Due to their increased health consciousness, dog owners are rethinking many common dog treats. Rawhide and even peanut butter are not as benign as we once believed. Additionally, you want to locate wholesome, natural dog food that is safe.
Therefore, there are two major inquiries: Are pig ears healthy for dogs, and are pig ears secure for canines?
Yes, but only if they are the appropriate kind of pig ears. The same goes for cow ears. When purchasing ears for your dog, you need to know what to look for and what to avoid. Pig ears and cow ears can be good options.
How Are Pig Ear Treats Made?
Most chewing treats are either baked or dehydrated when it comes to availability. Blanching may also be included as a processing step. At this point, the pig’s ear’s tiny hairs are removed with a quick bath in boiling water.
Your dog won’t be harmed by these hairs, but getting rid of them results in a product that looks cleaner. The majority of commercial pig ear products are processed without any additional ingredients. The crunch and flavor of the ears alone make for a very alluring treat.
3 Health/Safety Concerns With Pig Ears for Puppies
Although pig ears are intended to be a healthy alternative to rawhide and are completely edible, there are some factors that could make the treat dangerous for the puppy.
In addition to dangerous bacterial strains, physical concerns include the choking hazard posed by pigs ears and other oral health problems, primarily gum cuts and scrapes.
Nutritional Benefits
Since pig ears are made of cartilage, they are a softer chew that is perfect for the majority of dogs. Pig ears are durable but simple to chew, making them ideal for dogs of all ages or those who have dental issues.
Additionally, pig ears are a fantastic source of glucosamine and chondroitin, two nutrients that can ease painful joint conditions like osteoarthritis. These ingredients also contribute to healthy teeth, gums, and skin.
Pig ears have a high protein content of about 69%, which will help your dog maintain healthy muscles, skin, and coat. They’re also a great source of essential amino acids.
FAQ
What age can puppies have pig ears?
Pig ears can be given to puppies, but we advise waiting until they are at least 6 months old before doing so. Health issues with the pig ears themselves are to blame for this. It should be noted that eating pig ear treats still carries risks for children older than six months.
Will pig ears hurt puppies?
It is not recommended that puppies are given pig ears. This is due to the possibility that the high fat content could cause gastrointestinal disturbances like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Can 8 week old puppies eat pigs ears?
Yes, puppies can have pig ears. Due to health issues, we advise waiting until your puppy is at least six months old. It’s important to remember that there are risks associated with eating pig ears for both you and your dog, even after six months.