As a dog parent, you constantly seek the best nutrition supplement for the overall well-being of your beloved pooch. In this search, the thought of incorporating raw chicken feet into your dog’s diet must’ve crossed your mind. But is it truly safe?
In this informative blog, we’ll provide a satisfactory answer to this query that many dog parents share. Plus, we’ll explore the nutritional advantages of chicken feet, potential concerns, and how to incorporate them into your dog’s diet.
Let’s get started! You can take notes.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken Feet?
Absolutely, they can! It’s okay to give raw or dehydrated (dried) chicken feet to your dog. Just make sure you get good-quality chicken feet not exposed to any growth hormones or antibiotics. Some raw chicken feet can still have some digestible cartilage and tendons. So, it’s safe, but thoroughly wash them in warm water before serving.
You can also clip the nails of the chicken feet if you feel uncomfortable about feeding them to your dog. However, do not give your dog the bones of cooked, boiled, or fried chicken. The high cooking temperatures can harden them, and they can break into sharp and pointy splinters, which can cause serious injuries to your dog.
Benefits of Chicken Feet for Dogs
Raw chicken feet can be incredibly advantageous for your dog in many ways. Let’s understand some of the benefits they offer.
Teeth health
Raw chicken feet for dogs are a natural and nutritional treat and can promote healthy teeth and gums and aid in digestion. Chewing on raw chicken feet will naturally remove plaque and tartar build-up, which is the major cause of dental issues from bad breath to infections. Moreover, they are low in calories, so you can feed them regularly without disrupting their diet or worrying about weight gain.
Joint health
In addition to being a natural dental chew, chicken feet are an incredible source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which help in mobility, flexibility, and joint pain. Therefore, feeding your pooch raw chicken will help in maintaining joint health and may assist in managing the signs of arthritis.
Bones and muscles
Another benefit of feeding raw chicken feet is support in the development of bones, muscles, and overall health. They are loaded with nutrients such as amino acids, phosphorus, and calcium, which can actively contribute to your dog’s health. Moreover, there will be no additives, preservatives, or chemicals, ensuring a safe and protein-rich addition to their diet.
Skin and coat health
Raw chicken feet contain collagen, which is the structural protein responsible for the upkeep of connecting tissues. It can help support skin and coat health in your dog. Moreover, it’ll support their digestion and gut health, as collagen aids in building the lining of your dog’s stomach and intestines.
How Much Can Be Too Much?
Well, that depends on the size and diet of your dog. Observe their chewing habits and provide them with plenty of fresh water to drink. Typically, you can feed:
- Small dogs: One to two chicken feet per day
- Medium to large dogs: Two to four chicken feet per day
You can follow this general feeding idea; however, every dog is different and lives in different conditions. Thus, it’s best to consult your vet to ascertain the ideal amount of chick feet you can feed your beloved furry companion to reap the many benefits discussed above.