Pig ears are a reasonable treat for most healthy dogs when given occasionally, but they come with real tradeoffs. They’re high in protein and more digestible than rawhide, yet their fat content and contamination history mean they’re not a treat you should hand out daily or without some precautions.
What’s Actually in a Pig Ear
A single dried pig ear contains roughly 130 to 150 calories, with about 69 to 70 percent protein on a dry matter basis and 15 to 20 percent fat. That protein content is genuinely high for a dog treat, which is part of their appeal. But the fat content is also significant, especially for smaller dogs or breeds prone to weight gain.
To put those calories in perspective, veterinary nutritionists at UC Davis recommend that treats make up no more than 10 percent of a dog’s daily calorie intake. A 20-pound dog eating around 400 calories a day should get no more than 40 calories from treats. One pig ear already blows past that limit by three or four times. Even for a 60-pound dog eating 1,000 calories daily, a single pig ear accounts for most of the treat budget. This means pig ears work best as an occasional reward, not a regular snack, and splitting one into portions makes more sense than giving a whole ear at once.
Digestibility Compared to Rawhide
One genuine advantage pig ears have over rawhide is digestibility. Rawhide is processed hide that sits in a dog’s stomach for a long time and can swell, creating blockage risks. Pig ears are softer, and most dogs chew them into small pieces before swallowing, which makes the breakdown process easier on the digestive system. If you’re choosing between the two, pig ears are the safer option from a digestibility standpoint.
That said, pig ears aren’t risk-free. Dogs that gulp treats without chewing thoroughly can still choke on large pieces or develop intestinal blockages. If your dog tends to tear off big chunks and swallow them whole, pig ears may not be the right choice. Supervision while your dog chews is the simplest way to catch problems early.
The Fat and Pancreatitis Risk
The biggest health concern with pig ears is their fat content. At around 20 percent fat, eating too many pig ears (or even one full ear for a small dog) can trigger digestive upset, and in more serious cases, pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas caused by a sudden spike in dietary fat. It causes vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy, and some cases require emergency veterinary care.
Certain breeds are more susceptible. Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, and other breeds already prone to pancreatitis or high triglycerides should probably skip pig ears entirely. Dogs that are overweight, on a weight management diet, or have a history of digestive problems are also poor candidates. For healthy, active, medium-to-large dogs, the occasional pig ear is unlikely to cause issues.
Salmonella: A Risk for You, Not Just Your Dog
Pig ears have a documented history of bacterial contamination, and the risk extends to humans who handle them. In 2019, the FDA and CDC tracked an outbreak of Salmonella infections tied to pig ear treats that sickened 154 people across 34 states. Thirty-five were hospitalized, and 27 of those who got sick were children under five. The contaminated products were traced back to manufacturers in Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia.
Contamination issues haven’t disappeared since then. In April 2025, a Florida-based company recalled a lot of pig ear slivers after testing by the Washington State Department of Agriculture found Salmonella. Dogs that eat contaminated treats can develop diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. But the less obvious risk is to people in the household, particularly young children and anyone with a weakened immune system, who touch the treats or surfaces the treats have contacted.
If you give your dog pig ears, wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Clean any surface the treat touched, including floors where your dog chewed. Store pig ears away from human food. And if you have toddlers in the house who might pick up a half-chewed pig ear off the floor, be extra vigilant.
How Often to Give Them
For a healthy, medium-to-large dog, one pig ear per week is a reasonable upper limit. Some owners split a single ear across two or three sessions, which keeps the calorie and fat load lower per serving and still gives the dog the chewing satisfaction it’s after. For small dogs under 20 pounds, half an ear or less at a time is more appropriate given the calorie math.
Pig ears work well as a high-value reward for special occasions or to keep a dog occupied during stressful situations like thunderstorms or crate training. They’re not meant to be a daily chew. If your dog needs something to gnaw on every day, lower-calorie options or veterinary-approved dental chews are a better fit for that role.
What to Look for When Buying
Source matters with pig ears more than with many other treats, given the contamination history. Look for products sourced and manufactured in the United States or Canada, where processing standards tend to be more consistent. Single-ingredient pig ears (just dried pig ear, nothing else) are preferable to those with added preservatives, flavorings, or smoke coatings, which can introduce additional digestive irritants.
Avoid pig ears that feel slimy, smell off, or have a greenish tint. These are signs of spoilage or bacterial growth. Once opened, store them in a cool, dry place. If a pig ear has been partially chewed and left out for hours, toss it rather than offering it again later, since bacteria multiply quickly on moist, protein-rich surfaces at room temperature.