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How Long To Boil Chicken For Dogs: The Dog Owner’s Guide

If you’re a dog owner, you’re likely always looking for new and interesting ways to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. One of the most important things you can do for your dog is making sure they’re getting a nutritious diet, and that includes giving them plenty of protein.

One common way to do this is by boiling chicken for dogs. Chicken is full of protein and is relatively cheap, making it an excellent choice for many dog owners.

However, there are some things you need to know before just grabbing a pot and throwing it in the slow cooker.

How long to boil chicken for a dog to ensure it’s cooked through and safe to eat? What is the right way to do it and is eating boiled chicken good for dogs?

Keep reading to find out…

Why Should You Boil Chicken Long Enough?

Many people assume that if you toss some chicken into a pot of water, it will be cooked through in a few minutes. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case – depending on the size of your chicken pieces, they could take up to 20 minutes to cook thoroughly.

This is an especially important point to remember if you’re cooking for a large dog. 

While your 7 pound Maltese may be able to eat two small, bite-sized chicken pieces and still receive the necessary amount of protein, your 85 pound German Shepherd might need more than that.

To make sure that all of your pup’s nutritional needs are met, you need to be sure that your chicken is cooked through and easy for them to digest.

While many dogs can certainly eat undercooked chicken, it’s not recommended. Feeding your dog undercooked chicken can lead to illness.

Properly boiling chicken for dogs is also important to kill any bacteria that may be present in the meat. This will ensure that your furry friend doesn’t get sick by consuming something he shouldn’t, and will keep him healthy.

Related Article: Best Dry Dog Food for Chihuahuas. If you have a lovely small dog such as a chihuahua, then this article is for you.

How Long Should You Boil Chicken For Dogs?

Boiling chicken for dogs is relatively simple – it’s just a matter of putting the chicken in enough water to cover it, boiling for 12 minutes (depending), and making sure that any pieces are cooked all the way through.

For example, if you have two six-ounce chicken breast halves, you would want to boil them for 10-12 minutes total.

This time will vary depending on the size of your chicken pieces, as well as how large or small they are. You need to make sure that your chicken is cooked through and easy for your pup to digest.

Another thing to note is that you need to make sure you’re bringing the chicken pieces to a boil.

If you take your chicken out of the water too soon, it will be undercooked and could make your pup sick. The best way to ensure this doesn’t happen is by taking a fork or knife to the meat, making sure it’s no longer pink, and that the juices are clear.

Is Eating Boiled Chicken Good For Dogs?

Dogs are quite fond of eating meat, and chicken in particular. However, just because they like it doesn’t mean it’s good for them.

boiled meat in a pot

Chicken isn’t necessarily bad for your pup – especially if you boil the chicken long enough to make sure they’ll receive all of the vital nutrients they need to stay healthy.

That being said, you need to be aware of the pros and cons before just boiling chicken for dogs.

Pros:

  • Chicken is full of protein
  • Many people like to boil chicken for their dogs because it’s relatively inexpensive
  • Chicken is a healthy treat if done correctly

Cons:

  • If you don’t boil it long enough, your dog may get salmonella poisoning or other food-related illnesses. It can also be difficult to digest if not cooked properly.
  • Too much chicken can cause an upset stomach and diarrhea. Cook it as part of a balanced diet with vegetables and vitamins.

Feeding your dog small pieces of chicken once a week or so is perfectly fine and healthy. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and watch your dog for any signs of illness or adverse effects.

Related Article: Calming Chews for Dogs. Read on to know about the significant symptoms of anxiety in dogs and how calming treats play a huge role in treating it.

What Are The Benefits Of Eating Boiled Chicken?

Now that you know how to properly cook chicken for dogs, it’s time to consider the benefits of doing so.

Protein

Firstly, chicken is an excellent source of protein. Protein is critical for sustaining your dog’s muscle mass, which is essential to keeping them fit.

With protein being so important, you want to make sure that any chicken they have does actually have protein in it.

For this reason, boiling chicken for dogs is one of the best things you can do when it comes to feeding them healthy amounts of protein.

Energy

It’s best for dogs who are still growing or working hard – think hunting or police work. If your pup seems lethargic or won’t eat his food, adding boiled chicken may help.

For older dogs, it’s the perfect food for giving them added energy. In addition, you may also be interested in reading best dog food for old pomeranian. We also wrote a separate article on that one.

Healthy Skin And Fur

Boiled chicken for dogs is also great for their skin and fur, as it provides them with essential Omega 6 fatty acids.

These fatty acids will help your dog’s coat stay shiny, soft, and healthy. It works the same way that eating fish can help keep your skin shiny!

Glucosamine 

Finally, chicken is an excellent source of glucosamine.

Glucosamine is useful for dogs who are suffering from arthritis or other joint problems as it can help ease their symptoms. It also helps keep dogs’ bones healthy, which is great for their health in general.

By adding some boiled chicken to their diet, you can help your dog feel better and live a more comfortable life.

How To Boil Chicken For Dogs The Right Way?

