Can huskies eat chicken
Can Huskies Eat Chicken? (How To Feed Them Chicken Safely)
Chicken is found in lots of different dog foods, but can huskies eat chicken?
Huskies can certainly eat chicken its packed full of protein and other nutrients that are beneficial to huskies. It is recommended to feed them cooked chicken (ideally boiled) rather than raw due to bacteria such as salmonella and to also remove any bones beforehand.
In this article, well explore the benefits of chicken for huskies, how to prepare it properly and whether raw chicken or chicken organs are beneficial as well.
A Quick Disclaimer
Before you feed your husky lots of chicken, you should start with a very small amount first.
Chicken allergy is one of the most common allergies that huskies can suffer from, so you need to test them first to make sure there arent any reactions.
The symptoms of an allergic reaction to chicken include itchy skin and paws, or vomiting and diarrhea. If you notice any of these symptoms you should take your husky to the vet as soon as possible.
Benefits Of Chicken For Huskies
Everybody knows chicken is healthy, but what are the specific benefits of chicken for huskies?
High In Protein
The most obvious benefit of feeding your husky chicken is its protein content.
Huskies need a lot of protein to fuel their energetic and demanding lifestyles, which is where chicken excels. One cup of chicken has almost 40 grams of protein, which makes it a great option for huskies.
Nutritional Value
Alongside protein, chicken also contains vitamins and minerals like phosphorus, vitamin B6, and selenium.
Its important to note that chicken is not a nutritionally complete food for huskies, so it needs to be used as a supplement to their diet rather than a substitute for commercial dog food.
Tasty
Most huskies love the taste of chicken, especially compared to normal dog food.
It makes a great healthy treat that you can incorporate during training or simply to reward them throughout the day.
Can Huskies Eat Raw Chicken?
Huskies can eat raw chicken, but it poses more risk than cooked chicken for several reasons:
Cooked chicken is a much safer and better option for huskies, and it can be bought cooked from the grocery store to make things easier.
If you are one of the many people that feed their husky a raw diet, try to source the highest quality chicken that you can and make sure to wash it and remove any bones before feeding.
Can Huskies Eat Chicken Bones?
Theres quite a lot of misinformation about chicken bones, especially when comparing cooked and raw chicken bones. People argue that raw chicken bones (i.e those that havent been boiled) are safe for huskies because they are much more solid and can be used as chew toys.
The simple fact is you shouldnt give your husky raw or cooked chicken bones, as they can cause obstructions in the stomach or intestinal tract which can lead to punctures.
Raw chicken bones might be great as chew toys, but if your husky swallows one it can become a much bigger problem.
What About Organs? (Liver, Heart, Etc)
Chicken organs, like kidneys or liver, for example, are also great options for huskies.
These organs tend to be even more nutritious than chicken breast but contain slightly less protein and more fat.
Its a good idea to cook them like you should do with regular chicken meat due to the bacteria.
Best Way To Prepare Chicken For Huskies
The best way to prepare chicken for huskies is to simply boil it and remove any skin or bones.
Fried or roast chicken is more likely to upset their stomachs due to the addition of oil and flavorings, whereas boiled plain chicken is likely to be easily digestible.
You can boil chicken in bulk and store it in the fridge for a few days to keep a supply of chicken for your husky and add it to their meals.
How Much Chicken Should Your Husky Eat?
The general rule of thumb is to feed your husky 1/4 to 1/3 cup of boiled chicken for every 20 lbs of body weight.
So, for the average husky that weighs anywhere from 35 to 60 lbs, that works out as roughly 1/2 a cup to 1 cup of boiled chicken per day. You can always add more if they are particularly active but dont substitute commercial dog food entirely with chicken.
FAQs
Can Huskies Eat Frozen Chicken?
Frozen chicken is fine as long as it is cooked frozen chicken.
Raw frozen chicken can still contain a lot of bacteria that can be potentially harmful to your husky, so it should be avoided the same as regular raw chicken from a refrigerator.
The freezing process can kill some bacteria in raw chicken, but it doesnt make it fully safe to eat.
Can Huskies Eat Chicken Feet?
Chicken feet are a bit of a strange case because they contain lots of small bones that ideally need to be kept raw to be eaten.
This leads us straight back to the issue of raw chicken though. Just like raw chicken meat, raw chicken feet can contain harmful bacteria that can cause issues not only for your husky but for other people in the house as well.
In Summary
Chicken is a great option for huskies, as long as it is cooked and any bones removed. You should always be cautious first just in case your husky has a chicken allergy by giving them a small amount to start off with.
Raw chicken is a popular option but it does increase the risk of complications relating to bacteria and parasites often found in chicken. Even if your huskys stomach can handle it, theres a chance it might spread around the house through their saliva or feces.
Want to learn about other husky snacks? Check out some of our other articles below for some quick and easy foods you can give your husky:
Ultimate List of What Huskies Can and Cant Eat
There are so many different dog food options that it can be overwhelming knowing what is good and bad for their health.
