Cue the butt wiggles! Pig ears are a popular treat for our canine companions, who can spend hours chewing away when they get their chompers on one. But are pig ears for dogs safe?
While pig ears do provide some enrichment and novelty as a yummy snack, like any other treat, they shouldn't be fed to dogs regularly. We talked to a vet to get her expert recommendations about which dogs can (and should not) get the treat, how often pig ears can be given to dogs, and tips for keeping your dog safe.
What Are Pig Ears?
Pig ears for dogs are made out of, quite literally, pig ears. And although it may sound strange to non-dog parents, they are a widely-loved treat! The pinna, the flap of the pig ear, is used to make these treats and consists of skin, cartilage, and little muscle. Once harvested and dehydrated, pig ears can be chewed and digested for your furry friend to enjoy.
These soft, long-lasting chews are a great source of enrichment. By giving your pooch a fun (not to mention delicious!) activity to keep her preoccupied, you can prevent signs of boredom like chewing up furniture, excessive licking, or barking.
Plus, chewable treats like pig ears can help clean your pup's teeth by gently removing plaque and tartar, too. So what's not to love?
Are Pigs Ears Good for Dogs?
Julie Sanders, DVM, Director of Operations at Heart + Paw, compares pig ears to being the dog equivalent of ice cream for humans. It's okay to indulge a little, but moderation is key.
"If used sparingly as a treat, pig ears are not bad, but they're not 'healthy' either," Sanders tells Daily Paws.
Sanders says pig ears are safe for most medium and large dogs when given as an occasional treat, i.e. once or twice a month. "This is definitely not an everyday food," she says.
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," she says. "For a single treat to fall within the 10% calorie rule, the dog has to be well over 50 pounds."
For treats like pig ears, it's best to calculate your dog's caloric needs and feed sparingly to prevent unhealthy weight gain. Sanders suggests cutting pig ears into halves, thirds, or quarters if you'd like to feed them to smaller dogs and save these treats for when you know your pup is going to need to be distracted (like if guests are coming).
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Safety Tips for Feeding Pig Ears
Pig ears are a wag-worthy treat your pup will certainly be excited to chew! But there are a few precautions to take when giving them to your pet.
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
Sanders adds that 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.
It's important to watch for any recalls on your pet food and treats. Be sure to always wash your hands after handling pig ears, dog food, and treats, too.
Additionally, pups should always be under supervision when enjoying a pig ear in case they swallow more than they can safely chew.
What To Do if Your Dog Swallows a Pig Ear
If your dog swallows a pig ear whole but is breathing normally, Sanders says no emergency action is needed but recommends monitoring your pup closely. "Pig ears are readily digestible in the stomach and unlikely to cause an obstruction. Though rarely, it can happen," she says.
But if your dog is choking, Sanders says to initiate first aid to clear her airway and seek veterinary attention immediately.
There are other instances where a pig ear might get stuck in your dog's esophagus. When this happens, your dog can breathe, but it's very uncomfortable, Sanders says.
Signs of an esophageal obstruction include:
- Continuously attempting to swallow
- Drooling
- Pacing
- Vomiting or gagging
- Loss of appetite
These signs require a trip to the vet to treat the obstruction. But in most cases, Sanders says, you'll be doing "watchful waiting." You'll want to monitor your dog for any signs of breathing difficulties and GI upset.
"If your dog refuses to eat, vomits, or has diarrhea, you'll need to call your vet," Sanders says.
However, Sanders says most dogs who swallow a pig ear will digest and pass the ear uneventfully. (So you won't likely see it in your dog's stool.)
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Are Pig Ears Safe for Puppies?
Sanders generally recommends steering clear of pig ears if your puppy is younger than six months old.
"Puppies have a less robust immune system, which makes them more at risk for developing illness if there is treat contamination," she says. "Puppies also seem to be a bit more sensitive to developing GI upset."
A safer option Sanders suggests is stuffing a KONG or other puzzle toy with wet dog food, bananas, or nut butter and freezing it as a treat. "You can control exactly what your puppy is eating, and the coolness of the frozen, stuffed puzzle toy and treat is very soothing on those gums for teething puppies!"
Consult your vet to learn when it's best to start treating your canine companion to pig ears.
