When feeding raw chicken to your dogs, you will probably add the flesh and bones. But what about the chicken feet? Will you keep them or toss them aside?
Most people will undoubtedly choose the second option, believing that eating chicken feet would have no benefit for your pet’s health.
However, you’ll be surprised to learn that chicken feet are edible and, by far, one of the healthiest raw meat portions to feed to dogs.
So in this article, we’ll learn about:
- Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken Feet?
- Health benefits of raw chicken feet
- And more…
Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken Feet?
Dogs can eat raw chicken feet safely as long as it is prepared hygienically to reduce chances of bacterial infection. Make sure that the raw feet have no nails on them when feeding to your dogs. In addition, raw chicken feet are rich in glucosamine and chondroitin which are good for your dog’s joint health and mobility.
Most people avoid feeding their dog raw chicken feet as they are often considered chicken discards. They are, however, carriers of several rich and essential nutrients that contribute significantly to boosting the wellness and immunity of dogs.
Raw chicken feet are the most popular bone options for dogs to eat. When your dog nibbles on lean, slender chicken feet, it serves as a toothbrush. So, not only does your pet acquire nutrition, but it also gets rid of foul breath.
While feeding raw chicken feet to your furry friend, you should ensure that the nails on the chicken feet are trimmed or removed. Along with it, it is also essential to clean the raw meat thoroughly, and then serve it to your dog.
Are Raw Chicken Feet Safe For Dogs?
Chicken feet are dangerous, but only if they are cooked.
Raw chicken feet offer no such dangerous consequences to the dogs as they are rather soft bones that can be chewed easily by dogs, although one must look out for the nails.
Usually, the sharp nails are trimmed; however, make sure the chicken feet have no sharp nails. Even if it has, trim them before feeding them to your pets.
Generally, raw chicken feet are safe for dogs to consume.
However, if your dog is allergic to chicken, then maybe you should opt-out of chicken feet from their diet.
3 Health Benefits Of Raw Chicken Feet For Dogs
Chicken feet are nutritious sources for dogs, but what exactly are the nutrients present in the feet, and how do they contribute to your dog’s well-being?
1. Joint Health
Chicken feet are reservoirs of glucosamine and chondroitin. According to the VCA Hospital, glucosamine, and chondroitin contribute to the improvement of overall joint health and mobility of dogs.
According to PetMD, both glucosamine and chondroitin are vital nutrients that are usually prescribed to dogs in the form of supplements. They’re also the medications used to treat arthritis in dogs.
So if you are not a fan of artificial supplements, you can swap to chicken feet that carry approximately 450 mg of glucosamine.
2. Oral And Dental Health
Chicken feet are high in calcium as well. They contain up to 5% of the Daily Value (DV) of calcium, contributing to stronger teeth.
Furthermore, because chicken feet are tiny bones, crunching them scrapes away dirt and cleans the enamel of the teeth. As a result, chicken feet are the most effective natural dental cleansers for dogs.
3. Strength And Mobility
The glucosamine and chondroitin in the small chicken feet provide myriads of benefits in improving the overall health of dogs; this includes mobility as well.
According to the VCA Hospital, they promote water retention and elasticity in the cartilage, helping to ensure adequate shock absorption and adequate nourishment of the tissues that support cartilage health joint mobility.
What Age Can Puppies Have Raw Chicken Feet?
Though raw meat is proven to be healthy and safe for feeding dogs, pet parents are usually worried about whether it is safe to feed their little puppies. Probably, raw chicken feet also fall under this common concern.
As we stated earlier, chicken feet are safe to consume by dogs of all ages, including puppies. Therefore make sure your dog is over 4 months old and well-inhibited on a raw meat diet before gradually adding chicken feet to the diet.
Chicken feet are usually crunchy, and when chewed, the bone will be crushed into small pieces, thus not causing any fatal damages to the puppy.
How Much & How Often Can I Feed My Dog Raw Chicken Feet?
Skin, tendons, cartilage, and minuscule bones make up the majority of chicken feet, which likewise contain fewer calories. 1 raw chicken foot per day will suffice for pups, and 2 to 3 chicken feet per day would suffice for mature dogs.
Also Read: A Guide To Getting Your Dog’s Diet Right
Should I Serve Chicken Feet For Dogs Raw Or Cooked?
Chicken feet are nutritious and full of essential elements that benefit a dog’s health.
Now rises the next question, will it be served cooked or raw?
The obvious answer would be raw.
Chicken bones are sturdy and robust, but when cooked, their rigidity weakens, causing them to crumble or splinter easily, which can have serious consequences if consumed by dogs.
We don’t want to risk that, should we?
According to the AKC, raw, dehydrated, or puffed chicken feet can be offered to dogs. The bones are crunchy, and when your dog crunches on them, they will crush rather than break into sharp splinters, keeping your dog safe.