Some people are happy to feed their Husky dog food from a can or package, but what if you want to supplement their diet with human food? How do you know what Huskies can and cant eat?
Like humans, each individual Husky will have their own foods that they can or cant eat. Some might like a particular food and some might have an allergic reaction to it.
It is up to the owner to make sure that they only give their Husky a small amount when trying each food so that they can make sure it is safe for them. Try introducing a little bit of each food each week so you can see what they enjoy and what you need to avoid.
Below is a list of foods and drinks that you might want to try with your Husky. Just remember that some Huskies might love them, while others might not be too keen.
If your Husky has underlying health issues, or you have any questions at all about whether the following will be good for your Husky, it might be a good idea to double-check with your vet.
Can Huskies Eat Eggs
Huskies can eat eggs. Eggs are a fantastic source of protein and are a great way to add more nutrients to their diet.
But like all foods, it does have its risks. Feeding your Husky raw eggs isnt necessarily dangerous, but there is a small chance of contracting salmonella and E. Coli, which can cause food poisoning (just like with humans).
On the other hand, cooking the eggs (scrambled or hard-boiled) means that some of the nutrients are altered or destroyed. Your Husky will still enjoy eating the eggs but the health benefits wont be as great.
Its up to you to decide how you would like to serve them, but either way is fine in moderation.
Just make sure that if you feed your Husky cooked eggs, they are plain, with no seasoning or sauces on them that could be harmful to your dog.
Another option is to feed your Husky eggshells. These are an excellent source of calcium and can be good for Huskies who have difficulty eating bones.
You can grind up the shells and sprinkle them over their food or serve hard-boiled eggs with the shell still on.
Can Huskies Eat Apples
Huskies can eat apples. The fruit is full of fiber and vitamins, and when cubed or sliced it can be a great treat for your Husky.
Just make sure that you remove the core and seeds from your pieces of apple, as this can be harmful and difficult for your Husky to digest. Apple seeds also contain a small amount of cyanide which can be potentially fatal to all animals (and humans).
Can Huskies Eat Almonds
Huskies can eat almonds, although it is not recommended. Almonds are not toxic for Huskies, but they are difficult to digest and can cause an upset stomach.
If your Husky does eat a few almonds, it shouldnt cause any problems, but its not recommended to have as a regular part of their diet.
Can Huskies Eat Avocado
Huskies can eat avocado, but it is not recommended. Avocados contain a toxin (in the skin, leaves and seed) called persin, which is poisonous for most animals.
While dogs dont appear to be affected by persin, there is still a risk involved in feeding your Husky avocados. If they happen to swallow some, dont worry too much, as avocado is perfectly safe to eat in small doses.
Try to make sure they dont eat the dangerous parts of the avocado, but if they do and you notice vomiting or diarrhea, consult your vet immediately.
As for guacamole, if it is just plain avocado, that should be fine for your Husky to eat. But avoid it if it also contains garlic or onions, which are harmful foods for dogs.
Can Huskies Drink Almond Milk
Huskies can drink almond milk. Almond milk is made from the processing of almonds, and most Huskies enjoy the nutty flavor.
But it is also a very high-calorie drink, so it should be served in moderation. If your Husky drinks almond milk, you might need to consider increasing their exercise so that they dont put on too much extra weight.
Make sure that there are also no sweeteners added to the almond milk because some of these could be harmful to your Husky.
Can Huskies Eat Blueberries
Huskies can eat blueberries. Blueberries are full of vitamins and nutrients. Because they are small and soft, they are easily digestible and can be added to their existing food.
Blueberries also make a great treat or healthy snack for your Husky.
Can Huskies Eat Bananas
Huskies can eat bananas. Bananas are a healthy treat that are full of nutrients and fiber, making them ideal to add to your Huskys diet. When eaten in moderation, they can improve your Huskys overall health.
You can cut bananas into slices to use as treats during training or add to their food bowl. On hot days, frozen banana slices can be a nice cooling treat.
Make sure that you remove the peel so that your Husky is only eating the fruit. Banana peels are difficult to digest and could give your Husky an upset stomach if swallowed.
Can Huskies Eat Bread
Huskies can eat bread. Plain white or wholegrain bread is usually safe for Huskies to eat.
Because bread contains a lot of carbohydrates, it is important to either limit the amount served, or increase the amount of exercise your Husky gets, to avoid your Husky getting overweight.
You also have to be careful of the ingredients in the bread, and avoid any that contain raisins, garlic, macadamia nuts or anything else that may be toxic to dogs.
While bread is safe for Huskies to eat, raw bread dough definitely isnt, so be sure to keep your Husky away if youre baking bread. If your Husky manages to eat some, consult your vet immediately as they could be in danger of alcohol toxicosis.
This is a condition with symptoms that include depressed central nervous system, weakness, hypothermia, and seizures, all of which could prove fatal to your Husky.
