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Entry 956Filed under Breeding

How to Choose Pig Ears for Dogs: Ingredients, Sourcing, and Size

A practical guide to evaluating pig-ear treats by package details, sourcing, processing controls, calories, and your dog’s chewing habits.
5-minute read By Animalso Team
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Choose pig ears by checking the exact package, asking how the product is processed and protected from contamination, and deciding whether the chew suits your dog’s size and chewing style. No label claim or country of origin proves a treat is safe. Supervise your dog and follow careful hygiene practices.

Check the ingredient list and package details

Read the label on the specific product you plan to buy; ingredients and other details are not uniform across pig-ear treats. For example, Bravo lists “Pig ear” as the ingredient for its product, but that is a brand-specific label, not a category standard. Bravo’s product information also gives an estimated 37 kcal per ounce and 1,300 kcal/kg for that product only. Do not assume those calorie values apply to other brands.

Look for an ingredient list, feeding directions, calorie information if available, an identified manufacturer or supplier, and a clearly marked lot or batch. Prefer individually packaged products with traceable details over loose or commingled treats when the latter make it difficult to identify the product’s origin or processing.

Ask where the ears came from and how they were processed

Country of origin is useful information, but it is not a safety rating. During its 2019 investigation, the FDA traced some outbreak-associated products to Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia. The agency also noted that limited labeling and bulk or commingled products can make origin and processing difficult to determine. FDA’s investigation and supply-chain Q&A explain why traceability and pathogen controls matter.

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#1 Best Overall
BRUTUS & BARNABY Whole Pig Ears for Dogs, Natural Chew Treats, 12 Ct
  • All Natural, Single Ingredient – Premium pig ears cleaned only with boiling water, never bleached or treated with harsh chemicals.
  • Slow Cooked for Flavor & Safety – Gently oven-baked for days to lock in nutrients, natural crunch, and irresistible taste.
  • Mess-Free, Thicker Chews – Fresh-smelling, non-greasy pig ears won’t stain hands, floors, or furniture.
  • Safer Than Rawhide – Fully digestible and splinter-free; perfect chew for seniors, puppies, or aggressive chewers.
  • Whole or Halves – Your Choice – Value-packed halves for smaller servings or full-size ears for longer-lasting chew time.

Ask the seller or manufacturer what controls are used to reduce Salmonella and other relevant hazards, and how the product is protected from contamination after processing. FDA says firms should control relevant hazards and prevent recontamination; its Q&A advises retailers to ask suppliers how Salmonella is controlled and to request information demonstrating effective controls where applicable. A vague response such as “made safely” is less informative than a clear explanation of the process and controls.

Interpret processing claims cautiously

FDA says properly performed irradiation can effectively control Salmonella, but the treatment needs to be validated for the particular product. An “irradiated” claim by itself is not a guarantee: during the historical investigation, FDA described finding multiple Salmonella strains in an individually wrapped product labeled irradiated. Likewise, “natural” and “USA-sourced” do not establish that a treat is pathogen-free.

Rank #2
Amazon Brand – Wonder Bound Whole Pig Ears Dog Treats, Pork, 6 ounce, 6 Count (Pack of 1)
  • SINGLE INGREDIENT: Made with only 100% premium quality pork, slow roasted for flavor
  • HIGHLY DIGESTIBLE: Great for sensitive tummies and an alternative to splinter-prone rawhide or bones
  • SUPPORTS DENTAL HEALTH: Durable texture helps remove plaque and tartar as dogs chew
  • MINIMALLY PROCESSED and hand inspected to ensure quality
  • Sourced from pigs raised without added hormones or antibiotics; and no added grain, gluten, sugar or artificial preservatives, colors or flavors

Use the 2019 outbreak as context—not as a rating of today’s products

The FDA reported 154 human Salmonella infections across 34 states and 35 hospitalizations during the 2019 pig-ear investigation. The agency traced some implicated products to the countries listed above and reported recalls. By October 30, 2019, CDC considered the outbreak over; FDA then stopped advising consumers to avoid all pig-ear treats and instead advised caution and good hygiene when feeding them. These are historical facts, not evidence that any product or lot currently for sale is safe or unsafe. Check the FDA’s current recall information for the specific product before buying or feeding it.

