Pug with a Chicken Wing

Ground raw chicken, bones and all, defrosted and ready to eat!

Camp Four Paws http://campfourpaws.com/ is a wonderful place for dogs and their human companions. The facility provides a safe, supervised setting for dogs to have play and stimulating activities under the amazing care of the owner, Troy, and her dedicated staff. They screen dogs based on behavior to ensure that everyone gets along. Roman loves going there when we cannot take him with us on trips, and judging by how tired he is when we pick him up, he plays to his heart's delight.

I asked Troy about the merits of feeding dogs raw chicken, having learned recently that the bones and other non-flesh bits provide needed nutrients which may not be in commercial dog food. Apparently, there is a range of opinions on this topic; however, I trust Troy completely and she assured me that the occasional treat of raw chicken is not only healthy, but allows the dog to be, well, a dog! I think what she said to me was, "You haven't lived until you see a Pug with a chicken wing!" That mental image has stuck with me, perhaps longer than necessary.

The merits of raw chicken were reinforced by various people at the dog parks who had painstakingly researched the nutritional and health benefits before offering up a raw chicken back to their pets. I was not surprised to learn from our local butcher shop at Lunardi's that one can purchase frozen blocks of ground up chicken backs and wings for only 99 cents a pound. To serve, merely defrost in the microwave, place before hungry dog, stand back and watch.

Because the bones aren't cooked, they don't become sharp or brittle which could risk internal puncture or other health problem. Judging by the satisfied nap (coma, really) Roman takes after a meal of raw chicken, I'd say that the benefits go beyond taste and any ancient need to eat raw meat. He is now sound asleep, dreaming doggie dreams which make his feet, legs and body twitch as he plays in his own imaginary world where squirrels are slow and clumsy.