While dogs are descended from carnivorous ancestors and have some adaptations for meat consumption, domestic dogs have evolved alongside humans for thousands of years. During this time, they've developed the ability to digest cooked foods and carbohydrates more efficiently than their wild counterparts. Additionally, modern commercial chicken is often contaminated with bacteria that wild canids wouldn't encounter in fresh-killed prey. Dogs do have more acidic stomachs than humans, which provides some protection against bacteria, but this is not complete protection. Studies show that significant percentages of dogs fed raw diets still shed pathogenic bacteria in their feces, indicating that their digestive systems don't always eliminate these pathogens.

Freezing raw chicken at proper temperatures (0°F/-18°C or lower) for extended periods (2-3 weeks) can kill some parasites like Toxoplasma gondii, but it does not eliminate bacterial pathogens like Salmonella or Campylobacter. These bacteria can survive freezing and become active again when thawed. While freezing may reduce bacterial load slightly, it does not make raw chicken safe. Some commercial raw pet food manufacturers use a process called High Pressure Processing (HPP) that can significantly reduce pathogens while maintaining the raw quality of the food. If you're considering raw feeding, commercially prepared raw diets that undergo pathogen reduction treatments are safer than homemade raw chicken.

Some dogs may tolerate raw chicken without apparent issues, but this doesn't mean there are no risks. Even healthy-looking dogs can shed pathogenic bacteria in their feces, contaminating your home environment and posing risks to household members, especially children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and immunocompromised people. Additionally, the absence of visible illness doesn't guarantee there aren't subclinical issues or that your dog won't develop problems in the future. The risks also extend beyond your dog to your family and community, as antibiotic-resistant bacteria can spread from pets to humans. While your dog may have been fortunate so far, the documented risks remain significant enough that most veterinary professionals recommend against raw feeding.

Raw chicken bones are less likely to splinter than cooked bones, but they still pose significant risks. Dogs can still choke on bones, suffer from gastrointestinal blockages, or experience dental fractures from chewing on them. Even if bones pass through the digestive system, they can cause abrasions or tears in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. While the risk of splintering is lower with raw bones compared to cooked ones, the other hazards remain. If you want to provide dental benefits similar to those claimed for raw bones, there are safer alternatives like veterinary-approved dental chews, rubber chew toys designed to clean teeth, or specially formulated dental diets that have been proven to reduce plaque and tartar without the risks associated with bones.

While sourcing chicken from higher-quality suppliers (organic, free-range, local farms) may reduce the likelihood of contamination, it does not eliminate the risk. Even chicken from the best sources can harbor pathogenic bacteria. Studies have found bacterial contamination in all types of chicken, regardless of farming methods. The USDA does not require chicken to be Salmonella-free for human consumption, only that contamination levels are below certain thresholds. Some small farms may have lower rates of contamination, but without rigorous testing, there's no guarantee. If you choose to feed raw despite the risks, higher-quality sourcing is preferable, but it should be combined with all other safety protocols and the understanding that risk reduction is not risk elimination.

Symptoms of foodborne illness from raw chicken can include vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), loss of appetite, fever, lethargy, abdominal pain, and dehydration. In severe cases, bacterial infections can lead to sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition. However, some dogs infected with pathogens like Salmonella may show no symptoms at all while still shedding bacteria that can infect humans. This is particularly concerning because asymptomatic dogs can still contaminate your home environment. If your dog shows any signs of illness after eating raw chicken, contact your veterinarian immediately. Be sure to inform them that your dog consumes raw food, as this information is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

While any dog can potentially get sick from raw chicken, healthy adult dogs with robust immune systems may be better able to handle the bacterial challenges than puppies, seniors, or immunocompromised dogs. Working breeds and dogs with high energy needs might benefit from the high protein content, but they're not immune to bacterial infections. The decision should also consider your household situation - raw feeding is riskier in homes with vulnerable people. Ultimately, while some individual dogs may tolerate raw chicken better than others, there's no reliable way to predict which dogs will have problems. The documented risks apply to all dogs, even if some individuals never show symptoms of illness.

Most major veterinary organizations recommend against feeding raw diets to pets. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the FDA all have policies discouraging raw feeding due to the health risks to both pets and humans. These positions are based on scientific evidence documenting the presence of pathogens in raw meat and cases of illness in both animals and people linked to raw pet foods. While there are veterinarians who support raw feeding, they represent a minority within the profession. If you're considering raw feeding, it's important to understand that you're going against the consensus recommendations of most veterinary medical experts and public health organizations.