Myth Busting: Can Dogs Eat Chicken Bones?

Yes… but only if they’re raw. Here’s why:

MYTH: All Chicken Bones Are Dangerous for Dogs 

BUSTED

Raw chicken bones—like wings, necks, and carcasses—are soft, pliable, and digestible for dogs. In fact, they’ve been part of a natural canine diet for generations. When fed appropriately, raw bones can offer great benefits:

- Support for dental health (they help clean teeth naturally)

- A natural source of calcium, phosphorus, and joint-supporting minerals

- Mental and physical enrichment from chewing

However, this all changes the moment the bone is cooked.

THE REAL DANGER: Cooked Chicken Bones

Once chicken bones are cooked become dry, brittle, and sharp. These splinter easily and can pose serious risks, including:

- Choking

- Internal punctures or tears to the throat, stomach, or intestines

- Obstructions in the digestive tract

This is why cooked bones (chicken or otherwise) should never be given to dogs, no matter how much they beg for leftovers.

Why Raw Works (When Done Safely)

Dogs are natural scavengers, and their bodies are equipped to handle raw meaty bones—especially from non-weight-bearing parts like necks, wings, and feet. Their strong stomach acid is designed to break down bone, cartilage, and connective tissue with ease.

That said, raw feeding must be done responsibly:

- Supervise chewing to prevent gulping

- Choose appropriate bone sizes for your dog’s breed and chewing style

- Feed bones separately from kibble, as mixed digestion speeds can increase risk

- Store and handle raw bones just like you would raw meat, hygiene is key

Final Verdict?

Raw chicken bones = yes. Cooked chicken bones = never.

Like many things in the natural dog world, it’s not as black-and-white as it seems. When fed mindfully, raw bones can be a safe, enriching, and nutritious part of your dog’s diet. But cooked bones? Keep them in the bin where they belong.