What Are Dried Chicken Feet Made Of? Ingredients and Labels Explained
A dried chicken foot is one of the simplest dog chews: it is the foot of a chicken, cleaned and dried. Here's what that means, and how to read the label on any chew you buy. This is general information, not veterinary advice.
What's in a dried chicken foot?
Mostly skin, cartilage and tendon, with small bones. That's why it's crunchy and chewy rather than soft. Cartilage naturally contains compounds such as glucosamine and chondroitin. A chew isn't a supplement, and it doesn't replace anything your vet recommends.
How are dried chicken feet made?
- Cleaning. The feet are washed.
- Nail removal. The nails are taken off before drying.
- Slow drying. The feet are dried slowly until the cartilage turns crunchy.
- Packing. They are bagged without seasoning or coating.
How to read a pet treat label
- Ingredient list. Ingredients are listed by weight. A single-ingredient chew should list just one.
- Guaranteed analysis. This lists minimum crude protein and crude fat, and maximum crude fiber and moisture. "Crude" refers to the lab method used, not to quality.
- Net weight. How much product is in the bag.
- Company name and address. The label should say who makes or distributes the product.
- Feeding directions and cautions. Look for guidance on portions and supervision.
Why numbers can vary
Natural products vary from batch to batch, so nutrition values are best treated as typical, not exact. If a seller shows exact numbers, it's reasonable to ask whether they come from lab testing.
Allergies
A chicken foot is chicken. It isn't suitable for dogs with a chicken allergy. Read the allergy guide if you're unsure.