All dog owners know this about their pets: dogs love chicken.
They drool for it, use their best puppy eyes, whine and wag their tail, all for a bite of some delicious poultry.
To deprive a dog of chicken would most likely make you develop horns and a forked tail, at least in his eyes.
So when you get back from McDonald’s with some delicious chicken nuggets, your dog will be at the foot of the table, waiting to get a taste of culinary paradise.
Will it be right if you accept his request and give him a piece? But wait, can dogs eat chicken nuggets?
While dogs (if they could) would answer with a resounding yes, you might need to pause and have a rethink.
That a dog likes a particular food doesn’t mean it is good for him to eat. You should determine if chicken nuggets are good for your pet pooch, or if you’d have to disappoint those cute eyes.
The answer to this question is not so clear-cut, especially as chicken is suitable for dogs.
The American Kennel Club confirms this by pointing out the numerous nutritional benefits of chicken.
As a good source of protein, the AKC suggests that chicken can be a part of a dog’s regular meal.
Considering this, is chicken nuggets safe for dogs to eat?
One can’t be sure because of the fried nature of chicken nuggets. It gets more complicated when it’s fast food, as even humans are told not to eat an excess of a restaurant meal.
Let’s move on.
Can Dogs Eat Chicken Nuggets?
With what we know about chicken, it is advisable to give your dog this excellent source of animal protein.
However, the problem with chicken nuggets is not the chicken itself or the protein nutrient.
It is the method chicken nuggets are made and the additional ingredients that make this meal etch towards the red zone.
In itself, chicken nugget isn’t poisonous to dogs. It is unlikely that your dog vomits or gets a seizure after a bite (if that happens, you may have more problems than this article can cover).
However, chicken nuggets get deep-fried, and this equals massive fat.
Thus, while it isn’t toxic to dogs, chicken nuggets can create some health complications.
The fat in a chicken nugget is excessive for a dog, and it will lead to a rapid weight gain.
Obesity weakens the heart of both humans and dogs, and it can lead to bone problems when the weight becomes too much for the dog’s poor limbs to bear.
In addition, the salty content in chicken nuggets is too high for a dog. It makes them thirsty and can make them urinate constantly. Further intake of salt can damage a dog’s kidneys.
The nutritional value of chicken nuggets will lend us more insight. For a 100-gram chicken nugget, it contains:
- Calories: 296 cal
- Total fat: 20g
- Cholesterol: 43mg
- Sodium: 557mg
- Potassium: 265mg
- Carbohydrate: 14g
- Fiber: 2.1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 15g
A dog may not manage more than 1.5 mg of salt. Compare it to the sodium content in chicken nuggets and you’d realize the risk this meal poses.
Bigger dogs of 60 pounds can cope with the fat level of chicken nuggets, but health reasons call for prudence.
Chicken nuggets should only be given to a dog in small quantities and as a last option.
This is an overview. Let us consider the different forms of chicken nuggets and see how safe (or unsafe) they are for your little doggy.
Can Dogs Eat McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets?
Are chicken nuggets from one of the most popular restaurants safe for dogs?
While Mcdonald’s is tasty and sweet, it may not be healthy for dogs. Chicken nuggets from McDonald’s contain a large amount of fat, salt, and preservatives.
Furthermore, the numerous processes undertaken to get a Mcdonald’s chicken nugget involve a lot of oil and frying.
The oil used has fats, which adds to the problem of obesity. Oil also elevates the cholesterol level of your dog, increasing the chances of heart failure.
Under the nutritional value of 100 grams McDonald’s chicken nuggets, the calories go up to 302, as opposed to the standard 296 we saw above.
Sodium is at 566mg, also more than that in the above example.
Add the cholesterol level to the list and you have extra proof that McDonald’s chicken nuggets should be kept far from your dog.
If your dog gobbles up full Mcdonald’s chicken nuggets, take him to the veterinarian.
Can Dogs Eat Chicken Nuggets from Wendy’s?
Compared to McDonald’s, this is a potato/potahto situation.
Chicken nuggets from Wendy’s present the same challenges as that of their competition.
Unless you are out of options, the chicken nugget from Wendy’s is a poor choice for a dog.
The calorie level of 100-gram chicken nuggets at Wendy’s is 326, higher than McDonald’s.
It also has a higher cholesterol level (50mg to 44mg) and slightly more fat (23g to 20g). The result of feeding your dog Wendy’s chicken nuggets is obvious.
Furthermore, some ingredients in Wendy’s would make your dog wish he never met you if you feed him with this.
Wendy’s use spice extracts, anti-foaming agents, oils, and xanthan gum. These ingredients are unhealthy for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Chicken Nuggets from Chick-fil-A?
Like others, Chick-fil-A nuggets are not suitable for your pet dog.
Not that it is poisonous, but the implications on a dog’s health should make you more careful about feeding them nuggets, even if Chick-fil-A is your favorite restaurant.
