Have you ever heard the advice not to give cooked bones to your dog because they can easily splinter? About 60% of chicken feet are bone, so this advice also applies to cooked chicken feet. Understandably, you may feel confused and concerned about the safety and risk of cooked chicken feet for dogs.

In this article, we’ll answer the question: Can dogs eat cooked chicken feet?  which forms are safe, and how much your dog can eat. So keep reading—after all, it’s a matter of your dog’s health.

What is Chicken Feet?

Chicken feet are exactly what they sound like—the feet of chicken. They’re made up of skin, tendons, cartilage, and tiny bones that are usually considered leftovers in cooking but have found a place in pet diets as a nutritious treat.

Chicken feet are an all-time popular dog treat because they are natural, affordable, and highly nutritious as 100 grams of chicken feet contains 19 grams of protein, 15 grams of fat, and about 215 calories. Additionally, each chicken foot provides around 450 mg of glucosamine and a small amount of chondroitin, which aids in maintaining cartilage and reducing joint inflammation.

The two main forms of chicken feet are

Raw Chicken Feet

These are mostly natural and bought directly from the butcher or farmer’s market as they are cut off from the chicken. They are unprocessed and retain all their natural nutrients. Since they haven’t been processed, wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt, bacteria, or feathers that might be present.

Dehydrated Chicken Feet

These are cleaned, dried using a special dehydrator, and then packed for you. This process removes moisture so they don’t spoil and last for up to 6 months. Typically, they appear yellowish and slightly shriveled compared to fresh chicken feet.

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Chicken Feet?

No, dogs should not eat cooked chicken feet, because cooking methods, including boiling, baking, or smoking, make them brittle as they lose their natural flexibility. Therefore, cooked chicken bones splinter easily, posing risks such as cuts in the mouth, choking, or even gastrointestinal injuries. In some cases, splinters can cause life-threatening injuries like sepsis (a dangerous blood infection) or peritonitis (inflammation of the stomach lining).

Related: Are Beef Marrow Bones Good for Dogs? 

What About Other Forms?

While cooked chicken feet are unsuitable for dogs, other forms such as raw and dehydrated chicken feet are generally safe.

Raw Chicken Feet

Raw chicken feet are full of nutrients that can be helpful for dogs, especially older dogs with joint problems. They contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which support healthy joints. The crunchy texture of the bones and ligaments also helps clean your dog’s teeth by scraping off tartar.

However, there are some risks to feeding your dog raw chicken feet. Raw chicken, including chicken feet, may carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria, which can lead to severe illness. According to studies 20-48% of raw meat-based diets contain Salmonella, and some strains are resistant to antibiotics.[1] Therefore, raw chicken feet may not be the safest option.

To make raw chicken feet safer for your dog, there are a few things you can do.

First, buy raw chicken feet from a reputable supplier who follows proper hygiene standards to reduce the risk of contamination. Then, freeze the chicken feet for at least 24 hours before giving them to your dog. Freezing can kill many of the harmful bacteria. And then finally wash the feet thoroughly.

Related: Are Cow Tails Safe For Dogs

Dehydrated Chicken Feet

Dehydrated chicken feet are a healthy and safer option. The drying process removes the moisture that can carry bacteria, keeping the feet safe for your dog to eat. They also keep the nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin, making them just as beneficial for your dog’s joints. These treats are easier to store and handle than raw ones and come without the same bacteria risk.

Should You Trim the Nails?

The nails are the only part of chicken feet that is sharp, and harder, thus difficult to digest. Some dogs may chew through them without issues, but trimming them is a safe option because nails can scratch your dog’s mouth, throat, or gums and can pose potential gastrointestinal issues. 

If you buy chicken feet from a butcher or farmer’s market, it is obvious to have nails. Many commercial dog treats already have trimmed nails, but if not, you can easily remove them at home using kitchen scissors or a pet nail clipper. Taking this small step makes the treat much safer and more enjoyable for your dog.

What About The Quantity?

Chicken feet are a treat, not a meal substitute therefore quantity matters a lot. Like any other dog treats chicken feet should never replace a dog-balanced diet and must be given in moderation. The appropriate amount depends on your dog’s size, activity level, and overall health. For small dogs, the applicable amount is 1-2, while for medium to large dogs it is 2-4 chicken feet per day.

Final Verdict

In short, cooked chicken feet for dogs are unsafe. Cooking, including boiling, makes the bones brittle and prone to splintering, which can lead to choking, mouth injuries, gastrointestinal blockages, or even life-threatening internal damage like perforations. To keep your dog safe, avoid cooked chicken feet entirely and choose raw or dehydrated options prepared properly.