Finding the Best Natural Ear Chews for Your Dog

Natural chews and treats are what owners look for when researching options for their dog. You can’t get more natural than an ear! Now comes time for some decisions - what protein, size, and flavor?


This natural chew offers an array of options which may be suitable for all sorts of different dogs, making it easy to find the right ear chew for your pup. In this article, we will look at this natural and simple, yet tasty treat, to help guide you in the right direction on figuring out which ear is best for your dog!

Ear Chews for Dogs

Ear Chews at a Glance

  • Ear chews can offer various health benefits like mental stimulation, satisfying their natural desire to chew, and helping with your dog’s dental hygiene. 
  • Sourced from numerous countries, ear chews come from three primary animal sources: cow, lamb, and pig.
  • Ear chews offer a healthy rawhide alternative.

What Are Ear Treats?

So are these just chews shaped like ears or do they come from real animals? While it would be impressive to sculpt a treat this realistically, in this case it’s far easier to use the real thing.  Ear chews are typically the by-product of the meat  industry. Like most natural dog treats, these go through a drying process, at which point, if there are additional flavors to be added, they are applied at this time.


How to Choose the Right Ear Chew for Your Dog

There are many flavor options for Ear chews, but nearly all of them are based on  3 protein options; Cow, Lamb, and Pig ears. Each chew offers a unique flavor profile and many health benefits. Below, we will detail each ear to help you make the best choice!

Cow Ears for Dogs

Cow Ears


Cow ears are a fantastic choice for dogs of any size! They have higher collagen content, which helps strengthen your dog’s skin and is great for a shiny coat. Along with the positive aspects of dental hygiene, these ears also consist of glucosamine & chondroitin, which promote good joint and hip health. Cow ears come in various sizes and flavors, so your dog has many options!

Pig Ears for Dogs

Pig Ears


If your dog is a fan of bacon-flavored treats, then pig ears may be your best choice of Ear chews. This protein-packed ear is suitable for dogs of all sizes. Full of essential amino acids, pig ears are a fantastic way to keep your dog’s skin and coat shiny and healthy! These ears also allow an outlet for your dog’s natural chewing instincts, which will help remove plaque and food residue from their teeth.

Lamb Ears for Dogs

Lamb Ears


If your dog struggles with beef or pork allergies, then lamb ears may be the correct chew for the job. These easily digestible chews are ideal for dogs with sensitive teeth but still offer the same positive dental health benefits. In addition, these low-fat chews are packed with protein to help keep your dog satisfied! 

Ensure Your Dog Is Safely Getting the Most Out of Their Ear Chews

  • Feeding Tips- Supervision is recommended when giving your dog any treat. Introduce new natural treats gradually (one every three days). We recommend no more than one ear treat per day once your pet has acclimated to them.

  • Fresh Water- To ensure your dog is happily hydrated, provide them plenty of fresh water even when they are not currently enjoying their new favorite treat.

  • Hand Washing After Giving a treat- The CDC recommends washing your hands after handling any natural dog treat. Good hygiene helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

  • Keep An Eye On Your Dog’s Health and Behavior- If you plan on introducing your dog to a new treat, it is always best to keep a good eye on their overall health and behavior. Doing so will help you identify the potential causes and effects of such changes. For example, treats can be a choking hazard if swallowed prematurely. Also, changing to a new treat has been known to cause diarrhea in some dogs, so it is always good to keep a close eye on your dog when making any dietary changes.

  • Be Aware of Possible Allergies- To be on the safe side, it is never a bad idea to be aware of your dog’s possible allergies. This awareness will help ensure that the risks are limited when administering a new treat to your dog’s diet. Always consult your vet if you have any questions or concerns regarding your dog’s possible allergies and overall health.

  • Possible Ear Chew Alternatives

    Maybe ear chews just aren’t the right choice for your dog. Here is a list of treats that may better suit your pet’s taste!

    • Collagen Chews For Dogs - Natural collagen sticks are a single ingredient rawhide alternative rich in peptides that aid in hip and joint health as well as  skin and coat!
    • Bully Sticks -  Bully sticks are a single-ingredient, easily-digestible chew treat made from pure beef or buffalo pizzle. This long-lasting rawhide alternative is also highly effective at combating tartar and plaque buildup, which will help reduce the bacteria in your dog’s mouth!
    • Yak Cheese Chews for Dogs - With only 3 simple ingredients, Yak milk, salt, and lime, these protein-packed treats offer your dog a durable and long-lasting chew! These naturally low odor yak cheese chews come in many sizes and are effective at removing tartar while also being great for gum stimulation.
    • Rawhide Chews - If rawhide is more down your pup’s alley, you may be pleased to see how many different flavors, shapes, and sizes are available! From rawhide braids to rolls and chips, USA Wholegrain Beef treats offer a high protein and easily digestible experience for your dog.

    Are Ear Chews the Correct Treat for Your Favorite Furry Friend?

    With so many options available, the world of dog chews and treats can sometimes seem overwhelming. Therefore, it is always best to research any new consumable treat you are considering introducing to your dog’s diet. Your research will ensure the safest and most pleasant experience for you and your pup. Hopefully, this article will help ease some of the questions and concerns that you may have about finding out which ear treat is the correct choice for your dog!