One separate historical recall illustrates why dates and product details matter: on September 24, 2019, FDA posted a recall notice for certain TDBBS USA Thick Pig Ear 8- and 20-packs sold through Amazon. The FDA investigation says those products tested positive for Salmonella but were not associated with the outbreak. This notice does not establish anything about current listings or current recall status. Read the dated recall notice.

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Rank #3
Sale
Best Pet Supplies GigaBite Pig Ears Chews for Dogs - Whole Ears, 20 Count
  • Single-Ingredient Natural Chews: These all natural pig ears for dogs contain just one ingredient—100% pork—with no preservatives, artificial ingredients, hormones, fillers, or additives, giving you complete confidence in every treat you offer; this protein-packed, low-fat natural pig ears for dogs chew delivers wholesome nutrition that satisfies your dog's instinct to chew while solving your worry about hidden ingredients in commercial treats
  • Supports Dental Health During Chewing: The natural texture of these pig ears for dogs provides a satisfying chew that helps reduce buildup as dogs gnaw. These pig ears for dogs large breeds enjoy encourage longer chew sessions, supporting jaw strength and overall oral hygiene—best used alongside regular dental care, not as a replacement.
  • Safe for All Dogs: Perfect pig ears for puppies six months and older teething through seniors with strong jaws—whole ears suit pigs ears for large dogs over 20 pounds and aggressive chewers, while convenient slices work great as pigs ears for small dogs under 20 pounds; fully digestible natural protein breaks down safely in your dog's stomach unlike rawhide that can cause dangerous blockages, though always supervise during chewing
  • Quality You Can Trust: These dog treats are produced in HACCP-regulated facilities with strict quality controls, featuring a grain-free, soy-free formula safe for sensitive dogs; slow-roasting these whole pig ears minimizes odor while preserving the flavor dogs crave—store in the resealable bag in a cool, dry place for lasting freshness; perfect for daily rewards at home, crate time, backyard play, after walks, or training sessions year-round
  • Long-Lasting Satisfaction: Unlike rawhide that can splinter and cause digestive issues, these bulk pig ears for dogs are fully digestible and thicker than store-brand alternatives for extended chewing enjoyment; feed 1-2 dog treats pig ears daily for large dogs or half an ear for small breeds; slivers pairs perfectly with puzzle feeders, bully sticks, and your regular kibble routine for complete canine contentment

Choose a chew that fits your dog’s size and habits

Do not choose by weight or a “small,” “medium,” or “large” label alone. There is no established pig-ear-specific sizing chart that converts a dog’s weight into a safe ear size. Consider the actual dimensions and thickness of the treat alongside how your dog chews: a fast, forceful chewer may handle a chew differently from a dog that gnaws slowly.

ASPCA’s general guidance is to follow the label, choose chews for the animal’s size and chewing habits, supervise, and avoid items the dog can swallow whole or consume in large pieces. Use those principles rather than assuming a package size label guarantees suitability. If you cannot tell whether a particular ear is manageable for your dog, choose a different chew or ask your veterinarian for advice. See ASPCA’s dog-chew position statement.

Rank #4
Grillerz Real Pig Ears, Rawhide-Free, 12 Count
  • SINGLE INGREDIENT DOG TREAT: Made from natural pork with no unnecessary fillers or preservatives, these chews provide a simple treat option for pet owners looking for straightforward ingredients.
  • CLASSIC PIG EAR CHEW EXPERIENCE: Slow-roasted pig ears deliver savory flavor and satisfying texture dogs love, creating a rewarding chew that helps reduce boredom and encourage engagement.
  • SLOW ROASTED FOR RICH FLAVOR: Carefully slow-roasted to create a savory taste and aroma dogs love, helping keep them engaged and excited during chew time.
  • SUPPORTS HEALTHY TEETH: Regular chewing action helps support everyday dental care by assisting with plaque removal while encouraging positive chewing habits.
  • PREMIUM INGREDIENTS: Produced in the USA using carefully sourced ingredients, Grillerz dog chews are created for pet owners looking for dependable treats with quality ingredients.