The first drawback with Chick-fil-A nuggets lies in the ingredients used.
Chick-fil-A uses bleached flour, salt, different spices, paprika, and some others. If the sight of salt isn’t enough to discourage you, spices and bleached flour are definite deal-breakers.
Let’s look into the nutritional value of 100 grams Chick-fil-A nuggets.
217 calories is a better deal than those of previously mentioned fast-food restaurants, but it remains on the high side.
Chick-fil-A nuggets are considered one of the healthy options in fast food for humans, but your dog would fare better without it.
Can Dogs Eat Chicken Nuggets from Burger King?
Chicken nuggets from Burger King taste good and the restaurant may be your go-to place when you want to indulge in some fries, but their chicken nuggets should be kept far from your dog.
Again, there is the problem of obesity, an increase in your dog’s cholesterol level, and the serious ailments that could develop as a result of chicken nuggets.
Even dogs with a long life span may be cut short if they constantly consume what is unhealthy or toxic to them.
Chicken nuggets are unhealthy, even when it comes from Burger King.
The calorie level of Burger King’s nuggets is lower than McDonald’s and Wendy’s (295 for 100g) which makes it slightly healthier for humans.
For dogs, however, it is the devil and the deep blue sea.
Can Dogs Eat Frozen Chicken Nuggets (especially from Tyson)?
Tyson chicken nuggets are a popular example of frozen chicken nuggets, and would it be better to give a dog nuggets when you bought it frozen?
Because it is not yet fried and processed, frozen chicken nuggets may not give as many challenges as the fast-food alternatives.
However, check the ingredients used to be sure they aren’t toxic for dogs.
Those with garlic and onions should best be avoided. Remove the batter and cook the chicken nuggets in an oven.
Do not fry, or it would be the same with fast-food nuggets.
Done this way, chicken nuggets may not be a problem for your dog. Do feed him moderately, and watch out for any reactions.
What about Birds Eye Chicken Nuggets?
Similar to Tyson nuggets, Birds Eye’s chicken nuggets come frozen. The same safety measure applies.
An advantage of the Birds Eye brand is that they use 100% chicken. There is no processed meat added.
Like Tyson, feed your dog this chicken nugget with care. If his stomach can’t carry it, stop immediately.
Can a Dog Eat Vegan Chicken Nugget?
Because vegan products are considered safer, many pet parents apply the same rule to dogs.
However, this can only be argued with humans. Vegan chicken nuggets may not be suitable for dogs, and here’s the reason why.
Vegan chicken contains some ingredients a dog shouldn’t consume. These ingredients include onions and garlic, spices used as a flavor, and an extra amount of salt for better taste.
Besides these, vegan chicken contains soy. It may not be a good pet parenting choice to let your dog eat soy.
Some dogs are flat-out allergic to it, while others may encounter some health issues.
Can Dogs Have Chicken Nuggets From Quorn?
Quorn nuggets are safer than the vegan option, making them a better choice for dogs. However, this doesn’t come without a friendly warning.
Quorn nuggets contain high calories, totaling 270g for 5 nuggets. Too much of it to a dog can be unhealthy.
Measure the amount of chicken nugget you give a dog, and always remove the batter.
Will chicken nuggets hurt dogs?
Chicken nuggets are not recommended as a part of a dog’s daily diet and too much of it will hurt a dog.
However, your dog will be okay if you feed him chicken nuggets on a few occasions. Chicken Nuggets is not poisonous, but it is unhealthy.
Can dogs eat fried chicken?
Like chicken nuggets, fried chicken is not advisable for dogs. While it contains the same protein as any normal chicken, there is a high level of fat, cholesterol, and calories.
Your dog may not have a problem if you indulge in fried chicken once in a while, but too much of it can lead to cardiac issues.
Can a dog eat McDonald’s?
Though not advisable as a constant meal, dogs can cope with the meat of a Mcdonald’s burger. Ensure the burger doesn’t come with any harmful ingredients like processed cheese and onions.
Can dogs eat Mcdonald’s french fries?
Fried food of all forms is not healthy for a dog because of the fat and cholesterol level. Dogs with an already weak heart should completely avoid french fries.
How many chicken nuggets can a dog eat?
The best option would be to avoid feeding your dog any fried food, including chicken nuggets. However, you may find yourself in a tight situation with no other available food.
This could happen on a road trip. In such a case, one or two nuggets will suffice.
Wrap Up
Chicken Nuggets and other junk foods should be treated with caution, even for humans. Doctors even advise people to stick to a healthy meal and cut down on fast food.
With dogs, junk food poses even more significant risks. It is up to you to protect your dog from harm, even a tantalizing one.
Chicken nuggets should only be as a last option, and they should never be constant.
If your dog accidentally (or out of mischief) eats a chicken nugget, do not panic or get harsh.
Watch him for any adverse reaction. If you do notice signs of pain or discomfort, take your pooch to the veterinarian.
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References:
- American Kennel Club: Can Dogs Eat Chicken?
