Its Finger Lickin’ Good! It sure is. Football matches, Superbowls, movie nights, dates and how many other occasions have been made better with chicken nuggets? This tasty food has been a top favorite human food for years. But in terms of health, the rating would be on the lower side. Well, this is because Nuggets are fried in hydrogenated oil and typically contain high amounts of sugar, fat, and preservatives. Nothing in this list is healthy for humans.
Nonetheless, we humans have little bit of tolerance in general for such foods and it may not harm us so much if eaten occasionally. But is it also Paw Lickin’ Good?
Do Dogs Like Chicken Nuggets?
These oily finger foods may not be the best option for us to hog on but we definitely do so a lot of times because it can be difficult to resist the temptation. The same is for dogs. These little human-friends are similar when it comes to oily foods like chicken nuggets. They have taste buds which are equipped to love fatty, carbohydrate heavy foods. So once they start eating, there is a high change that they’ll gulp down more than they should. Also read, Can Dogs Eat Junk Food? Is It Safe?
Are Chicken Nuggets Good for Dogs?
Not all good things are bad for the gut. But unfortunately, it is the case with chicken nuggets for both dogs and humans. Chicken nuggets are fried and that is a big NO for dogs1. Many dogs can be prone to obesity, and something which is deep fried in any kind of oil doesn’t help.
You may think that chicken is rich in protein and it might be good for dogs as they get their most of the protein requirement for meat itself. While in theory that's correct, the problem with chicken nuggets is that they're usually less chicken and more batter. You should also try, Can Dogs Eat Seafood?
Are There Health Benefits of Chicken Nuggets for Dogs?
Are chicken nuggets absolutely useless for dogs? Not exactly. Chicken can provide some B-vitamins and protein, both of which are essential for dogs.2
Proteins – It is important for dogs to repair their muscles as well in case of any injury or for gaining strength. Chicken proteins can help with repairing muscles and other body tissues.
Vitamins – These are good for eyesight, as they can help prevent cataracts and helps with night blindness and even dry eyes. They are essential fat-soluble vitamin that has functions supporting bone growth, reproduction, cellular differentiation and immune response in dogs. They can also help boost energy metabolism and assists skin tissue maintenance. For the young ones, they help support their overall growth.
This may sound very attractive to you and you may start feeding chicken nuggets to your dog but DON’T. These are just notional benefits found in the underlying ingredient, chicken. The overall dish in itself is very unhealthy.
What Can You Feed Your Dog Instead of Chicken Nuggets?
Don’t get disheartened by the fact that chicken nuggets are a no-no for your dog. There are some other options that can give a similar satisfaction to them. These can include –
Lean Chicken Meat – Processed meats often contain harmful chemicals which may be very bad for your dog. A better alternative is lean chicken meat. Not only will it be a good treat but it can provide your dog some essential nutrients like proteins and vitamins.
Fat – Not all fat is bad fat. It is an important nutrient for both humans and dogs. There are some good options to extract fat like animal fats and oils that can benefit your dog's health.
Vegetables – Our parents have been telling us to eat our veggies since childhood. Your pup should do it too. Sweet potatoes, carrots, and pumpkin can be used in a wide variety of ways as a healthy snack for your dog.
Homemade Chicken Nuggets – If you don’t want to settle for anything other than chicken nuggets, put in some effort and make it at home so you get to decide what's inside
But make sure don’t you fall for the licks and end up feeding it more of it. Stick to the recommended quantities., which is 1-2 small bites.2 More Chicken Nuggets ≠ More Love. More Chicken Nuggets = More Fat = More Potential Problems.
What Can Happen If Your Dog Eats An Unusual Amount of Chicken Nuggets?
If your dog ate too many chicken nuggets while you were looking for a movie to watch on Netflix, or helping your little sibling with homework, keep an eye out for the following symptoms of an upset stomach.3 You should contact your vet right away if you see –
And if your dog indulges in regular ingestion of these delicacies, it could potentially lead to –
Obesity
Heart Problems
Which Dogs Should Not Eat Chicken Nuggets?
Dogs shouldn't regularly consume chicken nuggets to lead a healthy lifestyle. But there are some dogs for whom even very small quantities can be very harmful. For them, chicken nuggets should altogether be avoided and other sources of treats should be looked at. The list can include –
Dogs with Diabetes – If your dog has already been diagnosed with Diabetes or any of its symptoms then it's recommended you avoid these fried finger foods.
Specific diets – If your vet has recommended a specific diet for your pet for its training, growth, or just for basic health purposes, then avoid it as they can be very high in fats.
Dogs with a higher weight – If your dog is susceptible to obesity or has already been gaining more weight than usual, you might want to avoid them altogether.
Expert Insights From Spot
While sharing our favorite foods with our pets can be tempting, it's important to remember that not all human foods are safe for dogs. Spot's internal data shows that pet insurance claims for dietary indiscretions average $642*, highlighting the importance of caution and research before sharing snacks with your pet.
Conclusion
We humans may tend to do all the things which we are told not to sometimes. Dogs are very similar in this way and could keep asking you for some of your chicken nuggets time and time again.
One of the best pieces of advice is to avoid the introduction altogether, but in case an occasional treat is to be given, opt for a homemade variant.
*Jan 2019 to Aug 2024 administrator claims data.
Cosgrove, Nicole. "Can Dogs Eat Chicken Nuggets?" Dogster, 22, Jun. 2024, https://www.ipetcompanion.com/chicken-nugget-dog/.
Taylor, April. "Can Dogs Eat Chicken?" PetMD, 09 Apr. 2023, https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-chicken.
Morrison, Barri. “Upset Stomach in Dogs.” PetMD, 25 Jan. 2024, www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/digestive/upset-stomach-dogs.
The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.
