Denailed Chicken Feet for Dogs: Why the Nails Are Removed

2 min read · Written by the Wufzy team · Updated

If you shop for chicken feet for dogs, you'll see the word "denailed." Here is what it means, why some sellers do it, and what to check before you buy. This guide is general information, not veterinary advice.

What "denailed" means

A denailed chicken foot has had its nails, or claws, removed before the foot is dried. How it's done varies by seller, and the word isn't regulated, so it's worth asking exactly what a seller means by it.

Why many sellers remove the nails

Chicken nails are hard and can be sharp. Many sellers remove them to make the chew more pleasant to handle and to lower the chance of a hard, pointed piece. We can't say that removing nails makes a chew risk-free, because the foot still contains small bones.

Why some sellers leave them on

  • Some owners and raw feeders prefer a whole, unprocessed foot.
  • Removing nails takes extra time and labor, so it can affect cost.

What denailing doesn't change

  • A chicken foot still contains small bones, so a chew needs supervision.
  • It isn't suitable for dogs with a chicken allergy.
  • Dried chicken feet can still carry bacteria, so wash your hands after handling them.
  • It still counts toward your dog's daily calories.

What to check before you buy

  • Ask the seller whether the nails are removed, and how.
  • Look at the product photos for any nails left on.
  • Check the label for the ingredient list, net weight and the company's name and address.

Check every chew anyway

Whatever the label says, look at each chew before you serve it. If you see a leftover nail or a sharp piece, remove it or don't serve that chew.

How Wufzy chews are made

Wufzy chews are made from chicken feet that are cleaned, then have the nails removed by hand, and are slow-dried until crunchy. See the Wufzy chicken feet dog treats for the feeding guide and safety notes.

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