Natural De-Wormer Not strictly true, but could help reduce worm count.
Anal Glad Health Fur-on rabbit ears help firm up stools which helps keep anal glands in good nick.
Hypoallergenic Again, not strictly true. But many dogs with allergies tolerate rabbit protein.
Dental Health Chewing rabbit ears has an abrasive effect on dog’s teeth, helping the stay clean.
Rabbit ears are highly nutritious for dogs, however the nutritional make up varies considerably between products. Nevertheless, all are high in protein which is excellent for maintaining healthy muscles, hair and skin, as well as many other bodily functions. The average ranges are:
Not only are they a nutritious treat for your dog, but they also have many health benefits, which include:
Improved dental health: Since rabbit ears are dried, they create an abrasive action against the surface of the teeth as they are chewed. This removes plaque and food material build up.
Improved digestion: Some rabbit ears are covered in hair. This is a type of fibre which is poorly digested. As the hair travels through the intestines, it gently brushes trapped, undigested food away, improving the ability of the intestines to absorb nutrients.
Natural deworming: Much like how rabbit ears improve digestion, as the hair brushes the insides of the intestines, they may help to keep the worm burden low. However, it is worth noting that there are no clinical studies proving that rabbit hair is an effective dewormer, so worm egg counts and medicinal dewormers will still be required.
Improved anal gland health: As already mentioned, hair contains fibre, which helps to firm up the stools. If your dog struggles with recurrent anal gland impactions, firmer stools will help squeeze them as they pass by, resulting in fewer impactions and secondary infections.
Decreased anxiety: Chewing has been scientifically proven to trigger a release of endorphins, which will help your dog relax and feel less anxious. Chewing is an ideal stress-relieving distraction during phobic events, such as fireworks or thunderstorms.
Hypoallergenic: Many producers of rabbit ears claim they are hypoallergenic, and are suitable for dogs with food allergies. While this isn’t entirely true, as dogs can be allergic to rabbit proteins, it is very rare for a dog to be allergic to rabbit as it is a novel protein. Therefore, most dogs with allergies can tolerate it well.
Even though rabbit ears have many health benefits, and are highly nutritious, they should only make up a small proportion of your dog’s diet. Your dog predominantly needs to eat a balanced, high-quality food. Giving your dog a rabbit ear two or three times a week is plenty for him to be able to experience the benefits of them.
Where do they come from and how are they produced?
Rabbit ears are the by-products of the rabbit meat industry. Rabbit meat is commonly consumed in Europe and we source our rabbit ears from both the UK as well as from Europe (Poland mainly but some from Italy).
The ears are gently air-dried giving the rabbit ears a very long shelf life of 18 months as well as preserving all the nutrients.
Disadvantages & Risks of Rabbit Ears Safe for Dogs?
Because hair is not easily digestible then overfeeding can lead to impaction (stuck poo). So it’s probably not a good idea to give rabbit ears with fur as a daily treat.
The most common concern about rabbit ears is whether the hair might cause an impaction. Hair is not easily digested, and therefore if eaten in large quantities it may struggle to pass. However, sticking to only two or three ears per week prevents this risk.
Since rabbit ears contain only cartilage, skin and sometimes hair, there are no bones which can get stuck or cause damage to the intestines. Nevertheless, if your dog tends to eat treats extremely quickly (for example Labradors), it is advisable to supervise them when eating the treat to ensure they are chewing it properly.
Rabbit ears are generally marketed as low fat treats, however as we’ve seen earlier, the fat content is highly variable. Therefore, if your pet is overweight, or suffers from conditions which are worsened by fat, such as pancreatitis, you should ensure you only buy rabbit ears with a guaranteed low fat content (under 15%).
Rabbit ears can be given to puppies from four months of age. This is the age which they begin losing their puppy teeth and replacing them with their adult teeth. Chewing the rabbit ears is an excellent way of soothing those itchy gums, and your puppy will be very grateful for them!
Thinking about rabbit ears, but not quite sold on the idea yet? Here are some alternatives:
Chicken feet or duck feet: Chicken and duck feet are all-natural treats which dogs love to chew on. They are usually raw or dehydrated, and contain bones. However the bones are very tiny, and crumble rather than crack when chewed, so they don’t pose a risk of gastrointestinal damage. They are great for dental health and also an excellent source of glucosamine and chondroitin, to keep your dog’s joints healthy.
Pig ears: These are another natural treat which improves your dog’s teeth through chewing on them. They can be smelly though, and are high in fat, so are not suitable for dogs with pancreatitis or who are overweight.
Deer antlers: If you’re looking for a natural treat which is long lasting, deer antlers are a real winner. They can last months, and don’t splinter or break, like bones. The chewing action on the deer antlers helps your dog deal with their anxiety, as well as clean their teeth. These are perfect for dogs who need a low fat alternative, as they are generally not ingested.
Chicken necks: These are similar to chicken feet, apart from they are obviously from a different part of the body! The bones are a little more prominent than chicken feet though. Even though they should crumble as your dog eats them, you should still monitor them carefully.
Dental chews: Looking for something which has a good shelf life and no smell? Dental chews might be a good alternative. Even though they are not natural, they help clean your dog’s teeth, as well as freshen their breath. However, they are high in calories, so should only be given in moderation, and an alternative should be considered for dogs who are overweight. In addition to that, they often have a vague ingredients list, and you never really know what’s in them.
