Cow ears make for a nutritious, delicious, and affordable dog treat! They are a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and other beneficial minerals like zinc. As well as being safe for consumption and small pieces can pass through the digestion tract.
Cow ears have become a popular replacement for rawhide because, unlike rawhide, cow ears are safe for our dogs to eat. They also help benefit dogs when added as part of their dental hygiene routine. Long-lasting chews like cow ears can also be used as an occasional distraction, and work as a mood stabilizer.
What are Cow Ear Treats and Why Do They Make Great Treats for Dogs?
Cow Ear chews are made from exactly what you’d think…Real ears from cows! Roasting and air drying the moisture out of the ears of beef cattle is the best way to preserve the satisfying flavor, without eliminating all the nutrients inside. There are other ways to preserve cow ears, but most of these other processes involve adding chemicals or using harsh treatments.
Unlike a harsher chemical drying process which breaks down the meat. Naturally cooking and dehydrating the cow ears keeps them tastier and tougher. This will make for a more long-lasting chew treat and your dogs will crave them daily.
Let’s take a closer look at why roasted cow ears make a better chew alternative for your pup.
They are Nutritious
Beef ears are a great source of Omega fatty acids and protein. Cow ears have virtually no fat content, and are a great treat for all dogs, even puppies or dogs managing weight issues.
Also rich in essential minerals like zinc, copper, iron, selenium, and potassium which benefit the body and mind. A natural source of chondroitin from the cartilage which helps improve joint health for active and older dogs.
- Zinc– This mineral is vital for cell replication and the upkeep of healthy coats, skin, and nails. Zinc helps improve a dog’s immune system too!
- Copper– A dog requires some copper in their diet because it aids in the production of red blood cells that help absorb iron into the body. Copper is necessary for the formation of healthy skin and hair.
- Iron– This mineral is vital for a dog because it is one of the main building blocks for the functioning of many of their bodily systems. For one, iron works hard, carrying oxygen throughout the body so dogs can have energy and stamina.
- Selenium– In mammals, selenium is also a crucial staple. It serves as an antioxidant that plays a major role in thyroid metabolism and DNA reproduction.
- Potassium-If a dog is potassium deficient they might appear lethargic and tired all the time. This is because potassium is an electrolyte that keeps you hydrated. It also powers the functions that control electrical charges in the muscles, nerves, and heart.
- Chondroitin-Getting a source of chondroitin like through cow ears, is important because it rejuvenates the layer of glycosaminoglycan that protects organs in a dog’s digestive system. Many studies show that chondroitin can help the skeletal and muscular systems too. As dogs get older, the cartilage and cushioning between bones can wear away causing arthritis. Adding chondroitin to a dog’s diet will keep them active and healthy longer.
- Vitamin B12– This specific vitamin also called cobalamin is abundant in cow ears, and it acts as the main player for all of the iron absorption inside the body. Proper levels of B12 also promote a pup’s appetite and works wonders for metabolism and gut health.
They are Delicious!
Healthy, Yes! But more than that, your dog will crave the flavor and fragrance of these nutritious treats. We are talking about fresh 100 percent natural beef flavor packed into every bite. The natural saltiness is something dogs fall in love with, but their love for meat may come from their deeply connected ancestral past.
Before domesticated dogs, wild canines for centuries before have craved the taste of cow meat, bones, and offal. Since then more and more domesticated breeds have come into the homes. Pet products containing beef have proven to be an all-time favorite. Cow ears are rich and packed with beefy flavors that dogs crave!
And Barking Buddha offers a special treat for those dogs who love cow ears. Try their peanut butter-flavored chews.
They are Affordable
Sustainable and affordable, chew treats made from the flesh or cartilage of meat animals can be less expensive than other chews.
Cheaply-made chew products like rawhide used to be the go-to economical option, however, pet owners now know that rawhide is dangerous to a dog’s digestive system!
It’s okay to pay a little more for the safety and well-being of our loved ones. Think of cow ears as the new affordable way to happily treat your dog, the way they deserve to be treated!
They are Natural
Proper cow ears should be chemical-free and made with no added preservatives or additional ingredients. No need to bleach beef, especially when sourced from quality meat like 100 % grass-fed cattle. No need for hormones, or synthesized flavorings. Your dogs will love the natural beef flavor of roasted cow ear.
They are Safe
Cow ears for dogs are highly digestible meaning less chance of choking or internal blockages. Natural cow ears that are processed with care will naturally break down and have an extremely low risk of gastrointestinal blockages.
However, supervised chewing is always a good idea. Especially if you happen to see small pieces left or discarded on the floor, remember to throw those remnants in the trash. Go to the cupboard and get your pup a fresh cow ear!
They Help Teeth
Oral hygiene is often the last thing we think of when we think of health and nutrition, but it’s such a vital factor. Chewing on chews like cow ears regularly assists in getting rid of plaque from a dog’s teeth and gums. Periodontal diseases in canines are unfortunately very common. It is estimated that over two-thirds of breeds over 3 years of age, suffer from some degree of periodontal disease.
Cow Ears are Gluten-Free
Great news for our dogs who suffer from symptoms of celiac disease. Most quality cow ears are completely grain and gluten-free. Gluten intolerance and sensitivities can appear in many breeds. Usually, this can be diagnosed by the dog’s health advisor anytime after a dog turns six months of age.
Cow Ears are a Long-Lasting Treat that Dogs Crave
Dogs need nutrients because they need energy. Cow ears are a great nutritional supplement for many reasons. Such as before exercise, during pregnancy, and while they grow up. They are a great treat before everyday activities like enjoying a walk together in the park.
The protein in cow ears ensures that they can build up and maintain muscle mass and strength. When you add a natural source of protein and vitamins, your dog gets a nutritional boost throughout the day. Diets that include fresh, unprocessed foods like 100 percent grass-fed beef are the closest thing to a canine’s original wild ancestral diet.
Cow ears are not just nutritious, they are durable too. Quality chews like Barking Buddha’s White Cow Ears are high-quality and long-lasting, and your dogs will love them to pieces!
Barking Buddha White Cow Ears are uncut, naturally roasted, and extra thick. They are processed with absolutely no chemicals and are additive-free. All Barking Buddha Pet Products are made with love and care in an FDA-approved facility. The beef is grass-fed and sourced from South America.