Beef ears for dogs
Looking for a long-lasting, natural treat your dog will absolutely love? Want to keep them entertained during the day? Or perhaps contribute to their oral hygiene? Look no further, beef ears for dogs are definitely the perfect solution!
In this article, we will first look at the many advantages that beef ears offer, then we will discover if they are suitable for your dog's specific needs, and finally, we will give you the precautions to take when giving a beef ear to your dog.
The benefits of beef ears
- Supports joint health : Beef ears are primarily composed of chondroitin, an essential component of cartilage. This helps improve joint health and is particularly beneficial for dogs suffering from arthritis. Dogs that regularly put stress on their joints, such as those participating in canine sports like canicross, bikejoring, agility, etc., also need joint support. The role of this molecule is therefore to ensure joint flexibility and strength.
- Reduces anxiety: Chewing on beef ears helps generate endorphins in the brain. These hormones produce a feeling of relaxation and happiness. Don't hesitate to vary your dog's chew toys if they are prone to anxiety. If you have identified your dog's stress triggers, give them a beef ear before and during the triggering event. For example, the arrival of strangers in your home. The release of endorphins will help calm your dog and reduce their anxiety.
- Promotes oral hygiene : Beef ears are excellent and tasty chew toys. They are hard on the outside and soft on the inside, which helps promote your dog's dental health. The mechanical action of chewing helps maintain good oral hygiene by limiting tartar buildup. Studies conducted by physiologists have shown that dogs that regularly chew develop less tartar than those that don't. When a dog chews a hard substance, its teeth sink into it before breaking it down, creating a scraping action on the tooth surface. This action contributes to passively brushing the teeth.
- Keeps them occupied for a while: depending on your dog's chewing power, this treat can keep them occupied for varying lengths of time. To give you a general idea, without making generalizations, dogs like Staffordshire Terriers or Australian Shepherds tend to chew beef ears easily and quickly. Meanwhile, dogs like Shiba Inus or Yorkshire Terriers will be occupied for a longer period with this natural treat.
- Low in fat : with their thin, firm texture, these ears are delicious without being greasy. In fact, they contain only 4.30% fat. They are a perfect alternative to pig ears, which are slightly higher in calories. Therefore, they are ideal for overweight or obese dogs.
- Rich in protein: Beef ears are rich in protein (over 80% for Truffe Délice beef ears). Protein is very important for maintaining your dog's muscle mass. Furthermore, it also contributes to the health of your furry friend's nails and coat.
- 100% natural: our beef ear treats contain only one ingredient. That's right! 100% beef ears: no sugar, no gluten, no preservatives, no additives, no grains, and no GMOs.
Beef ear: for which type of dog?
Puppies from four months old : You can give your puppy beef ears from four months old. This will help reduce any discomfort they may experience with their teeth. However, feel free to give them in two portions, depending on your puppy's size.
Sporting dogs: Beef ears are perfectly suited to sporting dogs. Indeed, as we saw above, beef ears are mainly composed of chondroitin, a tissue that helps maintain healthy joints.
Senior dogs: Just like sporting dogs that put a lot of strain on their joints, older dogs also need joint support. The chondroitin found in beef ear will help maintain your furry friend's joints.
Beef ears: what precautions should be taken?
If your dog tends to be a greedy eater, meaning he eats his kibble or other food without chewing and swallows it whole, we recommend removing the last piece when he's almost finished his beef ear. Furthermore, to take it away without causing a fight, try swapping it with a training treat, for example.
Remember to leave fresh water available for your dog while he chews. And finally, let him chew peacefully in a place where no one will bother him.
FAQs
Are beef ears good for dogs?
Beef ears are good for a dog's dental health and also contain chondroitin, which is associated with healthy joints.
They are considered safe for dogs because they are very easy to digest. This means that anything that reaches the stomach will be successfully digested. However, when they become small enough to be swallowed, you should remove the last piece to ensure your dog doesn't swallow it whole and choke.
Are cow ears unpleasant to have in the house?
One reason why beef ears appeal to consumers is that they are less fatty and less smelly than pig ears. In fact, they have a barely perceptible odor unless you put them right up close to your nose.
Furthermore, their low fat content makes them less greasy, but they are not completely fat-free, so you should avoid letting your dog chew them in carpeted areas.
Can beef ears cause diarrhea in dogs?
Beef ears can sometimes cause diarrhea, especially if too much is eaten or if your dog has a sensitive stomach. This is usually due to the richness of beef ears, but it can also happen if your dog has a beef protein allergy. Most cases of diarrhea clear up within a day or two with a healthy diet. However, if your dog's condition doesn't improve or if they continue to feel unwell, you should contact your veterinarian for advice.
Can beef ears cause a blockage?
Beef ears pose an extremely low risk of gastrointestinal blockages because they are very digestible. Therefore, they are generally very safe. The exception to this rule is that when pieces become small enough to be swallowed whole, they can become lodged in the palate, upper throat, or esophagus, potentially causing a choking hazard. Therefore, remember to remove the piece when it becomes too small.
How are beef ears harvested?
Beef ears are harvested as a by-product of the meat industry to prevent usable parts of the carcass from being wasted.
Are there different varieties of beef ear?
Indeed, there are different varieties of beef ear such as white beef ear and different drying processes.