A question we are often asked about is: "Which ears are best for my dog to chew?"
When it comes to choosing the right natural chew for your dog, animal ears are one of the most popular, healthy and satisfying choices. Packed with flavour, naturally low in carbohydrates and available in a wide range of options, ear chews can suit dogs of all breeds and chewing strengths.
From the extra-tough buffalo ear to the light and gentle lamb ear, there’s a chew to suit every dog’s preferences. Some ears are large, some are small. Some are hairy, which supports digestion and natural parasite cleansing. Others are sleek and low-odour - perfect for indoor chewing. In this blog, we’re going to explore each type in more detail so you can pick the best option for your dog.
Whether you’re looking for something long-lasting, hypoallergenic, or full of texture, this guide will help you find the perfect ear chew.
Understanding Why Animal Ears Make Brilliant Dog Chews
Animal ears are a single-ingredient treat - which means no additives, no preservatives, and no fuss. They’re naturally rich in protein and collagen, which support your dog’s skin, joints and muscles. Because of their size and texture, they also offer a great dental workout - scraping plaque and tartar from the teeth while your dog chews.
Animal ear chews - such as pig ears, cow ears, and buffalo ears - naturally contain chondroitin, a compound found in cartilage that plays a key role in supporting joint health. When your dog chews on these treats, they're not just enjoying a tasty, long-lasting chew – they’re also getting a natural boost of chondroitin, which helps to lubricate joints, reduce inflammation, and support cartilage repair. This makes ear chews a brilliant choice for dogs of all ages, especially those with stiff joints, arthritis, or breeds prone to mobility issues. A simple, natural way to support your dog’s joints while keeping them happy and entertained!
What’s more, ears are air-dried, which preserves their nutrients and makes them a more natural and digestible alternative to processed dental chews.
Let’s dive into the types of ears you’ll find at ChewBox and the benefits of each!
Buffalo Ears
Buffalo ears are larger and tougher than cow ears, making them ideal for stronger chewers or dogs who like a challenge. They’re leaner than pig ears and considered a great low-fat alternative. The buffalo meat is also typically more hypoallergenic, so it’s a brilliant choice for dogs with common food sensitivities. They can be stuffed and frozen too - which makes they a great chew to keep in the home for an enrichment activity.
We stock hairy buffalo ears too, which are a fantastic natural wormer and aid in digestion. Animal fur on chews - like those found on our hairy cow, buffalo, goat or lamb ears - acts as a natural de-wormer, just as it would in the wild. As your dog chews and digests the fur, it helps sweep the digestive tract, trapping and removing parasites and eggs as it moves through the system. This gentle, natural method of internal cleansing can support a healthy gut environment and reduce the need for chemical wormers. For dogs with sensitive stomachs or owners seeking a more holistic approach to health, hairy chews offer an instinctive, ancestral way to promote gut hygiene - while also providing texture, enrichment, and satisfaction in every bite.
Fact: Buffalo meat is lower in cholesterol and higher in protein compared to beef, making buffalo ears a healthy option for dogs who need to watch their weight.
Cow Ears
Cow ears are a brilliant all-rounder. They’re tough, chewy, full of flavour and low odour, making them one of our best-selling ear chews. As they soften with chewing, they become more flexible and less of a choking hazard - ideal for medium to large dogs who chew enthusiastically.
You can also get furry cow ears - a natural choice for owners who like the idea of giving their dog a chew that mimics what they’d eat in the wild. The fur acts like a natural fibre scrub brush for the gut, like we mentioned above.
We also love stuffing cow ears with wet food, xylitol-free peanut butter or yoghurt and freezing them - turning them into a longer-lasting enrichment chew.
Pig Ears
Pig ears are a delicious, crunchy treat that dogs absolutely love. They’re more brittle than cow or buffalo ears, so they’re best suited to moderate chewers or dogs who like a snack-style chew rather than a long project.
Because of their higher fat content, pig ears are a fantastic option for dogs who need to maintain weight, senior dogs who need a more enticing treat, or as an occasional indulgent chew.
