The canine diet goes beyond good quality food. Snacks help to expend energy, entertain and are allies in training. One of them is the dehydrated dog ear, easily found in any pet shop. But how is this type of snack produced? Is it bad? Can the pet eat every day? The truth is that dogs benefit from the nutrients present in various meats, but it is necessary tobe very careful when offering this type of food to the pet. To help, we have gathered some information about the pig ear for dogs!

Can dogs eat dehydrated pigs' ears after all?

Yes, dogs can eat pig ears! This meat is full of nutrients that will boost their health: B vitamins, fiber, selenium, phosphorus and low fat content. This type of dog treat can be an ally in the routine, but you need to be careful with the preparation of the food.

This snack is beneficial for training breeds, such as the German Shepherd and the Border Collie, as it offers more energy for exercise. Other breeds can also consume it, but it is important to watch out for weight gain due to the calories. If the dog is sedentary, small in size or predisposed to weight gain, it is ideal for him to consume small amounts of the pig's ear.

Other benefits of the snack are: oral hygiene against tartar and fight against bacterial plaques, strengthening of teeth, increase of hair vitality and relief of the dog's anxiety. This nibble is also a great environmental enrichment and helps to fight boredom, since the animal will spend a good time gnawing the food.

Pig ear for dog needs to be dehydrated

There are several options of pig ears on the market and most of them have undergone a dehydration process, among other procedures. The safest snack is one that is 100% natural, free of preservatives and without added colorings.

Those who prefer to ensure a less artificial food can also prepare it at home: just clean the ear well and then put it in the oven to dry (the perfect point is a hardened pig's ear). This is a healthier way for the dog to consume pig's ear, but the snack prepared at home tends to decompose faster.

Pig ears for dogs should be offered in moderation

Any food in excess will do harm and it is no different with dehydrated pig's ear. Dog cookies and steaks also deserve attention: the safe amount is two to 10 snacks a day, but this varies according to the animal's weight. That is, the dog's ox ear is bad if he eats it several times a day as a snack. The ideal is to give it at least three times a day.For small dogs, the tip is to cut the ear into smaller pieces, also respecting the recommended amount per week.

Dogs can eat other types of meat

Dogs are naturally carnivorous, but domestication has made the canine diet more diverse. Since then, the instinct to hunt predators has been adapted to a domestic routine and the dog's stomach has become sensitive to the consumption of this food. However, meat still enters the canine diet:

• Chicken meat: rich in vitamin C, proteins, amino acids and B vitamins, chicken meat offers more immunity and energy for the dog and also speeds up the canine metabolism. The most suitable cut is the chicken breast, due to the absence of bones and low fat content. But beware: even with these benefits, some dogs have an allergy to poultry. That is, before offering chicken meat todog, make a visit to the vet to identify possible allergies.
• Beef: red meat is the most famous type of protein on the Brazilian menu and it is no wonder that many dog treats and steaks are flavored. Never give raw meat to your dog without a doctor's recommendation.
• Fish: rich in omega 3, the dog that consumes this meat has more cardiovascular health. Tilapia and salmon cuts are the most suitable fish for the dog to eat, but be aware of the thorns.
• Liver: the dog can eat chicken or beef liver and is good for those with low platelets, as the cut is rich in vitamins, iron and folic acid.

Fruits and vegetables enrich the canine diet

In addition to dehydrated pig's ear for dogs, some fruits and vegetables are also safe in the canine diet. Carrots, pumpkin, rice and chayote are very good for the animal. It is also possible to prepare homemade snacks with fruits and vegetables. Just be aware of the list of foods that dogs cannot eat to avoid poisoning.