Can Dogs Eat Chicken Feet? A UK Raw Feeding Guide

Yes, most healthy dogs can eat raw chicken feet. They're one of the most popular natural chews we sell: a whole foot of skin, tendon, cartilage and small bones that dogs crunch through in a few minutes. Feed them raw, either frozen or thawed in the fridge, and never cooked.

The main things to get right are size, supervision and amount. A chicken foot is a treat, not a meal, so it counts towards the small share of your dog’s daily food that treats should take up. Cooked chicken bones of any kind should never be given to dogs.

What are chicken feet?

Chicken feet are the lower leg and foot of the bird. There's very little meat on them. They're mostly skin, tendons, cartilage and lots of small bones, which is why dogs have to chew rather than gulp. Our Southcliffe chicken feet come frozen and raw in a 1kg bag, from UK-sourced, grain-fed poultry.

Why do owners give chicken feet?

• Something to chew. Crunching through a foot keeps many dogs busy for a few minutes and suits dogs that like to chew.
• A simple, single ingredient. There's nothing added, so you know exactly what your dog is eating.
• Natural cartilage. Cartilage is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin. That's a reason many owners choose them, but a treat isn't a joint treatment, so speak to your vet if your dog is stiff or sore.
• Chewing. Chewing may help a little with teeth, but it's no substitute for brushing or a dental check.

Are the bones in chicken feet safe?

Raw chicken foot bones are small and soft, and most dogs crunch them up easily. Cooking makes bones hard and brittle, so they can splinter, which is why you should never give cooked chicken feet or any other cooked bones.

No chew is completely risk-free. Stay with your dog while they eat, and choose the way you feed to suit how they chew:

• Gulpers: hold the foot while they chew, or give it frozen so they have to slow down.
• Small dogs: a whole foot can be a lot for a very small mouth, so supervise closely and thaw it first if they struggle.
• Dogs new to bone: start with one and watch how they get on before making them a regular treat.

How many chicken feet can a dog have?

A sensible starting point is the 10% guideline. The UK vet charity PDSA advises that treats shouldn’t take up more than 10% of your dog’s daily food allowance, with their usual food reduced by the same amount.

The table uses our Raw Plan builder’s own starting amounts for healthy adult dogs with average activity. Chicken feet vary in size, so weigh one on your kitchen scales to see how many fit your dog’s allowance.

That allowance covers all treats that day. Most owners give one or two feet a few times a week rather than every day. To work out your own dog’s daily amount, use our raw dog food calculator.

Frozen or thawed?

Both are fine. A frozen chicken foot takes longer to eat and suits dogs that gobble. Thawed feet are softer and easier for small dogs, older dogs and dogs trying them for the first time.

Raw chicken can carry bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, so handle chicken feet like any raw meat. The UK Health Security Agency’s advice on handling raw pet food covers it:

• Keep them frozen until needed, and thaw in a covered container in the fridge, away from your own food.
• Take out only what you need and reseal the bag straight away.
• Feed on a washable mat or outside, and pick up anything left uneaten.
• Wash your hands, bowls and surfaces afterwards, and keep young children away from raw pet food.

There’s more in our guide to handling and storing raw dog food.

Can puppies have chicken feet?

Puppies can have chicken feet as an occasional treat once they're settled on their food, with close supervision. Keep the amount small so it doesn’t replace their complete puppy food, and thaw them first so they’re easier to manage. For daily amounts by age, see our puppy feeding guide and calculator.

Which dogs need extra care?

• Dogs that must avoid chicken. Chicken feet are chicken. If your dog has a chicken allergy, see our chicken-free raw dog food guide instead.
• Dogs prone to pancreatitis or stomach upsets, as the skin makes chicken feet richer than lean meat.
• Dogs with dental problems or a history of choking or swallowing difficulties.
• Dogs on a weight-loss plan, where every treat needs counting.

If any of these apply, ask your vet before adding chicken feet.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs eat cooked chicken feet?

No. Cooking makes the small bones brittle, so they can splinter. Only feed chicken feet raw, or as a dried chew made and labelled for dogs.

Raw or dried chicken feet: which is better?

Both can work. Raw feet are softer and wetter. Dried or puffed feet are crunchier, lighter and keep in the cupboard. Whichever you choose, feed one made for dogs and supervise.

How often can my dog have chicken feet?

Most owners give them a few times a week. Keep them within the 10% treat allowance and reduce meals a little on days with more treats.

Are chicken feet a complete meal?

No. They're a complementary treat. Feed a complete raw meal as the main diet and give chicken feet as an extra.

My dog swallowed a chicken foot whole. What should I do?

Raw chicken foot bones are soft, and many dogs pass a swallowed foot without problems. If your dog is choking, retching repeatedly, struggling to breathe, seems in pain or goes off their food, contact a vet straight away.

Buying chicken feet from Raw Dogs Dorset

Our 1kg Southcliffe Chicken Feet are £4.99 a bag. Pop a bag in with your next box, or browse our other natural dog treats such as frozen sprats. We deliver frozen by our own van around Dorset and by courier to mainland UK, or you can collect from our Moordown and Blandford shops.

Prices were checked on 28 October 2026 and may change. This guide is general information for healthy dogs and does not replace advice from your vet.