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Though you shouldn't intentionally feed your dog raw chicken, many dogs will have little to no signs afterward.
Side effects may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or loss of appetite, depending on your dog's sensitivity or allergies, or whether they ate a chicken bone.
If your dog eats raw chicken, the best course of action is to call your veterinarian.
After your dog consumes raw chicken, your vet may recommend a new meal plan or bread to soften digested bones.
What happens if a dog eats raw chicken? First, know you are not alone, and this has happened to many pet parents. While raw chicken should never be intentionally fed to your pet, accidents can happen. Most dogs make it through just fine. But it's important to know the risks and when you should call your veterinarian.
Don't panic. Some dogs may never get sick or show any signs. If you have a pet who routinely gets into the trash, you likely know whether they have a sensitive stomach. Those who do usually experience sickness whenever their usual nutrition plan is disrupted. Take a moment to inspect the scene and ask yourself these questions:
How much raw chicken was actually consumed?
Were there bones in it?
Was any packaging consumed?
How is your dog's behavior? Are they jumping around and happy? Are they not feeling well or throwing up?
Once you have this information, the best course of action is to contact your vet and tell them your dog ate raw chicken. They will be able to account for your dog's medical history and give you specific recommendations based on the situation. In most cases, your vet will recommend monitoring them closely at home. If bones or packaging were consumed, they may recommend a veterinary visit and an X-ray.
If your dog eats raw chicken, the main risk is a bacterium called Salmonella. This can cause vomiting, fever, lethargy and loss of appetite.1 It can also be passed through their feces and saliva and infect humans in the household.
The typical window for clinical signs of Salmonella or other ill effects of eating raw chicken to appear is three days. Some dogs may never show signs, while others may be sick right away. However, any time you're concerned your dog may have eaten something risky, don't wait until they become sick to take action; contact a veterinary clinic immediately so they can assess your situation. If your veterinary clinic is closed, reach out to a emergency veterinary hospital.
Here's what warrants an immediate phone call to the vet:
Vomiting: This could include visible chicken parts or packaging, but may be just food or foamy liquid.
Lethargy: Your dog may have a noticeable lack of energy or seem to not feel well.
Diarrhea: Loose stools can indicate an upset digestive tract. Note that stool changes may not show up until days after consumption.
Loss of or Decreased Appetite: Your dog may turn up their nose at their food or you may notice your usually enthusiastic eater suddenly isn't very interested in food.
Other Known Diseases: Raw chicken may cause more distress or discomfort to dogs that are already being treated for intestinal disease or are on a special meal plan.
Some less immediate signs may apply to dogs with other health conditions. Dogs who have skin allergies to chicken, for example, may experience increased itching, ear infections or other skin issues from eating raw chicken. It's always best to contact your vet if your dog is experiencing something new or unusual.
Raw chicken bones can be dangerous because they are thin and hollow. The dog's body tries to digest them, but in the process, they may splinter, forming sharp pieces that can injure the digestive tract. All it takes is one splinter to puncture the wrong place, and you can have a major problem.
If the bone punctures the lining of the intestine, it can cause an infection called a septic abdomen. This is uncommon but can be fatal if not treated right away. If your dog eats a raw chicken bone, contact a veterinary clinic right away or an emergency clinic if they are closed. They may want to take X-rays to find out where they are and what condition they’re in so they can determine what next steps may be needed, such as medical monitoring or surgical removal.
It's never a good idea to make a dog vomit raw chicken bones since they can also injure the esophagus or throat on the way up. Always consult your vet before considering making your dog vomit.
Offering food after a raw chicken incident depends heavily on your dog and any signs they are having. Talk to your vet about specific meal plans to help calm down the intestines if your dog is throwing up or experiencing diarrhea. Sometimes, if your dog swallowed bones, they may suggest feeding the dog bread to help "cushion" the bones as they pass. It's always best to consult with your vet immediately to determine the best food to feed them.
Dogs have a tendency to try to sneak snacks they shouldn't, and some are more aggressive about this than others. It's best to keep raw chicken safely out of reach of all dogs. Keep it far away from the edge of the kitchen counter and promptly take out the trash if it contains any raw chicken. Remove any potential opportunity for your dog to access any food or other items they shouldn't.
If your dog eats raw chicken, their reaction depends on a lot of factors, such as what parts they ate, how much they consumed and if they have any other health problems. If you have concerns, consult your vet or an emergency clinic immediately.
Most dogs are OK after eating raw chicken, though they may have an uncomfortable day or two. Observe them for digestive upset and call your vet if you notice any changes. They will be able to give you specific recommendations based on the situation.
Dogs can digest raw chicken meat, but they aren't very good at digesting the bones. If all they ate was meat — no bones or packaging — then there's less risk of complications. It's still a good idea to call your vet so they can advise on the best course of action.
Most signs show up within the first three days, but it’s critical to consult your vet, a veterinary clinic or an emergency veterinary hospital for their evaluation and advice.
Dogs can shed Salmonella through their feces and saliva. The best way to prevent anyone catching it is by washing hands frequently and keeping your dog's items clean (such as their food bowl and favorite toys).
1 Angel Abuelo. “Salmonellosis in Animals.” Merck Veterinary Manual Professional Version. Updated November 2024. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system/salmonellosis/salmonellosis-in-animals.
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