Dried vs Raw Chicken Feet for Dogs

2 min read · Written by the Wufzy team · Updated

Chicken feet come raw, dried and freeze-dried. Raw and dried feet differ in how you store, handle and serve them. This guide is general information, not veterinary advice, so ask your vet before choosing.

What the FDA says about raw pet food

The FDA says raw pet food poses significant health risks to both pets and pet owners. Because raw pet food is more likely than processed pet food to contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, the FDA says the single best thing you can do to prevent infection is not to feed a raw diet. It also notes that some people prefer raw diets, and gives handling advice for them.

Raw chicken feet

  • Need to be kept cold or frozen, and thawed carefully.
  • Can carry bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, which is a risk for people handling them.
  • Need strict hygiene: separate surfaces, thorough washing, and clean-up after feeding.

Dried chicken feet

  • Are shelf-stable, so there's no freezer or thawing.
  • Are crunchy and need supervision, like any chew with small bones.
  • Can still carry bacteria, since the FDA notes that processed pet food and treats can also be contaminated. Wash your hands and surfaces afterwards.

What doesn't change

  • Neither suits a dog with a chicken allergy.
  • Both are chews, not meals, and should stay within about 10% of daily calories.
  • Always supervise, and take the chew away if your dog swallows large pieces.

A note on cooked bones

Cooked bones are brittle and can break into sharp pieces. That's a main reason vets caution against giving cooked chicken bones.

How to decide

Think about your household. Raw feeding takes more care if you have young children, older people, or anyone with a weakened immune system. Whatever you choose, ask your vet first, especially for puppies and dogs with health conditions.

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