All Ears For Pigs Ears!

They are not balanced in minerals and vitamins like a diet should be.

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They are high in fat.

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If given excessively, they may contribute to obesity. However, some fat is a good thing, as dogs need up to 20% of their diet to be made up of fats.

In addition to fat, the other nutrient that is found in pig ears is protein... almost 70% of a pig's ear is protein! Protein is made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of all structural parts of the body, such as muscles, enzymes and antibodies. They are essential for basic functions in life, as well as effective immunity.

Pigs ears have a large hide content, they are tough to chew and require some effort to eat. However, they are not as tough as cow hide, and therefore do not cause excessive abrasion on the gums.

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The toughness is a good thing as the continuous chewing action will remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth. So, the good news is giving occasional pig ear can aid in keeping the teeth clean and prevent dental disease.

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Something to bare in mind... if you're looking for a long lasting chew, take into consideration the size of your dog... for example, a smaller dog, or one with a more delicate chewing action, may take a fairly long time to get through a pig ear. However, an excited middle or large breed dog with a healthy appetite is likely to get through it in under five minutes.

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To summarise...

Pigs ear treats can be nutritious and delicious treats for your dog to enjoy in moderation.

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They can be beneficial to your pet’s health, especially dental health; however, they should be offered with precaution to avoid your dog from swallowing pieces which could cause an obstruction.

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They should be avoided if your dog is still a puppy, overweight or prone to bouts of pancreatitis.