Dehydrated vs Freeze-Dried Chicken Feet for Dogs
You'll see chicken feet sold as dried, dehydrated and freeze-dried. They sound alike, but they are made differently. Here's what to know. This is general information, not veterinary advice.
Two ways to remove the moisture
- Dehydrated or air-dried. Warm, moving air slowly removes moisture. Slow-drying is how Wufzy chews are made.
- Freeze-dried. The product is frozen, then the moisture is removed under vacuum.
What can differ for your dog
- Texture. Dehydrated feet are often dense and crunchy. Freeze-dried feet are often lighter and more brittle. The hardness varies from product to product, so check how a chew feels before serving.
- Storage. Both should be kept sealed in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Light, crumbly products can take in moisture quickly if the bag is left open.
- Price. Freeze-drying takes more time and equipment, so freeze-dried products are often priced higher.
What stays the same
- Both are made from chicken, so neither suits a dog with a chicken allergy.
- Both can carry bacteria such as Salmonella, so wash your hands after handling them.
- Both contain small bones and need supervision.
- Both should stay within about 10% of your dog's daily calories.
What to check on the label
Look for the drying method, a short ingredient list, the net weight, and the name and address of the company. If anything isn't clear, ask the seller.