3 Things To Consider Before Serving Raw Chicken Feet To Your Dog
Chicken feet is generally safe to feed canines; however, there are some things you should also look out for:
1. It Is Advisable Not To Cook The Chicken Feet
According to AKC, cooked raw chicken feet become brittle. When a dog consumes cooked feet, the bones are more likely to break into little scrapes, which can pose complications in the dogs’ gastrointestinal tract.
Feeding dogs raw chicken bones is fine. During chewing, the chicken feet will be reduced to small and safe powdered particles.
2. Keep A Close Watch On The Nails In Chicken Feet.
Though the supplier itself usually trims the nails on the chicken feet, there are some times when the nails are usually intact. The nails can cause trouble in digestion that may result in food poisoning.
So make sure to trim the nails of chicken feet before feeding them
3. Watch Out For Any Side Effects In Your Dog
Unless your dog has allergies to chicken meat, chicken feet are normally safe for dogs to eat.
When giving raw chicken to your dog, make sure he doesn’t have any allergic reactions.
Where To Buy Raw Chicken Feet For Dogs?
Chicken feet are readily available at local supermarkets, butcher shops, and grocery stores. Simply ensure that the chicken feet are clean and fresh when purchasing.
Dehydrated chicken feet are also available in supermarkets and online.
How Should I Prepare Raw Chicken Feet For Dogs?
Chicken feet do not need any special or complex preparation for feeding.
After buying the raw chicken feet, store them properly in the refrigerator and then take them out only when feeding your dogs. Before feeding, also make sure that the nails are trimmed from the chicken feet.
If you don’t want to feed your dogs raw chicken feet, you can feed them dehydrated chicken feet. Normally, dehydrated chicken feet are purchased in stores; however, you can prepare them at home using the following steps:
- Trim the nails and rinse the chicken feet thoroughly.
- Place the chicken feet in the oven and set the temperature to 150 – 200 F.
- Let the chicken feet bake for about 2 hours.
- Repeat the process until the chicken is completely dry on all sides.
Raw chicken feet are best substituted with dehydrated chicken. Although dehydrated chicken is comparable to cooked feet, it is safer and more crispy to consume.
Different Forms Of Chicken Feet Available For Dogs
Chicken feet are a nutrient-dense meal that has a long list of benefits for dogs. Cooked chicken feet are not recommended, but several types of chicken feet are safe and healthy for dogs to consume.
1. Raw Chicken Feet
Raw chicken feet are just that: raw. They haven’t been cooked or prepared in any way, and they are purchased directly from a market and are frozen before feeding. Dogs can eat raw chicken feet, but owners must clean them thoroughly before feeding them.
2. Dehydrated Chicken Feet
Dehydrated chicken is available at grocery stores and online. According to Dr. Kristie McLaughlin, DVM, MPH, CPH, dehydrated chicken is similar to cooked chicken, except that the liquid has been removed from the dried chicken, and the bones are crisp and won’t injure dogs.
A dehydrator is used to dehydrate dehydrated chicken feet.
You can buy dehydrated chicken feet online. Here are some of our recommendations: Canine Butcher Shop, and Raw Paws Chicken
3. Puffed Chicken Feet
Puffed chicken feet are similar to dehydrated ones in that moisture is eliminated, but not through a dehydrator. When puffed chicken feet are air-dried, they turn a delicate white tint.
Puffed chicken feet are more nutrient-dense and vitamin-dense than dry chicken feet, and they may be purchased online or in grocery shops.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Raw Chicken Feet Cause Diarrhea In Dogs?
Usually, no. Raw chicken feet are actually healthy and will not cause any trouble to your dog’s health when consumed. Although excessive raw meat eating might induce diarrhea, make sure the dogs are progressively introduced to a raw meat diet and fed in the proper proportions, not too much, not too little.
2. How Can You Store Chicken Feet For Dogs?
Raw chicken feet can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days. Chicken feet that have been dehydrated and puffed can be stored in an airtight container in a cool cupboard.
Raw chicken feet can be preserved for two to three days, whereas dehydrated and puffed chicken feet can be stored for up to six months. Make certain to feed the feet at the appropriate times.
Another method to store raw chicken feet for your dog is to thoroughly clean it, and freeze it. You can keep the raw chicken feet in the freezer for around 6 months. However, it is important to make sure that the chicken is properly wrapped, in order to avoid freezer burns.
3. Can Dogs Eat Chicken Feet Every Day?
If you prefer, you can feed chicken to your dogs on a daily basis. If you plan to feed your dogs every day, keep the amount to a minimum. 1 is plenty for a day for puppies, while 2 is sufficient for adult dogs.
