Pig Ears

Chocolate Lab · 08-05-2005, 11:06 AM

Yesterday I gave my 5 month old puppy a pig ear that he won at training class.
This was the first time I have ever given him one of these and he loved it. I just want to know how safe these are for the dog and also what is a good brand to buy?

Thanks

kerriebeth21 · 08-05-2005, 11:18 AM

They are far better than rawhide! My vet said as far as a chew treat go this is one of the best. It's just skin so the dog has no problem digesting it. Just make sure you buy ears that are USDA certified.

fireworksinjuly · 08-05-2005, 11:22 AM

Ive heard some bad things about them. Splintering I guess.
Ive heard good things too.
Every once and a while I do give my dog them. Only on special occations, and I watch him incase it splinters.
I think ater a training class he did good in he deserves a great tasting treat.

Be careful with them, dont go too overboard with them. There are safer things, but if you do let him eat them limit them to max 1 a week and watch him when hes eating it.

capersuasion02 · 08-05-2005, 11:44 AM

Not sure on safety and all but I do know if you give it to them in the house make sure it isn't on the carpet they stink to high heavens and can make your carpet smell too. My brother's dogs loved them but he couldn't take the smell and they are quite pricey so he just got them other great treats that they love just as much. I am a big fan of Greenies but you need to wait until your pup is 6 months old and 5 pounds before getting these from Petsmart. Hope this helps a little.

JackLover · 08-05-2005, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerriebeth21

They are far better than rawhide! My vet said as far as a chew treat go this is one of the best. It's just skin so the dog has no problem digesting it. Just make sure you buy ears that are USDA certified.

But isnt that what raw hides are made out of too skin!

shaerenae · 08-05-2005, 11:55 AM

My 3 just love the "steamed knuckles". They don't splinter, and they last a long time! We picked up 3 for $10 at a show in St. Paul back in January, and that is one of their favorite "kennel toys". We've had to give them to them in their kennels, as they tend to be a little protective of them. It was so funny to watch little Ruby carry around that big knuckle when she was about 5-6 months old...it was almost as big as she was! But it was definitely a lifesaver during those teething months. Our Samoyed, Avalanche, loves his, too!

Chocolate Lab · 08-05-2005, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capersuasion02

Not sure on safety and all but I do know if you give it to them in the house make sure it isn't on the carpet they stink to high heavens .

I actually gave it to him in his crate, I figure it was a good place for him to eat it.

I hope it does not stink up my house

I will go to the store and pick up some extra pig ears for those special occasions.

JackLover · 08-05-2005, 03:23 PM

I would not feed them as they cause the same problems as raw hide! stick to raw bones if you want something for your dog to chew

Sheltiemama · 08-05-2005, 03:30 PM

Pigs ears are kind of fatty. Your dog can have loose stool if he eats too much at any one time and it can also elevate his cholesterol level and cause heart problems later in life. They are safer than the rawhide and you should be sure they are USDA approved before you feed them to your pup. If you're looking for a good chewie for your dog I like to use a raw knuckle bone or dried tendons.

Chocolate Lab · 08-05-2005, 05:45 PM

I am sorry I am new to the whole thing of being a dog owner can you guys clarify two things for me?
What is rawhide and what do you mean by the pig ears can splintering?

Thnks

Sheltiemama · 08-05-2005, 05:57 PM

rawhide chewies are the hard hide or rolled sticks for dogs you find in the grocery or pet stores. They are made of cured cow hide. I personally do not feed these rawhide chewies because they do not digest in the dog's stomach and if the dog should swallow a big enough piece it can cause a bowel blockage. Also some of the rawhides that are manufactured outside the United States are cured with formaldehyde, the substance that formalyn (which is imbalming fluid) is made from.

SamHayne · 08-06-2005, 10:09 AM

I was going to say that I though pig ears were very greasy & fatty, so basically, it would be like giving yourself a greesy fast food burger all the time.

Splintering means that they break into small pieces & some can be sharp. It is possible, as with rawhides, for your dog to get one of these stuck in his throat. I know my Max likes to attempt to swallow large chunks of rawhide & often coughs them up.

Has anyone tried these Mammoth Bones? It is an actual bones with flavors smoked into them. Places like Petco, etc. sell them. I was just wondering because I thought I got Max off the Rawhides with these, but one we gave him completely crumbled when we gave it to him. I think it upset his stomach & he doesn't really go for them after that.

kerriebeth21 · 08-07-2005, 03:30 PM

Rawhide is tough skin hide...which is dried. Pig ears are ears...cartilage...not the same as rawhide at all. ANY chew toy that can be swallowed should be accompanied by supervision. Marrow bones are NOT without faults! My dogs break off pieces all the time! I have to watch them like a hawk and scoop up the little pieces they break off.

My favorite edible chew toy are the bones made from potatoes.

richnrissa · 08-07-2005, 03:43 PM

Quote:

My favorite edible chew toy are the bones made from potatoes.

Oh i've never seen these? do they have them at places like Petco? any particular brand names?

kerriebeth21 · 08-07-2005, 03:48 PM

Potato POPpups

You'll love the versatility and your dog will love the taste of these completely edible, potato-based chews. The hard, bone-like consistency can be changed to a softer texture by baking or microwaving. The end result is a chew that's more like a biscuit, which is great for senior dogs because it's easy on their teeth and gums.

Find them at Petsmart, Petco, etc...

My dogs LOVE them.

