Can Dogs Eat Chicken Feet? (Yes! Here’s Why)

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Feeding your dog chicken feet may seem gross, but there are many benefits of doing so. Chicken feet are full of beneficial nutrients and make a healthy treat for your canine companion. Chicken feet contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which help your pet to maintain healthy joints, bones, and teeth as he ages. Some vets even recommend giving raw or dried chicken feet to dogs as they are like an edible toothbrush that will help keep your dog’s teeth clean.

This article will help answer the question, ‘can dogs eat chicken feet,’ and will tell you all the benefits eating chicken feet can bring to your pet.

 

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Can I give my Dog Chicken Feet?

Can Dogs Eat Chicken Feet

Dogs can be given either raw or dehydrated chicken feet to chew on without causing any health problems. Chicken feet are mainly bones, skin, and cartilage. Chicken feet have very small bones that can be easily digested by dogs.

You may like to cut the chicken’s nails off first before giving the feet to your dog. Dogs can eat chicken feet raw, but it’s never a good idea to cook them before giving them to your pet. When chicken bones are exposed to high temperatures during boiling or cooking, they become very hard. A cooked chicken bone can splinter and could become a choking hazard or cause severe internal injury to your dog.  Dogs can also eat chicken necks.

 

The Benefits of Chicken Feet for Dogs

Chicken Feet for Dogs Benefits

Chicken feet are very healthy and provide essential vitamins and minerals. They are particularly good for dogs who are suffering from arthritis. Chicken feet contain protein as well as glucosamine and chondroitin, which can improve joint health. They contain minerals and collagen. Each chicken foot contains approximately 450mg of glucosamine in the cartilage, which is an effective arthritis treatment.

 

Treats Arthritis in dogs

Glucosamine helps to repair damaged cartilage and also reduces the inflammation in your dog’s joints. It can help to reduce pain before it becomes too severe. The most common canine arthritis is osteoarthritis, and it’s estimated that this affects about 20% of dogs in America. Arthritis is a degenerative bone disease that worsens over time as your pet ages. It breaks down the cushioning and cartilage inside your pet’s joints.

Arthritis can affect your dog’s mobility, and you may notice that your pet has trouble playing, running around, and in the worse cases, walking can be difficult. Ensure that your dog maintains a healthy weight so that he doesn’t develop severe arthritis as he ages.

If you notice any problems such as lameness, slow movements, or changes to your pets’ posture, this may indicate that he has arthritis. Dogs with joint pain can also get irritated easily, and you may notice a change in their behavior. If you think your dog is suffering from arthritis, you should consult your vet. You may also discuss giving your dog chicken feet as part of their treatment plan.

 

Improves Dental Health

Chicken feet can also be used to help clean your dog’s teeth. They are great for dogs with dental issues such as smelly breath and dogs that don’t like having their teeth cleaned (you can also try tropiclean fresh breath). If you give your pet a chicken leg to chew on, it will rub the plaque off the surface of his teeth.

Dental disease in dogs is very common, so it’s essential to take steps to improve your pet’s dental health. The first thing you may notice if your dog has bad dental health is that he has bad breath. Many owners make the mistake of thinking bad breath in older dogs is normal. If left untreated, your dog can develop more severe issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, or abscess.

Dental problems can also have a lasting effect on your pets’ heart, kidney, or liver. Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly is a great way to help prevent plaque, but you may also like to give your dog chicken feet as well.

 

Conclusion:  Can dogs eat chicken feet?

Dogs Can Eat Chicken Feet

Chewing on chicken feet is very beneficial for the health and wellbeing of your pet. The skin on the chicken’s feet will naturally rub plaque off your pet’s teeth. It will also help to spread protective saliva around your dog’s mouth and teeth.

Chicken feet are also very good for your dog’s bones and joints. If you have an older dog with arthritis, introducing chicken feet to their diet can help. You can also give chicken feet to younger dogs as long as they are raw, as this will help to proven joint problems later in life. Chicken feet will keep your dog’s teeth looking sparkling and healthy.

Abigail Stevens
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