It’s common knowledge that chicken is good for us, and dogs can absolutely reap the health benefits of chicken, too. However, not all parts of the bird are recommended for your canine companion, and chicken skin can be one of them. While plain, unseasoned chicken skin isn’t toxic for dogs, we believe the cons of offering your dog a taste of this high-fat food far outweigh the pros. Read on to learn more.
Dangers of Feeding Chicken Skin to Dogs
High Fat Content
Chicken skin is very high in fat. According to the USDA, a one-hundred-gram serving of chicken skin contains 40 grams of fat.1
While fat can provide dogs with energy and help them absorb fat-soluble vitamins, too much is not good for them. Fat is very calorically dense, with those extra calories potentially leading to weight gain and obesity.
Even a single fatty meal can cause a potentially life-threatening condition known as pancreatitis, which occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. And, what’s more, some breeds are considered predisposed to developing this condition, such as Cocker Spaniels and Miniature Schnauzers.2
A high-fat meal can also cause your pup to have uncomfortable gastrointestinal side effects, like vomiting or diarrhea for a day or two.
High Cholesterol Content
The same USDA report states that a one-hundred-gram serving of chicken skin contains 82 mg of cholesterol, which is far too much for dogs.
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance contained in all the body’s cells. Like fat, it’s not inherently evil as your dog’s body needs some of it to make hormones and utilize some vitamins. However, eating it in excess can become problematic. High cholesterol can cause signs such as:
- Hair loss
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Seizures
Potential for Poisoning
The chicken skin we make at home or get from our favorite fried chicken joint is so tasty due in part to the spices and seasonings used. Fried chicken recipes contain a multitude of spices, but some of the most common you’ll encounter include pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano. The problematic spices are the ones that contain garlic and onion, both of which are highly toxic for dogs.
Does Chicken Skin Have Any Nutrients?
As we alluded to in our introduction, a small taste of plain, unseasoned chicken skin isn’t toxic for dogs alone. The issue is its high fat content, which, paradoxically, is also one of its biggest nutritional benefits.
Chicken skin is loaded with polyunsaturated fats and provides a decent source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These acids are essential for promoting skin and coat health and reducing inflammation.
Skin is also high in protein, with 20 grams of protein in every one-hundred-gram serving. Dogs need protein for muscle, skin, and nail health.
However, there are plenty of other, much healthier sources of fatty acids and protein for dogs, and owners should never rely on food as unhealthy as chicken skin to provide their dogs with the nutrients they require to thrive.
What Should I Do if My Dog Ate Chicken Skin?
So, your pup snuck a bit of chicken skin off your plate—now what?
The next course of action can depend on how the skin was (or wasn’t) prepared and the amount ingested. However, if your dog is exhibiting out-of-character behavior or appears to be ill, it’s best to take them to your veterinarian for examination. While a small taste of chicken skin is unlikely to cause significant issues, if your pup eats a lot, they may run into some problems. If your dog isn’t showing any signs, you may choose to monitor them for a day or two for signs of diarrhea, vomiting and not eating. If anything concerning is going on, speak to your veterinarian.
💛 🐶 Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!
If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
Final Thoughts
While some people consider the skin to be the tastiest part of the bird, we’ll give you permission to keep this one all to yourself. While this high-fat, high-cholesterol food isn’t appropriate for dogs, a small taste of plain, unseasoned chicken skin is unlikely to cause much damage. However, there are much healthier, tastier, and safer human foods you can offer your dog instead.
Featured Image Credit: SHARKY PHOTOGR, Shutterstock