As dog owners, we often look for the best and most nutritious food for our pets. Natural, unprocessed treats are usually preferred over highly processed dog food. One popular treat is the chicken neck, a part of the poultry that seems healthy due to its natural and raw form. While it is believed that raw chicken necks are relatively safe and nutritious, research suggests that feeding chicken necks to dogs might not be as beneficial.
Providing the best nutrition and care for your pet is a top priority. However, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with certain food. Chicken necks, often fed to dogs as a treat or part of a raw diet, can pose significant dangers. Though some pet owners might consider chicken necks a natural source of protein and calcium, the risks outweigh any potential benefits
Dr. Martin Ross ,in “Can Dogs Eat Chicken Necks?” published in the Pawsome News website, said these are the following health hazards in feeding your dogs chicken neck:
1. Choking Hazard and Obstruction Risk
One of the primary concerns with feeding chicken necks to dogs is the risk of choking. Chicken necks are small and bony, which can easily become lodged in the throat. Large breeds may have a better chance of chewing them thoroughly, smaller dogs may attempt to swallow the neck whole, leading to potential airway obstruction.
The bones in chicken necks are not hard, which might seem safe for dogs to chew. The small, brittle bones can break into sharp fragments, increasing the chances of choking, internal injury, or a blockage in the digestive tract.
2. Salmonella and Bacterial Contamination
“Raw chicken, including chicken necks, carries a significant risk of contamination with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter,” said Dr. Ross.
While dogs have stronger stomach acids than humans and are more resilient to bacteria in raw meat, they are not immune to food-borne illnesses. Feeding raw chicken necks could expose your dog to serious bacterial infections, which can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and dehydration. In some cases, these infections can be life-threatening, particularly in puppies, senior dogs, or those with weakened immune systems.
3. Pancreatitis Risk Due to High Fat Content
Chicken necks contain a relatively high amount of fat compared to other parts of the chicken. A diet high in fat can increase the risk of pancreatitis in dogs, a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed and causes severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic and requires immediate veterinary attention, often leading to prolonged treatment and dietary restrictions afterward.
4. Dental Damage from Bones
Chicken necks can cause dental damage, particularly if the bones are not chewed properly. Many dog owners feed bones like chicken necks with the assumption that they will help clean their dog’s teeth. While bones are often seen as a natural toothbrush for dogs, they can lead to cracked or broken teeth.
Chewing on bones that are too hard can wear down the enamel on a dog’s teeth over time, leading to increased sensitivity and a higher risk of dental disease. For dogs that already suffer from dental issues, feeding chicken necks is even more problematic, as their teeth may not be able to handle the strain of gnawing on bones.
5. Increased Risk of Paralyzing Disease: APN (Acute Polyradiculoneuritis)
One of the most serious risks associated with feeding chicken necks to dogs is the potential link to Acute Polyradiculoneuritis (APN), a disease that causes paralysis. A study conducted by the University of Melbourne Veterinary School found that dogs who consumed raw chicken, especially chicken necks, were more likely to develop APN. This rare but serious autoimmune disease affects a dog’s nervous system, leading to weakness, loss of coordination, and in severe cases, full-body paralysis.
“While APN is not common, its potential link to chicken necks is a significant concern. The disease can be debilitating, requiring extensive rehabilitation and medical care. The risk, albeit rare, further underscores the potential dangers of feeding chicken necks to dogs,” Dr. Ross noted.
6. Alternatives to Chicken Necks
There are many safer alternatives to chicken necks that can provide your dog with the necessary nutrition and enjoyment without the associated risks. If you are looking for safe chew treats, consider the following options:
– Dental Chews: Specially designed dental chews can help maintain your dog’s oral hygiene without the risk of splintering bones.
– Rawhide Alternatives: Look for high-quality, rawhide-free chews made from natural ingredients that are easier to digest and pose a lower choking hazard.
– Cooked, Boneless Chicken: If you want to feed your dog chicken, ensure it is fully cooked and boneless to avoid bacterial contamination and the risks associated with bones.
– Vegetable Chews: Carrots, sweet potatoes, and other dog-friendly vegetables can provide a healthy and satisfying chew option.
About the Author: Niko Gabriel Salgado is a graduate of consular and diplomatic affairs from De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, and worked at the House of Representatives. He is now an entrepreneur and a volunteer of the animal welfare group Save Animals of Love and Light- Save ALL.
