Are pigs ears good for dogs? It turns out that things like rawhide and even peanut butter are not as harmless as we once thought. It’s no wonder dog owners have become more health-conscious, so they’re reconsidering many popular dog treats.
So there are two big questions: Are pig ears good for dogs … and are pig ears safe for dogs?
The answer is yes, but only if they’re the right kind of pig ears. The same goes for cow ears.
Pig ears and cow ears for dogs can be a good treat option … but you need to know what to look for and what to avoid when you buy ears for your dog or puppy.
Ever given your furry friend a pig ear treat only to discover an unpleasant surprise in your backyard a few hours later? You’re not alone! As a dog owner who’s experienced this exact situation (more times than I’d like to admit), I decided to dig deeper into whether pig ears and doggy diarrhea are actually connected or if it’s just bad luck.
The Short Answer: Yes, They Can!
Let’s not beat around the bush – pig ears absolutely can cause diarrhea in dogs. But before you toss all those treats in the trash, it’s important to understand that not every dog will have this reaction. Just like us humans, dogs have unique digestive systems and what causes one pup to have tummy troubles might be perfectly fine for another.
Why Do Pig Ears Sometimes Cause Digestive Upset?
There are several reasons why your dog might get the runs after chewing on a pig ear:
1. They’re Super Fatty
Pig ears contain a high amount of fat, which can be difficult for many dogs to digest properly. This fatty content can overwhelm your dog’s digestive system especially if they’re not used to high-fat treats.
Dr. Ralston, a veterinarian cited in one source, explains that this excess fat can trigger an inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis) in predisposed dogs. Symptoms of pancreatitis include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain (some dogs even take a “praying position” with their rear end up and front legs lowered)
Small breeds like teacup and toy dogs seem particularly susceptible to this condition.
2. Bacterial Contamination
Pig ears can harbor bacteria like Salmonella and Clostridium. These nasty little bugs can cause food poisoning in your pup leading to diarrhea and other symptoms.
According to Dog Discoveries, Clostridium bacteria are associated with rotting food and produce toxins that irritate your dog’s colon, potentially causing severe diarrhea and vomiting.
3. They’re a Novel Food for Some Dogs
If your dog is accustomed to eating the same food day in and day out, introducing a new treat like a pig ear can disrupt their gut flora. Just like when we change a dog’s regular food, a sudden dietary addition can upset the delicate balance of bacteria in their digestive system.
4. Quality Issues
Not all pig ears are created equal! Poorly processed or low-quality pig ears might be more likely to cause digestive issues. Some may contain additives, chemicals, or growth hormones that don’t agree with your pup’s tummy.
Who’s Most at Risk for Pig Ear Diarrhea?
While any dog can potentially have digestive issues from pig ears, some are more likely to have problems:
- Dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies
- Puppies and senior dogs with less robust digestive systems
- Small breed dogs that are more prone to pancreatitis
- Dogs with a history of digestive issues
- Dogs who gulp treats rather than chewing them thoroughly
Beyond Diarrhea: Other Potential Problems with Pig Ears
Digestive upset isn’t the only concern with pig ears. These treats can also pose other risks:
Choking Hazards
Some dogs (especially aggressive chewers) might break off large pieces of pig ears and swallow them whole, creating a potential choking hazard. This is especially concerning for small dogs.
Intestinal Blockage
Pieces of pig ear can potentially get stuck in your dog’s digestive tract, causing a blockage. Signs of blockage include:
- Repeated vomiting
- Straining to defecate
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
If you notice these symptoms, get to a vet immediately!
Dental Problems
According to Dr. Mary Buelow, a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College cited by Dog Discoveries, pig ears (along with bones, cow hooves, hard rawhides, nylon bones, large ice cubes, and tennis balls) should be avoided due to potential dental problems they can cause.
The Benefits of Pig Ears (Yes, There Are Some!)
