Pig ears have been a dog chew staple for decades, but in 2019 a salmonella outbreak linked to commercially processed pig ears caused widespread concern — and a lot of confusion about whether they are still safe.
The short answer: quality-sourced, properly processed pig ears are safe. The outbreak was linked to specific processing facilities with contamination issues, not to pig ears as a category. Knowing how to evaluate what you are buying makes all the difference.
What Are Pig Ears Made Of?
Pig ears are exactly what the name says: the outer ear of a pig, composed primarily of cartilage covered by skin. Unlike bones, pig ears contain no hard bone material that could splinter. They are a relatively fatty chew — higher in fat than lean protein treats like chicken breast or beef liver — which is why they are best used as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple.
Benefits of Pig Ears for Dogs
- Long-lasting chew satisfaction — pig ears take most dogs 15–45 minutes to work through, making them one of the more effective chews for boredom and anxiety
- Dental benefit — the chewing action scrapes plaque and tartar from teeth; not a replacement for brushing, but a meaningful supplement
- Natural protein and fat — provides energy and satisfies a dog's instinct to chew on animal material
- Single ingredient — at Fed by Nature, pig ears are one ingredient: pig ears
Are Pig Ears Safe for Dogs?
Yes, when sourced and processed responsibly. The 2019 salmonella outbreak traced back to specific processing facilities, not to pig ears as a food category. Human-grade sourcing and proper air-drying dramatically reduce bacterial risk.
Key safety considerations:
- Choose human-grade sourcing — products made to human food safety standards have significantly lower contamination risk
- Air-dried over smoked — liquid smoke and smoking processes used in commercial pig ears can introduce chemical byproducts; air-drying is cleaner
- Single-ingredient over processed — pig ears with added flavors, salt, or preservatives are lower quality and carry higher risk of contamination from additives
- Always supervise — supervise any dog during a chew session, particularly with a new treat type
Are Pig Ears Good for Dogs?
In moderation, yes. Pig ears are higher in fat than lean chews, so they are best suited as an occasional treat — one to two per week for most dogs — rather than a daily chew. For dogs that are overweight or prone to pancreatitis, consult your vet before introducing pig ears.
For healthy, active dogs, pig ears deliver real chewing satisfaction, dental scraping benefit, and natural fat and protein. They are especially effective for dogs that are anxious, bored, or destructive — the extended chewing time is genuinely calming for many dogs.
Are Pig Ears Safe for Puppies?
For puppies over 6 months, yes — with supervision. Younger puppies may struggle with the chew and be more likely to gulp large pieces. At 6+ months, most dogs can manage a pig ear safely under supervision. Always monitor for the first few chew sessions with any new treat type.
How Often Should You Give Your Dog Pig Ears?
One to two per week is appropriate for most healthy adult dogs. Because of their higher fat content, daily pig ears are not recommended unless your dog is highly active and their overall diet is well-managed.
Fed by Nature Pig Ears
Our Whole Pig Ears are made from one ingredient: human-grade pig ears, sourced in the USA and air-dried in small batches in North Texas. No added salt, no liquid smoke, no preservatives, no artificial ingredients. Each 5-count bag gives your dog a natural, long-lasting chew you can feel good about.
Shop Pig Ear Dog Chews
Our Whole Pig Ears are single-ingredient, human-grade, and air-dried in small batches in North Texas. One ingredient. No additives.
Also available in our Natural Dog Chews collection alongside our Whole Chicken Feet.