08-05-2005, 11:06 AM	#1 (permalink)
Chocolate Lab Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 110 Rep Power: 0	Pig Ears Yesterday I gave my 5 month old puppy a pig ear that he won at training class. This was the first time I have ever given him one of these and he loved it. I just want to know how safe these are for the dog and also what is a good brand to buy? Thanks

08-05-2005, 11:18 AM	#2 (permalink)
kerriebeth21 New Ridgeback Mom! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 422 Rep Power: 84	They are far better than rawhide! My vet said as far as a chew treat go this is one of the best. It's just skin so the dog has no problem digesting it. Just make sure you buy ears that are USDA certified.
	__________________ "I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive." - Gilda Radner My Doggy Homepage

08-05-2005, 11:22 AM	#3 (permalink)
fireworksinjuly Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 2,585 Rep Power: 140	Ive heard some bad things about them. Splintering I guess. Ive heard good things too. Every once and a while I do give my dog them. Only on special occations, and I watch him incase it splinters. I think ater a training class he did good in he deserves a great tasting treat. Be careful with them, dont go too overboard with them. There are safer things, but if you do let him eat them limit them to max 1 a week and watch him when hes eating it.
	__________________ To See Our Story and Help See That All Babies Be Born Healthy- http://www.Walkamerica.org/SophiaFairchild

08-05-2005, 11:55 AM	#6 (permalink)
shaerenae Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 711 Rep Power: 77	My 3 just love the "steamed knuckles". They don't splinter, and they last a long time! We picked up 3 for $10 at a show in St. Paul back in January, and that is one of their favorite "kennel toys". We've had to give them to them in their kennels, as they tend to be a little protective of them. It was so funny to watch little Ruby carry around that big knuckle when she was about 5-6 months old...it was almost as big as she was! But it was definitely a lifesaver during those teething months. Our Samoyed, Avalanche, loves his, too!
	__________________ Sherilyn Winjammin' Corgis http://winjammin.home.mchsi.com/ We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made. -M. Acklam

08-05-2005, 03:23 PM	#8 (permalink)
JackLover Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: England Posts: 293 Rep Power: 66	I would not feed them as they cause the same problems as raw hide! stick to raw bones if you want something for your dog to chew
	__________________ "Jack Russell Terriers are like potato chips one is never enough"

08-05-2005, 11:44 AM	#4 (permalink)
capersuasion02 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: North Carolina Posts: 66 Rep Power: 0	Not sure on safety and all but I do know if you give it to them in the house make sure it isn't on the carpet they stink to high heavens and can make your carpet smell too. My brother's dogs loved them but he couldn't take the smell and they are quite pricey so he just got them other great treats that they love just as much. I am a big fan of Greenies but you need to wait until your pup is 6 months old and 5 pounds before getting these from Petsmart. Hope this helps a little.

08-05-2005, 03:30 PM	#9 (permalink)
Sheltiemama Shelties forever! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Central Florida Posts: 695 Rep Power: 79	Pigs ears are kind of fatty. Your dog can have loose stool if he eats too much at any one time and it can also elevate his cholesterol level and cause heart problems later in life. They are safer than the rawhide and you should be sure they are USDA approved before you feed them to your pup. If you're looking for a good chewie for your dog I like to use a raw knuckle bone or dried tendons.
	__________________ THE RESCUE SQUAD!!

08-05-2005, 05:45 PM	#10 (permalink)
Chocolate Lab Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 110 Rep Power: 0	I am sorry I am new to the whole thing of being a dog owner can you guys clarify two things for me? What is rawhide and what do you mean by the pig ears can splintering? Thnks

08-05-2005, 05:57 PM	#11 (permalink)
Sheltiemama Shelties forever! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Central Florida Posts: 695 Rep Power: 79	rawhide chewies are the hard hide or rolled sticks for dogs you find in the grocery or pet stores. They are made of cured cow hide. I personally do not feed these rawhide chewies because they do not digest in the dog's stomach and if the dog should swallow a big enough piece it can cause a bowel blockage. Also some of the rawhides that are manufactured outside the United States are cured with formaldehyde, the substance that formalyn (which is imbalming fluid) is made from.
	__________________ THE RESCUE SQUAD!!

08-06-2005, 10:09 AM	#12 (permalink)
SamHayne Dynomutt Lover Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Green Bay Wisconsin Posts: 16 Rep Power: 0	I was going to say that I though pig ears were very greasy & fatty, so basically, it would be like giving yourself a greesy fast food burger all the time. Splintering means that they break into small pieces & some can be sharp. It is possible, as with rawhides, for your dog to get one of these stuck in his throat. I know my Max likes to attempt to swallow large chunks of rawhide & often coughs them up. Has anyone tried these Mammoth Bones? It is an actual bones with flavors smoked into them. Places like Petco, etc. sell them. I was just wondering because I thought I got Max off the Rawhides with these, but one we gave him completely crumbled when we gave it to him. I think it upset his stomach & he doesn't really go for them after that.

08-07-2005, 03:30 PM	#13 (permalink)
kerriebeth21 New Ridgeback Mom! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 422 Rep Power: 84	Rawhide is tough skin hide...which is dried. Pig ears are ears...cartilage...not the same as rawhide at all. ANY chew toy that can be swallowed should be accompanied by supervision. Marrow bones are NOT without faults! My dogs break off pieces all the time! I have to watch them like a hawk and scoop up the little pieces they break off. My favorite edible chew toy are the bones made from potatoes.
	__________________ "I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive." - Gilda Radner My Doggy Homepage

08-07-2005, 03:48 PM	#15 (permalink)
kerriebeth21 New Ridgeback Mom! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 422 Rep Power: 84	Potato POPpups You'll love the versatility and your dog will love the taste of these completely edible, potato-based chews. The hard, bone-like consistency can be changed to a softer texture by baking or microwaving. The end result is a chew that's more like a biscuit, which is great for senior dogs because it's easy on their teeth and gums. Find them at Petsmart, Petco, etc... My dogs LOVE them.
	__________________ "I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive." - Gilda Radner My Doggy Homepage

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