If you’ve ever wondered whether dogs can eat raw pig feet, you’re not alone. It’s a common question among pet owners, and today we’re here to give you the answer. The short answer is, yes, dogs can have raw pig feet. In fact, pig feet, also known as pork trotters, are classified as raw meaty bones in raw feeding. They are not only safe for dogs but also an inexpensive cut of meat that provides numerous benefits.
What’s in Raw Pig Feet + Benefits
Raw pig feet consist mostly of cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and fat, with very little meat. But don’t let that deceive you – they offer several benefits for your furry friend. Pig feet are rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, which are essential for joint health in dogs. Additionally, the act of chewing on pig feet helps scrape away plaque and tartar, promoting good oral health. These bones also provide a great mental and physical workout for your pup.
Feeding Raw Pig Feet to Dogs
If you choose to buy farmed raw pig feet, you can feed them to your dog right away. However, if you come across wild raw pig feet, it’s best to freeze them for three weeks before feeding. To thaw frozen pig feet quickly, place them in a bowl with cool water. Alternatively, you can let them thaw on a plate or inside a container in the fridge. Check out the video below to see an example of a dog enjoying a raw pig’s foot.
Types of Dogs Raw Pig Feet are Best for
Raw pig feet are relatively large cuts of meat, so they may not be suitable for toy breeds or small dogs. It’s recommended to avoid offering pig feet to Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, Dachshunds, and similarly sized dogs. However, they are excellent options for medium to large and extra-large dogs, including Beagles, Bulldogs, Labs, German Shepherds, and Great Danes. Even Feist mixes like Wally can enjoy raw pig feet. Please note that these bones may not be suitable for overweight dogs or those with pancreatitis due to their high fat content.
How Much Bone is in Raw Pig Feet?
Raw pig feet consist of approximately 30% bone and 70% cartilage, fat, and some meat. The weight of pig feet can vary between 8 to 16 ounces, depending on the size of the pig they’re from. The tables below provide the ratio of bone to meat in pig feet, both in ounces and grams:
Ounces (oz):
- 8oz pig foot: 2.4oz bone / 5.6oz meat, cartilage, fat
- 12oz pig foot: 3.6oz bone / 8.4oz meat, cartilage, fat
- 16oz pig foot: 4.8oz bone / 11.2oz meat, cartilage, fat
Grams (g):
- 200g pig foot: 60g bone / 140g meat, cartilage, fat
- 300g pig foot: 90g bone / 210g meat, cartilage, fat
- 400g pig foot: 120g bone / 280g meat, cartilage, fat
These ratios are helpful for determining how to include pig feet in your dog’s weekly raw dog food allowance. For example, an 8oz pig foot with 2.4oz bone content can cover a 50lb dog’s daily bone allowance.
What to Combine Raw Pig Feet with for a Raw Meal
Since raw pig feet are fatty cuts of meat with high-calorie content, it’s best to combine them with lean cuts of meat. Instead of adding ground pork or pork trim to the pig foot, opt for lean cuts of turkey, chicken, beef (without skin), rabbit, venison, pheasant, ostrich, or kangaroo. For secreting organs, chicken liver and beef kidney are excellent choices. You can also incorporate some cooked and pureed spinach, carrots, red beets, kelp powder, soaked and ground almonds, and chia seeds for plant matter.
Raw dog food featuring a raw pig’s foot, ground beef, mackerel, goat secreting organ mix, and homemade frozen veggie supplements
How to Cook Pig Feet for Dogs
It’s important to note that you should never cook raw meaty bones intended for your dog(s). Cooking changes the bone density, making them brittle and prone to splintering. Instead, only offer your dog raw pig trotters. However, you can use raw pig feet to make a delicious batch of bone broth. You can also give your pup half of a raw pig’s foot and use the other half for doggie bone broth. Check out our bone broth recipe for more details.
Where to Buy Raw Pig Feet for Dogs
You can find raw pig feet at butchers, many grocery stores, and ethnic grocery stores. If you prefer to shop online, some retailers offer raw pig feet, such as Rebel Raw Pig Feet, Answer’s Pet Food Fermented Raw Pig Feet Halves, and Farmer’s Fresh Meat & Grocery Pork Feet. If you know of any other pet food retailers that sell raw pig feet, feel free to reach out and let us know.
Answers Pet Food Fermented Raw Pig Feet
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can dogs eat raw pig feet?
A: Yes, dogs can eat raw pig feet. They are classified as raw meaty bones and offer several benefits for your dog’s joint and oral health.
Q: How much bone is in raw pig feet?
A: Raw pig feet contain approximately 30% bone and 70% cartilage, fat, and some meat. The exact ratio may vary depending on the size of the pig feet.
Q: Where can I buy raw pig feet for dogs?
A: You can find raw pig feet at butchers, many grocery stores, and ethnic grocery stores. Some online retailers also offer raw pig feet for purchase.
Conclusion
Raw pig feet can be a nutritious and enjoyable addition to your dog’s diet. They provide essential nutrients and offer various health benefits, especially for joint and oral health. However, they are not suitable for all dogs, particularly toy breeds and small dogs. It’s important to carefully consider your dog’s size and dietary needs before incorporating raw pig feet into their meals. As always, consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet.
For more information on raw feeding and other topics related to dog nutrition, be sure to visit Pawsoha.com.