Best Pig Ears for Dogs
Pig ears for dogs are a popular chew treat among our four-legged besties: they’re tasty and fun to gnaw on. To learn more about the benefits and potential downsides of pig ears for dogs, read on and take your pick from our list of best sellers.
When it comes to things our dogs love the most, treats and snacks rank pretty high on the list. I mean, what pooch doesn’t like a tasty bone he can chew on, or crunchy bites as a reward for their good behavior? Of course, there are so many types of dog treats out there that it can be hard figuring out which your pet will like the most, and which offer the most benefits for them. While your dog might be more than willing to help you decide which treat is the best for them (by being the taste tester to dozens of different yummies), that’s usually not the smartest or most cost-effective idea. Instead, go for tried and true options, and pick dog treats that you know your pooch will like. For instance, if your dog loves chew toys and gnawing on rawhide, then pig ears can be a perfect way to offer up something new, but similar enough to their other faves so you won’t be wasting money.
Why are pig ears good treats for dogs?
Chewable treats are quite beneficial for pets, in more ways than one. A quality chew toy will keep your dog occupied for hours on end, keep their teeth healthy and free of plaque-build up, and can serve as a great reward for a job well done. Pig ears for dogs are one of the most popular options when it comes to chews, and there’s a good reason for it. Not only are they completely natural (I mean, they’re thermally processed pig ears, after all), but pets love them. The smoky bacon-like smell and flavor of this meaty chew should leave most pooches satisfied. However, while it might seem that there’s no reason to overthink your choice of pig ears, you’d be surprised at the variety of choices there is. From different cuts to different ways of processing the ear itself, there are plenty of factors you should consider when you’re picking out tasty treats for your pup.
Our buying guide will explain all the benefits and potential downsides that pig ears for dogs can have, as well as go into details of how exactly these treats are prepared, and why it matters for your pooch. This will help to make sure you’re choosing the right kind of treat for your pet, and eliminate the possibility of upset tummies and wasted money! Read on to learn all about pig ears for dogs – including which brands of these chews make the best ones on the market.
1. Editor’s Choice – BRUTUS & BARNABY Pig Ears for Dogs
These high-quality, all-natural treats are manufactured in the USA and sourced from Colombia. The ears are hand-picked to be whole and large so your pet gets most out of it – making them quite cost-effective. They also give you the choice of half ears or full ears, so you can pick which one is your preference. Your pooch will have fun gnawing on these ears for some time (especially if they’re small) as these are much bigger than most competitors offer, and at a budget-friendly price. There are no flavors or any other substances added to these ears, this is a completely natural product for your pet. Brutus & Barnaby pig ears for dogs are both USDA and FDA approved, so you don’t have to worry about safety.
2. Runner Up – Bones & Chews Pig Ears for Dogs
Sourced from South America, these pig ears are completely natural and ideal for pets with sensitivities and allergies. There are no artificial flavorings, colors, or preservatives added, and no chemicals and additives in the list – just pure pork for your pooch’s enjoyment. To ensure the utmost safety of their treats, the company tests for salmonella, escherichia coli, and mold before they send out the pig ears to their four-legged customers. The pack contains 20 pig ears, so if you have one small to medium size dog, it will last you a long time – making these quite budget-friendly.
3. Best Flavor Combo – Scoochie Pet Pig Ears for Dogs Bacon and Cheese Flavor
Despite their best efforts, some pet parents can’t seem to make healthy treats appetizing to their pets, and that can include pig ears for dogs. Even though the natural flavor of dried or smoked pork resembles bacon, for some pooches it’s not enough. This is where these cheddar-flavored pig ears for dogs can be a perfect solution. They’re still completely natural as they’re flavored with real cheddar made in the USA, and the ears are sourced from South America. A great healthy treat for picky pooches. But be careful, these are loaded with calories and should be given in moderation!