Despite the potential downsides, pig ears do have some redeeming qualities:
- High protein content (about 69% protein, according to Natural Farm)
- Contain glucosamine and chondroitin which can help with joint health
- Provide mental stimulation and help satisfy a dog’s natural urge to chew
- Can help reduce boredom and prevent destructive behavior
- Single-ingredient option for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies
How to Safely Give Pig Ears to Your Dog
If you want to try giving your dog pig ears without the diarrhea drama, follow these tips:
1. Start Small
Introduce pig ears gradually. Maybe start with just a small piece and see how your dog’s tummy handles it before giving a whole ear.
2. Choose Quality Products
Look for pig ears from reputable companies that prioritize safety and quality control. Ideally, choose products that are:
- Made in the USA
- Free from additives and chemicals
- From companies with strict quality control processes
3. Supervise Chewing Sessions
Always keep an eye on your dog when they’re enjoying a pig ear. This helps prevent choking and ensures they’re not swallowing large pieces whole.
4. Limit Frequency
Pig ears should be an occasional treat, not a daily indulgence. This reduces the risk of digestive issues and helps prevent weight gain from the high fat content.
5. Know Your Dog
If your dog has a history of pancreatitis, sensitive stomach, or food allergies, you might want to skip pig ears altogether and find a more suitable treat option.
Alternatives to Pig Ears
If you’ve decided pig ears aren’t worth the risk (or the cleanup), here are some alternatives that might be gentler on your dog’s digestive system:
- Bully sticks – Usually more digestible and less fatty
- Dental chews – Designed specifically for oral health
- Collagen sticks – Often more digestible than pig ears
- Marrow bones – Good for larger dogs who need something substantial to chew
- Carrots – A healthy, low-calorie natural option
My Personal Experience
I’ve had mixed results with pig ears in my household. My Lab mix can handle them without any issues, but my smaller terrier almost always gets diarrhea afterward. We’ve compromised by keeping pig ears as a very occasional treat for the Lab, while finding alternatives that work better for our terrier’s sensitive system.
When to Call the Vet
A little loose stool after a pig ear isn’t usually cause for alarm, but there are times when you should definitely seek veterinary care:
- Severe or bloody diarrhea
- Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours
- Vomiting alongside diarrhea
- Lethargy or weakness
- Signs of abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Signs of dehydration (dry gums, loss of skin elasticity)
The Bottom Line
So, do pig ears give dogs diarrhea? They certainly can, but it’s not guaranteed. Every dog is different, and what causes digestive distress in one might be perfectly fine for another.
If you do decide to give pig ears to your dog, choose quality products, introduce them slowly, and monitor your pup for any signs of digestive upset. And maybe keep some carpet cleaner handy… just in case!
Remember, when it comes to treating our furry friends, moderation is key. Even the best treats should only make up a small portion of your dog’s overall diet.
Have you had experiences with pig ears causing diarrhea in your dog? What alternative treats have worked well for your pup? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!
Beware Rawhide Fake Ears
Some manufacturers try to fool you with rawhide in shapes that look like pig or cow ears. Rawhide is quite dangerous for dogs because of indigestibility, chemical processing. other toxins like heavy metals, and the risk of intestinal blockage, so don’t buy these phony lookalikes.
Cow Ears Vs Pig Ears For Dogs
There are two main differences between cow ears and pig ears for dogs.
The first is the nutritional content. As mentioned earlier, both are made of cartilage, so they’ll provide your dog with natural glucosamine and chondroitin, as well as a chew that can help with his oral health. But pig ears are a little higher in fat than cow ears. 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. So cooked pig ears may not need to have the hair removed … and it the manufacturer does do this, it may be by blanching or scalding the ears.
Cows are much furrier than pigs! Raw ears from a raw dog food supplier will likely still have the fur … which adds valuable fiber for your dog. But, as we said earlier, cooked cow ears will have had the fur removed … and that’s when you need to ask how it was done to make sure no chemicals were used in the process.
¿Are PIG EARS GOOD for DOGS? The Plain Truth
FAQ
Can I give my dog pig ears daily?