Can a Dog Eat Skin From Chicken?

Even though your pooch may have a voracious appetite for seemingly anything he sees or smells, that doesn't mean that the things he wants are in any way suitable or healthy for him. Chicken skin, for one, is far too fatty for dogs, so keep it far away.

Skin from a chicken, in short, is absolutely not appropriate for your dog. Never allow your pet to consume chicken skin, even if he offers you his cutest puppy dog eyes during dinnertime. The fat content of chicken skin is too high, and can trigger not only tummy distress in dogs, but also pancreatitis, a disorder that results from pancreatic inflammation. Dogs who eat a lot of fattening foods and are overweight are especially susceptible to pancreatitis.

If your hungry and mischievous doggie somehow got his paws and mouth on some chicken skin, be attentive to signs of aforementioned belly discomfort, including watery stools, especially frequent stools and tummy pain. Notify your veterinarian if your poor pet's symptoms are especially long-lasting or intense in nature. Save your dog the hassle of these unpleasant symptoms by keeping chicken skin out of his diet.

For dogs who routinely eat fattening foods such as chicken skin, pancreatitis is a major risk. If you are worried that your pet may be suffering from the disorder, keep your eyes open for any telling indications of it, including feelings of weakness, throwing up, loss of appetite, dehydration, diarrhea, crouched posture, labored breathing, fever and aching of the abdominal region. Take your cutie to the veterinarian to determine whether or not pancreatitis is indeed an issue.

Fatty animal-based products are never a good idea for dogs, so whether chicken skin, turkey skin or even animal fat from a steak, never allow your pet to eat any. On the other hand, lean meats that are fully cooked are generally harmless and appropriate for occasional canine enjoyment. Consult your veterinarian before ever feeding anything new to your fluff ball, however, especially if the food isn't intended exclusively for dogs to eat. Remember, caution and discretion are your friends, so make the most of them.