Here, we’ll learn a little more about the proper doggy diet, before taking a deep dive into whether or not chicken nuggets are safe for dogs to eat. We’ll also take a look at other foods, like fries and processed meats. Finally, we’ll discover which foods are considered toxic to dogs, and what to do if your dog accidentally ingests something it shouldn’t.
Dogs: Omnivores
If you look in a dog’s mouth, you’ll notice that they have several different kinds of teeth, just like humans. Dogs come equipped with incisors (the small teeth in the front), canines (the big, sometimes scary ones), premolars, and molars. Premolars and molars are also known as cheek teeth, and they serve a couple of different functions. Dogs are designed to eat more than just meat. In contrast, cats, like tigers, lions, and domestic cats, are obligate carnivores and need only meat to survive. Like humans, dogs are omnivores, which means they need a combination of meat and vegetable foods. This is why they have different kinds of teeth—they need to be able to both crunch up harder foods, and shred meat into bite sized chunks.
Should You Feed Your Dog Chicken Nuggets?
When asking the question: can dogs eat chicken nuggets? it’s important to have an understanding of what a proper doggie diet looks like. When getting a dog for the first time, it’s important to consult your vet regarding appropriate food and dietary needs. But, in general, dogs should have high quality kibble with high protein content, in combination with wet food (this can be either purchased or DIY). So, should that diet include chicken nuggets? Unfortunately for your pup’s taste buds, no, it should not. Chicken nuggets are full of fats and processed meat, neither of which is good for dogs. Too many can lead to obesity and other health issues. However, chicken nuggets are not considered toxic to dogs—so don’t rush to have your dog’s stomach pumped if they get into your nuggets. Always consult your vet with any medical concerns, but, in general, an occasional nugget won’t hurt your dog.
What About Other Processed Meats?
Other processed meats might include things like hamburger patties, chicken strips, lunch meats, bacon, and sausage. Though dogs might love these meaty treats, they should never be used as a dietary staple. Processed meats are not good for dogs; they often contain high amounts of fat, as well as spices and other ingredients. When it comes to meat, it’s better to stick to plain, cooked chicken, beef, pork, or turkey.
Can Dogs Have Fries?
If you’re wondering: can dogs eat chicken nuggets? then the next logical question is: can dogs eat fries? Fries offer no nutritional value to your dog. In fact, they’re saturated in fat and heavily salted, which makes them a very poor choice for any pet. However, as with chicken nuggets, fries are not considered a toxic food for canines. So, the occasional fry won’t hurt your pup.
Dangers of Feeding Chicken Nuggets to Your Dog
One of the biggest dangers associated with feeding your dog chicken nuggets is obesity. If your dog needs to watch the pounds, avoid nuggets altogether. Another danger comes from an entirely separate source: allergies. Some dogs have food allergies to things like chicken or wheat; these dogs should not be given chicken nuggets. Symptoms of food allergies include rashes, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect that your pup may have a food allergy, consult your vet.
Foods that are Toxic to Dogs
There are, in fact, many foods that should never be given to your dog. These foods are considered toxic for canines; their ingestion can lead to sometimes fatal consequences. A few of the most common toxic foods for dogs include: grapes, raisins, chocolate, macadamia nuts, walnuts, xylitol (artificial sugar), onions, garlic, chives, and avocados.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
If you suspect that your dog may have eaten something toxic, contact your vet immediately. Treatment for ingestion of toxic substances almost always starts with inducing vomiting. The sooner you can get your dog to vomit up whatever they ate, the better the prognosis. Your vet may give your dog something to make them vomit, or even pump their stomach. If you don’t have access to a vet, call the Pet Poison Hotline, which provides over-the-phone veterinary advice.
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