Can Dogs Eat Chicken Feet? Is It Good For Them?

When cooking chicken for the family, it is very common to throw the chicken feet away or use them to make compost. But if you have dogs you may be tempted to give them the chicken feet to eat. And now you are wondering “Can dogs eat chicken feet?”

The good news is that chicken feet are not only safe for dogs to eat, but they also come with a lot of health benefits. Chicken feet contain protein and calcium that help dogs to develop healthy joints and strong bones.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why chicken feet are a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet, how to properly prepare them, and some potential concerns to keep in mind.

So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Can Dogs Eat Chicken Feet?

Yes, dogs can eat chicken feet, and it is safe for them. Chicken feet are a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which help to reduce pain in the joint of dogs as they grow older.

Also, chicken feet provide essential nutrients like protein and calcium for dogs, which help to keep their bones strong.

Dogs can eat chicken feet anyhow you serve them, whether raw or processed. However, it is best that you give them dehydrated or processed chicken feet.

Can dogs eat chicken feet raw, puffed or air dried?

What are the Benefits of Chicken Feet for Dogs?

Chicken feet are safe for dogs to eat and they provide the following health benefits;

They are high in protein and contain many vitamins and nutrients.
Chicken feet can help maintain dental hygiene by naturally cleaning teeth and promoting healthy gums.
They may also improve joint health due to their high glucosamine and chondroitin content.
Chicken feet also contain collagen which can greatly improve your dog’s skin and heart health.
Compared to processed meat, chicken feet have fewer calories and are a more eco-friendly option.

Can Young Puppies Eat Chicken Feet?

No, young puppies should not eat chicken feet because they may be too hard for them to consume. Chicken feet are mainly composed of cartilage, skin, tendons, and tiny bones which require some effort to crunch through them.

Giving your young puppies hard chicken feet can cause damage to their developing teeth and they risk swallowing unchewed food.

If your young puppies desire to have chicken feet, then you can chop the chicken feet into small pieces before giving them.

Always make sure to supervise your dog while they are eating and remove any bones that may pose a choking hazard.

At What Age Can A Puppy Have Chicken Feet?

Chicken feet are a nutritious and popular treat for dogs, but it’s important to wait until your puppy’s teeth have fully developed before giving them one. This typically happens around the age of six to seven months. Giving chicken feet too early can cause accidental damage to their developing teeth, leading to long-term dental problems.

As always, consult with your veterinarian to ensure that chicken feet are a safe and appropriate addition to your puppy’s diet.

How Many Chicken Feet Should I Give to My Dog?

You can give small dogs one or two chicken feet per day, while larger dogs can eat up to three. The number of chicken feet to give your dogs largely depends on their size and dietary needs.

Just ensure that you stay close to your dogs when they are eating chicken feet in case they choke on the bones. And keep a bowl of clean water nearby for them to drink.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken Feet?

Yes, adult dogs can eat raw chicken feed and it is a great treat for them. Feeding your dog raw chicken feet can provide a great source of essential nutrients, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen, which are beneficial for joint health and skin condition.

However, it’s important to note that raw chicken can also carry harmful bacteria, such as salmonella. Hence, it is crucial to handle and store the chicken properly before feeding it to your dog.

Additionally, some dogs may have trouble digesting the bones in chicken feet, so it’s best to start with small amounts and monitor their reaction closely.

Where To Buy Raw Chicken Feet For Dogs

You can get raw chicken feet from any farmers’ markets near you or from chicken butcher shops. Also, you can get raw chicken feet for dogs from special pet stores near you or in large quantities from Asian markets.

If you’re going to buy from the Asian markets, then you must be very careful not to buy infected chicken feet that are unhealthy for dogs.

Is Raw Chicken Feet For Puppies A Good Idea?

No, I don’t recommend you feed young puppies a raw chicken diet. That’s because raw chicken feet may contain harmful bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli that can make your dogs sick, and puppies are particularly susceptible to these types of infections due to their developing immune systems.

It is best to consult with a veterinarian about the best diet for your young puppy. They can recommend a balanced and age-appropriate diet that meets your puppy’s nutritional needs while minimizing the risk of foodborne illness.

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Chicken Feet?

No, cooked chicken feet are not good for dogs. The reason is that when chicken feet are boiled, the bones harden and break into tiny fragments when your dogs eat them.

As your dogs crush the bones, the tiny fragments may pierce into their mouths and cause serious injuries.

For this reason, it is best to avoid giving your dogs cooked chicken feet. Instead, you can just serve them raw, dried, or dehydrated chicken feet.

can dogs eat roasted or smoked chicken feet?

Can Dogs Eat Dehydrated Chicken Feet?

Yes, dogs can eat dehydrated chicken feet and they love it because it is crunchy and easy to eat. Dehydrated chicken feet are very safe for dogs to eat as long as they are not cooked before being dehydrated. Smoked chicken feet, Baked chicken feet, and dried chicken feet are all dehydrated forms of chicken feet. Just make sure you cut off the nails of the chicken feet so that it does not hurt your dogs as they eat.

How To Dehydrate Chicken Feet For Dogs

To make healthy dehydrated chicken feet for dogs, you need to follow these steps;

Rinse the chicken: Thoroughly rinse the chicken feet with fresh clean water.
Trim Nails: Trim the chicken feet’s nails with dog nail clippers or any other clipper.
Place chicken Feet on Dehydrator Trays: Place some chicken feet on the dehydrator in a way that each foot lies alone on the tray. This will encourage better and faster drying.
Dehydrate: Allow at least 24 hours for drying. When completely dried, feet won’t be flexible or soft/squishy.
Store the dehydrated chicken feet: For a longer shelf life, store the dehydrated chicken feet in a Ziploc bag or you could keep them in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Now we know that dogs can eat chicken feet but more importantly, we know what type to give to them. Dogs can eat raw, puffed, baked, smoked, dried, and dehydrated chicken feet.

However, boiled or cooked chicken feet are not good for them. The reason is that the bones of the chicken feet can break into a splinter and cause serious injuries to your dogs. Hence, it is not safe to give dogs cooked or boiled chicken feet.