Is Chicken Good for Your Akita?
Chicken is high in protein which is totally recommended for dogs. One Christmas, I think this was in 2016, my wife had just prepared some chicken wings for the guests we were expecting. When the coast was clear, my Akita stormed the kitchen and carted away some chicken. I was mad but then I remembered I hadn’t been giving my dog something dogs generally like.
As a pet parent, you must have learned to feed your dogs with chicken obviously because you’ve seen other people do so or you heard it is good for dogs. Recently, some pet bloggers have stirred a theory that chicken may not be as good for dogs as we have supposed.
Tony of The Akita Life even made a publication about their Akita eating chicken bones and how it isn’t good for them. This has led many to believe that Akitas consuming chicken may not be the right way to go.
In this article, I’ll be looking at this subject matter intending to settle every misunderstanding as regards feeding your Akita with chicken. You’ll find out whether chicken is good for your Akita, how to feed your Akita with chicken, and my method for feeding my Akitas with chicken.
Is Chicken Good for Akitas?
Yes. Chicken is good for Akitas. It is high in protein which is a necessity for everyday dietary consumption. However, some concerns have been raised pointing towards the consumption of chicken wings as a problem for dogs. Notwithstanding, chicken is good for Akitas provided they are consumed in the right dietary proportion.
If you want to feed your Akita with chicken, you can go ahead but wings are where you have to draw the lines. Let’s look at why you shouldn’t feed your Akita with chicken.
Why You Shouldn’t Feed Your Akita with Chicken Bones?
The main reason you should not feed your Akita with chicken wings is because of the bones they’ve got. Chicken wings have sharp, brittle bones that may not be fully chewed by your Akita before it swallows. These bones can cause serious injuries to your Akita’s throat, intestines, and stomach.
This was the major concern Tony had when his Akita ate chicken bones. You can read his publication via What to Do if Your Akita Eats Chicken Bones/Wings.
How to Feed Chicken to Your Akita
You should feed your Akita with chicken as part of its dietary requirements for protein, here are a few points to note:
Ensure the chicken is boneless and skinless
When preparing chicken, it is important to ensure that it is boneless and skinless. This not only makes the chicken easier to cook but also makes it a healthier option by reducing the amount of fat in the final dish.
To remove the bones, use a sharp knife to cut along the bone until it releases from the meat. Then, carefully cut around the bone to remove it entirely. To remove the skin, use your fingers or a paper towel to grip the edge of the skin and pull it away from the meat. With a little practice, it becomes a quick and easy process to ensure that your chicken is boneless and skinless before cooking.
Cut them into small pieces and chunks for your dog to chew properly
It is important to cut the chicken into small chunks so that your dog can chew them. This will ensure that your dog is able to chew on the chicken properly. Another benefit of this practice is that it will prevent your dog from swallowing large pieces of meat thereby aiding digestion.
The chicken should not be more than 10 – 15% of your dog’s overall food consumption except it is the only protein you are giving it
It is crucial to note that chicken should not make up more than 10 to 15% of your dog’s overall food consumption. If chicken is the only source of protein you are giving your dog, it can make up a larger portion of its diet; however, it is important to consult with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist to ensure that your dog is receiving a well-balanced and nutritious diet.
Can I Feed My Akita Raw Chicken?
Yes. you can give your Akita raw chicken to eat. They are still going to enjoy the same nutrients from raw chicken as much as they’d get from boiled chicken.
It is important to note that you should stick to the things I already outlined above such as not feeding your Akita with chicken that has its bones in it, giving it large chunks of chicken, or overfeeding it with chicken.
What Are The Benefits Of Feeding Your Akita Chicken?
Chicken is an excellent source of protein for dogs and provides numerous health benefits. Some of these benefits include:
- Chicken is a lean protein that can boost energy without excessive caloric intake, making it great for less active or senior Akita dogs.
- It is rich in natural vitamins and minerals like selenium, vitamins B6, B12, and zinc, which support antioxidant function, thyroid metabolism, red blood cell production, immune response, and enzyme function.
- Chicken helps build lean muscle mass by providing essential amino acids that contribute to muscle development and overall health. As Akitas age or are active, muscle mass breaks down and needs to be replaced.
- Chicken is a good source of omega-6 fatty acids that help sustain healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- It is a tasty treat that most Akitas find palatable and appealing
Final Thoughts
Well, as you have seen, Chicken is good for your Akita. The only thing you need to do is ensure you are feeding your Akita with just enough chicken which mustn’t be up to 10% of its protein diet requirement. Also, de-bone the chicken before giving it to your Akita as the sharp bristles of the chicken bone can hurt your Akita’s throat if it misses chewing them.
With deep knowledge of canine behavior, breed-specific care, and veterinary best practices, Mitchell specializes in training, health management, and ethical breeding. His work follows Google’s E-E-A-T principles, ensuring trustworthy and authoritative content for dog lovers worldwide.
Mitchell’s Mission
"Dogs are more than pets—they are family. My goal is to educate and empower dog owners with expert knowledge for a better life with their furry companions."
Website: www.akitaguru.com | Email: mitchell@akitaguru.com
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