Chicken feet have become a popular treat for dogs in recent years. As owners look for healthy, natural snack options for their pups, chicken feet have emerged as a top choice. But how many of these bony treats can you actually give your dog? Let’s take a look at the benefits, risks, and proper portion sizes for feeding chicken feet to dogs.
An Overview of Chicken Feet for Dogs
It is the feet of chickens that are cleaned, dried, and sometimes baked or dehydrated before they are put in bags and sold as dog treats.
They provide some great nutritional and health benefits for dogs
- High in glucosamine and chondroitin, which supports joint health
- Natural source of protein and amino acids
- Promote dental health through natural chewing
- Low in fat and calories
Chicken feet also contain nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. The collagen and cartilage are good for the health of the skin and coat as well.
A lot of dog owners love that chicken feet are a single-ingredient treat that is high in protein. Since they aren’t processed, they can be a good alternative to rawhide or chews that have been treated with chemicals.
What’s the Right Portion Size?
When introducing any new treat or food to your dog’s diet, it’s important to start slowly and pay attention to how well they tolerate it.
Here are some general chicken foot feeding guidelines based on your dog’s size:
- Small dog: 1 foot per day or every other day
- Medium dog: 1-2 feet per day
- Large dog: 2-3 feet per day
Ideally, substitute chicken feet for about 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake if fed as a treat. Monitor your dog after eating them – look for signs of an upset stomach, diarrhea, or lack of interest.
Puppies under one year old should avoid chicken feet, as their digestive systems are more sensitive.
Benefits of Feeding Chicken Feet
Let’s take a closer look at the main benefits of adding this nutritious, natural treat into your dog’s diet.
1. Joint Health
Chicken feet are loaded with glucosamine and chondroitin – two compounds well-known for supporting joint health in dogs. The high collagen content also helps cushion joints.
Regularly feeding chicken feet to your pup, especially as they age, can help maintain healthy joints and mobility. They’re a great alternative to joint supplements!
2. Dental Health
Chewing on chicken feet helps scrape away tartar and plaque buildup on your dog’s teeth. The abrasive chewing action also stimulates gums to stay strong and healthy.
3. Natural Source of Nutrition
Chicken feet are very healthy because they are full of protein and amino acids. Dogs naturally crave animal-based proteins and the nutrients they provide.
Chicken feet offer a single-ingredient, natural source of dietary nutrition for dogs. No preservatives or chemicals needed.
4. Skin and Coat Health
The collagen and amino acids in chicken feet support your dog’s skin and coat health. You may notice softer, shinier fur after regularly feeding these treats.
5. Weight Management
Chicken feet are low in fat and calories, especially compared to many commercial dog treats. For dogs needing to lose weight, chicken feet can be a satisfying, low-calorie cheat.
Potential Risks of Chicken Feet
While chicken feet make an excellent addition to most dogs’ diets, there are some potential risks to be aware of:
-
Choking hazard: Dogs should be monitored when eating any chew or treat, including chicken feet. Don’t allow them to swallow large pieces whole.
-
GI upset: Eating too many chicken feet could cause digestive upset. Start slow when introducing them.
-
Allergies: Dogs with chicken allergies should avoid chicken feet. Seek vet advice if allergies are suspected.
-
Pancreatitis: The high fat content could trigger pancreatitis in prone dogs. Avoid feeding chicken feet to overweight or pancreatitis-prone dogs.
-
Tooth damage: Aggressive chewers could potentially crack teeth on the bones. Supervise chewing sessions.
As long as you feed chicken feet in moderation and supervise your dog, the risks are low in healthy adult dogs. Ask your vet if you have any concerns.
Purchasing and Storing Chicken Feet
You can find chicken feet in most pet supply stores, or order them online. Look for brands that air-dry or dehydrate them over raw chicken feet, which carry more bacteria risk.
Store dried chicken feet in an airtight container in the fridge or pantry. They typically last for several months.
Before feeding, inspect each foot for any sharp fragments of bone and discard any that could cut your dog’s mouth or throat. A quick rinse will also help remove excess grease or debris.
FAQs About Chicken Feet for Dogs
To wrap up, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about feeding chicken feet to dogs:
How many chicken feet should I give my dog per day?
Start with 1 foot per day for small dogs, 1-2 feet for medium dogs, and 2-3 feet for large breeds. Adjust as needed based on your dog’s weight and caloric needs.
Can puppies eat chicken feet?
Chicken feet are not recommended for puppies under 1 year old, due to potential digestive issues and choking hazards.
Should I give my dog raw or dehydrated chicken feet?
Dehydrated chicken feet are safer, as the process kills bacteria like salmonella. Only feed raw if you completely trust the source.
Do chicken feet replace my dog’s regular meals?
No, chicken feet should only be given occasionally as a treat. Don’t replace balanced dog food with chicken feet.
How often can dogs have chicken feet?
For most dogs, 1-3 times a week is appropriate. Monitor stool and appetite to avoid overfeeding.
Will chicken feet hurt my dog’s teeth?
They shouldn’t, if your dog chews them properly. Supervise chewing and avoid letting your dog break off and swallow large chunks.
The Verdict on Chicken Feet
From promoting dental health to providing natural nutrition, chicken feet offer some great benefits when fed properly. Small amounts 1-3 times per week is appropriate for most adult dogs.
To be safe, introduce chicken feet slowly, never leave your dog unsupervised when eating them, and ask your vet if you have any concerns. By taking precautions and feeding the right portion size, chicken feet can be an excellent addition to your dog’s diet!
Maximizing nutrition and safety with chicken feet
What can you give your dog that will give them all the good nutrition without having to handle raw chicken and take the risks? Cooking chicken feet isn’t a good idea because cooked chicken feet and bones can become brittle and break apart, which could cause your dog to have serious health problems or choke.
Follow safety rules before, during, and after giving your dog raw chicken feet. Make sure that all surfaces that come into contact with the chicken feet are clean and free of bacteria to keep everyone safe. For many dog parents (including us!), the labor and time involved seem better spent rewarding and enjoying our dogs.
Thats why we created our slow-dried, all-natural, single-ingredient Chicken Feet Chews. To keep all the good stuff in chicken feet and make it easy for everyone to give our dogs treats without worrying about what they might eat, Our Mighty Paw Chicken Feet are 100% chicken feet, no additives, preservatives, or chemicals, and no grains or glutens. With no added, unnecessary fillers or allergens, theyre a good choice for dogs with food sensitivities.
Mixing up your treats for a balanced diet
While chicken feet offer loads of benefits, its always a good idea to diversify your dogs treat options. Canine nutritionists will tell you that varying healthy foods and treats can complement your pups diet and ensure your dog receives a wide range of nutrients.
Consider incorporating fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, blueberries, and sweet potatoes as occasional treats. For protein-rich alternatives to rotate in with your chicken feet, check out our other single-ingredient chews, each one all natural, with no additives, preservatives, or chemicals, slow-dried to avoid any risks and hassles of raw meat: Natural Tilapia Skin Twists, Grass-fed Beef Gullet Chews, or Grass-fed Cow Ear Chews.