Can Dogs Eat Chicken Feet? Health Benefits and What to Avoid

by Marko H. Wittich March 25, 2019 0 Comments

Chicken feet might not be the prettiest dog treat, but they are worth a second look, as they offer valuable health benefits for our canines. Chicken feet are naturally rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, which are both known to support the joint health and mobility of dogs and cats. In addition, chicken feet can act as edible and fully digestible toothbrushes, supporting gum and dental health.

AREN’T CHICKEN BONES DANGEROUS FOR DOGS?

Most of us have at least once received the well-intended advice to never give chicken bones to a dog. No matter how often repeated, this advice is only partially correct. It is true that the bones of cooked, boiled or fried chicken should not be given to a dog. The high cooking temperatures turn chicken bones into hard, glass like structures, which breaks into sharp and pointy splinters if dogs chew on them. These splinters can cause serious injuries.

Raw or dehydrated (dried) chicken bones, are both considered safe. In contrast to cooked chicken bones, their texture is rather soft and brittle. When chewed, they will crush, but not break into pointy objects. They are fully digestible for dogs.

Besides some tiny bones, chicken feet mostly consist of skin, connective tissue and cartilage. This is what makes them easily digestible. This also includes their nails. If you feel uncomfortable about them, just clip them off.

BENEFITS OF CHICKEN FEET FOR DOGS

Chicken feet are naturally rich in protein, glucosamine and chondroitin. While protein is an important source of energy that should, according to the National Research Council, account for 10% of the diet by weight of an adult dog,¹ the most interesting nutrients of chicken feet are glucosamine and chondroitin. Both natural compounds are building blocks of cartilage and connective tissue.

ARTHRITIS, JOINT HEALTH AND MOBILITY OF DOGS

Countless studies over the last few decades have shown the powerful positive effects of the oral supplementation of glucosamine and chondroitin on joint health, arthritis and consequently the overall mobility of dogs and cats.² ³ In fact, if your dog is suffering from arthritis, there is a high likelihood that your veterinarian will recommend glucosamine and chondroitin to treat your pet.

If you prefer to give your dog natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin rather than in pill form, you may want to consider chicken feet. Based on studies, each chicken foot has about 450 mg of glucosamine. This makes them one of the cheapest sources of arthritis treatment for dogs.

DENTAL HEALTH OF DOGS

Dental disease is the most common disease in dogs, affecting 76% of all canines in the United States. Since 2006, there has been a 23.3% increase in the prevalence of dental disease in dogs, with steady growth each year.⁴

Dental care is important for dogs. Otherwise, it can lead to bad breath and if left untreated can be a source of infection for illness affecting the heart, liver, and kidney. One way to ensure the dental health of our canines is the regular brushing of their teeth. This should ideally be done daily, using special toothpaste for dogs.

If brushing your dog’s teeth is not your thing, or your dog will not tolerate it, then try giving them chicken feet instead. When dogs chew on them, this process will naturally remove plaque and tartar build-up on their teeth.

Chicken feet are not only good for joint pain, but also improve your dog's teeth and gum health.

WHERE TO BUY CHICKEN FEET AND HOW MANY SHOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR DOG?

Raw chicken feet are often available in farmers markets, butcher shops, and sometimes in the meat department of grocery stores. If you are not into raw feeding, go for dehydrated chicken feet instead. The advantage of dried chicken feet over fresh feet is that they are easier to handle and store. The crunchy texture of dehydrated chicken feet also offers more powerful cleaning effects for the teeth.

When buying dehydrated chicken feet, we strongly advise against chicken feet imported from China. While they may be a few cents cheaper than local chicken feet, various pet food recalls over the last few years, especially of chicken products from China, indicate that no effective quality control measures have been implemented yet.

Depending on the diet and the size of your dog, we recommend giving them between one to three feet per day. Please always observe your dog when feeding any chews. Also ensure that your canine has access to plenty of fresh water.

Finally, please always seek the advice of a holistic veterinarian on how to best supplement your dog's diet with new ingredients and treats. We also always recommend practicing variation, moderation and balance when introducing new foods or treats to your canines.

We’d love to hear from you! Have you ever given chicken feet to your dog? What are your experiences?

¹ Beitz D C, Bauer J E, Behnke K C, et al: YOUR DOG’S NUTRITIONAL NEEDS - A Science-Based Guide For Pet Owners. National Research Council of the National Academies, 2006.

² Hoffman A R: Treatment with Cosequin of Bilateral Cofofemoral Osteoarthritis in a Great Dane. Compendium; 2001; 888-893.

³ Bhathal A, Spryszak, M, Louizos C, et al: Glucosamine and chondroitin use in canines for osteoarthritis: A review. Open Veterinary Journal; 2017; 7(1): 36-49.

⁴ Banfield Pet Hospital: State of Pet Health 2016 Report.

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