Are chicken feet safe for dogs?
Chicken feet offer very valuable health benefits for our dogs, whilst they aren’t the prettiest dog treat they are definitely worth a second look. Chicken feet are naturally rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, these are both know to support mobility and joint health of dogs and cats. Chicken feet can act as an edible and fully digestible toothbrush, supporting gum and dental health.
Wait I thought chicken bones were dangerous for Dogs?
The majority of us have heard this well intended advice at least once ‘Never give chicken bones to a dog!’. This advice is actually 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 - this can cause serious injuries.
However raw or dehydrated (dried) chicken bones are both considered safe. In contrast to a cook chicken bone, the texture of these bones are rather soft and brittle. When raw/dried chicken feet are 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.
So why should I feet chicken feet to my dog?
Chicken feet are naturally rich in protein, glucosamine and chondroitin. Whilst protein is an important source of energy, the most interesting nutrients of chicken feet are glucosamine and Chondroitin - both of these natural compounds are building blocks of cartilage and connective tissue.
Arthritis, Joint Health and Mobility of Dogs
Lots of studies have been done over the last few decades that show the powerful positive effects of oral supplementation of glucosamine and Chondroitin on joint health,, arthritis and the overall mobility of dogs and cats. In fact if your dog is suffering my arthritis, there is a strong likelihood that your vet will recommend glucosamine and Chondroitin to treat your pet.
If you prefer to give your dog natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin rather than in a pill form, chicken feet is definitely one to consider. Based on studies each chicken foot has approximately 450mg of glucosamine - this makes them one of the cheapest sources of arthritis treatment for dogs.
Dental Health
Did you know that by the age of 2, 80% of dogs have some form of periodontal disease - that is a shocking statistic! Dental care is super important for dogs. Otherwise I 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 care for our dogs dental health is regular brushing of their teeth - ideally this should be done daily.
If brushing your dogs teeth is not your thing, or your dog will not tolerate then try giving them chicken feet instead. When dogs chew on them the process will naturally help to remove plaque and tartar build up on their teeth.