Boiled chicken for dogs is a good thing, but it can be dangerous if you do not boil your chicken for dogs the right way.

Here is how to cook boiled chicken for dogs the correct way so that it is healthy and nutritious.

1. Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast Is Best

Cut the meat into small pieces.

Take the breast and separate it into as many pieces as you can. The smaller you cut the chicken, the faster it will cook.

2. Add Water And Boil

Add a small amount of water.

Place your chicken pieces in a pot and add a small amount of water – enough to cover 1/2 of the chicken.

Cook/boil for 12 minutes on high heat.

3. Check The Temperature

Do not overcook the chicken.

After cooking the chicken, take it out of the pot to check its temperature with a digital thermometer.

Chicken is completely cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

4. Add Salt And Veggies

Add a little salt and vegetables for taste and more nutrients.

After boiling the chicken, add some salt to help enhance the flavor of your dog’s food. You can also mix in some veggies to make it even healthier.

If you want to add a vegetable, try something green and leafy like kale or spinach for maximum health benefits.

5. Cool The Chicken Thoroughly

Let the boiled chicken cool on its own.

Take the boiled chicken out of the pot and let it sit until it has reached room temperature on its own. Do not add it to a cold bowl, as this will cause the chicken to cool off too rapidly and could result in bacteria forming.

6. Store And Serve

Store cooked boiled chicken for dogs in an airtight container.

Once you have finished boiling your dog’s food, store it in an air-tight container until your pup is ready to chow down. We recommend storing it in the fridge and feeding it to your dog within 3 days.

If you want to store the food for longer than 3 days, freeze it instead.

Boiling chicken can be a great way to help your dog if they are sick or just need some added nutrients in their diet. By boiling the chicken yourself, you know exactly what is going on with your pup’s food which means you can give them even better care.

If you’re feeding fresh dog food, give them 1/4 to 1/3 cup boiled chicken for every 20 pounds of body weight. This protein-packed food will give your pooch the energy they need to get through their day.

dog choosing meal on the table

It’s important to note that if you are feeding fresh dog food, do not cook it for longer than 25 minutes or at too high of a temperature as this can kill many of the beneficial nutrients found in chicken, like amino acids and Omega 3 fatty acids.

People Also Ask

Can Boiled Chicken Make A Dog Sick?

Boiled chicken, like any other meat, can make your dog sick if you do not prepare it properly. Bacteria and parasites in the food could cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. If cooked properly though, it contains many healthy vitamins and minerals that your dog will love.

How Long Does Boiled Chicken Take To Cook?

It takes approx 12 minutes to cook chicken on high heat. Cut your chicken into small pieces. To boil the chicken, add a small amount of water to a pot and bring to a boil. Add your cut pieces of chicken breast, cover, and let simmer for 12 minutes. Make sure you use hot water and check the temperature to make sure it’s safe for your dog.

Can I Feed My Dog Chicken Every Day?

No, it is recommended to feed your dog boiled chicken no more than 2 times per week. Too much protein can lead to weight gain and issues with their stomach, like diarrhea. Like with any food, it should not be eaten every day and should be part of a balanced diet.

How Do You Boil Chicken For A Sick Dog?

Cover a medium-size pot halfway with water. Bring the water to a boil. Cook the chicken for 12 minutes over high heat or until it is fully cooked, stirring occasionally. Shred the chicken after it has cooled off to prevent burns.

Does Boiled Chicken Help Dog Diarrhea?

Yes, it helps with diarrhea because boiled chicken is very bland. If you shred the chicken into tiny pieces and mix it in with their regular food or rice, the taste will be masked but your pup will still get much-needed nutrients.

Is It Better To Boil Or Bake Chicken For Dogs?

When cooking chicken for dogs, it’s best to boil because boiling chicken keeps all of the nutrients intact while still providing a protein-packed meal for your dog. Baking tends to overcook or burn the food at higher temperatures.

Conclusion

Boiling chicken for dogs is a great way to increase your pup’s protein intake and provide them with necessary vitamins and minerals such as amino acids and Omega 3 fatty acids. 

By boiling the chicken yourself, you know exactly what they are eating and can serve it as part of a healthy balanced diet.

Make sure you don’t undercook or overcook your dog’s food. Undercooked chicken could have bacteria that cause vomiting and diarrhea which will only hurt or cause discomfort for your furry friend. Overcooked chicken will lose all its nutrients and can be hard to digest.

Next time you boil chicken for yourself, remember to save it for your dog. They will love the added protein and vitamins!

Have you tried giving boiled chicken to your dogs? Did they like it? Share your experience in the comments section below.

Thanks for reading!

Related Article: Let’s dig into what happens when your dog eats white flour and spicy food.

Photo of author

Lovelia Horn

I’m a certified crazy dog mom, a physical therapist (for hoomans), writer, animal rescuer, and foster home provider. Together with my hubby Ryan, I’ve fostered and helped look for forever homes for over a hundred shelter dogs in the Southern Illinois area. I mostly work with Puppy Rescue 911, Inc., a certified animal rescue organization based out of Chester, IL (home of Popeye!)

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