Raw chicken feet are common dehydrated treats that are loved by most canines. While most of the treat manufacturers claim that raw chicken feet are highly beneficial for dogs, have you as a pet parent ever wondered if the claims are true? Can dogs eat chicken feet? Is there anything about this particular type of treat that you should know about before offering it to your dog to munch on? In this blog, we’ve got your questions answered. Read on to find out more.

Are chicken feet safe for dogs?

As a pet parent, you might have come across the advice to not offer your dog bones to eat. Whereas it is true that bones of boiled, cooked or fried chicken should not be offered to dogs, raw and hydrated bones are completely safe for your furry friend. Boiled, cooked or fried bones pose a risk for dogs as high cooking temperatures turn chicken bones into glass-like structures that break into pointy splinters when chewed on. These can lead to serious injuries for your pet. Raw bones, on the other hand, have a soft and brittle texture and get crushed when dogs bite on them.

Chicken Feet consist of tiny bones, skin, cartilage and connective tissues, making them fully digestible for canines. The feet also come with chicken’s nails which you may eliminate as they can cause injuries.

However, feeding dogs raw chicken comes with its own set of risks. According to studies, raw meat-based diets are often contaminated with Salmonella but they may carry the risk of Salmonellosis. Also, chicken available in stores are often tested positive for Campylobacter and Listeria. Therefore, offering your dog chicken feet from the butcher shop may not be very safe.

Benefits of chicken feet

Enriched with protein, chondroitin and glucosamine, chicken feet for dogs are known to benefit in various ways. Let’s have a look at them:

• Support joint health and mobility of dogs

Chicken feet are enriched with chondroitin and glucosamine. The ingredients act as building blocks of connective tissue and cartilage that benefit ageing dogs. According to experts, supplementing a senior dog with chondroitin and glucosamine can relieve joint issues and help with their mobility.

If your dog is suffering from arthritis, the vet may prescribe pills containing chondroitin and glucosamine. However, if you want to avoid putting your pooch on medications, you may consider offering it chicken feet which are effective and affordable sources of chondroitin and glucosamine.

• Promote dental health

Dogs often suffer from dental conditions like plaque and tartar buildup. These lead to bad breath and can also affect the heart, liver and kidneys if left untreated. Therefore, keeping their teeth clean is highly important for their well-being. As chicken feet for dogs mostly comprise bones and ligaments, they act as great dental treats as they help scrape off plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth.

• Supports skin and coat

Chicken feet are enriched with collagen, an ingredient that is highly beneficial for dogs and helps to support their skin and coat.

How many chicken feet can you feed your dog?

A small dog can be offered one to two feet per day, whereas a medium to large dog can have two to four feet a day. Containing 75 calories each, chicken feet are quite healthy for dogs. As a responsible pet parent, make sure to observe your pet while it is having the treat and offer plenty of fresh drinking water. However, it is always better to check with a veterinarian before introducing your canine to a new diet or supplement.

Can puppies eat chicken feet?

Puppies from 12 weeks can be offered chicken feet. However, be slow while introducing this treat to your pup to prevent reactions. You may also keep in mind that a puppy may not be able to finish eating an entire foot due to their small stomach. It is always important to supervise your puppy while they’re munching on this treat.

Final Take

Chicken Feet act as incredibly tasty and flavourful treats for dogs that come with a range of health benefits. However, make sure that the feet are free from claws and nails as they can affect your dog’s gastrointestinal system. Also, if your furry baby is allergic to chicken or is predisposed to pancreatitis, you should avoid offering it chicken feet.