Dogs love to eat things and they love to chew on things. So, if you don’t give them something to chew on, they will eat the things that you don’t want them to. We’ve reviewed the best dog chew toys in a previous post, but if you’re looking for a consumable treat that will also satisfy your pup’s insatiable need to chew, pig ears offer a natural and flavorful treat for dogs that also improves their health when used properly. Anyone that has a dog should consider giving their dog pig ears to snack on.
We reviewed dozens of pig ears to identify the best of the best. To find the best pig ears for dogs, we compared their ingredients, cooking methods, size, thickness, flavor, containers, pack sizes, and more. That way, we can show you why some pig ears stand out from the rest.
Our top pick, the Brutus & Barnaby 100% Natural Whole Pig Ear Dog Treat, offers the best combination of all of the factors that we looked into. The combination of flavor and nutrition makes these the best for your dog. Plus, you can get them in large packs too so that you can stock up on treats that work well for snacking or for training. Either way, they are a healthy alternative that your dog will enjoy.
The 5 Top-Rated Pig Ears for Dogs
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Brutus & Barnaby 100% Natural Whole Pig Ear Dog Treat | 4.7 |
| Runner Up | USA Pig Ears by Best Bully Sticks – Thick-Cut, All Natural Dog Treats | 4.5 |
| Best Budget Buy | Pet Qwerks Pig Ear with Real Bacon Dog Chew Toy, Made in the USA | 4.6 |
| Best Bulk Package Pig Ears | 123 Treats Whole Pig Ears Dog Chews | 4.6 |
| Best Thick Cut Pig Ears | Brutus & Barnaby Pig Ear Slivers | 4.5 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Brutus & Barnaby 100% Natural Whole Pig Ear Dog Treat
The Brutus & Barnaby 100% Natural Whole Pig Ear Dog Treat is out top pig ear pick. With the Brutus & Barnaby 100% Natural Whole Pig Ear Dog Treat, your dog gets a combination of soft cartilage and pigskin. The cartilage gives them a more elastic texture while the skin is smoked to be harder and crunchier. The result is a combination of chewiness and crunchiness that dogs enjoy.
One of the best features of the Brutus & Barnaby 100% Natural Whole Pig Ear Dog Treat is that they are made with just a single ingredient: 100% natural pig ears. They are prepared without synthetic chemicals or other unnatural additives, which makes them a healthier option than many other types of dog treats. Plus, chewing them regularly can help improve your dog’s teeth. Healthy teeth are crucial for a dog’s long and happy life. One more great thing about this option is that it comes in a durable resealable bag so that you can keep them fresh for as long as you need to.
These treats come in a pack of 12, although you can also pick up a pack of 25 or even 100. That way, you can get as many as you need to keep your dog happy. The ears themselves are large making them best for medium to large dogs. If you have a smaller dog, it’s best to stick to the Brutus & Barnaby Pig Ear Slivers that we feature further below.
Brutus & Barnaby 100% Natural Whole Pig Ear Dog Treat Key Features:
- 100% natural; no additives or preservatives
- Single ingredient
- Choice of 3 sizes
- Each ear weighs around 1.38 ounces
Our Runner Up Pick: USA Pig Ears by Best Bully Sticks
The USA Pig Ears by Best Bully Sticks – Thick-Cut, All Natural Dog Treats is our runner up pick for pig ears. These ears offer many of the same benefits as our top pick with one noticeable difference: a thicker cut. These ears are cut thicker than standard pig ears, which offers variety and makes them better for larger dog breeds. Larger dogs often tear through thinner pig ears quickly and they offer little enjoyment beyond the taste. However, USA Pig Ears by Best Bully Sticks take more effort to chew without being difficult. That way, your larger dog can take the time to enjoy each ear.
Despite the thicker cut, many of the benefits remain the same. They are made with all-natural ingredients, which make them a healthy snack option for any dog breed. The cooking process gives them a natural pork flavor as well. Each ear is inspected for quality and presentation. That way, you can be sure that each ear your dog eats provides the same level of quality and enjoyment without risks from contaminants and chemicals.
To get the most out of the USA Pig Ears by Best Bully Sticks, you can get them in two pack sizes. There is a smaller eight-pack, which is a good option for smaller dogs, or dogs that only snack occasionally. For bigger or multiple dogs, you can take advantage of the 20-pack so you can stock up for when you need them.
USA Pig Ears by Best Bully Sticks Key Features:
- Hand-inspected for quality assurance
- Natural ingredients and cooking process
- Oven-baked and slow-cooked for full flavor
- Free of additives and preservatives
Best Budget Pick: Pet Qwerks Pig Ear with Real Bacon
The Pet Qwerks Pig Ear with Real Bacon is our best budget pick for pig ears. It is different than the other pig ears on this list since it is engineered rather than an all-natural product. It combines the real taste of pork with a nylon-infused structure. The pork flavor is what keeps your dog interested while the nylon-infused body makes it highly durable.
This chew toy is FDA approved and uses approved nylon and real bacon. Your dog can spend hours chewing on this toy to enjoy the flavor and get many of the benefits of a pig ear. Plus, it is a great alternative to other pig ears since it can outlast them all.
The biggest benefit from the Pet Qwerks Pig Ear with Real Bacon is its cost savings. At just $12, it has an above average price for this list for a single pig ear. However, it is reusable and the most durable pig ear on this list. With the ability to last more than the amount of time it would take your dog to go through an entire bulk pack of ears, a single one of these ears is more affordable than any other pig ear on this list.
