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By Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Certified pet nutritionist in Singapore
QUICK ANSWER
Pig ears can be a good occasional chew, but only the right kind. Raw, whole, frozen ears from pasture-raised pigs are best. Avoid strips, smoked ears and white-looking irradiated ears, feed them in moderation as they're high in calories, and always supervise your dog.
The benefits of pig ears
✓ Made of cartilage: high in protein and fairly low in fat
✓ Natural glucosamine and chondroitin, which may support the joints
✓ Soft and gentle on teeth, good for dogs with sensitive teeth or gentle chewers
✓ Chewing may help remove plaque and tartar and support gum health. Read more in dealing with dog breath.
✓ Highly digestible
Watch out for gulpers. Dogs who swallow big chunks risk choking or a bowel blockage.
Choosing safe pig ears
✓ Raw and frozen is best. Frozen raw pig ears from raw food suppliers are the best option, if you can find them.
✓ Whole, not strips. Strips and pieces are more likely to be chemically processed.
✓ Baked over boiled or smoked. Most store-bought ears are cooked to prevent salmonella. If you buy cooked, choose baked ears with no additives, chemicals or preservatives.
✓ No smoked ears. Smoked meats are linked to a higher cancer risk.
✓ No irradiated ears. White-looking ears are likely irradiated. If you're not sure, ask the brand.
Raw pork does carry concerns, such as bacteria and parasites, but cooked ears have their own drawbacks: they can still carry bacteria, upset the stomach, or cause a blockage if not chewed well.
What about cow ears?
Raw, whole cow ears are also a good choice. Buy them frozen and thaw before feeding. Like pig ears, their cartilage supports teeth and joints. The same rules apply to cooked cow ears: baked over boiled or smoked, no chemicals, and no white-looking irradiated ears.
Cow ears are furry. Raw cow ears keep their fur, which adds fibre, but cooked ones have usually had the fur removed, sometimes with chemicals. Ask the brand how they removed it.
Pig ears
About 15% fat and 22% protein. Only sparse hairs.
Cow ears
About 12% fat and 26% protein. Much furrier.
Pasture-raised is best
Ears from pasture-raised animals have a better omega-6 to omega-3 ratio and more essential amino acids. The animals aren't routinely given antibiotics or dewormers, and they eat a natural diet rather than factory feed made mostly of GMO corn and soy. It's also better for the environment, and kinder.
The salmonella risk
In 2019, the US FDA warned about pig ears contaminated with salmonella, sourced from Argentina, Brazil and Colombia and sold at major US retailers. 154 people in 34 states became ill and 35 were hospitalised, with bacteria resistant to multiple drugs.
Dogs can get sick from salmonella too, though many show no signs, and they can still carry and spread it. Ask your retailer how they prevent contamination, wash your hands and surfaces after handling chews, and keep young children away from them or teach them to wash their hands.
Things to watch out for
✓ Fake rawhide ears: some rawhide is moulded into the shape of ears. Rawhide is chemically processed, hard to digest, can contain heavy metals, and is notorious for causing blockages.
✓ Calories: ears are high in calories, so count them in your dog's daily food. Read more in helping your dog reach a healthy weight.
✓ Supervision: always supervise your dog with any chew or bone, however experienced they are, and never leave them alone with a long-lasting chew.
FROM MY EXPERIENCE
Wangcai used to enjoy pig ear chews.
BeanBean has rabbit ears instead.
Other chews to try
We don't carry pig ears, but we do have other natural chews, including Freeze Dry Australia Pig Snouts, Freeze Dry Australia Beef Chews and Raw for Paw Rabbit Ears (fur on). See our full range of freeze-dried chews. For raw meaty bones, read raw bones for dogs and cats.
Frequently asked questions
Are pig ears digestible?
Yes. Cartilage is fully digestible. Raw ears are softer, while cooked ears can be over-dried and harder to digest.
Are pig ears better than rawhide?
Yes. Rawhide is chemically treated, may be contaminated, is hard to digest and often causes blockages.
My dog got diarrhoea after a pig ear. Why?
Any new food can cause loose stools. Start slowly and cut the ear into smaller portions.
Shop this article
This article is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for veterinary care. If you're concerned about your pet's health, please seek professional advice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Judyvein is a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist and Certified Raw Nutrition Coach for Cats & Dogs, and the founder of JOOF Holistic Pet. Her journey began with her Frenchie, Wangcai, and today she helps pet parents in Singapore take a root-cause approach to their pets' health.
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