Chicken is one of the most popular foods among humans, and for good reason: it’s nutrient-rich and relatively low cost. That’s why so many Dachshund owners are wondering whether they can feed chicken to their Dachshunds.
The short answer is yes—Dachshunds can eat chicken! But there are a lot of nuances that come along with canine consumption of poultry. In this article, we’ll answer every question you might have about feeding your Dachshund chicken.
Is chicken safe for Dachshunds?
Cooked, boneless chicken can be a great source of protein for Dachshunds, and a good option for when you’re out of Dachshund food. However, there are some precautions you’ll need to take.
First, ensure the chicken is cooked; They could contaminate raw meat with bacteria and lead to food poisoning. Next, make sure the chicken has no bones in it—chicken bones are soft enough that they can splinter and cause choking or tear your Dachshund’s stomach lining. Also avoid seasoning the chicken—salt or spices can upset your Dachshund’s stomach.
Finally, introduce the chicken slowly and watch for any abnormal signs; rare but some Dachshunds can show a food intolerance or allergic reaction to new foods. If you observe any abnormal symptoms, discontinue feeding the chicken immediately and call your veterinarian right away.
Benefits of chicken in Dachshunds
Protein: Chicken is a great source of protein, and protein helps to keep your pup’s muscles strong.
Omega-6 fatty acids: Omega-6 fatty acids are good for your Dachshund’s coat and skin.
Vitamins: The vitamins in chicken can help your Dachshund’s immune system and improve their vision.
Minerals: Minerals like calcium and phosphorus help to build strong bones and teeth.
Glucosamine: Glucosamine helps to keep your Dachshund’s ligaments and joints healthy.
Do all Dachshunds like chicken?
Unfortunately, not all Dachshunds like chicken. Just like people, Dachshunds have food preferences. Some Dachshunds can be allergic to chicken, so if you notice your Dachshund having an allergic reaction after consuming it, stop giving it to them immediately. Don’t force feed your Dachshund chicken if they don’t like it. Instead, try other Dachshund friendly protein sources like beef, turkey and fish. Consult with your vet before introducing a new food to your Dachshund’s diet.
Can my Dachshunds have chicken every day?
While there’s no rule on how often Dachshunds can eat chicken, you can absolutely feed your Dachshunds the recommended amount of chicken every day—as long as it’s part of a balanced diet and your vet approves.
Just make sure that your Dachshund is not allergic to chicken before you add it to their daily meals.
Can Dachshund puppies eat chicken?
Yes, puppies can eat chicken, but they shouldn’t until they’re older than two months. Puppies are best fed a specialized puppy diet until they’re at least two months old. Even then, introduce cooked chicken to your puppy’s diet gradually, starting with just a small bite of cooked chicken every day for a week.
Puppies have delicate digestive systems and are prone to digestive upset. That’s why it’s so important to consult with your vet before introducing any new food to your puppy’s diet.
How much chicken can Dachshunds eat?
The amount of meat your Dachshund can eat should be determined by age, size, and activity level. Always consult with your vet first.
The general rule is to feed 1/4 to 1/3 cup of meat protein per 20 pounds of body weight per day if you’re feeding your Dachshund a homemade raw diet.
If your Dachshund suffers from diarrhea, follow the 2:1 ration with rice. For example, 1/3 cup chicken to 2/3 cup rice if your Dachshund is eating one cup of food per day.
Most Dachshunds will eat twice a day, so divide their daily amount in two equal portions. Ration out their food at each mealtime and don’t leave it out all day.
Portion control is important for your Dachshund’s diet! But you can always offer more if there are no negative reactions.
How to serve chicken to your Dachshunds?
There are a lot of ways you can serve chicken to your Dachshunds.
Along with a smaller serving of your Dachshund’s usual food: Chicken is an excellent source of protein and fatty acids, so when mixed with your Dachshund’s usual food, it can help them gain weight or increase their overall health.
On its own as a treat: Chicken is an excellent reward for good behavior. The Thundershirt I bought for my Dachshund was expensive, but she stopped freaking out during thunderstorms the first time she wore it, and I could train her to associate wearing it with the cessation of her anxiety by giving her chicken whenever we put it on before a storm.
Dehydrated as a chewy treat: Dehydrated chicken is low-calorie and nutritious, and Dachshunds love the chewy texture.
Tasty meatballs: Seasoned ground chicken makes excellent meatballs that are healthy for your Dachshund and easy to make in bulk so that you always have some on hand!
Mixed with healthy grains and vegetables: If you’re looking for a complete meal for your Dachshund, then you can mix cooked chicken with healthy grains like rice or oatmeal and vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots.
When is chicken bad for Dachshunds?
It’s not a good idea to feed your Dachshund chicken if it has any underlying health issues like allergies.
In addition, overindulgence of chicken can make your Dachshund obese or diabetic.
Chicken bones are known to cause obstructions in the digestive system or even perforate the stomach and intestines.
Fatty chicken skin can cause pancreatitis in Dachshunds—which will lead to vomiting and diarrhea.
Raw chicken is never a good idea for your Dachshund, as it can contain bacteria like Salmonella or Campylobacter—which are extremely dangerous to both humans and Dachshunds alike.
Other human foods Dachshunds can eat
What other human foods can dachshunds eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Dachshunds can eat.
So, can Dachshunds eat chicken?
And the answer is a resounding YES!
Chicken is not only a good source of protein, but also provides many other essential nutrients that are vital for a healthy canine diet.
While some Dachshunds may be allergic to chicken, most puppies and adult Dachshunds love the taste and will readily eat their food with this ingredient in it. For best possible benefits, feed your Dachshund chicken breast meat, which is lower in fat than dark meat cuts like drumsticks or thighs. Be sure to cook it thoroughly and remove all bones before serving it to your pet.