Question about feeding Raw Chicken Wings

[COyorkieLover]

I've been reading alot about the raw diet and I thought that I would try giving Rusty and Roxi raw chicken wings and see how they like it. But, I have a couple questions....these may sound silly to those experts out there but I really don't want to do anything that could potentially hurt my babies .

Do you give them the whole wing?

Do you take any of the skin off or leave it on?

What happens to the bones? Do they just chew on them or do they actually eat the bones?

and any other infomation you all have would be great! I have so many questions I really appreciate the help!!!

[Wylie's Mom]

They're not silly questions . I feed pre-made raw, but prey-model is wonderful. I will give you some links to do some reading, as that's always helpful when you're starting out.

But yes, you give them the whole wing (I always do remove chicken skin though) and allow them to *eat* the bone as well (uncooked bone, of course). Bones are edible, except for weight bearing bones, which can break teeth and aren't considered consumable (but more "recreational").

Here are some links:

RAW PREY MODEL GUIDELINES - Raw Food Diet Forum
Jane Anderson's Raw Learning Site
Raw Meaty Bones
The Many Myths of Raw Feeding

[princess chloe]

I have always thought chicken bones are a no no I was told they would choke on them......I guess you learn something new everyday!

[bellasmomok]

Originally Posted by princess chloe

I have always thought chicken bones are a no no I was told they would choke on them......I guess you learn something new everyday!

I think "they" say that chicken bones are a no no because you'd be giving chicken bones from a COOKED chicken. It's my understanding that raw bones are great, but "processed" or cooked bones have a tendency to splinter....is that right Ann?

[princess chloe]

I would've thought that raw chicken isnt good either!

[bellasmomok]

Originally Posted by princess chloe

I would've thought that raw chicken isnt good either!

You know, so would I!! Buuuut, I saw a video of a Yorkie eating his raw chicken right off the bone and then chewing on the bone too.....

I guess it's ok, but I'm still skepitcal

[CupofDog]

Hi all! I feed prey model and like Ann said, feeding a raw wing isn't a problem. In fact, its great exercise for their jaws and neck muscles, helps keep tarter to a minimum and keep clean teeth and the bones are a great source of calcium!

My advice:
-Have a crate or gated area sectioned off BEFORE giving your pup the wing. (I learned this the hard way, chasing my dogs off the bed as they dragged raw chicken parts everywhere. Yuck.)

-Always supervise! Even though raw bones don't splinter, especially for pups not used to eating this way, you want to make sure you are watching them. Dogs who are 'gulpers' need some training, usually just a human holding onto one end so the dog slows down and chews...

-Read up, do your research and enjoy watching your mini-carnivores get down on some meaty feasting!

I actually buy 1 pasture raised, antibiotic and hormone free chicken (or duck or turkey, whatever I can find) per week and just cut it up and offer the parts to my furkids throughout the week as their meals. I split the organs between the two of them as part of the meals 1 or 2 times a week as they are vital parts of their diet. As for portions, I got an idea as to how many ounces they needed using Prey Model calculator (Google it) and now I just eyeball it. If they are feeling a little heavier, I scale back or a little thin, they get more! Easy!

For breakfast, my dogs usually have some plain yogurt and berries. I'd say I spend about 14$ a week to feed my two dogs and my vet thinks they are shining examples of how easy and beneficial prey model feeding can be!

I do get some other foods from pet suppliers from time to time, like fresh green tripe, cow parts and of course, plenty of bully sticks for chewing, but its pretty straight forward. I do supplement with Nordic Naturals Cod Liver Oil or Wild Salmon Oil (I rotate between buying the two) for improved coat, skin, heart, and eye health, but thats all!

[Yorkiedaze]

Originally Posted by princess chloe

I have always thought chicken bones are a no no I was told they would choke on them......I guess you learn something new everyday!

Get some opinions from a few Vets. about feeding chicken bones raw or cooked. They do splinter. I'm still wondering what benefit a dog gets from raw chicken and bones that they can't safely get from other natural foods and calcium.

[tjdmom]

Originally Posted by Yorkiedaze

Get some opinions from a few Vets. about feeding chicken bones raw or cooked. They do splinter. I'm still wondering what benefit a dog gets from raw chicken and bones that they can't safely get from other natural foods and calcium.

One of the biggest benefits you will see is how much it cleans their teeth. It's truly amazing! Even my vet has remarked on how clean Zoe's teeth are and my collie is 11 1/2 years old and was fed a kibble fed diet for her first 11 years and her teeth were awful! They have improved so much since we started the raw diet last April, although I can't say they are white and sparkling, I've definately seen a big improvement! Plus their coats are healthy and shiny, they are truly happier when they eat!Even relatives who hadn't seen my dogs in awhile have noticed how much better they look. That alone is good enough for me! As for raw bones and splintering.... before cooking the bones are pliable and I even see the difference just when I cut them up with my kitchen shears. I would never be able to cut thru cooked chicken bones like that. I must say though that while a chicken wing is ok if you want to give it a try, a chicken wing is not good for an everyday meal as it has too much bone and too little meat.
Good luck and I'm happy to answer any questions about PMR diets!

[princess chloe]

Doing some research..................

[brylemartin12]

Thanks for that useful information. In the past few years, despite rumors of a chicken wing shortage, bad economic news is basically all that seems to be reported. Lately, it has to do with food costs, due to a drought that's ruined the nation's farmers. A rise in the price of everything from beef to milk to the expense of chicken wings consequently is being reported.

[Mcartabiano]

Originally Posted by COyorkieLover

I've been reading alot about the raw diet and I thought that I would try giving Rusty and Roxi raw chicken wings and see how they like it. But, I have a couple questions....these may sound silly to those experts out there but I really don't want to do anything that could potentially hurt my babies .

Do you give them the whole wing?

Do you take any of the skin off or leave it on?

What happens to the bones? Do they just chew on them or do they actually eat the bones?

and any other infomation you all have would be great! I have so many questions I really appreciate the help!!!

Yorkies have very sensitive digestive systems.

DO NOT give them chicken bones. They splinter and can pierce soft tissue in the throat and stomach which will become infected and can be deadly.

Also, do not give skin as it is very fatty and too much fat can lead to gastroenteritis where the dog will vomit yellow bile and blood, dehydrate and die.

The above is not only from several vets I use but from actual cases.

Last, depending on the size of your dog, it is better to give them 3 smaller meals a day rather than 1 or 2. A small dog ( up to maybe 10 lbs) should get 3 meals a day but smaller portions.

If you dog has digestive issues try steaming or boiling yams and give them a 1-3 tbs along with each meal. This is a very good natural fiber and soother of digestive systems.