Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken Feet?
Proponents of feeding your dog chicken feet say that because chicken feet are full of glucosamine and chondroitin, they can be a great, nutritious snack for older and aging dogs. In fact, supplementing an elderly dog with glucosamine and chondroitin can help soothe achy joints. Proponents of feeding dogs raw chicken feet also state that, because chicken feet are mostly bones and ligaments, they also make great dental treats as the crunchy bones and connective tissues can help break up any tartar on the teeth. However, the fact remains that its still raw chicken. The biggest risk of feeding your dog a raw diet or raw treats is the risk of parasites and bacteria. Studies show that between 20-48% of raw meat based diets tested were contaminated with Salmonella and 18 of the Salmonella strains found were resistant to 12 of the 16 antibiotics there were tested against. In another, small study, 80% of tested homemade raw chicken diets tested positive for Salmonella and 30% of the stools tested were also positive.
Raw chicken, however, doesnt just carry a risk of Salmonellosis. It can be contaminated with other types of bacteria as well. Chicken sold in stores and meant for human consumption has been shown to test positive for Campylobacter at a rate of 29% to 74% and Listeria at a rate of 15% to 34%. With that in mind, chicken feet from the butcher shop may not be the safest option.
What About Cooked Chicken Feet?
If there are risks of bacterial infection with feeding raw chicken feet does cooking the chicken feet make them safer? Unfortunately, cooking chicken feet probably only makes them more dangerous for your dog. This is because of all the bones within the feet that contribute to the claims of joint and teeth benefits. When chicken bones are cooked they become incredibly brittle and can splinter easily. Splintered bits of chicken bone can be as sharp as a scalpel blade and can easily perforate a dogs gastrointestinal tract. This can lead to life threatening peritonitis and sepsis. The process of dehydrating meats into jerky type treats does involve keeping the meat at a temperature between 130 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the process to prevent bacterial contamination. Subjecting chicken feet to these temperatures for the time it takes to dehydrate them may be enough to turn the bones brittle, so dehydrated chicken feet treats, whether store-bought or homemade, may not be safe.
Are Chicken Feet Good For Dogs
Many dog owners give chicken feet to their furry friends as healthy treats. There’s a reason for that – they are very good for dogs.
In fact, one chicken foot has the same amount of glucosamine as the daily dose of an average joint supplement for a medium-sized dog.
If you are giving one to your dog for the first time, watch for signs of allergic reactions, such as sneezing or itching. Give your dog plenty of fresh water and contact your dog’s veterinarian if their behavior worries you.
Most dogs are able to eat chicken feet without any issues.
Chicken feet are fine if you have an older small dog. Very young puppies should not eat chicken feet.
The small bones are a choking hazard for really young pups.
Can dogs eat chicken feet?
About 20% of adult dogs are afflicted with osteoarthritis. While there are several treatments available to help reduce the pain, taking preventive measures is always better than cure. This article explains the benefits of using chicken feet for dogs with arthritis and why this natural treatment is better and cheaper.
Degenerative problems such as osteoarthritis are not only a human affliction but also affect cats and dogs. For dogs, the cruciate ligament is the main problem. The ligament deteriorates over time, leading to secondary osteoarthritis. Your dog will have difficulty playing fetch, climbing stairs, or even getting into cars.
Arthritis in dogs develops slowly over time and is only noticeable when the cartilage is already damaged. So it is important to know these early signs of arthritis in dogs for a faster intervention:
There are several treatments available to reduce the pain and help rebuild the cartilage. This can be in the form of medical and surgical options. In some cases, weight management is recommended.
To reduce inflammation and joint pain, dog arthritis supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3, curcumin, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and bromelain are recommended by many holistic veterinarians for the following reasons:
However, some of the veterinary arthritis supplements are not from natural sources and are synthetically produced and expensive.