Can Bulldogs Eat Raw Chicken?

Technically, yes, bulldogs can eat raw chicken – but that’s only half the story.

Once upon a time, raw meat was one of a dog’s main ingredients, but that was back in the days that they were wild and free. They are no longer wild. We have domesticated them, and it happened around two thousand years ago.

Two thousand years.

Bulldogs have only been around for approximately 500 of those years, and we (humans) “invented” them by breeding dogs for specific traits.

You cannot expect a domesticated dog to suddenly pick up a trait (i.e. eating raw food) that we have done everything in our power to breed out.

If you want to give your bulldog a raw diet because “dogs naturally ate that way,” then you also need to go back to hunting dinner with a spear… because, once upon a time, we naturally ate that way, too.

As a side note, it has been documented that dogs who have never eaten raw meat before, are less likely to accept a change to a raw food diet without potentially serious side effects.

Helpful reading: Why Can’t Bulldogs Eat Chicken?

Can I give my English bulldog raw chicken?

No, you should not give your English bulldog (or any other dog) raw chicken, which is quite in contrast to what most websites will probably tell you.

English bulldogs and other dogs can eat raw chicken, but that doesn’t mean that they should eat raw chicken, and there are a whole bunch of reasons why.

As Certified Veterinary Nutritionist Laura Gaylord, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition) said to Daily Paws:

“Feeding any raw proteins can expose your dog to bacterial pathogens that cause gastrointestinal illness, including salmonella, clostridium, and listeria.”

In short, your bulldog shouldn’t eat raw chicken for the same reason that you (their human companion) shouldn’t eat raw chicken: a very upset stomach.

There’s another big reason why you should give your bulldog (or other breed) raw chicken, too…

Salmonella and other bugs that cause serious stomach upsets are zoonotic, which means they can be passed from dogs (and other animals) to humans with ease.

If your dog gets sick from eating raw chicken, they could pass it on to you.

There is very little anecdotal evidence to support the idea that feeding your dog a raw diet is better for them. Yes, dogs were once wild and not domesticated, but we have come a very long way since then – both humans and dogs alike.

Why can’t bulldogs eat raw chicken?

Your bulldog is at risk of several bacterial infections as a result of eating raw chicken. These include:

Salmonella

Your bulldog can be infected with the bacteria that causes salmonella poisoning even if they don’t have any symptoms. In fact, most experts agree that salmonellosis (the name for salmonella poisoning in dogs) is actually pretty rare.

Bulldogs are more likely to experience symptoms of salmonella if they are very old, very young, has a weakened immune system, or is already suffering from certain underlying health issues.

Salmonella in bulldogs can cause symptoms such as:

Not drinking or eating
Dehydration
Watery poop
Poop with blood
Losing weight
Extreme tiredness
No interest in regular favourite activities, treats, food, etc.
High temperature

In pregnant bulldogs, salmonella can cause miscarriage. It’s also possible for salmonella to spread, travelling to the lungs. When this happens pneumonia is a threat, which is incredibly dangerous in elderly or unwell dogs.

E. coli

In puppies, bulldogs with a weakened immune system, or an underdeveloped dog, E. coli can be deadly. Escherichia coli, the name of the bacteria behind E. coli, can travel to and disrupt countless systems in the body, but one of the most common in adult dogs is a urinary tract infection or UTI.

Puppies, on the other hand, can quickly develop sepsis, which is life threatening.

E. coli causes symptoms such as:

Cold skin
Change to gum colour (blue/purple)
Vomiting
No interest in food or nursing
Very watery poop
Less energy than usual

If you think E. coli is responsible for your bulldog’s health issues, you must take them to your vet urgently – as soon as possible. Dehydration from vomiting and diarrhoea is a big concern, especially when combined with no interest in food, water, or treats.

Campylobacter

Two types of bacteria have the potential to cause campylobacter in your dog… and also in the human members of your household, too. Just like salmonella and E. coli, campylobacter is zoonotic, which means that it affects both animals and humans alike.

The symptoms of this bacterial infection (called enteritis) can last for much longer than expected – in some cases a week or more. Not only that, but your bulldog can also experience what is known as a relapse even though they seem to be fully recovered.

Symptoms of campylobacter in bulldogs include:

High temperature
Very watery poop
Lots of straining when pooping
Blood in poop
Exhaustion
No interest in food, drink, walks, treats, toys, etc.
Pain – crying, whining, pacing, snapping behaviour, etc.

Regurgitation/vomiting

As previously mentioned, bulldogs who haven’t eaten raw meat before are likely to experience side effects, such as vomiting or regurgitation, as a result. This is more than likely because their stomachs aren’t used to it, so instead reject it.

Constant or repeated vomiting and/or regurgitation can cause damage to the oesophagus, stomach, and throat. It can also lead to dehydration, nutritional issues, and more.

What to do if your bulldog eats raw chicken?

A tiny piece of raw chicken probably won’t do that much damage to your bulldog. It’s more likely the case that your bully will regurgitate the unknown raw meat.

In reality, even the tiniest piece of raw meat has the potential to cause and spread things like salmonella.

If your bulldog has eaten more than a small piece of raw chicken, it’s a good idea to have them checked over by your vet as soon as possible. Blood, urine, and faecal tests will be able to pinpoint any bacterial issues, which then allows you to get your pet the treatment and support they need.

FAQ

How can I cook chicken for my bulldog?

Boiled, grilled, barbecued, and baked/roasted chicken are all suitable ways of preparing and cooking chicken for your bulldog. You must avoid all seasonings, such as butter, salt, pepper, spices, garlic, etc. Several of those things are toxic and potentially deadly for your bully.

Can bulldogs have chicken bones?

No, chicken bones can cause serious harm to your dog, especially once they have been cooked. That’s when they have the potential to splinter – and those splinters can become embedded in the vital organs of your bulldog’s body. You should avoid all bones. Your bulldog is better off without them. The cons outweigh the pros greatly.

Can you air fry chicken for a dog?

Yes, you can air fry chicken for your bulldog, providing it us plain, completely unseasoned chicken and it’s cooked properly, all the way through.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! We hope you’ve found our website useful… and you come back soon!

Planet Bulldog

Can Bulldogs Eat Raw Chicken?