Short answer: Choose trachea based on your dog's size, how eagerly they chew and which protein source they tolerate. Lamb trachea suits small and young dogs, beef trachea suits medium and large dogs, and horse trachea is for dogs that can't have beef. Trachea is a relatively soft chew, but only give it dried, in a suitable size and under supervision.
What exactly is dried trachea?
Trachea is the windpipe: a tube of cartilage rings with some meat and connective tissue around it. Slow drying makes it crunchy. Your dog can chew on it until it breaks, without the hardness of a bone or antler. Trachea generally smells less strongly than, say, tripe, so it's pleasant to give indoors.
Cartilage naturally contains substances such as glucosamine and chondroitin. How much of these remains after drying varies from batch to batch. So think of trachea as a tasty chew rather than a joint supplement. The nutritional value also varies by piece and by animal source. Always go by the label.
Which trachea suits my dog?
Size matters more than the animal source. A piece should be big enough that your dog can't swallow it in one go. If you're torn between two sizes, choose the larger one.
| Product | Size | Texture | Chewing time | Suitable for |
|---|
| Canis Lams Luchtpijp | Small | Soft, mild | Short | Small dogs, puppies, seniors and gentle chewers |
| Canis Runderluchtpijp 12-15CM | Medium, 12 to 15 cm | Crunchy, firm | Short to medium | Medium-sized dogs and large dogs that chew gently |
| Canis Runderluchtpijp lang | Long | Crunchy, firm | Medium | Large dogs and eager chewers |
| Canis Paardenluchtpijp Gezaagd | Sawn pieces | Crunchy, lean | Short to medium | Dogs that don't tolerate beef |
Beef and chicken are among the protein sources that most often cause food allergies in dogs. If your dog reacts badly to beef, lamb or horse is a logical alternative. You'll find more single-protein treats under Lamb and Horse. If you suspect an allergy, try one protein source at a time and talk to your vet. In this article on allergies and grain-free treats you can read what to look out for.
Is trachea safe for dogs and puppies?
Trachea is softer than bones, hooves or antlers, so the risk of broken teeth is lower. The main risk is with gulpers that swallow large pieces. So keep the following in mind:
- Stay with your dog while they chew and take away the last small piece.
- Only give dried trachea. Never cook it, and don't cook it afterwards either.
- Always have fresh water available.
- Give a new treat in a small piece first, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach.
Puppies can happily chew on soft lamb trachea in small pieces. That also applies during teething, when very hard chews are best avoided. You can read more by age in when can a puppy have chews.
How much trachea can you give your dog?
All treats together should provide around 10 percent of daily energy intake. A piece of trachea counts towards that. For a small dog, one lamb trachea is a generous treat. For a large dog, a long beef trachea a few times a week is perfectly fine. If you give a lot of treats, feed a little less of their main food. With the calculation table in how many treats can a dog have per day you can work it out for your dog.
Ingrid's tip: Do you have a dog that polishes everything off in no time? Then choose the long beef trachea and hold the end the first few times. That way they'll chew more calmly and you'll see straight away how they handle the treat. If your dog wants a treat that lasts longer, have a look at the chews too.
How do you store dried trachea?
Store trachea in a dry, cool place in a sealed container, such as a tub with a tight-fitting lid. Moisture can make it go mouldy. You'll recognise this by white or green spots or a musty smell, in which case throw it away. It's best not to leave a half-chewed piece lying around for days. Wash your hands after handling it, as with all dried treats.
Frequently asked questions
Can a puppy have trachea?
Yes, trachea is one of the softer chews. Give a puppy small pieces, preferably lamb trachea, and stay with them while they chew.
Can trachea splinter?
Dried trachea is cartilage, not bone, so it doesn't splinter like cooked bones. It does break into pieces, though. So remove small leftovers before your dog swallows them whole.
Is trachea good for the teeth?
Chewing can scrape away some plaque, but trachea doesn't replace brushing. See it as an addition to regular dental care.
How long does it take a dog to eat a trachea?
That depends on the size and the dog. It usually takes a few minutes, so trachea isn't a treat that lasts for hours.
Is trachea suitable for dogs with a sensitive stomach?
Often, yes, because the treat consists of a single protein source. Start with a small piece and see how your dog reacts. 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.
Not sure which treat suits your dog? Try the treat guide →
