As more pet parents shift away from traditional dog food and treats, innovative options are emerging. Dog moms are not being shy about variety. From lucky rabbit’s feet for a snack to deer antlers, salmon skin, freeze-dried minnows and everything in between, the margin for food oddities is pretty wide.
One dog mom really thought outside the box, coming up with one of the most unique dog enrichment foods I’ve seen. Her pup absolutely loved it.
🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾
Benefits of Food Variety
Holly’s mom, TikTok user @hoogie_bear_, recently shared a video where she fed her pup a raw alligator foot. Needless to say, the incredibly odd addition received a lot of questions from viewers, prompting her to create a new video explaining why she fed her pup this particular treat and its benefits.
Her most commonly asked question is why? Holly shares that she adds these odd foods for their nutritional value and health benefits. “I try to feed my pets as close as possible to a biologically appropriate diet as possible, and sometimes that means going outside of my comfort zone.”
She also points out that adding exotic proteins to your pet’s diet can help prevent food intolerances, which can sometimes develop from eating the same thing repeatedly. It also adds nutrient diversity since not all proteins are alike. Each of them has different micronutrients and benefits for your pup’s diet.
Another reason she chose the alligator foot is that it is a large chew, which is typically known for being great for dental health. Larger chews also provide a significant amount of mental stimulation to your dog’s diet. Holly had a tough time chewing through this one, but in the long run, that is actually a good thing. Spending time on the chew will keep her mind active and leave her feeling satiated.
Holly’s mom says that she gets a lot of these interesting chews online at Rawfeed Miami, but there are other places to get them, either in your local area or through Amazon.
Related: 3 Trader Joe’s Treats My Pup and I Love-And They’re Under $6
What Pet Parents Think About Feeding Odd Foods
Even after the explanation, the internet remained divided on the subject. Some pet parents thought feeding this way was so cool and wanted to learn more, while others objected to the ethics of the situation. One writes, “This is so awesome! I love how you feed your tribe! Simply amazing.” Those on the same side of the proverbial fence agreed, while wondering what else she fed her pup.
On the other side of the spectrum were pet parents who thought it was terrible to kill an alligator for their foot. Additionally, they doubted that the dog was receiving any real benefits from the exotic proteins, as the dosage was inconsistent.
However, Holly’s mom explains, “That’s a common myth! Occasional exotic proteins still add unique nutrients + prevent intolerances – they’re enrichment, not a supplement that needs daily use.”
While Holly may not have alligator every day of the week, I would venture that she gets it enough to reap the benefits. Additionally, it’s undeniable that it’s excellent for mental stimulation. While I won’t be adding an alligator foot to Grizzly’s food anytime soon, I think it’s great to explore what other treats and proteins can help our pets be the best versions of themselves.
Related: Trying to Tame Your Dog’s Stinky Breath? Make These Healthy Homemade Treats
This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Oct 31, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.