Short answer: For a long chew, choose whole pieces of dried beef tripe that are bigger than your dog's mouth. For training or for a small dog, pieces, cubes or sticks work better. Tripe is firm but brittle and contains no bone, which makes it a suitable chew for most adult dogs. Give it under supervision, with fresh water available, and count it as part of your dog's daily food allowance.
Which beef tripe suits my dog?
That mainly depends on what you use the tripe for and how big your dog is.
- For chewing: Canis Runderpens in large pieces. Choose a piece your dog can't swallow in one go.
- For small dogs or for sharing out: Canis ACTIEKNALLER Runderpens 3-8CM. For a large dog, the smallest pieces are more of a reward than a chew.
- For training: Canis Vleesblokjes Pens, Canis Mini Sticks met Pens or Canis Take & Break met Pens. These are easy to break into small portions. You'll find more choice among the training treats.
- For out and about: Canis Houdbare Worst Pens and Canis Frikandellen met Pens can be cut into slices. The other sausages and frikandellen are handy for this too.
- In the food bowl: Naturis Pens 650 gram is wet food. The label states whether it is a complete or a complementary food.
| Product | Shape | Firmness | Suitable for |
|---|
| Canis Runderpens | Large dried pieces | Firm, brittle | Adult dogs that love to chew |
| Canis ACTIEKNALLER Runderpens 3-8CM | Pieces of 3 to 8 cm | Firm, brittle | Small dogs, rewards |
| Canis Lamspens / Canis Kamelen Pens | Dried pieces | Firm, brittle | Variety |
| Canis Pensburgers | Burger | Firm | Snack for medium and large dogs |
| Canis Vleesblokjes Pens / Canis Mini Sticks met Pens | Cubes and thin sticks | Easy to break | Training, all sizes |
Is dried tripe safe for dogs?
Tripe contains no bone and is less hard than antler, horn or hooves. That makes it a gentler choice for the teeth. Even so, there is still a risk of choking, especially with dogs that gulp their food. So stick to these rules:
- Stay with your dog while they are chewing.
- Take away the last small piece before they swallow it whole.
- Always have fresh water available.
Puppies can have soft pieces of tripe. While their adult teeth are coming through, roughly from 3-4 to 6-7 months, it's better to give small pieces than hard chews. You can read what's suitable at each age in when can a puppy have chews. A broader overview can be found in which chews are safe for dogs.
Which tripe for a sensitive stomach or beef allergy?
Beef is one of the protein sources most often linked to food allergies in dogs. If your dog reacts to beef, lamb or camel is a logical alternative. According to the label, Canis Lamspens is 100 per cent lamb and Canis Kamelen Pens is 100 per cent camel. Do always read the label on your pack, though, and introduce a new protein source gradually.
Introduce a new treat gradually and give one protein source at a time. That way you can see what your dog reacts to. If symptoms persist, speak to your vet.
How much tripe can you give your dog?
All treats combined should provide no more than about 10 per cent of your dog's daily energy intake. If you give a lot of tripe on a given day, give a little less of their main food. The nutritional value varies from batch to batch, so go by the label. You'll find a calculation table by weight in how many treats can a dog have per day. Start with a small piece, as some dogs get looser stools from too much tripe at once.
Ingrid's tip: Cut a large piece of beef tripe into strips with a sturdy pair of kitchen scissors. You can then use it both as a chew and as a reward, and it's easier to portion.
How do you store dried tripe?
Store dried tripe in a cool, dry place and keep it well sealed. A jar with a lid or a resealable bag keeps the smell in and moisture out. For sausage and wet food that have already been opened, follow the storage advice on the label. Wash your hands after giving tripe, especially if there are children in the house.
Frequently asked questions
Why does beef tripe smell so strong?
The strong smell comes with tripe, as it's the stomach of a ruminant. It's precisely that smell that makes it so appealing to many dogs. Storing it well sealed keeps the odour in your home to a minimum.
Does tripe clean my dog's teeth?
Chewing can complement dental care, but no chew replaces toothbrushing. That also applies to Canis Dental Sticks met Pens.
Can my dog have tripe every day?
Yes, as long as it stays within roughly 10 per cent of their daily energy intake and your dog tolerates it well. Feel free to alternate with other treats.
Can tripe cause diarrhoea?
A large portion or a new treat can lead to looser stools. Build up the amount gradually. If symptoms persist, see your vet.
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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