Why do dogs love pig ears? A Complete Guide

Pros of Pig Ear Dog Treats

The most appealing advantage about pig ear chews is dogs find them simply delicious! In my 20-plus years as a dog trainer, I’ve never witnessed a dog turning his or her nose up at a smoked pig ear dog treat.

Their thick hide and density make pig ears easy to chew for small, delicate chewers and senior dogs. Another huge plus is pig ear chews keep your dog’s teeth clean and gums healthy, which means fresh breath. Pig ear chews are also odorless even while your dog chews them.

Due to their popularity, pig ear dog treats are readily available at pet retailers and online, and are relatively inexpensive compared to other dog chews.

The Benefits Of Pig Ears For Dogs

You might think ears are a very fatty treat … but in fact pig and cow ears are both made of cartilage, so they’re high in protein and fairly low in fat.

Cartilage contains natural glucosamine and chondroitin, so chewing on ears can benefit your dog’s joints. They’re soft and easy on the teeth … so they’re good chews for dogs with sensitive teeth or dogs who prefer a leisurely chew. Gnawing on ears helps remove plaque and tartar, promoting dental health … and chewing helps keep your dog’s gums healthy too.

And because they’re just cartilage, pig ears and cow ears are quite digestible for your dog. Just monitor your dog if he’s a gulper who doesn’t chew his food thoroughly, so he doesn’t choke or get a bowel obstruction from swallowing big chunks of ear.

Are Pig Ears Safe For Dogs?

When you buy pig ears for your dog, there are some things to look for so you know they’re safe. The most important thing is … how have the pig ears you buy for your dog been processed?

Pig ears are usually sold whole … so they’re recognizable as ears! Pig ears that are safe for dogs should be an unaltered whole ingredient. Don’t buy pig ear strips or pieces as they’re more likely to be processed with chemicals.

Some raw dog food suppliers sell frozen raw pig ears … and those are the best choice if you can get them.

In stores, you’ll usually find pig ears that are cooked. This is when you need to watch out for potentially harmful additives.

Because of concerns about bacteria and trichinosis parasites in raw pork, you’d expect cooked ears to be safer. But cooked ears have some pitfalls.

Many of the ones you’ll find in stores are roasted, boiled or smoked to prevent salmonellosis. But even so, they can be a bacterial risk or cause digestive upset … or even an intestinal blockage if your dog doesn’t chew thoroughly before he swallows.

If you buy cooked pig or cow ears, choose baked ears without any additives. They don’t need any chemicals or preservatives … and you should verify that they don’t have any before you buy them.

Some ears are irradiated to remove bacteria … but irradiation isn’t safe for your dog, so ask the manufacturer if they irradiate their pig ears. If the ears look white, they’re likely irradiated.

Smoked ears are popular … but don’t buy them. Always avoid smoked meats for your dog. Any smoked meat increases cancer risk.

Pig Ear Treats Causing Disease in People and Dogs

Have you tried dehydrated Pig Ears, Strips or Ear Drums? Dog owners are always looking for options when it comes to the dog treats they serve their pet. Variety helps keep dogs entertained and happy, while also providing a balance of the nutrients that they need.

One of our products that have grown significantly in popularity and are becoming a common replacement treat in place of a dog bone, is the pig ear. This treat has plenty of health benefits, is affordable and offers a few different treat variants.