You see them in the grocery store or meat market – can dogs eat chicken feet? Is it ok to buy chicken feet for dogs? Read this guide for more!
It’s tempting to want to give your dog some dehydrated chicken feet to chew on. Before you share this teat from your local butcher shops, read this guide.
For ultimate pet safety, I recommend consulting with your vet prior to feeding your dog chicken feet.
Can Dogs Have Chicken Feet
A chicken foot consists of skin, connective tissue, and cartilage. If you have ever wondered, “can I give my dog chicken feet?” The answer is yes, you definitely can!
This is a tasty treat and an excellent alternative to rawhide.
Chicken feet are natural dog chews you can get from your local butcher, just like pig ears.
If you have ever given your dog chicken necks, chicken feet are just as safe and healthy for your pup.
Keep reading to learn more about feeding raw chicken feet to dogs, how to prepare chicken feet for dogs, and more.
Are Chicken Feet Good For Dogs
Many dog owners give chicken feet to their furry friends as healthy treats. There’s a reason for that – they are very good for dogs.
In fact, one chicken foot has the same amount of glucosamine as the daily dose of an average joint supplement for a medium-sized dog.
If you are giving one to your dog for the first time, watch for signs of allergic reactions, such as sneezing or itching. Give your dog plenty of fresh water and contact your dog’s veterinarian if their behavior worries you.
Most dogs are able to eat chicken feet without any issues.
Can Puppies Eat Chicken Feet
Chicken feet are fine if you have an older small dog. Very young puppies should not eat chicken feet.
The small bones are a choking hazard for really young pups.
Are Chicken Feet Safe For Dogs
Yes, chicken feet are safe for dogs to eat.
These natural treats are a great way to give your dogs something to chew on while giving them essential nutrients that are good for them at the same time.
There are a few things you should know first.
Chicken feet have 25% fat content. If your pup has (or is at risk for getting) pancreatitis, they should not eat chicken feet. The high amount of fat could cause stomach upset, including vomiting or diarrhea.
You should only give your pet raw or dried chicken feet. When they are cooked, the bones become easier to splint, which becomes dangerous for dogs.
Chicken Feet Benefits For Dogs
Check out the benefits of chicken feet for dogs.
The same essential nutrients in chicken feet that benefit human consumption are also good for dogs.
The high collagen content in chicken feet can improve your dog’s skin and heart health.
It is good for your dog’s joint health, especially if you have an older dog that has joint pain or joint problems. Chicken feet can actually be used as natural canine joint supplements.
Each chicken foot has about 450 mg of glucosamine. It’s also a fantastic source of chondroitin sulfate. Both of these things are safe and natural ways to treat arthritis in dogs.
You can use chicken feet to replace dental chews for dental health. The feet will naturally clean their teeth and fight bad breath as your dog chews them.
It’s also good for dogs with hip dysplasia since it is good for their joint health.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken Feet
You might be nervous to give your dog raw meat, but raw chicken feet are safe for dogs to eat.
Benefits of Raw Chicken Feet For Dogs
Raw chicken feet have the same health benefits as dried chicken feet. They are good for your dog’s dental hygiene. They are also a good source of protein, which are the building blocks of muscle development.
Where To Buy Raw Chicken Feet For Dogs
The best places to buy your dog chicken feet in the United States are in the grocery stores. If you can’t find them there, look at your local farmer’s market or meat market.
You can find chicken feet in other parts of the world at Asian markets.
How Do You Prepare Raw Chicken Feet For Dogs
You don’t have to do anything to prepare raw chicken feet for your dog. You can just let them eat it like it is. If you want to lower the odor, I suggest dehydrating or freeze-drying them.
Dried Chicken Feet For Dogs
Dried chicken feet are healthy dog treats for your pet. They are fun for your dog to chew on and you can feel good knowing they are eating a healthy snack without harmful additives or unsafe ingredients.
Frozen Chicken Feet For Dogs
Yes, you can give your dog free-range chicken feet that are frozen. This can be a good way to cut down on the odor, help the chicken feet last longer, and is a refreshing treat on a hot day.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Chicken Feet
If you are wondering how to cook chicken feet for dogs, the short answer is that you shouldn’t cook them.
Cooked chicken bone is not good for dogs to eat. As your dog eats these bones, they splinter and could cause serious injuries.
It’s actually safer for dogs to eat raw or dried chicken feet than cooked ones.
Baked Chicken Feet For Dogs
When it comes to chicken products, you should not give your dog any chicken bones that have been baked. Do not give your dog baked chicken feet.
Boiled Chicken Feet For Dogs
As you boil them, the tiny bones in the chicken feet become so soft that your dog could bite off splinters of them. These tiny pieces could get stuck in their digestive tract.
Do not give your dog boiled chicken feet.
Smoked Chicken Feet For Dogs
The same is true for smoked chicken feet. It’s better to give your dog raw or dried chicken feet. Don’t smoke the chicken feet, and then give them to your dog.
How Many Chicken Feet For Dogs
Pet owners, as you give your dog chicken feet, it’s best to give them one daily.
Feeding chicken feet to your dogs depends on the size of your dog. A really large dog might be able to handle two chicken feet per day.
Duck Feet vs Chicken Feet For Dogs
Both duck feet and chicken feet can be a tasty treat for your pet. They are both healthy for dogs and provide the same joint benefits and dental health benefits.
In fact, duck feet have smaller nails than chicken feet do. If the nails on duck or chicken feet worry you, just clip them with nail clippers or kitchen scissors.
Final Thoughts
Chicken feet might be a good option if you are looking for natural supplements to give your pup in addition to their healthy dog food.
Whether you have a large or a smaller dog, just make sure you give your pet raw or dried chicken feet. Always ask your veterinarian if you have specific questions about chicken feet and your dog’s health.
More Dog Food Resources
What other human foods are safe for dogs? Here are some more resources about different meat dogs can and can’t eat:
- Can Dogs Eat Chicken Hearts
- Can Dogs Eat Cockles
- Can Dogs Eat Crab
- Can Dogs Eat Duck
- Can Dogs Eat Pork Rinds
- Can Dogs Eat Spam
- Can Dogs Eat Turkey Necks
Find lots of information about human food dogs can eat (and ones they can’t) here on Spoiled Hounds!
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Best thing to do with chicken feet is to pressure cook them. I use an Instant Pot. The broth produced is liquid gold, it will turn in to a very dense jelly in the refrigerator that you can cut up and add to any meal, also makes the absolute best chicken soup in the world for humans! The feet then become treats for the dogs that they can easily consume as the bones won’t splinter and are easy to chew. You can do the same with chicken necks although health benefits not so extensive.
I do exactly the same. My 80lb golden eats 3 for lunch and 3 for dinner. It’s cooked and served with another form of boneless meat and chopped carrots and potatoes. Unfortunately she does t eat rice but the jelly is the substitute.
New to all this so plz allow leniency in ur answer. If I pressure cook the chicken feet wouldn’t that also make the bones soft and therefore “splintery”.
Yes, pressure-cooking chicken feet will make them soft and easy to splinter. Do not feed your dog any type of cooked chicken bones.
Never feed your dog cooked chicken bones or any other type of bones that have been cooked. It’s very dangerous.