Pig ears or Lamb Ears – If cow ears are too big for your dog, but you still want all the same benefits, try pig ears if you have a medium dog, or lamb ears if you have a small dog. However, pig ears in particular are more fatty than cow ears, which makes them very greasy.
Some vets may recommend pig ears as a treat for dogs in moderation, while others may advise against it due to the potential risks associated with them, such as bacterial contamination, choking, and digestive issues. It's best to consult with your veterinarian to determine if pig ears are a suitable treat for your dog.
Cows ears are a natural dog treat and are healthy for dogs to eat. They are digestible and all-natural, so they're easy on your dog's digestive system. These dog treats are also low-calorie, so they won't add too much weight to your dog's waistline.
A very good alternative to nasty rawhide, is a pig's ear. Pigs ears are made up of cartilage making them a chewy and tasty treat. They are suitable for both large and smaller breed dogs.
As well as being an all natural pet treat, Pig Ears for dogs are Grain and Gluten free and contain no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Great for dog dental health, pig ear treats help to reduce tartar and plaque build up while chewing.
Sanders says pig ears are safe for most medium- and large-sized dogs when given as an occasional treat once or twice a month. "Pig ears are best when given sparingly as a special treat," she says. "This is definitely not an everyday food." Pig ears can contain a fair amount of fat and calories.
Pinna barely has any muscle in it, so pig ears make for an easy-to-chew and digestible treat for dogs. Think of it as a natural alternative to rawhide, better for your dog's teeth, stomach, and health.
Cow ears are generally considered safe for dogs as they are highly digestible. This means everything that reaches the stomach should be successfully digested.
Always purchase pig ears from reputable sources, and ensure that they are processed in a way that reduces the risk of bacterial contamination. Allergies: Some dogs may be allergic to pork products and could have an allergic reaction to pig ears.
You've most likely seen adult dogs chew on pig ears as an edible toy, but are they safe for younger dogs? Yes, puppies can have pig ears, BUT we recommend that you wait until your puppy is of 6 months of age or older before giving this treat. This is due to health concerns with the pig ears themselves.
Cow ears are generally considered a better alternative to rawhide chews because they are more easy for your dog to digest and don't tend to be as tough. Because rawhides are harder and tougher than cow ears, they are also more likely to cause broken teeth and mouth damage.
Pig ears are a great source of protein, with a protein percentage of a whopping 69.06%. Beyond protein, these treats also provide Omega-3 and Omega-6 acids for cholesterol regulation, which helps maintain a healthy heart. They can also improve joint health, with a high concentration of chondroitin and glucosamine.
How long will a pig ear last? Pig ears are not a long-lasting organic treat; they can keep your dog busy for hours. A small dog; or a dog with slow chewing action will take time to get through a pig ear. However, the middle of a large breed dog will finish it in under five-ten minutes.
Hard Beef Knuckle Bones and Beef Marrow Bones are ideal and the safest for dogs. Chicken, Turkey, and Pork bones are too soft and dangerous for dogs. Dogs love the sensation and taste of chewing bones. Chewing bones releases feel-good endorphins for dogs.
Benefits of Longer Lasting Treats
Pig ear chews are packed with protein and are a natural, healthy alternative to rawhide dog chews. Chewing on longer lasting chews promotes the gentle removal of tartar and plaque buildup so your pup's teeth stay healthy and clean.
If your dog bites of large chunks they could cause intestinal obstruction. Also, if you don't know the provenance of a pig's ear, it may contain salmonella. Additionally, if your dog is overweight, you shouldn't feed them a pig's ear because of the high fat content.
In most cases, Sanders doesn't recommend feeding pig ears if you have a small breed dog as smaller dogs frequently have gastrointestinal (GI) upset as a result of eating pig ears and similar treats. She also advises against feeding pig ears if your dog: Requires a low-fat diet. Has a sensitive GI tract.
Sanders adds that the most common problems associated with feeding pig ears include vomiting, gas, and diarrhea. Some dogs may experience more serious complications, such as pancreatitis or bloody diarrhea.
Traditional Reasons
These days, ear cropping is done for cosmetic reasons. However, the procedure used to be done for practical reasons. For example, Boxers were often used as guard dogs.
Hairy Cow Ears are a highly nutritious tough treat. They tougher and larger than other ears for dogs. Low in fat, gluten free, grain free and high in protein, the ears are a natural healthy treat most dogs will enioy. Hairy Cow Ears are a tasty tough treat as they heavier and tougher than other ears for dogs.
1) Cow Ears (suggested age 8 weeks+)
Cow ears are a perfect, low fat, tough chew for puppies. One of the best chews for teething puppies, they satisfy their need to chew but as they contain virtually no fat, they are easy on the immature digestive system.
Pig ears are about 15% fat and 22% protein … while cow ears are about 12% fat and 26% protein. The other big difference is in the fur when you buy cooked ears. Cow ears are quite furry, while pig ears have a few sparse hairs.
Some pig ears implicated in the recent outbreak were individually packaged and apparently irradiated, but still tested positive for Salmonella. When properly conducted, irradiation is effective at removing Salmonella from certain animal foods, including pet treats.
If your dog is an avid chewer, we recommend limiting his chew time to avoid him eating the whole ear in under an hour! Avoid feeding dogs at risk for obesity or suffering from pancreatitis. There is too much fat and too many calories in pig ears for dogs that suffer from weight issues or pancreatitis.