Why
Cooked bones break into sharp shards. The ASPCA also warns that raw bones can injure or block the digestive tract and may need surgery.
What to do instead
- Strip meat from the bone before sharing, and bin carcasses securely.
Safer swaps from the same group: chicken, eggs, fish, salmon.
Watch out for
- Watch for gagging, vomiting, straining, blood in stool or a swollen belly, and call a vet.
If your dog ate chicken bones
- Note how much your dog ate and when, and keep any packaging.
- Call your vet, an emergency clinic, ASPCA Animal Poison Control ((888) 426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Other meat, fish and eggs: quick answers
| Food | Verdict | Short answer |
|---|---|---|
| Ham | Small amounts | A small piece is fine now and then, but ham is salty and fatty. |
| Pork | Small amounts | Yes, plain, fully cooked pork with the fat trimmed. |
| Shrimp | Small amounts | Yes, a few fully cooked shrimp with the shell, tail and legs removed. |
| Tuna | Small amounts | Small amounts only. Tuna contains mercury. |
| Chicken | Safe | Yes. Plain cooked chicken is a good protein source. Never cooked bones. |
| Eggs | Safe | Yes, fully cooked. Cooked eggs are a good protein source; raw eggs are not. |
| Fish | Safe | Yes, fully cooked and deboned, up to twice a week. |
| Salmon | Safe | Yes, fully cooked and boneless. Never raw. |
Rules for any new food
- Plain is the rule: no salt, butter, oil, onion, garlic, sugar or sweeteners. Most of the danger in human food comes from what is added to it.
- Keep all treats under 10% of your dog's daily calories (WSAVA). The rest should come from a complete dog food.
- Check labels for xylitol, raisins, chocolate and macadamia nuts, which turn up in baked goods, snacks and spreads.
- If your dog has a health condition, such as diabetes, pancreatitis or kidney disease, ask your vet before adding any new food.
Frequently asked questions
Are chicken bones safe for dogs?
No. Cooked chicken bones splinter and can choke a dog or tear the gut.
What should I do if my dog ate chicken bones?
Most dogs are fine after a small amount, but watch for vomiting, diarrhea or unusual behavior and call your vet if anything worries you.
Sources
- American Kennel Club, "Can Dogs Eat Chicken?" (updated Feb 23, 2026)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control, "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets"
Checked October 17, 2026. We are a reference, not a vet: if in doubt, call yours. How we check.