Dogs deserve as much variety in their diet as we do, and chicken is one of the easiest proteins to rotate through different cuts without complicating your weekly routine. At ardam, formerly CDK9 Raw, we stock several types of raw chicken for dogs, each offering slightly different nutrients and chewing benefits. Here are four ways to feed your dog raw chicken, plus what to avoid.
Are chicken necks good for dogs?
Chicken necks are a great way to support both joint health and dental hygiene. They're packed with protein and calcium, crunchy and satisfying to chew, and generally well tolerated by adult dogs. Pick up a bag of chicken necks for dogs to get started.
They're also one of the easiest cuts to portion by hand, since a single neck is a fairly consistent, natural serving size, which takes some of the guesswork out of raw feeding for beginners.
For a small breed like a Chihuahua or a Miniature Dachshund, a single chicken neck is often close to a complete snack-sized chew, whereas a Labrador or German Shepherd might need two or three necks to get the same chewing time and nutrient contribution. Adjusting quantity rather than cut type is usually the simplest way to scale necks across different dog sizes in the same household.
What are chicken frames good for?
Chicken frames are a great option for raw feeders of any experience level. They're soft enough for beginners but still offer plenty of nutrients for medium and large-breed dogs. The cartilage content may support gum, joint, and gut health, making frames a well-rounded addition to a raw diet.
Frames tend to be a good middle-ground option in multi-dog Australian households, since their softer structure suits a wider range of ages and chewing strengths than denser bones. A household with an older dog and a younger, more boisterous one can often feed frames to both without needing to buy two different bone types.
Are chicken wings safe for dogs?
Yes, raw chicken wings are safe for dogs and provide a great source of nutrition while helping keep teeth and gums healthy. They're a smaller, more manageable bone than a frame, which makes them a good option for smaller breeds. Read more in our dedicated guide to raw chicken wings for dogs.
Wings sit in a useful middle ground between necks and frames in terms of size, which makes them a practical choice if you have a medium-sized dog like a Kelpie or Border Collie who needs more substance than a neck provides but doesn't need the larger bone content of a full frame.
What is chicken mince used for in a raw diet?
Bulk chicken mince is a convenient way to add high-quality protein to your dog's diet without any bones. Dogs are natural carnivores, and a diet built around quality meat sources like Australian raw chicken gives them essential nutrients without any additives, preservatives, or fillers.
- Chicken necks: joint and dental support, crunchy texture
- Chicken frames: beginner-friendly, cartilage-rich
- Chicken wings: smaller bone, good for smaller breeds
- Chicken mince: boneless, easy to portion and mix
Mince is also the most practical option for dogs who have had dental work, have missing teeth, or simply prefer not to chew through bone content on a given day. Many owners keep a bag of mince on hand as a flexible base they can build a complete meal around, adding organ meat and vegetables to match their dog's usual ratios.
What chicken should my dog avoid?
Never feed your dog raw chicken from the grocery store. Regardless of labelling like organic or free-range, supermarket raw chicken is not prepared to the same food-safety standard as chicken sourced specifically for raw pet food, and it can carry Salmonella or other pathogens that cause gastrointestinal illness. Always buy from a reputable raw dog food supplier such as ardam.
Also avoid cooked chicken bones entirely. Unlike raw bones, cooked chicken bones splinter and break easily, creating a choking hazard or risk of internal injury. For further detail on the risks of raw poultry handling, see the MSD Veterinary Manual.
New to raw feeding? Try our meal planner quiz to find the right chicken mix for your dog, or start with a sample pack.
How do I build a balanced meal around raw chicken?
Chicken alone, even across several cuts, isn't a complete diet. A balanced raw meal typically includes muscle meat, bone content, and organ meat in the right proportions, along with some variety from other proteins over time. Chicken necks and frames contribute bone content, while mince gives you a clean base to add organ meat and vegetables to. Our guide to variety in a raw dog diet covers how to rotate chicken with other proteins for a broader nutrient spread.
If building your own ratios feels like guesswork, our pre-portioned mixes take the maths out of it, combining chicken with the right balance of bone and offal in every serve. You can also use our meal planner quiz to generate a complete weekly plan based on your dog's size, age, and activity level.
A useful way to think about weekly variety is to rotate through the cuts rather than sticking to just one. A week might include mince-based meals most days, a chicken frame or two for dental chewing, and necks worked in as a treat or topper. This kind of rotation mirrors how a dog would naturally encounter different parts of a prey animal, while still keeping meal prep simple for busy Australian households.
When to talk to your vet
If your dog has a history of pancreatitis, food allergies, or digestive sensitivity, ask your vet before introducing a new chicken cut, particularly bone-in options like necks or frames. Contact your vet promptly if your dog shows vomiting, reduced appetite, or signs of discomfort after a meal change.
FAQ: Types of raw chicken for dogs
Which type of raw chicken is best for beginners?
Chicken frames or mince tend to be the easiest starting point, as they're softer and simpler to portion.
Are chicken necks safe for small dogs?
They can be, but supervise closely and consider whether a smaller cut like wings might be more manageable.
Can I feed my dog chicken from the supermarket?
No. Supermarket raw chicken is not held to the same food-safety standard as chicken sourced for raw pet food and carries a higher contamination risk.
Is cooked chicken bone ever safe?
No. Cooked chicken bones splinter easily and should never be fed to dogs.
How much raw chicken should I feed my dog?
This depends on your dog's weight and activity level. Our feeding quiz can help you calculate the right amount.
Can I mix different chicken cuts in one meal?
Yes, rotating cuts like necks, frames, wings, and mince adds variety and a broader nutrient spread.
Can I feed chicken as my dog's only protein source?
You can, but rotating in other proteins like beef, lamb, or fish over time helps provide a broader range of nutrients.
Is skin-on chicken okay for dogs?
Yes, chicken skin is generally fine in normal amounts, though dogs prone to weight gain or pancreatitis may do better with leaner cuts.
Whichever cut you choose, ardam, formerly CDK9 Raw, delivers premium raw chicken across Sydney and Australia. Explore our full chicken range today.
