Some of us may not even be aware that chicken feet are considered a food, but they are a common ingredient in various cuisines around the world. Animal Wise explains how to prepare chicken feet for dogs, to ensure we make the most of them. Chicken feet do not contain any compounds toxic to a dog’s body, not only are they safe but they can provide benefits especially for maintaining joint health. They are full of connective tissue such as cartilage, tendons, and skin, they are low in fats and carbohydrates.
Chicken feet also contain three important components that make them an ideal snack for dogs. First they have collagen, which is great for keeping joints flexible and healthy. They also contain glucosamine, which is perfect for repairing cartilage and preventing joint diseases. Finally, chondroitin sulfate can be found, which protects cartilage and prevents its deterioration. These properties make them useful in preventing problems such as osteoarthritis. They can also help clean teeth and reduce tartar. So yes, chicken feet are more than just a treat.
How to Get Rid of CAT DANDRUFF | 8 Useful and Safe Home Remedies
How to Feed Chicken Feet to Dogs
Now the big question, how should you feed chicken feet to your dog, is raw cooked or dehydrated the best option. Raw foods are often more nutritious and help clean teeth, but they can contain dangerous bacteria such as salmonella. They are not the safest choice, freezing can slow the growth of bacteria, but it doesn’t kill them completely. You can provide raw feet when frozen, but be aware of the risks involved. If considering starting a raw food diet, the video we share above and in the description tells you what you need to know.
Cooking chicken feet kills bacteria, but the bones become brittle and could splinter providing a serious danger for your dog. Never give your dog whole chicken feet cooked in any way. Dehydrated is the best option, dehydration eliminates bacteria without altering the nutrients and gives them a crunchy texture that cleans their teeth. You can buy already dehydrated chicken feet, or prepare them at home. An alternative is to provide chicken feet broth. We will show you both recipes now, and explain the simple steps you can follow.
Preparing Chicken Foot Broth
Preparing chicken foot broth for your dog is very simple. First wash the feet well, cover them with water and boil for 40 to 45 minutes without salt over a medium low heat. They should be very tender once cooked, blend them with the cooking water. Pour the mixture into small molds or ice cube trays, and let them cool in the refrigerator until they solidify. These treats are ideal for puppies, small dogs, or dogs with dental problems, and they are easy to digest.
They are also a perfect snack for summer. Chicken feet can also be dehydrated at home in two different ways, either with an electric dehydrator or in the oven. To dehydrate them in the oven you just have to place them on a tray and cook them at 70° C or 158° F for 8 hours. Dehydration is a long process, so we recommend purchasing them already dehydrated. And that’s it, chicken feet can be an incredibly healthy and safe snack if you prepare them properly.
Overview Table
| Topic | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Chicken feet safe for dogs, full of cartilage, tendons, skin, low fat. |
| Health Benefits | Provide collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, prevent osteoarthritis. |
| Feeding Options | Raw risky with bacteria, cooked dangerous, dehydrated safest option. |
| Chicken Foot Broth | Simple recipe, boil, blend, refrigerate, good for small dogs and puppies. |
| Dehydrating at Home | Use oven or dehydrator, long process, store-bought recommended. |
FAQs
1. Are chicken feet safe for dogs?
Yes, chicken feet are safe, healthy, and free from toxic compounds.
2. What are the health benefits of chicken feet?
They support joints, prevent cartilage damage, clean teeth, and reduce tartar.
3. Can dogs eat raw chicken feet?
Raw chicken feet are risky, as they may contain harmful bacteria like salmonella.
4. Is it safe to cook chicken feet for dogs?
No, cooked chicken feet are dangerous as the bones can splinter and harm dogs.
5. What is the best way to give chicken feet to dogs?
Dehydrated chicken feet are safest, nutritious, and help clean teeth effectively.
6. How do you make chicken foot broth?
Wash, boil for 40–45 minutes, blend, and refrigerate in small molds or trays.
7. Are chicken feet good for puppies?
Yes, chicken feet broth or soft treats are ideal for puppies and small dogs.
8. How to dehydrate chicken feet at home?
Use an oven at 70° C for 8 hours or an electric dehydrator for best results.
9. Can chicken feet help with dental care?
Yes, dehydrated feet help reduce tartar and keep teeth cleaner with chewing.
10. Are store-bought dehydrated chicken feet recommended?
Yes, they save time, are bacteria-free, and are a convenient healthy dog snack.
