Can Dogs Eat Frozen Drumsticks? Are they Good or Bad for Dogs?

Introduction

No, dogs cannot eat frozen drumsticks. We understand that this is surprising and not the answer you expected. Well, contrary to popular belief, not every type and piece of meat is good for dogs.

Frozen drumsticks are convenient and readily available, but they pose various risks for dogs. Sadly, they can be hazardous to dogs and are best kept away from the dog’s food bowl.

Introduction
Why is Frozen Drumsticks Bad for Dogs?
Signs Your Dog Has Eaten Frozen Drumsticks
What to Do If My Dog Ate Frozen Drumsticks?
Summary

Display table of content

Why is Frozen Drumsticks Bad for Dogs?

From added spices to the presence of bones, there are several reasons frozen drumsticks are bad for dogs. Since it can be hard to imagine why frozen drumsticks are bad for dogs, we will carefully review the different risks. Let’s start.

Stomach Upset

Almost all human foods have the potential to cause stomach upset in dogs. Sadly, frozen drumsticks are not the exception. Such stomach upsets are not dangerous, but they are tedious and uncomfortable.

Too Much Oil

Frozen drumsticks are usually deep-fried, which is achieved using copious amounts of fats and oils. Dogs need this nutrient but in small doses. Eating too much oil puts the dog at risk of developing pancreatitis as well as putting on unnecessary weight.

Tricky Spices

The spices on top of the frozen drumsticks are hard to digest – causing side effects ranging from digestive upset to bleeding ulcers. Some spices like garlic and onion can also be toxic to dogs.

Choking Hazard

The bones in frozen drumsticks pose a choking hazard. The risk of choking on a frozen drumstick bone is even higher in dogs that are gulpers – they tend to swallow the food without chewing first.

GI Tract Injuries

Last but not least, the bones may injure the inside of the dog’s digestive tract. Such injuries lead to perforation, which can be fatal. The bones may also block the GI tract and put the dog’s life in danger. In both cases, immediate and adequate veterinary attention is imperative.

Signs Your Dog Has Eaten Frozen Drumsticks

The signs and symptoms following the dog’s ingestion of frozen drumsticks depend on the consumed amount as well as the size of the dog.

The most likely side effect, stomach upset, will result in:

Vomiting and/or diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Decreased water intake
Abdominal pain
Dehydration
Lethargy and weakness.

The risks linked with the spices and fats are similar to the stomach upset signs. Plus, in such cases, there can be blood in the vomit and/or diarrhea.

Choking, on the other hand, is a medical emergency that requires immediate help to stabilize the dog and prevent a fatal outcome.

Finally, if the frozen drumstick causes GI tract perforation or obstruction, the telltale signs would be:

Loss of appetite
Vomiting just after eating
Blood in the vomit/diarrhea
Diarrhea followed by constipation.

What to Do If My Dog Ate Frozen Drumsticks?

If your dog ate frozen drumsticks, try to estimate how much it ate and evaluate its overall state and wellbeing. To put your mind at ease, it is best to call your trusted veterinarian and explain what happened.

Based on the situation, the vet will instruct you to wait and monitor the dog at home or go to the clinic for an in-person examination and treatment.

In case your dog is choking, there is no time to call the vet and wait for advice. If this is the case, you need to perform the Heimlich maneuver. There are tons of helpful videos available online to teach you what to do.

Summary

All things considered, frozen drumsticks are not good for dogs – while a bite or two are not toxic and not may even be directly harmful, eating more or ingesting the wrong parts can be hazardous to dogs.

Therefore, pet owners must never feed their dogs frozen drumsticks on purpose. Also, in case of accidental ingestions (the dog stealing a frozen drumstick from the counter), they must seek veterinary help.