Short answer: Choose an ear that suits your dog's size and chewing style: rabbit ears for small dogs and puppies, lamb and goat ears for medium-sized dogs, and beef or buffalo ears for bigger chewers. Ears are softer than antler, horn or hooves. Even so, always supervise your dog and count them as part of the daily food allowance.
What exactly are dried ears?
Dried ears are the ear flaps of cattle, pigs, rabbits, lambs, goats or buffalo. They are dried into a crunchy treat. They consist mainly of skin and cartilage, which makes them high in protein and less hard than bone or horn. The ears in this collection differ in three ways: the animal, the size and how they are processed.
An ear with fur still has the coat on it. White and natural refer to the way the ears are cleaned and dried, which shows in their colour and smell. The exact nutritional values vary from batch to batch, so always go by the label.
Which ears suit my dog?
Start with size. The ear should be large enough that your dog can't swallow it in one go. Then look at how your dog chews. A gentle nibbler will be happy with a thin ear. A keen chewer will stay busy for longer with a sturdy beef ear.
| Type | Size | Firmness | Chewing time | Suitable for |
|---|
| Rabbit ears (including dwarf) | Small | Soft, crunchy | Short | Small dogs, puppies, in-between treats |
| Lamb ears | Small to medium | Mild, thin | Short to medium | Small and medium-sized dogs |
| Goat ears | Medium | Crunchy | Medium | Medium-sized dogs, for variety |
| Pig ears and ear pieces | Medium, pieces smaller | Crunchy, higher in fat | Medium | Active dogs, in moderation |
| Beef ears | Large | Firm | Medium to long | Medium-sized and large dogs |
| Buffeloren Small | Medium | Firm | Medium to long | Strong chewers of medium size |
Is your dog sensitive to a particular protein source? Then choose an animal your dog already tolerates well, for example from the rabbit or goat collection. Beef is one of the protein sources most often linked to food allergies. You can read more about allergies in grain-free dog treats and allergies.
Are ears safe for dogs?
Ears are a relatively soft chew. The biggest risk is not a broken tooth, but a piece that is too large being swallowed whole. So keep the following in mind:
- Stay with your dog while they are chewing.
- Take away the last small piece before they swallow it whole.
- Always have fresh water available.
- Does your dog gulp their food? Then choose a larger ear than their size would suggest.
For puppies, thin ears such as rabbit ears are a sensible first step, given in small pieces. You can find out what is suitable at each age in when can a puppy have chews. Does your dog have a sensitive stomach? Introduce one new type of ear at a time and start with a small piece. If problems persist, see your vet.
How many ears can you give your dog?
As a guideline, all treats together should make up no more than about 10 per cent of the daily energy intake. A large beef or pig ear counts for quite a lot in a small dog's diet. So if your dog gets plenty of treats, give a little less of their main food. Pig ears are higher in fat than the other ears, so give them now and then rather than every day. You can see how to work this out for your dog in how many treats can a dog have per day.
Ingrid's tip: If you're unsure between two sizes, order a small quantity of both first. Watch how your dog chews: do they nibble calmly or try to break off large chunks? That tells you more about the right ear than your dog's weight does. Have a small dog but still want to give them a large ear? Cut it into pieces with a sturdy pair of scissors.
How should you store dried ears?
Store ears in a dry, cool place in a sealed container, such as a tub with a tight-fitting lid. Moisture can cause mould. If an ear smells musty or you notice spots, throw it away. Wash your hands after handling them, especially if there are children in the house.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ears with and without fur?
Ears with fur still have the coat on them, which makes them a little rougher. Many owners give them for variety. Ears without fur are smoother and can be a more pleasant place to start for some dogs.
Do ears clean my dog's teeth?
Chewing can complement dental care, but an ear is no substitute for brushing. Have your dog's teeth checked regularly by your vet as well.
Can my dog have an ear every day?
Yes, as long as it fits within the daily treat allowance and you adjust the main food accordingly. Alternate pig ears with leaner types such as rabbit or lamb.
What alternative is there for dogs who want to chew for longer?
If your dog wants to stay busy for longer, take a look at our other chews. Keep an eye on size and hardness there too.
Sources
About the author
Ingrid Kooijman is the founder of Canis Snacks. She selects natural single-protein dog treats, sells them online and at markets in Brabant, and answers dog owners' questions about food and chews every day. Questions about these treats? Email info@canissnacks.com.
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