How & Why To Boil Chicken for Dogs

When it comes to feeding your pup, there are plenty of options out there. Kibble? Convenient. Fresh food? Delicious. Treats? Always a win. But what about plain ol’ boiled chicken?

At A Pup Above, we care about what goes into your dog’s bowl. That’s why in this article, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about boiling chicken for dogs, from the how-to’s to the when-and-why.

When Should Your Dog Eat Boiled Chicken?

Is there ever a bad time to serve boiled chicken? Not really. It’s one of those easy, go-to foods that works in a lot of situations. 

Got a pup with a sensitive stomach? Boiled chicken is gentle and simple. Dealing with a picky eater? A little chicken mixed in can make their regular food way more exciting. Just back from the vet? It’s a great option for dogs recovering from surgery or feeling a little off. And if you need a high-value treat that isn’t packed with mystery ingredients, boiled chicken is a solid choice.

That said, it’s not a complete meal on its own. Dogs need a mix of nutrients to stay healthy, so while boiled chicken is great in a pinch, it shouldn’t replace a balanced diet. Think of it as a helpful addition, not the whole plan.

Why Is Boiled Chicken Good for a Dog’s Upset Stomach?

If you've got a pup with an upset stomach on your hands, chances are you'll end up Googling what to do. And one of the top results? Boiled chicken. 

We totally get it — when your dog isn’t feeling great, figuring out what to feed them can be a real headache. You want to soothe their stomach without making things worse, and they still need nourishment to get back on their paws.

That's why boiled chicken is often the food of choice. It's bland enough not to irritate their stomach further, easy to digest, and low in fat, making it the perfect gentle meal for a dog in distress. 

Plus, it packs a protein punch to help maintain their energy levels without any heavy fats or complex seasonings that might exacerbate their symptoms. Vets often recommend pairing it with plain white rice to create a bland diet that helps ease your pup’s digestive woes gently and effectively.

If your dog starts to perk up, you can begin mixing in their regular food gradually. But if their stomach issues don’t improve or if they seem to be feeling worse, it's always wise to consult your vet to rule out anything more serious.

How To Boil Chicken for Dogs

Boiling chicken for your dog isn’t exactly rocket science, but there are a few things to do (and avoid) to make sure it’s safe, healthy, and actually worth their while. 

Whether you’re dealing with a picky eater, a sensitive stomach, or just want to add a little extra protein to their diet, here’s how to do it right.

Step 1: Pick the Right Chicken

Not all chicken is created equal. Stick with boneless, skinless cuts like breasts or thighs — no bones, no excess fat. Dark meat (thighs) has a little more fat than white meat (breasts), but either works fine. If your dog is on a lower-fat diet, chicken breast is the safer bet.

Step 2: Skip the Seasonings

This one’s important — no salt, no garlic, no onions, no fancy spices. Dogs don’t need that stuff, and some of it (like onions and garlic) is actually toxic to them. Just plain chicken, straight-up.

Step 3: Boil It Right

• Place the chicken in a pot and cover it with water — don’t go overboard, just enough to submerge it.
• Bring the water to a rolling boil, then turn it down to a gentle simmer.
• Let it cook for about 12 to 15 minutes or until it’s fully done (cut into it and check — no pink means it’s good to go).

Step 4: Let It Cool & Prep It for Your Dog

Hot chicken = burned tongues. Let it cool down completely before serving. Once it’s safe to handle, shred it or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Skip the big chunks — nobody wants a choking hazard at mealtime.

Step 5: Store What You Don’t Use

Boiled chicken keeps in the fridge for about three to four days or in the freezer for up to three months if you want to batch-cook. Store it plain — no butter, oil, or extras.

How Much Chicken Should I Feed My Dog?

Dogs love chicken, but just because they’d eat a whole plate of it doesn’t mean they should. As a general rule, chicken should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. 

That means:

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): A couple of tablespoons
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): A few ounces
• Large dogs (50+ lbs): A handful of ounces, depending on their diet

If you’re using chicken as a temporary meal (like for an upset stomach), you can serve it in larger portions. Just remember, this isn’t a forever diet — chicken alone doesn’t cover all the nutrients your dog needs. Long-term, they need a well-rounded diet with the right balance of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins to keep them thriving. 

Want to keep chicken in their rotation without the hassle of boiling it yourself? Chicka Chicka Bow Wow has all the benefits of real, slow-cooked chicken, so your pup gets everything they need in every bite. What’s not to love?

Can Dogs Eat Chicken Skin or Bones?

We’ve talked about boiled chicken, but what about the skin or bones? It’s easy to think, “Hey, my dog would love this,” but some parts of the chicken just aren’t worth the risk. Chicken skin is loaded with fat, and while a tiny bite here and there won’t do much harm, too much can lead to an upset stomach or, in more serious cases, pancreatitis. 

As for bones — hard pass. Cooked chicken bones can splinter like crazy, which means they can get stuck in your dog’s throat or cause serious internal damage. Even raw bones can be risky if they’re not the right kind. 

If you’re making chicken for your pup, boneless and skinless is the way to go. It’s just safer, easier on their stomach, and won’t lead to any emergency vet visits.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken?

Raw chicken for dogs is one of those debates that gets people fired up. Some swear by it, saying it’s more “natural” and packed with nutrients, while others point to the risks — and honestly, they’re not wrong. 

Raw chicken can carry bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter, which aren’t just a problem for your dog but can also spread around your home (think dog kisses, food bowls, and everything they touch). Sure, dogs have stronger stomachs than we do, but they’re not immune to foodborne illnesses.

Beyond bacteria, feeding raw chicken the right way takes a lot of effort. You have to make sure your dog is getting a balanced diet — not just a pile of raw meat. Without the right mix of nutrients, they could end up with deficiencies over time. 

If you’re considering raw feeding, it’s something to research carefully and talk to your vet about. Otherwise, sticking with cooked, properly prepared chicken is the safer (and far easier) way to go.

A Final Word

Boiled chicken can be a great option for dogs, whether they need a gentle meal for an upset stomach or a little extra protein in their diet. But a well-rounded diet is about more than just one ingredient — it’s about real, wholesome food that supports your pup’s health at every stage.

At A Pup Above, we make it easy to give your dog the good stuff with our gently cooked, nutrient-packed meals. No fillers, no mystery ingredients — just real food made for real dogs. Ready to upgrade their bowl? Check out our high-protein, slow-cooked recipes today!

Sources:

Why Is My Dog a Picky Eater? | American Kennel Club

8 Toxic Foods for Dogs | Consumer Reports

Re-evaluating your dog’s diet | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

How long can you keep cooked chicken? | USDA