Can dogs eat BBQ boneless chicken: The short answer
The short answer is yes, dogs can eat BBQ boneless chicken in moderation as an occasional treat. Boneless chicken can be a healthy source of protein and nutrients for dogs. However, it’s important to avoid giving dogs too much BBQ chicken or chicken cooked with harmful seasonings and sauces.
Is BBQ boneless chicken safe for dogs?
Plain, boneless, cooked chicken without any seasoning is perfectly safe and healthy for dogs to eat. The concern with BBQ chicken is the potential seasonings and sauces it might be cooked with.
Many BBQ sauces contain ingredients that could be harmful to dogs like:
- Onions and garlic – toxic to dogs
- Tomato sauce – can upset some dogs’ stomachs
- Sugar – too much can cause obesity and diabetes
- Salt – excessive salt is unhealthy for dogs
- Spices – may irritate a dog’s stomach
As long as the BBQ chicken is boneless and only lightly glazed or seasoned, it should be fine for dogs. Avoid chicken cooked with any sugary sauces or heavy seasonings.
Benefits of chicken for dogs
Chicken can be a healthy meat choice for dogs for the following reasons:
- Lean protein source – Chicken breast is low in fat and calories while providing protein needed for energy.
- Contains vitamins and minerals – Chicken contains vitamins like B6 and B12 along with minerals like iron and magnesium.
- Easily digestible – Cooked chicken is gentle on dogs’ stomachs and ideal for dogs with sensitive digestion.
- Good flavor – Most dogs love the taste of chicken and will find it appetizing.
As long as it is cooked properly and served in moderation, chicken can be a nutritious addition to a dog’s diet.
Amount of BBQ chicken to give dogs
It’s important not to overfeed BBQ chicken to dogs. Here are some guidelines on safe portion sizes:
- Small dogs under 15 lbs can have 1-2 oz of chicken
- Medium dogs 15-50 lbs can have 2-4 oz of chicken
- Large dogs over 50 lbs can have 4-8 oz of chicken
To avoid stomach upset, introduce BBQ chicken slowly and watch for any signs of GI distress. It’s also best to limit high-fat meats like BBQ chicken to no more than 10% of a dog’s daily calorie intake.
How to prepare BBQ chicken for dogs
When preparing BBQ chicken for dogs, follow these tips:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breast – Avoid bones and remove skin with fat
- Cook thoroughly – Heat chicken to 165°F internal temperature
- Hold the sauce – Lightly brush or skip altogether if made with onions, garlic, etc.
- Skip seasonings – Avoid seasoned rubs and heavily glazed chicken
- Cut into bite-size pieces – Make pieces appropriate for dog’s size to avoid choking
- Cool before serving – Don’t feed hot off the grill to avoid burns
By preparing the chicken safely, removing any inedible parts, and limiting seasonings, you can make a healthy BBQ treat.
Can dogs eat chicken bones?
No, dogs should never eat chicken bones or any other bones. Chicken bones can easily splinter and get caught in a dog’s mouth, throat, or intestines. This can lead to:
- Choking
- Damage to the throat and gastrointestinal tract
- Internal bleeding
- Blocked intestines
- Perforations in the esophagus or intestines
All of these conditions can be extremely dangerous and require emergency veterinary care. For their safety, be sure to only feed dogs boneless chicken that has all bones removed.
Benefits of bone-in chicken for humans
While chicken bones pose risks for dogs, they can provide benefits for humans if prepared properly. Benefits can include:
- More flavor – Bone-in chicken often has more taste than boneless.
- Juicier meat – Bones help chicken retain moisture for tender, juicy meat.
- Nutrients in marrow – Bone marrow contains healthy fats, protein, and minerals.
- Collagen – Cooking bones releases collagen, touted for health benefits like youthful skin.
- Gelatin – Simmered bones release gelatin protein used for stock and soups.
Chewing and properly cooking chicken bones helps humans safely access their nutritional benefits.
Safe bones for dogs
While chicken bones are unsafe, there are some bones that are OK for dogs. Safer bone options include:
- Raw recreational bones – Uncooked bones like marrow bones help clean dogs’ teeth.
- Raw meaty bones – Raw, meat-covered bones provide enrichment for dogs.
- Cooked beef bones – Large cooked bones like T-bones are hard enough to avoid splintering.
- Edible bone treats – Commercial edible bones are digestible and safely provide minerals.
Always supervise dogs when giving any bone treats. Look for signs of wear on teeth and toss bones once they become small pieces.
Other human foods dogs can eat
In addition to boneless chicken, some other people foods dogs can safely eat in moderation include:
| Food | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Lean beef | Protein, iron, zinc |
| Salmon | Omega-3 fatty acids |
| Sweet potato | Vitamin A, fiber |
| Peanut butter | Healthy fats, protein |
| Quinoa | Amino acids, magnesium |
| Yogurt | Probiotics, calcium |
Be sure to introduce any new food slowly and avoid unhealthy ingredients like onions, chocolate, or excess salt and sugar.
Foods dogs should never eat
Some human foods are toxic for dogs and should be avoided. Dangerous foods include:
- Chocolate
- Grapes & raisins
- Onions & garlic
- Xylitol (sweetener)
- Macadamia nuts
- Avocados
- Salt & salty foods
- Raw dough
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
If you suspect your dog has ingested any toxic food, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.
Conclusion
Plain boneless chicken cooked without sauces or seasonings is a safe, healthy treat for dogs. Small amounts of boneless BBQ chicken are fine for most dogs as an occasional snack. However, avoid feeding dogs chicken bones, sugary sauces, heavily seasoned chicken, or toxic human foods. With proper preparation and limitations, dogs can benefit from boneless chicken as part of a balanced diet.