Have you walked down the pet store aisle with all the “exotic” treats like animal feet or ears, tracheas, freeze-dried organs, antlers and bully sticks and wondered if you should feed these to your family dog?
Are they even safe or beneficial for your dog?
Below, we’ll shed some light on these natural, exotic and unique dog treats and reveal whether you should include them in your dog’s diet.
Exotic Dog Treats
While traditional treats like commercial biscuits are popular choices for dog treats, many dog parents are increasingly turning to more exotic options. But are these treats safe or even beneficial? Let’s take a closer look at six exotic dog treats below.
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Are Duck and Chicken Feet Good for Dogs? (Image by Heinz Hummel from Pixabay) Chicken or Duck Feet
Eating raw chicken or duck feet might seem strange, but they’re a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin for your dog’s joint health. These treats also provide a crunchy texture that helps to clean your dog’s teeth and gums. They are easily digestible and high in protein while low in fat. NOTE: only feed raw or air-dried! Cooked chicken or duck feet can create dangerous splinters in your dog’s digestive tract! (Source: SpoiledHounds.com)
- Rabbit Ears
Rabbit ears are low in fat but high in protein, making them an excellent alternative for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. They’re also a good source of essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and niacin for your dog’s overall health and well-being. In addition, rabbit ears are a great way to soothe a teething pup’s sore gums! Feed in moderation with the hair to help the intestines absorb more nutrients. (Source: NaturalTreats.eu)
- Freeze-Dried Organ Meats
Organ meats are nutrient powerhouses packed with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids like:- Secreting Organs.
Beef Kidney or Offal (pictured here) is one of the Nutritious, Exotic Dog Treats (Image by Hans from Pixabay) Livers.
Spleens.
Brains.
Kidneys.
Testicles.
Sweetbreads.
Pancreas. - Muscle Meats.
Tripe.
Lungs.
Hearts.
Gizzards.
Pizzles.
Tracheas.
Tongues.
Gullets.
- Secreting Organs.
Freeze-drying organs preserve their nutritional value (up to 97% of nutrients making it as healthy as fresh). Organ meats (also called offal) are particularly beneficial for dogs on raw or homemade diets, ensuring they receive essential nutrients. (Source: DogFoodAdvisor.com)
- Tracheas
Tracheas are dried cow windpipes rich in glucosamine and chondroitin for better joint health and mobility. These chewy treats are also high in protein and low in fat, making them suitable for dogs of all sizes and breeds. Tracheas are an excellent alternative to rawhide chews (which can pose choking hazards and digestive issues). (Source: K9Connoisseur.com)
Click here to learn more about Antler Chews on the Cold Noses News blog.
- Antlers
Antlers are a Good Exotic Dog Treat for Some Dogs (PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay) Antlers are long-lasting chews rich in calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals that promote healthy bones and teeth. Unlike traditional bones, antlers are less likely to splinter or break, making them a safer option for aggressive chewers.
- Bully Sticks
Bully sticks are made from 100% dried bull or steer pizzle (a Middle English word for penis). They are:- Highly palatable and digestible muscle.
- Great for dogs with stomach sensitivities.
- Long-lasting for even the toughest chewer.
They’re rich in protein while low in fat, making them an ideal treat without adding excess and unnecessary calories. (Source: ProperNatural.co.uk)
Exotic Dog Treats: A Few Words of Caution
- While exotic dog treats offer a variety of nutritional benefits, always choose high-quality products from reputable sources. If possible, find local farmers for your dog’s exotic dog treats.
Always Supervise a Chewing Dog for their Safety (Image by Manfred Antranias Zimmer from Pixabay) - Always avoid dog treats made outside the United States to ensure the best quality without harmful ingredients.
- Avoid the following:
- Artificial additives, flavors or colors.
- Preservatives, fillers or chemicals.
- Exotic dog treats should be all-natural with a single ingredient.
- Additionally, always supervise your dog while enjoying their treats to prevent choking or ingesting of large pieces.
The Final Word
Feeding your dog exotic treats provides:
- Beneficial and nutritional health benefits for your dog’s overall health and well-being.
- An enriching chewing experience with mental stimulation that alleviates your dog’s boredom or anxiety through the endorphins released during chewing.
- Good dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup while preventing bad breath.
Simply put, these natural treats provide your furry best friend with an all-natural chewing experience his ancestors once enjoyed in the wild!
So go ahead and treat your furry friend to something special today!
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