4. Best Premium – Canine Butcher Shop Premium Pork Ears
Harvested from USA born and raised pigs, these ears are human-grade quality and with an origin that can be traced back to USDA approved pork. To prepare these delicious treats for dogs, the manufacturer first oven cooks the ears at 160 degrees Fahrenheit for 2.5 hours and then allows the ears to dry naturally for that perfect texture and chewiness. There’s not a single ingredient added to these, so they’re completely natural and made from 100 percent pork. No artificial flavors, colors or ingredients whatsoever!
5. Best for Small Dogs – Little Grillerz Mini Pig Ears
Most pet parents are on the lookout for large pig ears for dogs as they can occupy a medium to large dog for some time, which isn’t an easy feat. However, that leaves owners of petite pooches and puppies searching high and low for treats that are a perfect match for their pet’s needs. Well, look no further – these mini pig ears are just the thing for those small puppers out there. Handpicked to be smaller than your average pig ears for dogs, these still have all the important qualities in addition to their compact size. They’re 100 percent natural and made in the USA.
6. Best for Multi-Pet Households – Nature Gnaws Large Whole Pig Ears for Dogs
If your pet is a fan of pig ears, then you need to stock up – and these high-quality and affordable pig ears for dogs might be just what you’re looking for. They’re available in a pack of 50 pieces, so one purchase can have you all set for a long time. It’s also ideal for families with multiple pets in the household. The company has a “farm to fur baby” policy that ensures the ears are sourced from local and trusted farmers in South America and later on irradiated and tested for contaminants before being handpicked and packed to be delivered.
7. Best Locally-Sourced – Good Lovin’ BBQ Pig Ear Dog Chew
If your pet has no food sensitivities and flavoring is not an issue for you, this super tasty pig ear treat will be a perfect reward for your furry bestie! Made from natural pig ears enriched with smoke flavor, this healthy dog treat boasts an intense and mouth-watering BBQ flavor no pooch can resist. These pig ears are sourced from the USA and Canada, so you don’t have to worry about suspicious sources and contamination that often comes with it.
8. Best Smoked – Prairie Dog Smoked Pig Ear Slices
In case your pooch loves the chewy texture and the smoky flavor of natural pig ears for dogs but the size of the ears makes it a bit too much of a challenge – or if they shouldn’t indulge in the whole ear for health reasons – these pig ear slices are the ones to go for. Retaining the texture and the flavor dogs love in pig ears but offered in smaller slices, these treats are suited for small breed dogs, puppies, and seniors alike. The ears are sourced from Brazil and slow-roasted without any added artificial ingredients.
9. Best Natural – EcoKind Healthy Pig Ear Chews for Dogs
These premium quality pig ears for dogs are without any added artificial colors, preservatives, or additives – just pure skin and cartilage that your pooch will love to nibble on. Sourced from Brazil and then slow-cooked and slow-roasted, they have a naturally tantalizing taste that will keep your dog focused on chewing the treat, rather than your shoes or furniture legs. These pig ears for dogs are hand-picked and fairly large, so they’re suitable for medium and large dogs (and enthusiastic small puppers!).
10. Best Value – Good Lovin’ Traditional Pig Ear Dog Chew
These all-natural dog treats are one of the rare pig ears for dogs that are sourced from the farmlands of North America. They’re free of all artificial ingredients and flavors – their superb taste (at least, according to pooches) comes from the fact that these ears have been slow-roasted in their own juices. Yummy and healthy, these affordable pig ears for dogs are sure to be an instant favorite with your pooch – and your bank account, too!
Are pig ears for dogs safe? What should I consider before buying them?
The main thing on any pet parent’s mind when they’re choosing any edible chew treat for their pet is safety. Often, chew treats and toys from dubious sources can contain toxic ingredients and dangerous substances that could seriously harm your pooch in the worst case scenario or upset his tummy in the “best” case scenario. That’s why it’s important to choose treats with care, and to buy only from trusted sources. In general, pig ears for dogs are completely safe for dogs to eat, but there are some potential problems you should pay attention to in order to avoid unfortunate situations.
