Are "pig ears" bad?
 

Are they considered in-humane or in-efficient?

I need a good teething toy, and I'm debating on using pig ears after they were recommended to me.

Are they bad?

My dogs loved them but it seemed to upset their tummies so I stopped giving them to them. I just let them chew on Hooves and nylabones

My girls love them. Some vets say they are not good for them because they are full of chemicals. I think like anything else, it depends on what kind you get and everything in moderation. Personally, I am afraid of Hooves. The one time I gave Gracie one she had some of it broken into pieces that were as sharp as shards of glass. I took it away from her and never gave her another. My preference for chews is an all natural bully stick. My girls love the Merrick ones, and also the Red Barn brand.

My vet says they are not good for them at all. My border collie loved them so we asked him what to give her instead and he said rawhides which Imo aren't good either so go figure. I think it depends on who you ask, vet opinions seem to vary alot here.

My vet recommends them as an occasional meal substitute for my Yorkie to help keep the tartar build-up down. He does say, though, not to buy just any old pig ear; if they're in the grocery store and really cheap, chances are, you're not getting a good pig ear. I generally buy them directly from the vet.

I've read that if the pig ears are imported they can be contaminated with arsenic used in the processing of the hide, and with salmonella....they are not regulated in other countries, if you chose to feed these to your pet try and get then made in the USA.........

Apparently the hooves are worse than pig ears.....


Nylabones can become sticky and lodge in the back of the throat causing an obstruction. The clear ones usually cannot be detected upon x-ray, so the vet may not know that there is a blockage without doing an exploratory. They are also hard on a teeth so be certain to check the overall condition of your dogs mouth prior to giving him anything this inflexible to chew.

Cow Hooves are even more dangerous than rawhides. They are hard enough that a dog can actually break a tooth on one. They can also be chewed up into sharp fragments which may cause a partial intestinal obstruction. Partial obstructions are often difficult to diagnose until the point at which the fragment is ready to perforate the wall of the bowel from pressure against the sharp edges. If perforation has occurred, the infection that ensues from leakage of intestinal contents can be fatal.

Pig Ears can cause GI upset if overeaten, similar to the situation with rawhides, although obstructions are less common because the ears are not usually shaped into solid chunks. More Internet investigations turned up this information regarding pig ears: A CTCA member (Coton de Tulearre) lost her three-and-a-half month old puppy to a massive intestinal bacterial infection. The bacteria noticed on autopsy were Escherichia coli, a common gut bacteria which, in proper balance, is essential for the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the mammalian gut. Too many E. coli, or E. coli in the wrong place (like the lungs) can cause serious disease. The attending veterinarian and the owner suspect that bacteria inadvertently introduced by a pig ear was the cause of death. While alternative explanations are possible, pig ears are not entirely safe, especially for pups (who need chewies the most). Another vet pointed out the possibility of bacterial contamination also of pig ear chews. All chewie objects can potentially cause injury but pig ears, the most avidly chewed treat of all, can potentially introduce bacteria.

An FDA advisory published by the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human services on Oct.1, 1999, stated that there is "a nationwide public health warning alerting consumers about a number of recent cases in Canada of human illnesses apparently related to contact with dog chew products made from pork or beef-derived materials (e.g., pigs ears, beef jerky treats, smoked hooves, pigs skins, etc.)... FDA is urging pet owners... to handle them carefully. Anyone who comes in contact with these treats should wash their hands with hot water and soap. Initial reports of illnesses came from Canada and involved Canadian products, but subsequent examination of similar products produced in the U.S. indicate that all pet chew products of this type may pose a risk...."

Bully Sticks also known as Bully's, beef stick or pizzles, are a dog treat made from a dried bull's penis. Since it is all beef, these are 100% digestible. There have been no known reports of bully's producing problems which are often associated with rawhide, cow's hooves and other chewy treats, such as choking or bowel obstruction.

Bully stick is our chew of choice too

Holy smokes batman I just bought Mufasa some pig ears. He loves them. They are the Hartz smoked kind. Should I not give them to him anymore?

Pigs ears are also high in fat. Something a Yorkie is not suppose to have.
Nyla Bones are very dangerous, expecially the plastic kind.
Raw Hide is also dangerous because small pieces can break off and
get lodged in your pup's throat to larger pieces that can be swollowed and
cause a blockage.
The only thing I recommed is a plain white natural bone that can be
purchased in any dog food store. Just be sure to get one that your
Yorkie can get his mouth around. Most are large.

I'm not quite sure about those pig ears...I have in the past purchased them, but every time I gave them to the boys the would get loose stools....I was also uncomfortable with the looks of the ear, it appeared to be glistening as if it was covered in oil, which to me would be fat :eek:....and since it is mainly made of skin wouldn't that be fat?... I thought fatty foods where a big no-no for small dogs .:confused:

I haven't tried pig ears before, but does anyone have an opinion on DentaStix? They're supposed to be great for the teeth and Scooter loves chewing on them, so I hope they're good!

nyla bones are much better....they have them in different flavors

Pigs Ears
 

I don't give Leo pigs ears. I also supervise with the raw hide. When he is able to start pulling it into pieces or it gets soft it goes right into the trash regardless if he thinks there is more to be had. I usually go with the rope toys for his chewing.

Hey thanks everyone so much for the information.
Especially for the hooves tips.
I would have never known!
Thank you so much!!

Alfie loves pig ears! He loves the taste of anything to do with bacon or ham and I give him pig ears all the time! It's so funny because he can get through the ear in no time even if the ear is nearly same size as him. :D But I think I will not give them to him as much now. I do give him rawhide but he doesn't like them as much as the pig ear.