How To Boil Chicken for Dogs

Your best doggy friends deserve to eat only the best food, and once you learn how to boil chicken for dogs, you’ll be able to give them what they need. The great news is that it couldn’t be easier to make a batch of chicken and save it for later. When you start feeding your dog boiled chicken, they’ll love you even more than they already do. 

A dog eating from a red bowl

Chicken is an excellent source of protein, low in fat, low in calories, and contains no carbs. Dogs can eat chicken paired with other essential foods every day for a balanced diet. 

It’s perfect for stomach sensitivity and picky eaters, and it’s quick and convenient to prepare. This is one dish both you and your dogs will love.

How to Boil Chicken for Dogs  

It’s easy to boil chicken for dogs. You need to place a piece of raw chicken in a pot with water, bring it to a simmer, and cook the chicken until it’s no longer raw inside. 

The time will vary depending on how much chicken you’re cooking and if it’s boneless or bone-in. It can take between seven minutes for a single chicken breast to 45 minutes for a whole chicken.  

You can also use your Instant Pot, which is what my mom uses to make chicken for her Miniature Schnauzer.

Add chicken and 1 cup of water to the inner pot. Put on the lid and set the pressure valve to seal.  Set to high pressure for 3 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally for 6 minutes. Carefully turn the pressure relief valve to release any remaining pressure.

boiled chicken for dogs

Why Should Dogs Eat Boiled Chicken? 

Dogs should eat boiled chicken if they are sensitive to certain foods or if they’re picky eaters. Of course, boiling chicken for dogs is also just a great way to give your canine pal a special, healthy treat.

Chicken is bland, which is a good thing for dogs since their stomachs can’t handle eating too many spices and herbs. 

It’s also perfect for dogs who only like certain things because dogs are inherently carnivorous and will almost always eat meat. 

Is Boiled Chicken Good for my Dog?  

Chicken is an excellent source of protein and vitamins. When chicken you boil chicken for dogs, no additional fat is needed, and it’s still tender and delicious. 

There’s also no need to add salt or pepper like you would when serving chicken to people since dogs don’t need seasoning.

Why Should I Cook Chicken for Dogs vs. Raw?  

Chicken is easy to cook and takes little effort for us humans. You need to drop a piece of chicken in a pot of water, let it boil, and then shred it. Voilá. 

It’s also convenient since you don’t have to buy hard-to-find ingredients. You most likely have chicken on hand at home already. 

Chicken is also incredibly healthy for dogs and the perfect choice for giving them the nutrition they need. 

In general, if you choose to feed your dog chicken, it’s safer to cook it thoroughly to eliminate the risk of bacterial contamination.

If you are considering a raw diet for your dog, it’s crucial to do thorough research, consult with a veterinarian, and follow a balanced and safe raw feeding plan. Raw diets can be complex to prepare correctly, and improper handling can pose health risks to both your dog and your family.

Ultimately, the decision between raw and cooked chicken for your dog should be made after considering your dog’s specific needs and consulting with a veterinary professional who can provide personalized guidance based on your dog’s health and dietary requirements.

Personally, I feel it’s safer for my dog to boil their chicken.

Step-by-step boiled chicken recipe  

Here is a more detailed list of how to boil chicken for dogs. 

  1. Place one boneless skinless chicken breast in a pot of water and bring it to a boil. 
  2. Turn the heat down to a simmer and cook for about seven minutes or until a digital thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part. 
  3. Remove the chicken from the water and allow it to cool until you can safely handle it. 
  4. Shred the chicken with tongs and a fork. 
  5. Serve it to your dog warm, or save it in the refrigerator or freezer for later.  
chicken boiling in a pot

How to Make Sure Chicken is Cooked all the way Through

It’s essential to make sure boiled chicken for dogs is cooked through because harmful bacteria called Salmonella can make your dog sick. 

The best way to tell if it’s safe to eat is to test it with a thermometer. Another visual way to know if the chicken is cooked is to pull it apart and look for any pink spots. 

When the thickest part of the chicken is white, and no pink remains, it’s cooked through. 

Can I Feed my Dog Boiled Chicken Every Day?  

Yes! You can feed your dog chicken every day as long as it’s paired with other foods to make a balanced and complete meal. It’s easy to add these ingredients to shredded chicken, and you don’t need to buy anything special.    

What Can I Add to Boiled Chicken for a Complete Meal?   

To make a complete meal, some great options to add to chicken are white or brown rice, sweet potatoes, boiled eggs, pureed pumpkin, green beans, broccoli, peas, corn, quinoa, or oatmeal. 

You can also mix the chicken into their dry food, and this is an excellent way to add protein to an already balanced diet.  

chicken and rice with broccoli in a pan

Chicken: The Perfect Dog Food 

Boiling chicken for dogs is a wonderful way to feed your best friend a tasty meal. It’s easy to prepare and is high in protein and low fat. 

It’s great for sensitive stomachs and for those picky eaters who need to have everything just so. 

While boiled chicken can be a healthy and nutritious option for dogs, it should not be the sole component of their diet in the long term. Dogs require a balanced diet that includes other essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, which may not be present in sufficient quantities in chicken alone.

To provide a complete and balanced diet, consider consulting with a veterinarian or a canine nutritionist who can recommend appropriate commercial dog food or help you create a balanced homemade diet that meets your dog’s specific needs.

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