A plate of chicken wings with dipping sauce.

Can Dogs Eat Chicken Wings?

When caring for our furry friends, one of the most common queries we may have is what is appropriate and safe to feed them. There are numerous options available, ranging from table scraps to commercial dog food, and it can be challenging to know which is best for our dogs. So, you may wonder whether or not dogs can eat chicken wings.

Dogs can eat chicken wings as they provide plenty of nutrients like proteins, vitamins, and minerals necessary for the body’s functioning. In contrast, high-fat content and calories in chicken wings can lead to obesity. Therefore, chicken wings must be fed moderately or as treats. Make sure to remove any bones beforehand, and always consult with your veterinarian prior to making any diet changes for your dog.

Benefits Of Chicken Wings For Dogs

Chicken wings are a good source of protein for dogs. They also provide essential amino acids and minerals, such as phosphorus and calcium, which are necessary for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Additionally, chicken wings can also help to keep a dog’s coat and skin healthy.

However, it’s important to note that chicken wings should be fed to dogs in moderation, as they are high in fat. Also, ensure to remove the bones before feeding them to the dog as it could cause choking or intestinal blockage.

Risks Of Feeding Chicken Wings To Dogs

There are a few risks associated with feeding chicken wings to dogs. 

Can Dogs Choke On Chicken Wings? 

Yes, dogs can choke on chicken wings if the bones are not removed properly. Chicken bones can easily splinter, and small sharp pieces can become lodged in a dog’s throat, making it difficult for them to breathe. 

This can be a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary care.

When feeding chicken wings to your dog, it is important to make sure all bones are properly removed. 

This may involve using kitchen shears or a sharp knife to cut any remaining meat or fat off the bone. It’s also important to watch how your dog eats too, just in case.

Can Dogs Eat Chicken Wing Bones?

Dogs should not eat chicken wing bones. Chicken bones crack easily when chewed, which can damage your dog’s digestive system and lead to serious health problems such as perforation of the stomach and intestines.

Also, dogs eating chicken bones can cause blockages in the digestive tract. This can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain

In some cases, a bone can cause a hole in a dog’s stomach or intestine, and this is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary care.

It’s important to always supervise your dog while they’re eating as well as to remove any bones or other potentially dangerous items from their diet. 

If you suspect your dog has swallowed a chicken bone or is experiencing any symptoms of gastrointestinal distress, it’s best to take them to a veterinarian for a check-up.

Should Dogs Eat Seasoned Or Unseasoned Chicken Wings?

It is not recommended that dogs eat chicken wings that have been seasoned or contain any type of sauce. Seasoned chicken wings can be difficult for dogs to digest and can also cause an upset stomach if consumed in large quantities. Additionally, the spices used in seasoning can be harmful to dogs.

We recommend dogs eat unseasoned, cooked chicken wings only in small amounts as an occasional treat.

Raw/Cooked/Frozen/Boiled Chicken Wings

When it comes to feeding chicken wings to dogs, it’s important to consider the type of chicken wings and how they are prepared.

Raw Chicken Wings 

It is not recommended to feed raw chicken wings to dogs as they may contain harmful bacteria such as salmonella or E. coli. These bacteria can cause food poisoning in dogs, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.

Cooked Chicken Wings 

Cooked chicken wings are generally safe for dogs to eat as long as they are plain and do not contain any added ingredients such as salt, garlic, or onion, which can be toxic to dogs. 

It’s also important to ensure the bones are removed properly to prevent choking or intestinal blockage.

Frozen Chicken Wings

Frozen chicken wings are safe for dogs to eat as long as they are plain, do not contain any added ingredients, and are properly thawed before feeding.

Boiled Chicken Wings

Boiled chicken wings are safe for dogs to eat as long as they are plain, do not contain any added ingredients, and are properly cooled before feeding. It’s important to ensure the bones are removed properly to prevent choking or intestinal blockage.

How To Prepare Chicken Wings For Your Dogs

A closeup of a plate of chicken wings.
While these look tasty, avoid giving dogs chicken wings with bones, seasonings, or sauces.

Want to prepare chicken wings for your dog? Here are a few steps:

  1. Start by purchasing fresh chicken wings. Avoid buying chicken wings that contain added ingredients or seasoning that can be toxic to dogs.
  2. Next, remove the bones from the chicken wings. This can be done using kitchen shears or a sharp knife.
  3. Cook the chicken wings. You can boil, bake, or grill the chicken wings, but avoiding adding oils, seasonings, or sauces is important. Allow the chicken wings to cool completely before feeding them to your dog.
  4. Once the chicken wings are cool, you can serve them to your dog as a treat or supplement to their regular diet.

Tips For Feeding Chicken Wings To Dogs

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when feeding chicken wings to dogs:

Feed In Moderation

Chicken wings are high in fat, so it’s important to feed them to your dog in moderation. Feeding your dog too many chicken wings can cause weight gain and other health problems.

Use Plain Chicken Wings

Avoid chicken wings that contain added ingredients such as salt, garlic, or onion, as these can be toxic to dogs.

Cook The Chicken Wings

Cook the chicken wings to kill any harmful bacteria that may be present in raw chicken.

Keep An Eye On Your Dog

Monitor your dog’s reactions to new foods and watch for any signs of digestive upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea.

Store Properly

Keep any leftover chicken wings in the refrigerator or freezer, and make sure to reheat them before serving them to your dog again.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your dog is safe and healthy when eating chicken wings. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to more questions you may have!

What should I do if my dog ate chicken wings?

If your dog has eaten chicken wings and you suspect they may have consumed bones, it’s important to take action quickly to ensure their safety.

If your dog is showing signs of distress or discomfort, or if you’re concerned that it may have swallowed a chicken bone, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. 

They will be able to advise you on the best course of action, which may include x-rays to check for any bone fragments or surgery if necessary.

Can chicken wings kill a dog?

Chicken wings may not be toxic to dogs, but they can be dangerous if not given properly. Eating raw or under cooked chicken wings can lead to food poisoning, and eating chicken wings with bones can cause choking or internal injuries.

In Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Chicken Wings?

Dogs can eat chicken wings, but it’s important to do so in moderation as they are high in fat. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that all bones are removed properly to prevent choking or an intestinal blockage. Raw chicken wings should not be fed to dogs as they may contain harmful bacteria. Cooked, frozen, or boiled chicken wings are safe for dogs to eat as long as they are plain and do not contain any added ingredients that can be toxic to dogs. 

When feeding chicken wings to your dog, it’s important to supervise them while they’re eating and to remove any bones or other potentially dangerous items from their diet. If you suspect your dog has swallowed a chicken bone or is experiencing any symptoms of gastrointestinal distress, it’s best to take them to a veterinarian for a check-up.

So, what do you think about dogs eating chicken wings? Let us know in the comments below!

Dr. Majid Tanveer (DVM)
Dr. Majid Tanveer (DVM)
Dr. Majid is a licensed veterinarian, writer, and animal welfare advocate. He obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. He has been working as a senior veterinarian for five years. Over the last few years, Dr. Majid has worked extensively for the betterment of animal welfare and rights in his country. He is also a proud owner of a dog, which he loves dearly. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his dog and indulging in his hobby of writing.