Chicken is the most preferable food for dogs, be it dog food or any bland diet chicken is included in it. If your dog is unwell the one food that is suggested is chicken. But while feeding dog chicken we do not feed whole, we remove the feet of the chicken. In such a situation have you ever wondered, “Are chicken feet good for dogs?”
Through this blog, we will try to provide you with all the information regarding chicken feet. In this blog, we will dive into the depth of the topic and explore all the dimensions.
Are Chicken Feet Good for Dogs?
Yes, chicken feet are good for dogs. They are a great natural treat for dogs and make the best healthy snack for dogs. The chicken feet contain glucosamine which acts as a lubricant for your dog’s joint and helps in painless movement.
For dogs suffering from arthritis and hip dysplasia, chicken feet are really beneficial. Chicken feet contain a compound called chondroitin, this compound helps dogs by providing them relief from joint pain.
Chicken feet are rich in protein, carbs, fat, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B9 and vitamin A. All these nutrients help promote overall growth and development in dogs.
How To Prepare Chicken Feet for Your Dog?
Here are the following ways in which you can prepare chicken for your dog:
Raw chicken feet
Raw chicken feet are easily available in the market and are served fresh and frozen. To give your dog raw chicken feet you first need to clean the chicken properly and remove the nails.
The raw chicken being rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, helps in maintaining the dog’s joint health. Always feed your dog fresh raw chicken to avoid further discomfort.
Dehydrated chicken feet
Dehydrated chicken feet are yellow and shrivelled and easily available in pet stores or even online. These chicken feet are 30% cartilage and 5% glucosamine[1]. They are easy to digest and even the nails of it are safe to consume.
Dehydrated chicken feet have a long shelf life making it easy to store for a long duration. Its benefit remains the same as the raw chicken. To make the dehydrated chicken feet wash them thoroughly and after trimming the nails place them in a tray. Let them dehydrate in a dehydrator tray for at least 24 hours, this will make it completely dry.
Baked chicken feet
The another way in which you can serve the chicken feet to your dog is by baking them. In order to make the baked chicken feet, first rinse them and boil them for 15 minutes. Once the chicken feet are boiled bake them in the oven for at least 15 to 20 minutes till it turns nice crispy and golden.
Baked chicken feet are easy to digest for your dog and are quick to cook. While making the baked chicken feet make sure the chicken feet used are fresh.
The Benefits of Chicken Feet for Your Dogs
Here are the health benefits of chicken feet for your dogs:
- Chicken feet help to strengthen dog’s immunity protecting them from various diseases.
- The dog’s joints need lubricant to function easily and painlessly. Chicken feet act as that lubricant. It helps to maintain the joint health of dogs and provides them strength.
- It helps to maintain the dog’s dental hygiene and health. Chewing the chicken feet helps to clean the dog’s teeth and prevents tartar buildup. It also can be given as a chewing toy to your dog.
- For aged dogs or for the one’s suffering from arthritis, chicken feet are beneficial in many ways. Chicken feet provide them relief from the pain and help strengthen their bones.
- Due to the nutrients present in the chicken feet, the overall development and growth of the dog are promoted.
Risks of Feeding Your Dog Chicken Feet
Even though chicken feet serve great health benefits to your dog, there are some risks associated with it:
Intestinal blockage
The feet of a chicken contain tiny little bones. If these bones are not chewed properly they can get stuck in the intestine causing intestinal blockage. This blockage can further lead to gastrointestinal issues and surgery to remove it.
As mentioned by in petmd, "Campylobacteriosis is a bacterial infection prevalent in puppies younger than six months old. The bacteria which causes the disease can even be found in the gut (gastrointestinal tract) of healthy dogs and other mammals."
Choking
If the bones of chicken feet get stuck in a dog’s throat then it causes choking. Due to this choking the complications can further increase leading to difficulty in breathing, vomiting or a more serious situation.
Bacterial infection
There is a great debate on whether you should feed your dog raw chicken or not. Raw chicken consists of harmful bacteria like salmonella, campylobacter and listeria. These harmful bacteria can upset your dog’s stomach and can be the reason for many illnesses.
Brittle bones
On cooking or dehydrating the chicken feet it becomes hard and splits into pieces. These pieces can lead to injuries in the dog’s throat and intestine.
FAQs
Are chicken feet good for dogs?
Yes, chicken feet are good for dogs. They serve several health benefits for dogs and are good for their overall health. The chicken feet are great natural treats for your dog they are good for their joints and mobility. They are rich in nutrition and contain several minerals that benefit your dog.
How often can I give chicken feet to my dog?
The duration to give your dog chicken feet depends on factors like their age, size and nutritional requirements. For the smaller dogs, you should give one chicken foot per day whereas for the larger dog, 3 to 4 chicken feet is required.
Can dogs digest raw chicken feet?
Yes, dogs can digest the raw chicken feet, but whether you should feed them it or not is quite debatable. Generally, it is considered not to feed dogs chicken in raw form as it can lead to bacterial infection.
Can dogs eat chicken feet every day?
Yes, dogs can eat chicken feet every day. As long as you have adjusted the chicken feet in your dog’s daily diet according to their nutritional need it will benefit them. If you are feeding your dog chicken feet every day then make sure you are making them exercise enough to avoid obesity.
What age can dogs eat chicken feet?
You can most probably start giving your dog chicken feet by the age of 6 to 7 months. The age period of 6 to 7 months is basically the time when your dog has developed all the teeth. After having all the teeth it becomes easy for a dog to consume the hard food.
Conclusion
Chicken feet are good for your dog’s overall health, they are surely not a waste to throw away. We hope through our blog, ”Are chicken feet good for dogs?” we successfully provided you with the required information. If your dog is allergic to chicken then avoid feeding him the chicken feet. Before introducing any new food to your dog’s diet try feeding it in small amounts to check whether it is suitable or not.
Do not overfeed your dog anything, make sure to consult a vet regarding your dog’s nutritional needs prior. If you notice any abnormalities in your dog seek medical guidance immediately.
Reference:
- How joint supplements can help with orthopedic conditions. (2023, May 5). Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
