Are Pig Ears Okay for Dogs? - Pig Ears Treats, Safe for Dogs?

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Are Pig Ears Okay for Dogs? | Pig Ears Treats, Safe for Dogs?

The answer to this is a resounding…YES! But…

When it comes to your canine’s food and even treats, it is undoubtedly important to know what you feed your dog. As responsible owners, our job and responsibility is to be aware of what nutrients and other chemicals we give to our dogs.

One of the familiar treats is the pig’s ear. Aside from being affordable and convenient, dogs also find it irresistible. But the main question is: “Is it safe for dogs? If so, why?

Pig’s ear is a dehydrated and humanely harvested pig ear, precisely a flap of the ear called the “pinna.” Since this section of the ear is all cartilage, it’s more flexible and digestible, which is good for dogs to eat up.

It is common knowledge that most bones we usually give to our dogs do more harm than good. Sure, bones are high in minerals and other nutrients, and they help to curb your dog’s appetite.

Chewing helps reduce plaque formation on teeth and gum disease by stimulating saliva enzymes. A dog chewing on a dog bone is often less likely to scratch or lick his hands excessively.

Many veterinarians, however, agree that giving your dog a bone isn’t worth the chance of serious injury.

There’s been a lot of debate among experts about the advantages and disadvantages of pig’s ears to dogs. This is because most dog owners’ rising concerns about the harmful bacteria that might infect the dogs are called “salmonella.”

However, they conclude that the mentioned pig’s ear treat should not be avoided as long as it is fed responsibly.

Here are a few tips every owner should consider to meet your dog’s wholesome primary source of nutrients. It could help them gain essential nutrition and could accompany them during a long day at the same time.

Know your source.

When buying pig ears for your dog, the general rule is to make sure they come from a reliable source. Some pig ears contain rawhide, grains, or are coated with harsh chemicals like chlorine, which your dog should never eat.

You should buy a pig ear from a reputable vendor who does not use these unhealthy ingredients.

Make sure to always wash your hands before and after handing out some treats.

Dogs are far more bacteria-resistant than humans. Most natural chews contain bacteria that can cause illness in humans, but they are usually healthy for your dog.

Pig ears are particularly contentious because many kinds of pig ears have been recalled due to salmonella contamination over the years.

Of course, pig ears from reputable sources are free of these problems, but washing your hands after handling your dog’s pig ear treats – or any treats for that matter – is always a good idea.

Always monitor and supervise your dog’s chewing time.

When it comes to chewing, dogs can get a little carried away. It’s important to keep an eye on our pets as they chew to ensure they don’t choke on a large piece.

Heavy chewers will be able to finish a pig ear in a short period. This can result in a bloated stomach or digestive problems.

Know your dog’s health status. Avoid feeding treats to dogs that are at risk of obesity and pancreatitis.

Pig ears are high in fat and calories, rendering them unsuitable for dogs with obesity or pancreatitis.

When it comes to nutritional values, a pig’s ear is packed with protein. Protein is a necessary component of a dog’s overall health.

It keeps their muscles healthy and assists in the formation of new hair and skin cells. Pig ears have a protein content of 69.06%, making them a perfect source of protein.

In addition to protein, these treats contain Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, regulating cholesterol and maintaining a healthy heart. With a high concentration of chondroitin and glucosamine, they can also help with joint protection.

There are numerous perks of having a pig’s ear as a treat, including the fact that it is ideal for dogs who are more gentle chewers.

If your dog enjoys chewing on his food, pig ears are a perfect way to allow them to nibble at their speed without attracting harmful bacteria.

It is also suitable for your puppies or senior dogs. Some natural chews, such as bully sticks or rawhide, are more difficult to chew than pig ears.

This makes them safe to feed your new puppy or an older dog with a few missing teeth.

Pig Ears also serves as a dental chew. When your dog chews to loosen up the ear, this motion scrubs away at tough-to-reach plaque build-up and keeps your dog’s pearly whites clean – or cleaner.

Aside from having pleasant effects, just like any other type of food, there are also some drawbacks, including that it can be high in fat content which is bad for dogs at risk of obesity and pancreatitis.

It can also cause an upset stomach to those sensitive dogs. It is also not great for dogs who are powerful chewers, and it can be a great potential for bacterial infection.

Here’s our recommended Pig’s Ear treats that you can check on Amazon;

HDP Large Roasted Pig Ears
Gigabite Whole Pig Ears by Best Pet Supplies, Inc.
Downtown Pet Supply 100% Natural
Jumbo Pig Ears
ValueBull USA Premium Pig Ears Dog Chew
and Premium Pork Chomps Roasted Eat Pork.

You can also make this Do-It-Yourself Recipe:

Ingredients

Pig Ears
Vegetable Oil or Coconut Oil

Procedure

The pig’s ears I received from my butcher were spotless and nearly hair-free. If they aren’t, wash them with water, brush any dirt away, and remove any hair.

Cut the ears into pieces that are suitable for your dog(s) using (sharp!) kitchen scissors or a knife, bearing in mind that they can shrink after cooking. Using your hands or a brush, lightly coat each pig’s ear in vegetable oil.

Go on a (cooking) adventure of your own:

If you are going to use your oven: Preheat the oven to the lowest setting. (The temperature would most likely be between 175 and 225 degrees Fahrenheit.) Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, spread out the pig’s ears, and bake until completely dried out—anywhere between 6 to 10 hours, depending on your oven temperature and how crispy you want the ears to be—flipping them once approximately halfway through the cooking time.

Preheat your smoker to 250 degrees Fahrenheit if you are using it. Spread out the pig’s ears and smoke them until they are dehydrated (about 3 1/2 to 4 hours), then turn them until approximately halfway through the cooking process.

Clean away any extra oil with paper towels. For long-term storage, put the treats in a paper bag in a cold, dry place or in a zip-top plastic bag in the freezer.

Pig’s ear treats are excellent for your canine friends. They are delicious and nutritious as well. Surely, your dogs will love it!

Author

Loren Villarin

An entrepreneur, a secretary, a youth leader, and a scholar majoring in Psychology. Devotes her time volunteering to various outlets.