Are Pig Ears Good For Dogs?

What are Pig Ears?

Are pig ears digestible for dogs?

There has been some controversy surrounding whether pig ears for dogs are good or bad to give. Many pet parents have been scared off from feeding pig ears because of the concern with harmful bacteria such as salmonella.

However, there’s no need to avoid pig ears altogether. The truth is, as long as they are fed responsibly, pig ears for puppies are a safe and healthy treat!

Pig ears for dogs are a nutritious alternative to rawhide or other less than natural dog chews. Plus, they’re a great source of protein and essential nutrients to compliment your dog’s regular diet.

Like with any long-lasting chew, you’ll want to be sure you know the proper way to feed pig ears to dogs before giving one to your chewing enthusiast.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Safety Tips for Feeding Pig Ears

1. Trust the source.
   
   The general rule when buying pig ears for your dog food is to make sure they’re coming from a reputable source. Some pig ears are made with rawhide, grains, or coated with harsh chemicals, such as bleach, that your dog should never ingest. You want to choose a pig ear from a trusted source that avoids using these unhealthy ingredients.
   
   Our Value Pack pig ears for dogs are sourced right here in Canada with North American ingredients. They’re made with natural pork and smoked in tantalizing flavours your dog will drool over.
   
   
2. Wash your hands.
   
   Dogs can handle a lot more bacteria than we can. Most natural chews contain bacteria that can make people sick but are typically safe for your pooch. Pig ears for puppies are especially controversial because there have been several recalls over the years of different pig ear brands that contain salmonella.
   
   Of course, pig ears from trusted sources don’t have the same issues, but it’s still a best practice to wash your hands after handling your dog’s pig ear treats - or any treats for that matter.
   
   
3. Always supervise your dog’s chew time.
   
   Dogs can get a little carried away with their chewing. It’s important to keep an eye on our pets as they chew to ensure they don’t break off too big of a piece and choke!
   
   Heavy chewers may be able to finish a pig ear pretty quickly. This can lead to an upset stomach or digestion issues. If your dog is an avid chewer, we recommend limiting his chew time to avoid him eating the whole ear in under an hour!
   
   
   
4. 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. For this reason, your doggo should avoid this natural chew entirely. Luckily, there are other less fattening long-lasting chews to offer your dog to reward them with something special!

3 Pros of Feeding Pig Ears

1. They’re ideal for more gentle chewers.

Pig ear dog treats are tough, but not as tough as other chews you’ll find at your local pet store! That’s why they’re an excellent choice for light chewers. If you have a dog that likes to savor its treats, pig ears for dogs are great to let them chew at their own pace without lasting too long to attract harmful bacteria.

Red Barn Puffed Sow Ears are naturally puffed up before being dehydrated to make for a softer, crunchy chew. These are especially great for light to moderate chewers.

2. They’re great for puppies and senior dogs.

Are pig ears safe for dogs and for puppies? Yes! As we mentioned above, pig ears are less tough than other natural chews such as bully sticks or rawhide for dog. That makes them safe to feed to your new puppy or your senior dog that might have a few teeth missing.

When it comes to feeding pig ears to puppies, you want to be extra careful to ensure they are coming from a trusted source. Puppies are more susceptible to digestion problems, infection and illness, so you must watch for added chemicals and unhealthy ingredients.

3. They work as a dental chew.

Despite being dried and dehydrated, pig ears maintain their thick and tough texture. This makes them more difficult for even the hardcore chewers to break them down with their teeth. As your dog continuously chews to soften up the ear, this motion works to scrub off tough to reach plaque build-up and helps to keep your dog’s pearly whites clean – or cleaner!

Treat Your Dog to Something New

If you want to offer your dog something new and different from his usual rawhide bone or rubber toy, pig ears are a safe dog treat that will not only provide mental stimulation but nutritional benefits too!

What's your dog's favourite natural chew? Let us know in the comments below!