Raw Chicken Wings as Dog Treats: A Safe Feeding Guide
By Raw & Fresh | Published: 2026-10-28
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to safely feed raw chicken wings to your dog. This guide covers choosing the right size, hygiene tips, and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick Answer
Raw chicken wings are safe and affordable treats for most dogs, but you must choose the right size and follow basic hygiene to prevent choking or bacterial issues.
Why Raw Chicken Wings Work as Treats
Raw chicken wings have soft bones that are easy for dogs to chew and digest, making them suitable even for small breeds. They are also a cost-effective way to add raw meat to your pet's diet without artificial additives like sulfur dioxide.
However, always supervise your dog during feeding, especially the first time, to ensure they chew properly and don't try to swallow a wing whole.
How to Safely Feed Raw Chicken Wings
- Choose the Right Size Wing: Select a wing size that matches your dog's breed. Small dogs and puppies should start with smaller wing sections (like the drumette) to avoid choking. Larger breeds can handle whole wings. A common mistake is giving a whole wing to a toy breed—always size down.
- Thaw and Prepare Properly: If using frozen wings, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Never microwave raw meat, as it can create hot spots and partially cook the bones, making them brittle. Serve at cool room temperature. Partially frozen bones can crack teeth, so ensure they are fully thawed.
- Supervise the First Few Feedings: Watch your dog closely as they eat the wing. Some dogs may try to gulp it down without chewing. If your dog is a fast eater, hold the wing while they chew or cut it into smaller pieces. Never leave your dog unattended with a raw wing—choking can happen quickly.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Handle raw chicken like you would for yourself: wash hands, utensils, and surfaces with hot soapy water after preparation. Store unused wings in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage. A common oversight is cross-contamination—keep raw meat away from other food prep areas.
- Adjust Portion Size for Your Dog: Use wings as an occasional treat or meal topper, not a complete diet. For a 20-pound dog, one small wing per day is plenty. Monitor your dog's weight and adjust accordingly. Overfeeding raw treats can unbalance your dog's diet—treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories.
Product Facts
- Chicken Wings: Raw chicken wings have softer bones so even small dogs and cats can safely chow down on them. This means you can safely feed wings to a wider range of dog sizes, but you still need to match the wing size to your dog's jaw.
Chicken Wings
