Chicken is one of the main protein alternatives for fresh dog food, so it has been deemed safe by dog owners. Canned chicken is an alternative to cooked chicken meat containing proteins, minerals, and vitamins that are great for your dog’s immune system. The difference, though, is canned chicken is processed and sterilized under high levels of heat to avoid bacteria growth.
It also has much higher sodium levels than fresh chicken meat, so it would be advisable to feed it to dogs in moderation. There are two main types of canned chicken you can purchase for dogs. These are dark meat canned and white canned chicken. The former is made from dark meat and has significant levels of fat. White canned chicken is made from white meat and has high protein levels.
Benefits of Giving Your Dog Canned Chicken
Canned chicken is an excellent nutritional treat you can give the dog, especially during the formative years. For one, the high protein levels in white canned chicken are great muscle developers, aid in creating cells, and help heal wounds faster.
Dogs also have a better tolerance or use for protein than other food groups, so the meat will not be stacked as excess weight. It is a good way to help your dog maintain a healthy weight while still eating good portions. Canned chicken also contains zinc, which contributes to their fur and skin health.
Canned chicken does not typically come with minimal food colouring and preservatives, making it very digestible. The high protein levels and lack of seasoning mean it can be easily broken down. These usable elements and the minerals present indicate better energy levels along with improved joint health.
Finally, canned food alternatives are great for picky animals and those with health problems like urinary tract diseases. It is because of their soft and wet nature. Hence, canned chicken would be ideal for dogs with missing teeth and a problem chewing their food.
Risks of Giving Your Dog Canned Chicken
Canned chicken does have a few preservatives to keep it from spoiling. One of these is sodium phosphate which dehydrates the dog, and they can become hypertensive—same reason for the answer ‘No’ to the question, ‘can dogs eat Vienna sausage?’. It also increases the level of thirst and heightens the potential for sodium poisoning. Dogs tend to have a low tolerance for sodium, so salted or preserved items can be problematic in high quantities [1]. Sodium phosphate is also related to renal failure if taken in significant doses, so that would be something to watch out for. Canned chicken may have significant protein levels and be digestible, but it is not necessarily every dog’s best option. Some dogs are picky eaters and may not like that taste. Canned chicken, by virtue of being wet, also tends to spoil rather quickly if it is not stored correctly, so you would have to purchase it in small amounts.
Can You Give Your Dog Canned Chicken for Stomach Upsets?
It is possible to use canned chicken as one of the means of settling upset stomachs. The reason is that canned chicken without seasonings is both bland and digestible, so it would go down very well and help the dog’s digestive system return to its usual functioning. Chicken also has vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that would assist in the recovery. You can have the dog on this diet for a day or two, and they should start showing signs of recovery.
How Much Canned Chicken Can One Feed Their Dog
It is important to use moderation when including canned chicken to the dog’s diet. It can start small before gradually adding the food over time. You may also adjust the canned chicken amounts according to the levels of kibble and anything else being fed to the dog.
You should make sure not to exceed 10 percent of the dog’s caloric intake as well. Other platforms may also assist to compute how many calories your dog needs daily, so it would be easy to assess the amount of chicken to feed your canine friend.
Alternative Canned Meats You Can Give to the Dog
If you cannot get canned chicken for the dog, there are other alternatives that give just as much protein and less fats or carbohydrates.
Canned Turkey
It may be a more expensive alternative, but it is worth it. You have to ensure to rinse and drain, though. Giving a few scraps of plain unseasoned turkey does yield high protein levels. It is also a rich source of selenium and is great for dogs with allergies to typical protein sources. Canned turkey can be given as an alternative to the usual diet or mixed with dry kibble.
Canned Tuna
Canned fish is also a good protein source, rich in omega-three acids and lean proteins. In the same way as canned chicken, it would be wise to rinse the excess sodium before serving it to the dogs because it is also used as a preservative.
FAQs
Can dogs eat canned chicken?
Chicken is one of the main protein ingredients in dog food, so the answer is yes. Canned chicken is safe for canine consumption and has a high amount of protein.
What canned meat can dogs eat?
Canned tuna and turkey are some potential alternatives dogs can eat other than chicken. That is provided they do not contain any spices.
How much canned chicken can you feed your dog?
Due to the high sodium level, it is recommended to serve dogs canned chicken in moderate portions. It is also dependent on the size and activity of the dog. Small dogs can have a quarter of a cup, while larger-sized dogs can have a cup of canned chicken per meal.
