When we think about chicken, we think about a popular food among humans, rich in nutrients and low in cost. That’s why many Akita owners reach for chicken as a healthy, budget-friendly option for their four-legged family members.
But can you feed chicken to your Akitas? The short answer is “Yes,” you can feed chicken to your Akitas.
But there are lots of questions that come along with that answer. Will answer every question regarding the topic. Let’s start with the most common question:
Is chicken safe for Akitas?
Yes, chicken is safe for Akitas. Any unseasoned roasted, poached, grilled, or baked chicken is safe for Akitas to eat. In fact, cooked chicken is a better option because it is easier to digest and less likely to contain bacteria like salmonella than raw chicken.
If you decide to feed your Akita cooked or raw chicken, ensure it is boneless, as bones can splinter and cause internal damage. It is best not to feed your Akita too much chicken at once as it can cause stomach upset. If you are feeding your Akita chicken for the first time, watch for any abnormal signs. While rare, some Akitas can show a food intolerance or allergic reaction. If you observe any abnormal symptoms after feeding your Akita chicken for the first time (e.g., diarrhea or vomiting), consult a vet immediately as it could show a more serious underlying health concern.
Benefits of chicken in Akitas
* Protein: Chicken is packed with protein, which contributes to your Akita’s muscles and helps repair the wear and tear of daily life.
* Omega-6 fatty acids: These fatty acids help keep your Akita’s skin and coat healthy and hydrated.
* Vitamins: Chicken is also a source of vitamins, including B-complex vitamins, which help support your Akita’s metabolism.
* Minerals: Chicken provides important minerals like phosphorus and selenium, both of which contribute to bone health.
* Glucosamine: An added benefit of feeding chicken to your pooch is that it contains glucosamine, which can help reduce joint pain in Akitas.
Do all Akitas like chicken?
Unfortunately, no.
Your Akitas may not like chicken, even though it’s considered a “go-to” Akita food protein. Akitas have food preferences just like humans do. Some Akitas can be allergic to chicken or other proteins, and some breeds are known to have strong dislikes for a particular protein source.
If you’re wondering if your Akita doesn’t like chicken because he exhibits certain behaviors after eating it—such as vomiting or loose stool—or if you suspect an allergy, consult with your vet before introducing a new food to your Akitas diet.
Don’t force your Akita into eating chicken if he doesn’t want to; instead, try other common Akita-friendly protein sources such as beef, turkey, lamb, salmon and whitefish.
Can my Akitas have chicken every day?
While there’s no rule on how often Akitas can eat chicken, we recommend that they have a balanced diet. If your vet approves and they’re not allergic to chicken, then yes, you can feed Akitas the recommended amount of chicken every day as long as you provide other foods in balanced rations.
Can puppies eat chicken?
Yes, but wait until your puppy is at least two months old before feeding her any chicken. Puppies should be on a specialized puppy diet during their first few months to ensure they get all the nutrients they need for healthy growth.
After the age of two months, you can start slowly introducing chicken into your puppy’s diet. Start with just a small bite of cooked chicken (no bones or skin) and observe her for any allergic reactions or digestive upset. If she seems alright, you can try giving her a little more chicken the next day.
Puppies have delicate digestive systems, so it’s best to consult with your veterinarian before changing your puppy’s diet, including introducing chicken or any other type of meat.
How much chicken can Akitas eat?
It depends on the age, size and activity level of your Akita. Consult with your vet first for best serving size. If your Akita is on the raw meat homemade diet, you should be able to give him about ¼ to ⅓ cup of meat protein per 20lbs of body weight per day. So if your Akita weighs 40lbs, he will have ½ to ⅔ cups of raw chicken a day.
If your Akita suffers from diarrhea, follow a 2:1 ration with rice. For example, ⅓ cup chicken to ⅔ cup rice if your Akita is eating one cup of food per day.
Always follow the rule, portion control is important for your Akita’s diet. Start small and if there are no negative reactions, you can offer more.
How to serve chicken to your Akitas?
Akitas can eat chicken, but be sure to check with your veterinarian before you feed it to yours. If your vet says it’s okay to give chicken to your Akita, then you can start feeding them small amounts of plain, cooked boneless and skinless chicken meat. Gradually increase the amount over a couple of days by adding more chicken (and less food) every day.
Once you know your Akita tolerates chicken well, try mixing it with other foods your Akita likes. This is a great way to introduce new foods and flavors slowly so that you can identify any potential problems early on.
Cooked chicken can make a delicious addition to a meal for your Akita, or as a special treat of the day. You can serve it:
- Along with a smaller serving of your Akitas usual food
- On its own as a treat
- Dehydrated as a chewy treat
- Tasty meatballs
- Mixed with healthy grains and vegetables
When is chicken bad for Akitas?
Chicken can be a nutritious and delicious treat for your Akita. However, like any food, it is possible to feed too much chicken to your Akita. In addition, chicken can be bad for Akitas in certain circumstances.
If your Akita has underlying health issues—such as an allergy—chicken may not be the best choice of food.
Overindulgence: Any type of overindulgence can be bad for Akitas. If you are feeding your Akita too much chicken—or if you are feeding him large quantities of any food—this could lead to obesity or other health problems.
Chicken Containing Bones: Chicken bones that have not been properly prepared can splinter and cause choking or serious injury to an Akitas digestive system.
Chicken Skin: Chicken skin is high in fat, which means it can cause pancreatitis in Akitas.
Other human foods Akitas can eat
What other human foods can Akitas eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Akitas can eat.
So, can Akitas eat chicken?
Yes! Chicken is a great source of protein that can be beneficial to your Akita’s health. However, some Akitas may be allergic to chicken, but there are plenty of other food sources for protein that you can feed your Akita if this is the case. For best possible benefits, feed chicken breast meat, which is low in fat and high in protein. It’s important to cook chicken thoroughly with no harmful additives before serving it to your Akita. Take cooked chicken off the bone to reduce the risk of choking and splintering.