While there’s nothing unsafe about pig ears for dogs in general, sometimes the method of processing or storing can cause them to be toxic to dogs. However, this is rare as most (if not all) manufacturers of pig ear treats try to keep their products as natural as it can be, which is one of their main appeals to pet parents. For this reason, most of them don’t contain any added additives or chemicals that could harm your pet. Still, it pays to check the label before you give your pet anything he’ll chew – just to be sure. Similarly, there is the risk of salmonella, too, but this one can be bypassed by getting pig ears only from trusted brands and verified sources. This way, you know that the chews went through all the necessary checks before they get to your pet.
Lastly, another issue that all chew treats and toys share is the possibility of intestinal blockage or choking. If your dog has a powerful jaw and he’s an aggressive chewer, it’s best to supervise them while they feast on the pig ears – same as you would with any other chew. There’s the risk of your pet breaking off a larger piece and swallowing it, which could lodge itself in their throat or intestines is always there, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Pig ears for dogs aren’t as tough as rawhide, so it won’t be a problem for an excited medium-sized dog or a large breed to destroy them fairly fast.
How often should dogs eat pig ears?
It’s important to note that pig ears for dogs should be given occasionally as a reward, and not on a daily basis. The reason is that these treats are high in fat and protein, and going overboard can be detrimental for your pet’s health. Too much of a good thing can lead to obesity and a myriad of health issues that go with it. For the same reason, dogs that have pancreatitis or are already obese shouldn’t be indulging in these kinds of treats.
How are pig ear chews made?
Pig ears for dogs are a favorite choice of many pet parents because of how unprocessed they are, particularly compared to other dog treats on the market. These chewable treats are a byproduct of the meat industry and don’t contain many additives and artificial substances like most do. The ears are first boiled, then dehydrated to get that chewy texture and flavor your pet loves. As pig ears are mostly skin and cartilage, with the proper preparation method, it’s not difficult to make them perfect for gnawing on. They won’t be as tough and abrasive and cow rawhide, but still challenging enough to keep your pooch entertained. The drying can be done either in a dehydrator or in a smoker (to achieve that bacon-like flavor that makes them irresistible).
Sometimes, manufacturers will add artificial flavors such as liquid smoke or similar to make the treats more flavorful. But not only is this unnecessary, it can make these natural treats unsafe for pets with sensitive stomachs.
How should I store pig ears?
Dried pig ears are best stored in a non-airtight package such as a paper bag, as this will help them to last for up to 6 months. Keeping this kind of treat in a plastic tupperware container isn’t ideal as these tend to trap moisture, therefore defeating the purpose of having these dried treats for your pup to enjoy.
Benefits of pig ears for dogs
There are many benefits to chew treats and toys in general. They offer mental stimulation to your pet, improve their oral health, and as they come in a range of tasty flavors, they can also be a great reward for positive reinforcement training methods. Pig ears for dogs are no different, either, as they offer the same advantages of your regular chew treats, but with some added benefits, too.
Prevents plaque build-up and maintains oral health
Like all high-quality chew toys, pig ears are a great way to support your pet’s dental health. Chewing on this tough piece of dried skin and cartilage won’t just keep the tartar at bay, but it will massage your pet’s gums, which improves circulation. While tough enough to prevent plaque buildup, pig ears are not too chewy and abrasive, so they’re a great choice if regular rawhide is a bit too rough for your pet’s gums.
Nutritious and natural
Unlike some dog treats and chews on the market, quality pig ears for dogs are completely natural. That means no added preservatives, chemicals, artificial flavors, colors, and anything else that could be dangerous for your pooch. Real natural pig ears are a great choice for pets with allergies as they shouldn’t contain any of the allergy-triggering ingredients that some chew treats do.
Occupies your pet’s attention
If you have a dog that gets bored easily, you know how tough it can be to find something to give them hours of fun without the need for your involvement. Having an engaging treat to keep your pet occupied while you’re at work can significantly help their separation anxiety. It can also curb destructive behaviors such as chewing furniture by redirecting their attention to the tasty treat. Naturally, you’ll still have to work with them if their behavioral issues are more severe. Crating, training and other methods of dealing with separation anxiety will be required if you want to help your pooch overcome these difficulties.
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A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.
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