Are Pig’s Ears Good for Dogs?

Yes, natural pig’s ears are an excellent chew, particularly for dogs eating a natural diet. I mean ears that have not been smoked, bleached or chemically processed. They:

Provide natural fats and nutrients.
Support dental health through the mechanical action of chewing.
Offer mental enrichment and satisfaction.
Align with a dog’s natural instinct to chew animal-based materials.

The key is quality and sourcing. For young puppies, our puppy biting guide explains how to redirect mouthing towards appropriate chews.

Not All Pig’s Ears Are the Same

Pig’s ears may be smoked, bleached or treated with flavourings. That is why I choose natural, unsmoked, untreated products.

I prefer a supplier that can explain where its pig’s ears come from, how they are processed and what safety checks are used. ‘Natural’ or ‘minimally processed’ does not by itself mean a treat is free of harmful bacteria.

Breeder Pro-Tip: Because natural pig’s ears contain healthy fats, they can be a bit oily. We recommend giving these on a specific “chew mat” or a washable rug to keep your carpets clean!

Why Do Pig’s Ears Sometimes Cause Diarrhea?

Pig’s ears are rich chews and some dogs develop loose stool after eating too much at once or when introduced too quickly.

Product quality: Choose natural, unsmoked and untreated ears rather than heavily flavoured or chemically treated products.
Gradual introduction: Rich chews can cause loose stool if a dog eats too much at once or is not used to them.

Pig’s Ears and Natural Diets

In my experience, pig’s ears are particularly well-suited to dogs eating a natural diet.

If your dog is new to pig’s ears, begin with a short chewing session and increase gradually.

How to Safely Introduce Pig’s Ears

If your dog is not used to natural chews, start gradually:

Time it: Offer short chewing sessions (10-15 minutes) rather than full access.
One at a time: Introduce only one new type of chew at a time.
Monitor: Supervise chewing and watch their stool the next day. Wash your hands after handling pig’s ears and clean the chew mat or other surface afterwards.
Full Tummy: Avoid giving rich chews on a completely empty stomach initially.

The Bigger Picture: Digestive Health

A dog’s ability to handle variety is a sign of a resilient digestive system. Just like we discussed in our recent post about what Doodle studies actually tell us, health and behavior are often more about the environment and consistent, thoughtful care than just a broad label.

Final Thoughts

I still value thoughtfully sourced pig’s ears for suitable dogs, introduced gradually. But quality is only part of the decision; an individual dog’s tolerance, safe handling and supervision matter too.

From The Breeder’s Heart

If you enjoyed this blog post, you may enjoy my Substack – Gone To The Dogs by Claire Desrochers There I move away from the “how-to” and share more personal stories about the dogs who have shaped my life and how they’ve influenced the way I raise our puppies today