There’s definitely not a shortage of dog treat options on the market. You can find everything from traditional dog biscuit treats to rawhide and just about everything in between. This includes chicken feet.
If your dog hasn’t discovered the taste of chicken feet yet, they’re missing out on a delicious treat. This brings us to the question of whether can dogs eat chicken feet, along with a few others you probably have. So, whether you’re giving your furry companion raw, dehydrated, or even cooked chicken feet, here’s what pet owners should know.
In This Article:
Are Raw Chicken Feet Safe for Dogs?
Backers of chicken feet for dogs say that because chicken feet are full of glucosamine and chondroitin, they can be a great, nutritious snack for older and aging dogs. In fact, supplementing an elderly dog with glucosamine and chondroitin can help soothe achy joints.
Supporters of giving dogs raw chicken feet also point out that chicken feet are mostly bones and ligaments. This can also make them great dental treats. The crunchy bones and connective tissues can help break up any tartar on the teeth.
However, the fact remains that it’s still raw chicken. This can be a huge downside. The biggest risk of feeding your dog a raw diet or raw treats is the risk of parasites and bacteria. Studies show that between 20-48% of raw meat-based diets tested were contaminated with Salmonella, and 18 of the Salmonella strains found were resistant to 12 of the 16 antibiotics they were tested against.
In another small study, 80% of tested homemade raw chicken diets tested positive for Salmonella, and 30% of the stools tested were also positive.
Should I Give My Dog Cooked Chicken Feet?
If there are risks of bacterial infection with feeding raw chicken feet, does cooking the chicken feet make them safer? Unfortunately, cooking chicken feet probably only makes them more dangerous for your dog. This is because of all the bones within the feet that contribute to the claims of joint and teeth benefits.
When chicken bones are cooked, they become incredibly brittle and can splinter easily. Splintered bits of chicken bone can be incredibly sharp and can easily perforate a dog’s gastrointestinal tract. This can lead to life-threatening peritonitis and sepsis.
The process of dehydrating meat and turning it into jerky-type treats involves keeping the meat at a temperature between 130 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the process to prevent bacterial contamination. Subjecting chicken feet to these temperatures takes time, but it’s a safe option since the bones are brittle enough to disintegrate, effectively reducing any potential risk for your dog.
How Are Dehydrated Chicken Feet for Dogs Made?
Dehydrated chicken feet are put into a dehydrating machine and slowly dried out, which also allows them to lock in their natural vitamins and minerals, just like cooked feet.
Since chicken feet are super beneficial for your dog, you’re giving them a tasty guilt-free treat your pooch will absolutely enjoy. Because dehydrated chicken feet are dried slowly this means the bones within the feet become crumbly, meaning there is less chance of them splintering.
What Health Benefits Do Dogs Get from Chicken Feet?
Chicken feet have a ton of health benefits that can support dogs throughout every stage of their lives. Some of the common benefits include but aren’t necessarily limited to the following:
- Low in fat
- High in protein
- Rich in Glucosamine and Chondroitin
- Great for their joints and bones
- Low calories
- Packed full of vitamins and minerals
- Great source of protein
- No additives or fillers
- Helps to improve their dental & oral health
- Easy for dogs to digest
Don’t forget about the taste. For dogs, the great taste is the biggest benefit of chicken feet.
Can I Give My Dog Too Many Chicken Feet?
Yep, you can give your dog too much of anything, including chicken feet. Even though the treat is packed full of health benefits, too much of something is pretty much never a good thing.
On average, a small dog should have between 1-2 chicken feet daily. Try to keep a medium to large dog to around 2-4 a day. Chicken feet have around 75 calories on average, check the product label for the exact amount. Too many chicken feet can pack calories on your dog. Now, you’re dealing with a whole new problem. Your pooch is slightly obese, and you’re trying to wean them off of the scrumptious treats.
So, to answer your question. Chicken feet can be a tasty source of nutrition for your furry best friend. Just don’t go overboard handing out the treats.
