For pet owners looking to give their canine companions a tasty treat, look no further than the humble chicken!
Chicken treats come in countless forms and make a delicious, healthy snack for your furry friends.
Not only is chicken high in protein, but it’s also full of vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for your dog's overall health and wellbeing.
So read on and get ready to treat your pup with a special snack they deserve.
Are Chicken Treats Good for Dogs?
Chicken is not only a yummy meal for humans but also makes healthy dog treats! It contains numerous nutritional benefits that can improve your canine's health significantly.
Chicken is incredibly high in protein, which provides your dog with amino acids. These are necessary for healthy muscles, hair, skin and nails. Amino acids also support the immune system and help make hormones and antibodies.
Chicken is a lean meat, making it an ideal protein source for dogs that are on a low fat diet. This could be because they are overweight or prone to pancreatitis.
In addition, dogs find chicken treats to be highly palatable, making it an effective way of fostering good behavior during training sessions or helping them to swallow unpleasant medicines.
Can I Use Chicken Breast as a Dog Treat?
Feeding chicken to dogs can be a great way to provide them with a healthy and tasty source of protein. However, it's important to choose the right type of chicken and prepare it properly.
One option is to buy prepackaged chicken treats from a pet supply store. These are specifically made for dogs and often come in bite-sized pieces. This is a very convenient option and you are almost guaranteed your dog loves the taste.
Alternatively, you can buy human-grade chicken from the supermarket and prepare it at home. We recommend chicken breasts as they contain less fat and are easier to digest than other parts of the chicken.
It's important to avoid feeding your dog raw chicken, as it can be contaminated with salmonella or other harmful bacteria that can lead to gastrointestinal upset.
When cooking chicken for your dog, it's important to avoid using oils and seasonings that may irritate their stomach or cause other negative reactions.
Boiled chicken is a simple and healthy cooking method that is easy to prepare. Boiled chicken breast can be served on its own or mixed with other ingredients to create a balanced and nutritious meal. Cut the chicken breast into bite sized pieces, to avoid choking.
Is Chicken Good for Dogs with Allergies?
Dogs with food allergies require careful management of their diets to avoid adverse reactions.
If a dog is suspected of having a food allergy, a single protein diet may be recommended by a veterinarian as it will help limit their exposure to allergens. Chicken is one of the most common and healthy protein source options for these dogs.
However, it is important to note that some dogs are sadly allergic to chicken. Symptoms of a chicken allergy typically include itchy skin, rashes, vomiting or diarrhea.
If your dog eats chicken then experiences a bad reaction, do not feed it chicken anymore. Seek immediate advice from your veterinarian.
They will likely provide a short term relief for the symptoms and then recommend you seek alternative protein sources such as lamb or fish.
How Many Times a Week Should I Give My Dog Chicken?
Feeding your dog chicken-based dog food every day is safe, as long as it is a part of a balanced and nutritionally complete diet. Chicken is a great protein source and full of essential nutrients.
Ensure the dog food you choose is high quality and always check the packaging information to make sure it doesn't contain any other ingredients that could upset your dog's stomach.
However, chicken treats and fresh chicken breast should be given just a few times per week. Feeding your dog excessive treats can lead to diarrhea and weight gain.
Vets generally recommend treats make up 10% of your dog's diet but you should consult your own vet for advice on your own dog's specific dietary requirements.
Dried Chicken Dog Treats
Dried chicken dog treats are easy to handle. Because of their dry texture, you can easily break them into bite-sized pieces to use as a quick reward.
Dried dog treats also have an extended shelf life. You can buy them in bulk without worrying about spoilage.
There are different types of dried dog treats. The difference between them is the method used to remove moisture from the ingredients. These include:
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Freeze Dried Chicken Dog Treats - Raw chicken strips are frozen. They are then dried out by being placed in a vacuum under low pressure with heat added. This results in a dried treat that is high in both flavour and nutrition.
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Air Dried Chicken Dog Treats - Small batches of raw chicken are exposed to warm circulating air. This removes moisture and preserves most of the nutritional value.
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Chicken Jerky Dog Treats aka. Dehydrated Treats - Raw chicken is exposed to heat for a long period of time. This removes all moisture but sadly also removes a lot of the beneficial nutrients. Chicken jerky for dogs also has less flavour than freeze or air dried treats.
Homemade Dog Treats
Homemade Vs Store Bought Treats
When it comes to choosing between homemade versus store bought dog treats, there are pros and cons to consider.
Homemade dog treats are a nice idea because they can be personalized to your dog's taste preferences, dietary needs, and allergies.
You can control the quality of ingredients and avoid harmful additives that are often found in commercial dog treats. And if you enjoy baking, it can be fun!
However, making homemade dog treats require time and effort. Store bought treats are convenient and come in a wide variety of flavors, shapes and sizes.
You can easily browse and compare different brands and products, and choose the ones that suit your dog's preferences and nutritional needs.
Store bought treats and chicken jerky also have a longer shelf life, compared to anything homemade.
They can be purchased in bulk then stored away, making them ideal for busy pet parents who don't have time for baking regularly.
How Long Can I Store Chicken Dog Treats?
It depends what type of chicken treats!
Chicken jerky dog treats have a long shelf life. In their packaging, they usually last for around 18 months. The packaging should let you know the expiration date.
Once opened, store chicken jerky for dogs in an airtight container. If stored in a cool, dark place after opening, it should last roughly 6 weeks.
Raw chicken breast can be stored in the fridge for roughly 3 days. Once cooked, serve to your dog immediately.
Chicken Treat for Dogs
Freeze Dry Australia - Chicken Range
Freeze Dry Australia offers a delectable range of freeze dried chicken dog treats that cater to the nutritional needs of your pets. Their line up includes Chicken Breast, Chicken Necks, and Chicken Hearts treats.
These freeze dried treats are all made from just chicken, making them high in nutritional value with no nasty additives.
About Ian
With an impressive track record of nearly 15 years, Ian has been supplying high-quality pet products to Australians, earning their trust and loyalty.