Finding the perfect treat for your dog can feel like an endless quest. But what if something as simple as chicken feet is one great answer?
Yes, we know chicken feet might not be the first thing that comes to mind for you, but they're considered a delicacy in some cultures and your dog most likely agrees wholeheartedly.
Let's dive into all the good reasons to give your pup chicken feet -- plus a couple things to be aware of as you decide how and when to share them with your dog.
What are the nutritional benefits of chicken feet for dogs?
Chicken feet might seem like an unusual treat, but what makes chicken feet good for dogs is their unusually high nutritional value. They are rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, which are essential for maintaining joint health. For dogs, especially older dogs or those prone to joint issues, glucosamine and chondroitin help reduce inflammation and improve mobility.
Chicken feet are also a wonderful source of protein and other essential nutrients. Proteins are vital for dogs of all ages for maintaining muscle mass and supporting a range of body functions. When it comes to joint health, chicken feet are an almost obsessively-loved treat.
Are crunchy chicken feet good for your dog's teeth?
Chewing on chicken feet can help remove tartar and plaque from your dog's teeth, promoting dental and overall health. This natural teeth-cleaning process can help prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria in your dog's mouth, reducing the risk of gum disease.
And as veterinarians often remind us, keeping our dogs' teeth and gums clean helps prevent the spread of bacteria throughout their bodies that can lead to heart disease and other serious issues.
How often can dogs eat chicken feet?
How many chicken feet you give your dog and how often your dog should be eating chicken feet depend on various factors, such as size, age, and dietary needs. For small dogs, a chicken foot once or twice a week might suffice, while larger breeds may benefit from more frequency. Always consider your dog's specific needs before deciding your frequency on giving chicken feet to your pup.
As with all treats and chews, remember that chicken feet should be regarded as a treat, not a staple in your dog's diet. Treats should only make up a small portion of your dog's overall caloric intake to prevent overfeeding and weight gain. By maintaining balance, you can ensure your dog receives a healthy diet that meets nutritional needs.
If you're unsure about how often to include chicken feet in your dog's diet, consulting with a certified canine nutritionist can provide individualized guidance. A nutritionist can help you determine the frequency that best fits your dog's individual requirements.
A few considerations when feeding chicken feet
Feeding your dog chicken feet comes with an abundance of health benefits, but it's always good to be aware of potential risks for your individual dog with any type of treat or chew.
1) Monitor your dog when chewing anything -- including chicken feet.
For some dogs, chicken feet may pose a choking hazard, especially if they tend to gulp down food without chewing properly. It's essential to monitor your dog while enjoying chicken feet (monitoring any and all chews is always a good idea!).
2) If you choose raw chicken feet, keep bacterial risks in mind.
A concern when feeding raw chicken feet is the risk of bacterial contamination. Raw chicken can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella, which can cause illness. By ensuring proper storage and handling, you can minimize these risks and keep your dog safe. You can also choose dehydrated chicken feet instead to avoid the risks and handling involved with raw chicken.
3) If your dog has shown sensitivities or allergies to other forms of chicken, you may want to try a different single-ingredient treat.
If your dog has shown any adverse reactions to chicken in the past, consider alternative treats to avoid triggering an allergic response. You also always want to pay close attention to your dog's reaction when introducing a new treat into his or her diet.
For dogs with other allergies or sensitivities (not chicken), all-natural, dehydrated 100% chicken feet can be a good option since you're avoiding all the additives, preservatives, and chemicals that come with many treats and chews.
Maximizing nutrition and safety with chicken feet
How can you serve chicken feet to give your dog all that good nutrition but avoid the risks and labor involved in handling raw chicken? Cooking chicken feet isn't a good option since cooked chicken feet and cooked chicken bones can become brittle and splinter, potentially causing dangerous internal issues and choking hazards for your pup.
If you opt to serve chicken feet raw, you'll want to follow safety protocol before, during, and after giving them to your pup to keep all surfaces in contact with the chicken feet clean and bacteria-free for everyone's safety. For many dog parents (including us!), the labor and time involved seem better spent rewarding and enjoying our dogs.
That's why we created our slow-dried, all-natural, single-ingredient Chicken Feet Chews. To preserve all the nutrition in chicken feet and make it easy for all of us to reward our dogs with confidence at the same time. Our Mighty Paw Chicken Feet are 100% chicken feet, no additives, preservatives, or chemicals, and no grains or glutens. With no added, unnecessary fillers or allergens, they're a good choice for dogs with food sensitivities.
Mixing up your treats for a balanced diet
While chicken feet offer loads of benefits, it's always a good idea to diversify your dog's treat options. Canine nutritionists will tell you that varying healthy foods and treats can complement your pup's diet and ensure your dog receives a wide range of nutrients.
Consider incorporating fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, blueberries, and sweet potatoes as occasional treats. For protein-rich alternatives to rotate in with your chicken feet, check out our other single-ingredient chews, each one all natural, with no additives, preservatives, or chemicals, slow-dried to avoid any risks and hassles of raw meat: Natural Tilapia Skin Twists, Grass-fed Beef Gullet Chews, or Grass-fed Cow Ear Chews.
Here's to enjoying your pup happily crunching away!
At Mighty Paw, we believe in helping all dogs live their healthiest, happiest, and fullest lives by our sides. That's why we're dedicated to finding ways to help you bring more joy to your dog -- including everyday things like chews you can trust to be good for your dog and simple for you. And of course, easily and safely portable for all your adventures out and about together.
We're committed to providing high-quality products that are safe, durable, and practical for everything you need to keep your pup healthy, happy, and enjoying life with you.
