs”: https://doi.org/10.1177/089875640001700101
8. PLOS ONE – “Digestibility and ecological footprint of raw meaty bones diets in dogs”: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0225662
9. Dr. Karen Becker – “The Truth About Raw Food for Pets”: https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/05/22/pets-digestion.aspx
10. Zoonoses and Public Health – “Zoonotic bacterial pathogens in raw meat-based diets for dogs”: https://doi.org/10.1111/zph.12487