There are many different dog treats available in the market, but one of the more unusual treats is the rabbit ear treat, and if you’re here reading this then it’s likely you’re trying to learn more about this tasty healthy snack for dogs!
Rabbit ears are one of the most delicious and nutritious natural treats for your dog. Rabbit ear dog treats have plenty of health benefits, but if you are concerned about whether they are safe or not, and what exactly are those benefits, then read this article to the end.
What are the different types of rabbit ear dog treats?
The rabbit ear dog treat is usually available in two different types, either furry/hairy or plain. It is also available in two forms, frozen and air-dried or dehydrated. Air-dried rabbit ear dog treat is considered more crunchy, delicious, and nutritious.
Are rabbit ears safe for dogs?
One of the main concerns people have about rabbit ear dog treats is whether they are safe for their dog or not. People sometimes worry that the fur/hair can cause impaction (constipation), and can be difficult to digest if ingested in large quantities. Some people also raise concerns about the possibility of the rabbit ear getting stuck in the dog's throat or intestine.
However, rabbit ears are completely safe and nutritious if fed in recommended amounts. Feeding your dog two or three rabbit ears as a treat per week is perfectly safe. Additionally, the rabbit ear contains fur, cartilage, and hair but does not contain bones that can get stuck in the throat or cause damage to the intestine.
Similarly, some dogs, especially puppies, may eat too many of this treat and too quickly, if allowed to, and subsequently suffer impaction as a result. In the case of these such dogs and puppies, it is advisable to supervise them by feeding them with just one rabbit ear at a time so that they chew it correctly and don’t ‘guzzle’ it in order to get the next one. Most dogs and puppies totally love rabbit ears so will always want more!
Health benefits of rabbit ears
There are many health benefits of feeding your dog rabbit ears, but some of the main benefits are:
- · The rabbit ear in air-dried form provides an abrasive action against dogs' teeth when eaten. It will result in the removal of tartar and plaque or any other accumulated material, helping keep teeth and gums clean and healthy.
- · Rabbit ears help improve your dog's digestion and also act as natural dewormers because the fur/hair present in the rabbit ear acts like brushes and removes worms from the intestine. They won't however kill/remove all the the worms in one go, so feed them with furry/hairy rabbit ears regularly (for example 2 or 3 per week for a medium sized dog).
- · If your dog is allergic to different dog treats, then rabbit ears are the perfect hypoallergenic treats. However, some dogs can also be allergic to rabbit protein, but this is a rare case because it is a novel protein.
- · Rabbit ear is also a low-fat treat and is best for dogs that are overweight or have a condition that may worsen, such as pancreatitis. For these dogs, a low-fat rabbit ear treat is a nutritious treat.
- · Rabbit ears increase the chewing activity in dogs. Chewing has been scientifically proven to trigger the release of endorphins which can help reduce anxiety, and your dog will feel less anxious.
Conclusion
Rabbit Ear Dog Treats are a healthy and nutritious treat that provides many health benefits, such as better dental health, better digestion, and decreased worm burden and reduce anxiety.