Factor treats into feeding and calorie decisions

Check the package for calories and feeding directions, but do not assume either is available or consistent across brands. AAFCO explains that treats generally are not complete-and-balanced foods; feeding too many can add calories or unbalance a dog’s diet. Treat directions are a starting point, not a substitute for your dog’s overall feeding plan. If your dog has a medical or dietary condition, ask your veterinarian whether this treat is appropriate. AAFCO’s treats and chews guidance explains the role treats play in a diet.

Use a practical package-by-package checklist

  1. Read the label. Confirm the ingredient list, feeding directions, calorie information if provided, manufacturer or supplier, and lot identification.
  2. Check traceability. Look for a clearly identified origin and packaging that lets you identify the product and its batch; be cautious if bulk or commingled display obscures those details.
  3. Ask about controls. Find out what pathogen-control process is used and how contamination is prevented after processing. Treat irradiation and other process claims as information to verify, not a guarantee.
  4. Assess the actual chew. Consider its dimensions and your dog’s chewing behavior. Avoid a chew your dog can swallow whole or break down into large pieces quickly.
  5. Check current recalls. Search current FDA notices for the specific brand, product, and lot rather than relying on old outbreak or recall headlines.
  6. Plan supervision and hygiene. Stay with your dog while the chew is being eaten, and follow the handling steps below.
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Supervise and reduce hygiene risks

FDA advises monitoring your pet while it has a pig-ear treat, picking up the treat when the dog is finished, keeping treats away from small children, cleaning surfaces the treat contacted, washing hands, and not allowing the dog to lick people or household surfaces. These steps matter because handling a pet treat can expose people to germs even when the dog appears well. Keep children away from the chew and its contact surfaces.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 2
Amazon Brand – Wonder Bound Whole Pig Ears Dog Treats, Pork, 6 ounce, 6 Count (Pack of 1)
Amazon Brand – Wonder Bound Whole Pig Ears Dog Treats, Pork, 6 ounce, 6 Count (Pack of 1)
SINGLE INGREDIENT: Made with only 100% premium quality pork, slow roasted for flavor; SUPPORTS DENTAL HEALTH: Durable texture helps remove plaque and tartar as dogs chew
$12.99
Best Value
Best Pet Supplies GigaBite Pig Ears Chews for Dogs - Slivers, 1.8 lbs
  • Single-Ingredient Natural Chews: These all natural pig ears for dogs contain just one ingredient—100% pork—with no preservatives, artificial ingredients, hormones, fillers, or additives, giving you complete confidence in every treat you offer; this protein-packed, low-fat natural pig ears for dogs chew delivers wholesome nutrition that satisfies your dog's instinct to chew while solving your worry about hidden ingredients in commercial treats
  • Supports Dental Health During Chewing: The natural texture of these pig ears for dogs provides a satisfying chew that helps reduce buildup as dogs gnaw. These pig ears for dogs large breeds enjoy encourage longer chew sessions, supporting jaw strength and overall oral hygiene—best used alongside regular dental care, not as a replacement.
  • Safe for All Dogs: Perfect pig ears for puppies six months and older teething through seniors with strong jaws—whole ears suit pigs ears for large dogs over 20 pounds and aggressive chewers, while convenient slices work great as pigs ears for small dogs under 20 pounds; fully digestible natural protein breaks down safely in your dog's stomach unlike rawhide that can cause dangerous blockages, though always supervise during chewing
  • Quality You Can Trust: These dog treats are produced in HACCP-regulated facilities with strict quality controls, featuring a grain-free, soy-free formula safe for sensitive dogs; slow-roasting these whole pig ears minimizes odor while preserving the flavor dogs crave—store in the resealable bag in a cool, dry place for lasting freshness; perfect for daily rewards at home, crate time, backyard play, after walks, or training sessions year-round
  • Long-Lasting Satisfaction: Unlike rawhide that can splinter and cause digestive issues, these bulk pig ears for dogs are fully digestible and thicker than store-brand alternatives for extended chewing enjoyment; feed 1-2 dog treats pig ears daily for large dogs or half an ear for small breeds; slivers pairs perfectly with puzzle feeders, bully sticks, and your regular kibble routine for complete canine contentment
  • Stay nearby while your dog chews; remove the treat when the dog is done.
  • Wash your hands after handling the treat, and clean surfaces it contacted.
  • Store treats where small children cannot reach them.
  • Prevent your dog from licking your face, family members, or household surfaces after chewing.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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