If your dog has a favorite chew, you've probably seen the look — ears soften, tail goes loose and easy, eyes half-close. That's not just enjoyment. That's your dog's nervous system settling down.
It's not just about clean teeth.
Chewing's dental benefits are well established and they're real. Regular chewing helps reduce plaque and calculus buildup, and dogs with more variety in what they chew tend to have better long-term dental health. One study found that just three days of chewing a softer “spongy” bone (the kind found in chicken feet and similar chews) reduced calculus buildup by nearly 60% and over time, chewing cut plaque by almost 90%.
But the benefits go well beyond the mouth.
Chewing helps dogs manage stress.
A 2025 review in Frontiers in Veterinary Science pulled together research across dogs, humans, and other animals and found something simple but important: chewing helps regulate the body's stress response. It can lower cortisol, ease anxiety, and even improve focus and memory — the same way a stressed-out human might feel calmer after a long walk or a good workout.
For dogs, a daily chew isn't just a treat. It's a tool. One that helps them process the day, settle their nervous system, and just feel like a dog.
What this looks like in real life
At our house, this shows up every afternoon around 3pm. Frankie — our resident expert on the subject — shows up at the office door, gives The Look, and walks me to the treat cupboard. One chicken foot, every day, like clockwork.
It's easy to write that off as “she just really likes chicken feet.” And she does. But she's also doing something good for her teeth, her gums, and her stress levels — all wrapped up in ten minutes of happy gnawing.
The takeaway
Chewing isn't an extra. It's a real part of your dog's daily wellbeing. It’s right up there with exercise and a good diet. If your dog doesn't have a regular chew in their routine, it might be worth adding one.
What to look for in a chicken foot chew
Not all chews are created equal. Here's what to check before you buy:
Toenails. They should be trimmed. Sharp toenails have no business near your dog's mouth — and a manufacturer who trims them is one paying attention to the details.
The pads. Look for discoloration or burn marks — sometimes called bumblefoot — on the underside of the foot. It's a telltale sign that bird spent its life standing in its own waste on a factory farm. Some manufacturers trim the pads off so you can't see it. A clean pad means a bird that lived the right way.
The ingredient list. One ingredient. That's it. Anything else is a question worth asking.
Ready to try them? Frankie thinks you should. Shop Dehydrated Chicken Feet