NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods. “What is good for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on their age, health history, health conditions, and diet, among other things.” Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.
Chicken is a nutritious protein source for humans and dogs alike. It’s a popular ingredient in dog food, and there are plenty of chicken-flavored dog treats and toys to choose from.
But while dogs can eat chicken, you’ll want to be careful about how much you give them—and how it’s prepared. As with any new food that finds its way into your dog’s bowl, moderation is key. Here’s what to know.
Are Chicken Tenders Good for Dogs? A Complete Guide for Pet Owners
Chicken tenders are a popular finger food that most humans love to eat. Their crunchy breaded coating and juicy chicken interior make them hard to resist. But are chicken tenders actually good for your furry friend?
As a dog owner, you want to make sure you are feeding your pet a nutritious diet. Knowing what human foods are safe for dogs is key. In this article, we’ll explore whether chicken tenders are a smart choice to share with your dog.
What Are Chicken Tenders?
If you want to call them chicken strips or chicken fingers, they are made from chicken breast meat. Cut the tenderloins into long, thin strips. Coat them in bread crumbs and fry, bake, or grill them.
The breading acts as a crunchy coating to keep the interior chicken moist and juicy. Chicken tender breading is usually made from a simple blend of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs or panko. However, some recipes also incorporate seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Are Chicken Tenders Healthy for Humans?
For humans, chicken tenders can be a healthy option in moderation. Lean chicken breast is an excellent source of protein and nutrients like niacin, vitamin B6, selenium, and phosphorus.
However, the way chicken tenders are prepared impacts their nutritional value. Fried chicken tenders absorb a lot of extra fat from oils, increasing their calorie and fat content. The breading also adds refined carbs and sodium.
Overall, baked or grilled chicken tenders are a better choice than fried. Watch out for heavily seasoned tenders as well, as these can be high in salt, sugars, and preservatives.
Potential Benefits of Chicken Tenders for Dogs
Now that we know what chicken tenders are all about, let’s explore whether they make sense to feed to your dog. Here are some of the potential benefits:
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Good Source of Lean Protein. Chicken is a great source of high-quality protein that dogs need. Protein supports muscle growth and tissue repair.
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Contains Important Nutrients. Chicken contains nutrients like niacin, selenium, vitamins B6 and B12. These help the body’s metabolism, nerves, DNA synthesis, and keep the coat healthy.
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Easy to Digest. For most dogs, chicken is easy to break down and digest. It’s less likely to cause gastrointestinal issues compared to red meats.
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Provides Energy. The protein and vitamins in chicken give dogs long-lasting energy. The rich nutrients help sustain an active lifestyle.
Potential Risks of Feeding Chicken Tenders to Dogs
However, there are also some potential downsides to feeding your pup chicken tenders:
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High in Fat. Fried chicken tenders absorb a lot of oil, making them too high in fat for dogs. Excess fat can lead to obesity and pancreatitis.
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Contains Salt and Spices. Chicken tenders are often seasoned with onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and other spices that are unhealthy for dogs.
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Breading Issues. Some dogs have difficulty digesting the breading, which has little nutritional value anyway. It may cause an upset stomach.
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Choking Hazard. The bones and dense breading pose a choking risk, especially for larger chicken pieces. Dogs should be monitored when eating.
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Raw Chicken Risks. Raw or undercooked chicken can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella. Cook chicken thoroughly before feeding.
Healthier Alternatives for Dogs
The negatives seem to outweigh the positives when it comes to chicken tenders for dogs. Luckily, there are some healthier chicken-based alternatives to try instead:
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Deboned Chicken Breast. Plain, cooked chicken breast has all the benefits of chicken protein without the risks. Be sure to remove all bones.
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Chicken and Rice Dog Food. Many commercial dog foods include chicken and rice for a tasty, gentle formula.
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Chicken Jerky Treats. Look for high-quality jerky without preservatives or seasonings. Only feed in moderation.
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Chicken Broth. Low-sodium chicken broth makes an enticing topping for kibble or hydrating treat.
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Frozen Chicken. Cook chicken, cut into small pieces, and freeze for a cooling summer snack.
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Chicken-Flavored Treats. Try treats made with chicken fat or broth to get the flavor without the risks.
Tips for Serving Chicken Safely
If you do want to occasionally feed your dog plain chicken, keep these safety tips in mind:
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Remove all bones and skin first to lower choking risk and fat content.
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Cook chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F. Never feed raw.
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Start with very small amounts and discontinue if any digestive upset.
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Avoid seasoned chicken or drippings to prevent onion/garlic toxicity.
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Supervise your dog while eating to monitor for choking.
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Introduce new proteins slowly and watch for signs of an allergic reaction.
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Never exceed 10% of your dog’s daily calories coming from treats like chicken.
The Verdict: Skip the Chicken Tenders!
Chicken tenders may look like a tasty snack to share with your pup. However, the high fat content, dense breading, seasoning risks, and choking hazards mean chicken tenders are not an ideal choice.
While plain, unseasoned chicken breast does offer some nutritional value, there are healthier ways to give your dog the benefits of poultry. For a crunchy, chicken-flavored treat, turn to commercial dog treats made with natural ingredients and free of byproducts. Your dog’s health and safety should always come first!
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Is Chicken Good for Dogs?
Chicken can be a healthy food for dogs if prepared correctly. It’s an excellent source of protein and contains several nutrients that can help maintain your dogs overall health, including vitamin B6, vitamin B3, and zinc.
Just make sure that any chicken you give your dog is fully cooked to keep them from getting salmonella or other food-borne illnesses. Watch out for extra ingredients that might make them sick, like garlic and onions, and remove any bones because they can cause choking or digestive issues.
Can Dogs Be Allergic to Chicken?
Protein sources such as chicken (or beef, dairy, egg, lamb, and fish) are some of the most common causes of allergies in dogs.
As a rule, dog food allergies affect the skin and coat. However, they can also make dogs throw up or have diarrhea. Symptoms that may indicate your dog has a chicken allergy include:
It’s possible for dogs to develop a food allergy at any point in their life—so if Fido is suddenly scratching after he eats his regular chicken and rice kibble, you may want to try an elimination diet to see if something in his food is causing it.
This chicken tender is actually a dog!
FAQ
Can dogs eat chicken tenders?
Yes, dogs can eat chicken tenders, but with some important considerations. Plain, cooked, and boneless chicken tenders are generally safe and can even be a healthy addition to a dog’s diet.
What piece of chicken is best for dogs?
If you don’t want to use breasts, you can use ground chicken or boneless thighs instead. Just keep in mind that they also have more fat. Just make sure whatever you’re using is boneless, poultry bones should always be avoided as should any “cooked” bones regardless of source.
Which part of chicken should not be eaten by dogs?
Dogs can safely eat cooked chicken meat without bones, skin, or seasoning. Since chicken necks and wings are soft, they may be safe for your dog to eat, but you should always watch them while they eat. Avoid giving them cooked bones, as they can splinter and cause injuries.
Can a dog have breaded chicken?
Dogs shouldn’t eat fatty, fried foods like fried chicken, bacon, or spareribs because they probably have extra salt and seasonings on them. In addition, the fat content can cause vomiting and diarrhea and lead to pancreatitis, especially in small dog breeds like schnauzers and terriers.