Are Pig Ears Safe for Puppies Under 6 Months?

Pig ears are one of the most popular natural chews for dogs — but when it comes to young puppies, age matters. Their teeth, digestion, and chewing behavior are still developing, so choosing the right chew is essential for safety.

Puppies under 6 months should not have pig ears. Most vets recommend waiting until at least 5–6 months because pig ears are rich, tough to digest, and can break into large pieces that young puppies may swallow. Choose softer, puppy-safe chews instead.

Why Pig Ears Are Not Safe for Puppies Under 6 Months

Pig ears are flavorful and natural, but they’re still too tough and fatty for young pups.

1. Digestive systems are still developing

Puppies under 6 months often struggle to digest fatty or rich chews. Pig ears can cause:

• Upset stomach

• Loose stool or diarrhea

• Vomiting

2. Teething puppies chew aggressively

Young puppies with sharp baby teeth can rip off large pieces, increasing the risk of:

• Choking

• Intestinal blockage

• Rapid overconsumption

3. Training and behavior risks

Pig ears last long, but puppies often overchew due to teething frustration — not ideal for moderation.

What Age Can Puppies Have Pig Ears?

Most experts recommend introducing pig ears after 6 months, once adult teeth begin to come in and digestion stabilizes.

If you do introduce them later:

• Supervise

• Limit chewing time

• Choose high-quality, single-ingredient ears like Brutus & Barnaby’s Pig Ears for Dogs.

Can 12-Week-Old Puppies Have Pig Ears?

No. 12-week-old puppies are too young for pig ears. Their teeth and digestion are not developed enough, and pig ears can break into swallowable pieces that pose choking or blockage risks.

Can 8-Week-Old Puppies Have Pig Ears?

Absolutely not. 8-week-old puppies should never have pig ears or any hard chew. At this age, their diet should be soft, controlled, and easily digestible.

Are Dried Pig Ears Safe for Dogs?

Yes — but only for older puppies and adult dogs.
Dried pig ears are safe when they are:

• Single-ingredient

• Free from chemicals

• Sourced from reputable suppliers

• Fully dried (no added preservatives)

For adults, our natural option is Pig Ears for Dogs.

Pig Ears for Puppies

Across dog-owner discussions, the consensus is consistent:

• Not safe for puppies under 6 months

• Many owners report digestive upset in younger dogs

• Most recommend softer chews until adult teeth arrive

Safer Alternatives for Puppies Under 6 Months

Instead of pig ears, choose soft, easily digestible, and size-controlled chews:

Avoid for young puppies

• Pig ears

• Bully sticks (too hard for very young pups)

• Beef cheek rolls

• Cow ears (unless soft, thin, and supervised)

Good chews for young puppies

Use these from your catalog where appropriate:

1. Puppy-safe, softer treats

• Sweet Potato Fries for Dogs

• Sweet Potato Slices – Single Ingredient USA Grown

• Sweet Potato Sticks – Pumpkin & Cinnamon

• Sweet Potato Peanut Butter & Banana Sticks

These are gentle, digestible, and non-splintering, ideal for teething puppies. You can shop them all on our online store with excellent range of sweet potato treats for dogs.

2. Light training treats

• Training Treats – Peanut Butter & Banana

• Training Treats – Peanut Butter & Apple

• Training Treats – Sweet Potato & Chicken

Perfect for reward-based training without the choking risks of big chews. Shop our dog training treats here.

3. Cow ears (for older puppies, ~4–5 months only)

Cow ears are safer than pig ears because they are leaner and less fatty — but still introduce them after 4–5 months, not earlier.

Your options:

• Cow Ears for Dogs – Free Range, No Hormones

• Cow Ear Slivers (softer and thinner)

Can Puppies Have Chicken Feet?

Puppies can have air-dried chicken feet, but only after 4–5 months and only under supervision. They are natural and rich in glucosamine but can be crunchy and break into small bones, which younger pups cannot handle safely.

What Chews Are Good for Puppies?

Good chews for puppies under 6 months should be soft, digestible, and appropriately sized. The best options include:

• Air-dried sweet potato chews

• Soft training treats

• Puppy teething rings

• Cow ear slivers (older puppies)

• Light jerky treats (only very soft)

Avoid dense chews like pig ears, bully sticks, and beef cheek until later.

When Can Puppies Start Harder Chews Like Pig Ears?

Here’s a quick guide:

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Chews and Treats Recommendations

For older puppies and adults:

• Pig Ears for Dogs — Large, Whole, All-Natural

• Cow Ears for Dogs — Free Range Angus

• Bully Sticks 6" or 12" Jumbo (after 6 months)

• Beef Cheek Rolls (older chewers)

For puppies under 6 months:

• Sweet Potato Slices

• Sweet Potato Fries

• Dog Training Treats

• Sweet Potato Sticks

Final Takeaway

Pig ears are not safe for puppies under 6 months due to choking risks, digestive sensitivity, and teething over-chewing. Start with gentle, soft chews and introduce pig ears only once your puppy's adult teeth and gut are ready.