Pig ears are not only a delicious and crunchy chew, they’re also a valuable source of high-quality protein, including essential amino acids that your dog needs for overall health. Pork is a novel protein for many dogs, meaning it’s less commonly used in standard dog food. This can make it a great choice for dogs with allergies or intolerances to more typical proteins like chicken or beef. By introducing a variety of proteins like pork into your dog’s diet, you help provide a broader range of amino acids. These amino acids support muscle growth, tissue repair, a healthy coat, organ function and even brain health. Pig ears offer both tasty chewing enrichment and real nutritional benefits.
At ChewBox, we only stock air-dried pig ears with no added nasties. They’re crunchy, satisfying, and a definite favourite for many dogs.
Sow Ears
Sow ears come from older pigs, meaning they’re bigger, thicker and tougher than regular pig ears. These are ideal for larger breeds or dogs who power through standard chews in minutes.
Sow ears are simply extra large pig ears, taken from mature pigs, and they offer all the deliciousness of a standard pig ear in a bigger, thicker and longer lasting form. Their larger size makes them ideal for medium to large breeds or power chewers who need something a bit more substantial to stay occupied.
The extra thickness of sow ears means they take longer to chew through, offering more dental cleaning benefits, more mental stimulation and better value for money. Like regular pig ears, they’re rich in protein and natural fats, making them highly palatable and rewarding. If your dog loves pig ears but finishes them too quickly, sow ears are the perfect next step.
Because of their density, they last longer and offer a more satisfying chew - while still retaining that rich, irresistible flavour dogs love about pork.
Lamb Ears
Lamb ears are soft, light, and often furry, which makes them perfect for puppies, small breeds, or sensitive stomachs. They’re a great hypoallergenic option, as lamb is a novel protein that’s rarely associated with allergies.
If your dog has a sensitive digestive system, or is new to chewing, lamb ears are a gentle, safe introduction to natural chews.
Lamb ears are great value for money too and perfect for smaller dogs - we love them!
They can also contain fur, which many dog owners like for its natural worming benefits and the way it supports gut health.
Goat Ears
Goat ears are similar to lamb ears but are usually a little firmer. They are a great choice for dogs with allergies to more common proteins like chicken or beef. Goat is a novel protein, so it’s particularly good for dogs on elimination diets or with food intolerances.
These ears are lean, easy to digest and suitable for both puppies and adults. We offer hairy goat ears too, which bring the added benefit of gut-cleansing fur.
Why Some Ears Are Hairy - And Why That’s a Good Thing
Hairy ears are not just a quirky novelty - they’re incredibly beneficial for your dog. In the wild, dogs would consume fur as part of the whole prey, and it played an important role in:
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Sweeping the digestive tract
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Naturally aiding worm prevention
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Providing fibre and gut support
While it might not look the most appealing to us humans, furry chews are a fantastic natural supplement to your dog’s health - and most dogs absolutely love the texture.
Summary: Which Ear is Right for Your Dog?
Every dog is different, and the right ear depends on your dog’s size, chewing style, and dietary needs. Here’s a quick recap:
| Ear Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Buffalo Ears | Large, strong chewers, weight-conscious dogs |
| Cow Ears | All-rounder, less likely to break up, low odour |
| Pig Ears | Crunchy snack chewers, high reward, senior dogs |
| Sow Ears | Extra-tough chewers, large dogs |
| Lamb Ears | Puppies, sensitive stomachs, small dogs |
| Goat Ears | Hypoallergenic needs, novelty protein diets |
If you’re not sure which one to try, we recommend starting with a mixed box of ears to see which your dog prefers. Or message our team - we’re always happy to help you choose.
ChewBox Golden Rules
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Refresh - Always provide fresh water when giving chews
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Reconnect - Never leave your dog unattended with a chew
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Remove - Take away small or swallowable pieces
Chewing is more than just a treat - it’s a natural behaviour that promotes calmness, focus, and good health.
Happy chewing!
Sarah x
Founder, ChewBox.co.uk