Beef ears

What are beef ears?

Beef ears are the dried ears of cattle that can be used as a natural chew for dogs. They consist mainly of cartilage, skin and fur and contain no bones or splinters. Beef ears are rich in protein and calcium and have a strong flavor that appeals to many dogs.

What are the benefits of beef ears for dogs?

Beef ears have several benefits for dogs that make them an ideal chew. Here are some of them:

• They promote dental health. Chewing beef ears cleans and massages your dog's teeth and gums, which can prevent tartar build-up and bad breath.
• They aid digestion. The fur on beef ears acts like a natural brush that cleanses your dog's intestines and stimulates the intestinal flora. This can prevent constipation and flatulence and improve the consistency of faeces.
• They provide activity. Beef ears are a long-lasting chew that will keep your dog busy and entertained for a while. This can prevent boredom, stress and unwanted behavior and strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
• They are hypoallergenic. Beef ears are a monoprotein snack that contains no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors. They are also naturally grain and gluten free, making them suitable for dogs with allergies or intolerances.

What are the disadvantages of beef ears for dogs?

While beef ears are a healthy chew for dogs, they also have some disadvantages that you should be aware of. Here are some of them:

• They can contain too much fat. Depending on their origin and processing, beef ears can contain varying amounts of fat, which is found on the conch (the outer part of the ear). Too much fat can cause your dog to become overweight, have diarrhea or stomach pain.
• They can be too big. Beef ears are relatively large chews that are not suitable for all dogs. Small or young dogs can choke or gag on beef ears if they bite off too large pieces or try to eat the whole ear at once.
• They may contain parasites.Cattle ears can be infected with parasites such as ticks or fleas, which can hide in the fur. These parasites can be transmitted to your dog and cause illness. You should therefore always make sure that the beef ears come from a reputable source and are hygienically packaged.

How do you feed beef ears correctly?

If you want to give your dog beef ears as a chew, you should follow a few tips to avoid potential problems:

• Choose the right size. Depending on the size and age of your dog, you should offer them beef ears of an appropriate size. For small or young dogs, for example, you can use half or quarter beef ears or cut off the fur.
• Remove excess fat. If the beef ears are too greasy, you can cut off the fat on the shell with a knife or boil the ears in hot water to reduce the fat.
• Supervise your dog. Never let your dog chew on beef ears unsupervised to avoid choking or gagging. If your dog eats the ear too quickly or too greedily, take it away and offer it to him again later.
• Limit the amount. Beef ears are a treat, not a staple food for your dog. Do not give your dog more than one or two beef ears per week to avoid overfeeding. Also adjust the amount of normal food accordingly to avoid obesity.