Short answer: A beef hoof suits medium and large dogs, while a calf hoof suits smaller dogs or shorter chewing sessions. Hooves are hard. They are meant for adult dogs with healthy teeth who chew calmly. Always supervise your dog with a hoof, remove any small or sharp pieces and leave fresh water out.
What exactly is a hoof for dogs?
A hoof is the dried horny casing from the lower leg of a cow or calf. It is made of keratin, the same material as nails. With a natural hoof, your dog gnaws at the rim and the inside. A filled hoof has meat, mutton fat, pâté or insect in the hollow. The filling is the soft part, and the shell stays the hard bit to chew. Hooves have a distinctive smell, especially once they get wet with saliva.
Which hoof suits my dog?
Look at size first. Your dog should not be able to fit the whole hoof in their mouth or throat. Then consider how they chew and how sensitive their stomach is.
- Medium and large dogs: beef hooves, such as Canis Runderhoeven Natuur or a filled variety.
- Smaller dogs or shorter chewing: calf hooves, such as Canis Kalfshoef Natuur.
- Fussy eaters: a filled hoof, such as Canis Runderhoeven met Kip or Canis Kalfshoef met Paté, makes the hoof more appealing.
- Sensitive stomach or allergy: give one protein source at a time. Note: Canis Runderhoeven met Insect also has a beef shell. So if your dog has a beef allergy, no hoof is suitable.
If you are unsure which type of chew to choose, take a look at 15 chews compared.
| Type | Size | Hardness | Chewing time | Suitable for |
|---|
| Natural beef hoof | Larger | Hard | Long, often several sessions | Medium and large dogs who chew calmly |
| Filled beef hoof | Larger | Hard shell, soft filling | Long, filling first | Medium and large dogs, fussy eaters |
| Natural calf hoof | Smaller | Hard | Shorter than a beef hoof | Smaller dogs, shorter chewing sessions |
| Filled calf hoof | Smaller | Hard shell, soft filling | Shorter, filling first | Smaller dogs who love to lick |
Is a hoof safe for my dog?
For most adult dogs with healthy teeth, yes, as long as you handle it sensibly. A rule of thumb: if you cannot make a dent in it with your thumbnail, a treat is hard. Dogs that bite down hard rather than gnaw can then break a tooth. Vets name broken teeth and choking as the main risks of hard treats. So keep the following in mind:
- Stay with your dog while they chew.
- Take the hoof away if it has sharp edges or loose pieces, and always remove the last bit.
- Do not give a hoof to puppies who are teething (roughly 3-4 to 6-7 months) or to dogs with weak teeth.
For young dogs, read more in when can a puppy have chews. Is your dog a hard, fast chewer? Then bully sticks or ears for dogs are often a better choice.
Ingrid's tip: Give a hoof for the first time at a calm moment, for example after a walk, and watch how your dog chews for five minutes. Calm gnawing is fine. If they bite chunks off straight away, choose a softer chew.
How many hooves can you give?
All treats combined should make up around 10 per cent of your dog's daily energy intake. The filling counts too, as mutton fat and pâté are high in energy. So give a filled hoof now and then, not a new one every day. A natural hoof often lasts several sessions. If your dog has a lot of treats, give slightly less of their main food. You can work it out using the table in how many treats can a dog have per day.
How do you store hooves?
Store hooves in a dry, cool place in a sealed container, even if you buy a large pack of 100. Let a chewed hoof dry before putting it away. Does it smell musty, can you see mould or has it become too small? Then throw it away. Wash your hands after giving one.
Frequently asked questions
Can a puppy have a hoof?
No, not while teething. Hooves are too hard for changing teeth. Choose soft treats in small pieces for puppies.
How long does it take a dog to get through a hoof?
That varies greatly from dog to dog and depends on chewing style. A beef hoof usually lasts longer than a calf hoof. A filled hoof is often licked clean quickly at first.
What should I do if the hoof splinters?
Take it away immediately and throw away any sharp pieces. If a hoof does not suit your dog's chewing style, choose a softer treat.
Can I refill an empty hoof?
Yes, with a small amount of something your dog tolerates well. Count it towards their daily treats and clean and dry the hoof afterwards.
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.
Not sure which treat suits your dog? Try the treat guide →
