Cow ears and pig ears are two of the most popular natural chews for dogs — both fully digestible, flavorful, and made from single ingredients. But if you're comparing them for durability, safety, and overall chewing experience, the differences become clear quickly. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you choose the best option for your dog.
Are Cow Ears or Pig Ears Better for Dogs?
Both chews have their benefits, and “better” depends on your dog’s chewing style.
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Cow ears are lighter, lower in fat, and more fibrous. They offer a cleaner chew and are great for everyday use. Natural versions like Cow Ears are especially popular for dogs with sensitive stomachs since they’re gentle and unlikely to cause greasy residue or digestive upset.
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Pig ears are richer, fattier, and more flavorful. Natural varieties such as pig ears or pig ear halves are great for dogs who love a crunchier, more indulgent chew.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach or gains weight easily, cow ears tend to be the safer choice. If your dog is flavor-driven and handles richer snacks well, pig ears can be a great reward-style chew.
Are Cow Ears Long Lasting?
Cow ears are moderately long-lasting, especially for medium chewers. They aren’t as tough as collagen sticks or cheek rolls, but they offer a satisfying chew that lasts anywhere from 10–30 minutes, depending on the dog.
Most owners choose them as a daily or “quiet time” chew because they’re:
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Low-fat
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Gentle on digestion
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Not greasy
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Naturally air-dried
Cow ears work exceptionally well for dogs who need regular chewing but don’t require extremely durable options. For heavy chewers, Cow Ear Slivers offer a faster, lighter version for frequent treats.
How Long Do Pig Ears Last?
Pig ears are typically slightly longer-lasting than cow ears because they’re thicker, fattier, and more substantial in texture.
On average:
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Light chewers: 20–40 minutes
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Moderate chewers: 10–20 minutes
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Heavy chewers: 5–10 minutes
They offer a crunchier bite that many dogs find irresistible, but the richer fat content means they’re better as an occasional treat rather than a daily chew.
If your dog chews aggressively and you want more durability than pig ears can offer, consider rotating with stronger options like Bully Sticks or Beef Collagen Sticks.
Which Dog Chews Last the Longest?
If your goal is maximum durability, here’s how cow ears and pig ears compare to other natural chews:
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Beef Cheek Rolls – extremely long-lasting, great for aggressive chewers
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Collagen Sticks – durable and digestible
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Bully Sticks – long-lasting and flavorful
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Pig Ears – moderate to long-lasting
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Cow Ears – moderate, best for daily chewing
For the longest-lasting natural options, chews like cheek rolls, collagen sticks, and 12" Bully Sticks outperform both cow and pig ears.
Cow Ears vs Pig Ears: Which Should You Choose?
Choose cow ears if your dog needs:
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A lighter, low-fat chew
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A daily safe option
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Something gentle on digestion
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Less smell and grease
Choose pig ears if your dog wants:
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A richer, more flavorful chew
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Slightly more durability
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A satisfying crunch
Both have a place in your chew rotation — cow ears for regular chewing, pig ears for rewarding, high-value snacks.
Final Thoughts
Cow ears and pig ears are both great natural chews, but they serve different purposes. Cow ears are lighter and cleaner; pig ears are richer and slightly longer-lasting. For aggressive chewers or dogs who need even more durability, chews like bully sticks, collagen sticks, or beef cheek rolls will last significantly longer.