Chicken Feet for Large Dogs: Portions and Safety

2 min read · Written by the Wufzy team · Updated

Large dogs can handle bigger chews, but size doesn't make a chew risk-free. Here's what to think about. This guide is general information, not veterinary advice, so ask your vet if you're unsure.

Why big dogs still need supervision

  • Gulping. A large dog can swallow a whole piece, or a large part of one, without chewing it. That's the main risk with any chew that has small bones.
  • Strong jaws. Powerful chewers can break a chew into large pieces quickly.
  • Competition. In a home with more than one dog, dogs may gulp to protect a chew. Keep dogs apart.

Thinking about portions

Bigger dogs can have a larger portion, but treats still count toward the same limit: about 10% or less of daily calories. Our general feeding guide by dog size is on the product page. It isn't veterinary advice, so adjust for your own dog and ask your vet if you're unsure.

How to offer a chew to a large dog

  1. Check that your dog has no chicken allergy and no condition your vet has asked you to be careful with.
  2. Offer one chew at a time, and stay with your dog the whole time.
  3. Watch whether your dog chews slowly or gulps. If your dog gulps, take the chew away and ask your vet before offering another.
  4. Take the chew away when it's small enough to swallow whole.
  5. Keep fresh water available, and wash your hands afterwards.

Hardness and teeth

A strong chewer can put a lot of force on a hard chew. Some vets suggest pressing a thumbnail into a chew: if it leaves no mark at all, it may be too hard for some dogs. Ask your own vet what suits your dog.

Ask your vet first if your dog

  • has had pancreatitis, a digestive tract condition or surgery, or megaesophagus
  • has dental disease, or a cracked or worn tooth
  • is allergic to chicken
  • needs to lose weight, because treats count toward calories

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