Can Huskies Eat Bones
Huskies can eat bones, as long as they are raw or manufactured, and not cooked.
Cooked bones can be dangerous because they are brittle and can splinter or break when chewed on. These shards of bone can then pierce and potentially cause damage to your Huskys internal organs.
This is an important topic to understand, so read this guide to learn more about whether Huskies can chew bones.
Raw bones or manufactured bones (treats specifically made for dogs) are a good option for many reasons. Not only do they provide nutrients to your Husky, but they help to strengthen and clean their teeth.
They are also good distractions if your Husky gets stressed or anxious and likes to chew on things as a result.
Can Huskies Eat Bacon
Huskies can eat bacon, but it is not recommended. Bacon is high in fat and salt, a combination which is not very healthy.
While there is no harm in giving your Husky a small piece of bacon as a special treat on occasion, it is better to avoid this.
Instead, consider a bacon-flavored dog treat, which is usually a healthier option, and is less likely to cause an upset stomach.
Can Huskies Eat Broccoli
Huskies can eat broccoli. Broccoli is low in fat and calories, which makes it a great healthy treat for your Husky.
While it is OK to feed your Husky raw broccoli, it is usually better to steam it and cut it into bite-size pieces so that it is easier to digest.
Huskies can eat the stalks and florets of broccoli but you should avoid feeding them any of the leaves, which can be harmful to their health.
Can Huskies Eat Beans
Huskies can eat beans, but it depends on what type. Some beans are good for your Husky and contain beneficial nutrients, fiber, and protein.
Green beans, lentils, black beans, chickpeas, and kidney beans are all healthy options, and cooked plain they are a great addition to your Huskys diet.
Beans you should avoid include refried beans, baked beans, and broad beans.
If rinsed under running water before cooking, canned and frozen beans are also a good option. The rinsing eliminates a majority of the sodium that is usually present in these and makes them safer for your Husky to eat.
But just like in humans, beans can cause gassiness in your Husky, so beware!
Can Huskies Eat Beef
Huskies can eat beef. Beef is a common ingredient in most dog foods and is an excellent source of protein and nutrients.
If you plan on feeding your Husky lean beef that you have cooked yourself, make sure that it is plain (without salt, sauces or seasoning) because these added extras can cause harm to your Husky.
Can Huskies Eat Brown Rice
Huskies can eat brown rice. Brown rice is an ingredient often found in commercial dog food which is very nutritious for Huskies. It can be served either on its own or with added meat for extra protein.
White rice is also good for Huskies but brown rice is a slightly healthier alternative because it has slightly more protein and slightly less fat than white rice.
Rice is easy for Huskies to digest and can help settle an upset stomach.
Can Huskies Eat Cheese
Huskies can eat cheese, but it is not recommended.
Because of the high fat and lactose, Huskies are likely to get an upset stomach or diarrhea after eating cheese. If your Husky eats a small amount, dont worry too much, but make sure to keep an eye out for any digestive symptoms.
Can Huskies Eat Tomatoes
Huskies can eat tomatoes, but it is not recommended. Feeding your Husky ripe tomatoes on occasion shouldnt cause any problems but it is better to avoid doing this.
You also need to be wary of something called tomatine which is found in green tomatoes, as well as the leaves and stalks. This is toxic for dogs and can cause serious health problems if your Husky eats them.
Can Huskies Eat Raw Chicken
Huskies can eat chicken, but it is better for it to be cooked (with no seasoning), rather than raw.
While feeding your Husky raw chicken isnt necessarily dangerous, there is always an added risk of contracting salmonella, which can cause food poisoning.
It is also best to cut the chicken into smaller pieces, and ensure all bones are removed, to avoid your Husky choking.
As one of the main ingredients in commercial dog food, chicken is full of protein, which can be served on its own or mixed in with other foods to provide a balanced meal for your Husky.
Can Huskies Eat Oranges
Huskies can eat oranges. Full of vitamin C and other nutrients, oranges make a tasty treat for Huskies. Make sure that you remove the peel (which is difficult for Huskies to digest) and feed them segments of the fruit.
Oranges, like all treats, should be given to your Husky in moderation, along with plenty of exercise and a healthy diet.
Can Huskies Eat Grapes
Huskies cannot eat grapes and you should make sure that they never have the opportunity to eat them.
Grapes, along with raisins, are extremely toxic to Huskies and all other dogs, and if eaten, have the potential to cause kidney failure and death.
Even one little grape can cause serious harm to your Husky if eaten, so if you think that your Husky may have eaten one, get them to a vet immediately.
Can Huskies Eat Fish
Huskies can eat fish. While it is probably best to feed your Husky cooked fish (without any type of sauce or seasoning), there is nothing to say that raw fish is dangerous.
While some people may be worried about fish bones causing internal damage or choking, there are just as many people that let their Huskies eat whole fish.
Its up to you as the owner to decide how you would like to feed fish to your Husky, and if you have any questions, you can always consult with your vet.