Pet Qwerks Pig Ear with Real Bacon Key Features:
- Highly durable
- FDA-approved materials
- Available in multiple sizes
- Infused with real bacon
Best Bulk Package Pig Ears: 123 Treats Whole Pig Ears Dog Chews
123 Treats Whole Pig Ears Dog Chews is our best bulk package of pig ears pick. Buying pig ears in bulk can be an effective way to save money, especially if you have multiple dogs. While it may seem like a bigger investment upfront, buying these ears in bulk lowers the cost of each piece, and makes it easier to save on costs like shipping and individual packages. That way, you can stock up for a while since it would even take a pack of dogs more than a month to go through 100 pig ears.
This 100 pack of pig ears from 123 Treats are 100% natural, so they’re completely free of hormones, preservatives, and colors. The biggest benefit is the number of ears that you get. These are relatively large pig ears, which will take longer for dogs to finish off. However, 100 of these ears could last you several months depending on the number of dogs that you have. Assuming that your dog ate one of these ears every day, one box of ears would last you for more than one-fourth of the year. When you add up the cost of one year worth of individual ears, you’ll save money by ordering these bulk packs.
123 Treats Whole Pig Ears Dog Chews Key Features:
- Large bulk package of 100 ears
- Large pig ears
- 100% natural
- No hormones, preservatives, or colors
Best Thick Cut Pig Ears: Brutus & Barnaby Pig Ear Slivers
The Brutus & Barnaby Pig Ear Slivers is our top pick for those looking for a thicker-cut option. When you need a good snack or training tool for your dog, Brutus & Barnaby’s Pig Ear Slivers make a great choice. That is because they offer the benefits of a full pig ear like robust pork flavor and the enjoyment of chewing but in a smaller and more manageable size. You can use them as small add-on snacks for bigger meals, as well as training treats for both smaller and larger dogs.
The biggest benefit that you get from the Brutus & Barnaby Pig Ear Slivers is their thickness. Although they are slivers, they are cut thicker than most other pig ears. This gives them more durability and helps to pack extra flavor into a smaller package. That way, your dog can enjoy them for a bit longer and work a bit harder to chew them.
Another feature that makes these treats stand out is that they are measured by weight rather than by counting. The packages come in 1-pound or two 2-pounds, letting you choose how much you need for your dog. That means that you get a lot of pieces in each bag since pig ears are generally low in weight regardless of their size.
Brutus & Barnaby Pig Ear Slivers Key Features:
- Thicker cut for extra enjoyment
- Measured by weight
- All-natural ingredients
- A softer and safer alternative to rawhide and bones
Who Should Buy Pig Ears for Dogs
Anyone who has dogs should consider buying pig ears. Dogs love to chew on things. If you don’t give your dog something to chew on, then your pup is bound to find something lying around the house to satisfy his need to gnaw – like your favorite slippers, or perhaps even your couch. Pig ears are a tasty way of incentivizing your dog to leave your stuff alone.
Pig ears also have health benefits for your dog. For dogs, healthy teeth are essential for overall health. Pig ears help clean dogs’ teeth and strengthen their gums. As a result, your dog will have healthier teeth into her later years.
Important Features to Consider
Pig ears may seem straight-forward, but there are still things to consider when looking for the best for your beloved pup. A quality pig ear should have several important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a pig ear:
- Ingredients. The materials used in the production of pig ears including, of course, the ear itself, as well as any added flavors. They shouldn’t contain any bone which can splinter or crumble.
- FDA and USDA approval. Approval by the FDA or USDA as a food item that is safe to eat.
- Cut. The thickness of each pig ear, which can come in a standard or thick cut.
- Full vs Strips. The size of the ear based on if it is whole or cut into strips.
- Size. The overall size of the ear measured in small to large.
- Pack size. How many pig ears come in one pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pig ears healthy for dogs?
Pig ears have health benefits for dogs if used properly. Dogs’ teeth benefit from the chewing as it strengthens their gums and cleans their teeth. While pig ears can offer nutritional value as well, they cannot replace entire meals. Likewise, they should be limited to a few per dog per day, while most owners limit their dogs to one ear per day to ensure that they are getting enough else to eat. They are best used as snacks or meal supplements.
What are pig ear dog treats made out of?
Pig ears are made out of pig ears that have been cooked. Most ears come whole and are baked or smoked to preserve them and prepare them. The cooking process dries them out so that they last in storage and have a chewy or crunchy texture. While it is possible for pig ears to use other ingredients, most use the pig ear itself as their only ingredient. The industry as a whole avoids additives, chemicals, and, to a lesser extent, hormones.
Why do dogs like pig ears?
Dogs like pig ears for several reasons. The most important reason is that they taste a lot like bacon, as close to bacon as dogs can safely get. They are baked or smoked to bring out the rich port taste that dogs love. Pig ears are also a dog’s favorite treat because they are edible. Dogs love to eat things that they chew on. Also, dogs love to chew on things. Pig ears cannot be eating in one big. It takes even the biggest dog effort to chew up a pig ear completely. So, dogs like to spend time with pig ears since chewing them yields multiple forms of enjoyment.
Can I give my puppy pig ears?
Yes, your puppy can have pig ears. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks of doing so. Puppies have weaker teeth than older dogs and cannot chew larger pieces effectively. So, you will want to give your puppy pig ear slivers or standard-cut pig ears of a smaller size to start with. Also, do not leave your dog unattended with a pig ear until you are sure that your dog can handle it. Puppies tend to bite off pieces that are too big to swallow, which can be a choking hazard.
Featured image credit: Christian Mueller, Shutterstock
