Are pig's ears safe for dogs?

Pig ears are made from cartilage and skin and contain very little muscle. This means they are a very chewy treat that will keep your dog chewing for a while. Also because they are 100% natural with no additives, they are a much safer alternative to traditional rawhide chews that can potentially contain nasties such as chemicals to clean and form the hide into various shapes that you may have seen in certain retailers. Pigs ears do not contain rawhide meaning they are a super tasty healthy treat for your dog. When your dog gnaws down on the ear it doesn’t break into pieces lowering the risk of choking, actually as they gnaw down it helps to remove plaque and tartar off their teeth leading to fresh breath and good dental health. If your dog hasn’t had a pig ear before we always recommend you to slowly introduce them to your dog so it is less likely to upset their tummy.

Dogs might get sick after eating an infected pig ear and people can get sick after handling the treats or caring for dogs who ate them. Evidence indicates that contact with pig ear dog treats from many different suppliers is the likely source of this outbreak. State health and regulatory officials in several states and the FDA have tested pig ear dog treats at various suppliers and identified many different strains of Salmonella. Although no single supplier, distributor, or common brand of pig ear treats has been identified that could account for all the illnesses, several companies have voluntarily recalled pig ear products because they might be contaminated with Salmonella. A total of 127 cases of people infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella have been reported in 33 states. Based on new information gathered from cases and the traceback data, the agencies are currently advising that consumers avoid buying or feeding any pig ear pet treats at this time. The CDC and FDA announced on their website: Do not feed any pig ear to your dog.

Pig ears for dogs are made out of, quite literally, pig ears. Pig ears are safe for most medium and large dogs when given as an occasional treat, i.e. once or twice a month. If used sparingly as a treat, pig ears are not bad, but they're not 'healthy' either. A general rule of thumb is the calories from treats should make up 10% or less of your dog's daily caloric intake, and pig ears contain a fair amount of fat and calories. For example, a 50-gram treat averages just over 200 calories. While it might not seem like a lot to a human, these extra calories add up, especially for small dogs. Sanders explains that, on average, a 20-pound adult dog requires only about 587 calories daily. A 200-calorie treat makes up far more than 10% of that allowance. In most cases, Sanders doesn't recommend feeding pig ears if you have a small-breed dog, as smaller dogs frequently have gastrointestinal (GI) upset as a result of eating pig ears and similar treats. She also advises against feeding pig ears if your dog: Requires a low-fat diet, Has a sensitive GI tract, Eats a novel protein or hydrolyzed diet. The most common problems associated with feeding pig ears include vomiting, gas, and diarrhea. Some dogs may experience more serious complications, such as pancreatitis or bloody diarrhea. If you notice these signs in your dog, Sanders recommends calling your veterinarian and avoiding pig ears in the future.

Pig ears have long been a popular treat for dogs, offering a chewy and satisfying snack that many of our furry friends love. However, as with all treats, including antlers, there are important considerations to keep in mind when deciding if you should include pig ears into your dog’s diet. Pig ears are made primarily of cartilage, skin, and fat, which can be difficult for some dogs to digest. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or is prone to gastrointestinal upset, like diarrhea or vomiting, pig ears may cause them issues. Pig ears are also high in fat, which means they are calorie dense. Overfeeding pig ears can lead to both weight gain and pancreatitis if overfed. Pig ears, especially those that are not properly processed or stores, can also be a source of bacterial contamination, including Salmonella and E. coli. These bacteria can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in dogs and, in rare cases, can be transmitted to humans. As with any treat, moderation is key. By monitoring your dog’s intake, buying high-quality ears, and monitoring your dog while they chew, you can enjoy the benefits of this natural treat while minimizing the risks. If you have any concerns about whether pig ears are a suitable treat for your dog, consult with your veterinarian.