Introduction
Dog owners have started to opt for raw feeding for pets because they want them to eat natural and nutrient packed food. Raw Chicken heads are very inexpensive, and contain plentiful nutrients, making them very desirable additions to your dog’s diet. However, these unconventional cuts are all packed with proteins, essential minerals, and fats which makes them an excellent component of a raw diet.
Raw chicken heads nutritional benefits and safety considerations will be explored, along with easy to follow recipes for feeding them to your dogs. If you’re new to raw feeding, or have been doing it for years, this article will have everything you need.
Why Choose Raw Chicken Heads for Dogs?
1. Nutritional Benefits
Chicken heads are an excellent source of:
- Protein: It supports the muscle growth and tissue repair.
- Calcium and Phosphorus: Strengthens bones and teeth.
- Collagen: Helps keep skin healthy and a shiny coat.
- Healthy Fats: It is energy and also helps support brain function.
2. Affordable and Sustainable
Chicken heads make a cost effective raw feeding option. Human food production has often been viewed as a means to an end (a byproduct), but many are realizing they are actually a precious resource of health benefits for dogs.
3. Natural Chew and Mental Stimulation.
Most of the things we associate with dog enrichment, such as chewing raw chicken heads, can clean dogs’ teeth and prevent boredom.
Is It Safe to Feed Raw Chicken Heads to Dogs?
1. Bacterial Concerns
There are bacteria like Salmonella or Campylobacter on raw chicken. Follow these precautions:
- Purchase chicken heads from a trusted, high quality source.
- Kill most pathogens by freezing them for at least 3 days.
- Place in fridge and handle with clean hands when thawed.
2. Bone Safety
Chicken heads have soft and pliable bones which is basically safe for most dogs to chew and digest. Do not feed cooked chicken heads because cooked bones can break and be harmful.
3. Allergies or Intolerances
If your dog is a new eater of raw chicken or has been known to be sensitive to food, then introduce it gently and watch the reactions.
How to Incorporate Raw Chicken Heads into Your Dog’s Diet
1. As a Treat
It is suggested to fed chicken heads once in a while as the only addition to the sea lion’s diet. This is a good way of transitioning from kibble to raw feeding without necessarily changing your dog’s regular meals.
2. As a Raw Food Broth is a Part of a Raw Food Diet
Incorporate chicken heads into a meal plan that includes:
- 70-80% Muscle Meat: Chicken thighs, turkey, beef or even mutton.
- 10% Organ Meat: Liver or kidneys.
- 10% Raw Edible Bones: Chiken necks, wings or head.
- Vegetables and Supplements: Supplements, which are supplementary to the food.
Raw Chicken Head Recipes for Dogs
Recipe 1: Simple Raw Chicken Head Meal
Ingredients:
- 2 raw chicken heads (thawed).
- 1 cup ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 teaspoon fish oil.
Instructions:
- Keeping it natural, wash chicken heads with cold water.
- Add to ground turkey or ground chicken in a bowl.
- Include fish oil for increased omega three fatty acids in your dog’s diet.
- Enjoy fresh or store in the refrigerator for not more than 2 days.
Recipe 2: Chicken Head and Veggie Bowl
Ingredients:
- 2 raw chicken heads.
- 1/2 cup of steamed spinach, chopped.
- 1/2 cup of mashed sweet potatoes.
Instructions:
- Clean and cut Chicken heads ready for cooking.
- Saute spinach and puree sweet potato.
- Sprinkle the veggies and chicken heads together to include vitamins and other nutrients in the meal.
Recipe 3: Chicken Head Smoothie for picky eaters
Ingredients:
- 2 raw chicken heads.
- One fourth cup of unsweetened pumpkin puree.
- 1/4 cup bone broth.
Instructions:
- Chicken heads should be mixed along with pumpkin and bone broth until it forms a puree.
- This can be used on top of your dog’s normal diet or mixed with his/her food.
Tips for Feeding Raw Chicken Heads
1. Adjust Portion Sizes
Only a small portion of your dog’s total diet should consist of raw chicken heads. Based on your dog’s weight, age and activity level, adjust quantities.
2. Supervise During Feeding
Feed raw chicken heads to your dog but always supervise, so they chew properly and don’t gulp.
3. Rotate Proteins
Over rely on only one source of protein. Include chicken heads with other proteins like fish or beef to get your nutrients balanced.
Signs Your Dog Is Thriving on a Raw Diet
When fed properly, a raw diet including chicken heads can result in:
- A healthier skin and a shinier coat.
- Increased energy levels.
- Smaller, firmer stools.
- Natural chewing helps to improve your dental health.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Feeding Cooked Chicken Heads
Cooks heads of chicken but never feeds cooked chicken heads, as the bones can splinter and make your dog sick.
2. Ignoring Hygiene
Carefully washing hands and cleaning surfaces to prevent raw chicken from becoming bacterial contamination is always the case.
3. Overfeeding
Raw bones and chicken heads can give your pup constipation or a nutritional imbalance if overdone. Eat within your recommended portions.
Conclusion
When raw chicken heads are fed responsibly they are the perfect thing to add to a dog’s diet. They’re packed with protein, calcium and healthy fats to support overall health, dental hygiene and mental stimulation. These treats are both very nutritious and very affordable whether they are served as a treat or as part of a balanced raw meal.
When it comes to using chicken heads for your dog, it’s always best to source high quality chicken heads, keep them hygienic and consult your vet that they are safe for your dog. Raw chicken heads can be an important part of your dog’s nutrition plan if approached the right way.
FAQs About Feeding Raw Chicken Heads to Dogs
1. Can all dogs eat raw chicken heads?
Raw chicken heads are usually safe for most dogs to eat, but when you do, do so slowly. It may be an issue with puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with dental issues, and that’s when alternative options may be needed.
2. How often can I feed raw chicken head?
Give feed chicken heads 1- 2 times per week as part of their balanced raw diet.
3. Can small dogs eat chicken heads?
Yes but the heads should be the right size, and watch your dog while feeding.
4. How often does a person really need to buy raw chicken heads?
Raw pet food should be purchased from trusted butchers, raw pet food suppliers or from reliable online retailers concentrating on raw feeding products.
5. Can we freeze chicken heads?
It does, but you can freeze them for up to 3 months to keep them fresh and keep the risk of bacteria germination at bay.
