Short answer: Choose the foot based on your dog's size and chewing style. Chicken, duck and turkey feet are short and crunchy, a lamb's foot or veal foot sits somewhere in between, and a buffalo foot or deer foot is a large, sturdy chew. Always give feet dried, in a size your dog can't swallow in one go, and stay with them while they chew.
What's in a dried foot?
A foot consists mainly of skin, tendons, cartilage and small bones, with little meat. Drying makes the whole thing crunchy or firm rather than soft, depending on the animal and the thickness of the foot. For your dog, that mainly means chewing work: they have to grind, gnaw and tug before they can swallow anything.
Feet are a complementary snack, not a meal. Composition and nutritional value vary from batch to batch, so always check the label of the product you buy for the analytical constituents. Chewing can contribute to a healthy chewing pattern, but it doesn't replace tooth brushing or dental check-ups at the vet.
Which foot suits my dog?
The bigger your dog and the keener their chewing, the larger and sturdier the foot can be. A small dog who chews calmly will usually be happy with a chicken foot. A large dog who wolfs everything down may actually try to swallow a small foot whole. In that case, go for a larger size.
| Type | Products | Size | Chewing time | Suitable for |
|---|
| Chicken | Canis Kippenpoot Wit, Canis Kippenpoot Natuurlijk | Small | Short | Small and medium-sized dogs, calm chewers |
| Duck | Canis Eendenpoten | Small | Short | Small and medium-sized dogs, variety within poultry |
| Turkey | Canis Kalkoenpoot Natuurlijk | Medium | Short to medium | Medium-sized dogs who want a bit more of a challenge |
| Lamb and veal | Canis Lamspoot, Canis Kalfspoot verpakt | Medium to large | Medium | Dogs who don't eat poultry |
| Deer and roe deer | Canis Hertenpoot Natuur, Canis Hertenpoot met haar, Canis Reepoten met Haar | Medium to large | Medium to long | Game lovers, medium-sized to large dogs |
| Buffalo | Canis Buffelpoot Wit 10 x 1 stuk, Canis Buffelpoot Bruin 10 x 1 stuk | Large | Long | Large dogs who love a long chew |
If you'd like to stick to one flavour, you'll find more snacks under chicken, venison or lamb.
Are feet safe for dogs?
Dried feet can be safe as long as you follow a few basic rules. Cooked bones splinter and are therefore not a good idea, and dried feet containing small bones should only be given under supervision. Also keep the following in mind:
- Choose a size your dog can't swallow whole.
- Take away the last small piece before they swallow it.
- Always have fresh water available.
- Very large, hard feet are less suitable for keen chewers with sensitive teeth.
For puppies who are teething, roughly from 3 to 4 months until 6 to 7 months, softer snacks in small pieces are better than a hard foot. Read more in when can a puppy have chews. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or an allergy, introduce one protein source at a time. Chicken and beef are among the protein sources most often linked to food allergies in dogs.
How many feet can you give your dog?
All snacks combined should provide no more than about 10 per cent of daily energy intake. If you give feet more often, feed a little less of the main diet. For a small dog, one chicken foot a day is often quite a substantial snack, while a buffalo foot is better suited to a few times a week. You can work out the amounts using the table in how many snacks can a dog have per day.
How do you store dried feet?
Keep feet dry, cool and sealed, for example in an airtight container or the resealable packaging. Moisture can cause mould. If a foot smells or looks different from usual, throw it away. Wash your hands after giving one, especially after handling natural animal-based snacks.
Ingrid's tip: If you're unsure between two sizes, choose the larger one. If a foot is too big, your dog will simply leave it or chew it in two sessions. A foot that's too small sometimes disappears without being chewed.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between feet with and without fur?
Feet with fur still have the coat attached, which gives some dogs extra chewing work. The fur may come out in their stools, which is normal. Without fur, the foot is a bit less messy around the house.
Can my dog eat chicken feet with small bones?
Many dogs chew dried chicken feet well, but always stay with them. If your dog tends to gulp their food, it's better to give a larger size or a different chew.
Which foot is suitable if my dog can't tolerate poultry?
In that case, Canis Lamspoot, Canis Kalfspoot verpakt or a deer or buffalo foot is the more obvious choice. Introduce a new type gradually and consult your vet if any problems arise.
How long does it take a dog to get through a foot?
That depends on the type of foot and on your dog. Small poultry feet are usually finished quickly, while a buffalo foot keeps many dogs busy considerably longer. For more variety, also take a look at necks and wings.
Sources
About the author
Ingrid Kooijman is the founder of Canis Snacks. She selects natural single-protein dog treats, sells them online and at markets in Brabant, and answers dog owners' questions about food and chews every day. Questions about these treats? Email info@canissnacks.com.
Not sure which treat suits your dog? Try the treat guide →
