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The answer to this question is a little more in-depth than a simple “yes” or “no.” Pigs’ ears are a type of treat aimed primarily at dogs. They’re chew toys that provide nutrients while the dog chews on them. However, they’re not nutritionally necessary and can pose health risks, including gastrointestinal upset, choking, intestinal obstruction, and bacterial contamination, to pets and humans.
Pigs’ ears are not inherently toxic for cats. They can eat them, and they fit the nutritional profile for cats. However, they may be contaminated with Salmonella, and Salmonella contamination of pig-ear treats has been associated with outbreaks of illness in both people and animals.
Cat Nutrition in Short
Cats are known as being “obligate carnivores.” These true carnivores eat a wild diet consisting primarily of animal tissues. Pigs’ ears fit into the nutritional profile of the obligate carnivore world; they’re an animal protein that can provide essential nutrients that cats need to thrive.
However, as with any animal, not all animal parts contain the same nutrients. Some are healthier for our pets than others, and pigs’ ears are not particularly beneficial as a regular part of the diet.
Pigs’ Ears Nutrition
Pigs’ ears are not exceptionally nutritious. Pigs’ ears do contain a protein content of around 69% on average, according to Bully Sticks. However, it is worth taking their words with a grain of salt since they make rawhide products and will be more inclined to provide information to help them sell those.
Pigs’ ears are also dense sources of fats. This can be good in moderation, but if a cat consumes too many, they’re likely to gain weight because pig ears are calorie-dense treats.
Overall, pigs’ ears are not a nutritionally complete or balanced food for cats. They’re not dense in the nutrients we associate with good health and can be high in fat and sodium. Regardless of what kind of animal is eating them, it is safe to say these would be considered treats rather than a nutritionally balanced food.
Salmonella Contamination
Salmonella contamination has been a well-documented problem with pigs’ ears. As a result of contact with pig-ear treats, the CDC investigated a multistate Salmonella outbreak in 2019. However, the link between the treat and the infection was published as early as 2001 in Canada.
While the CDC reported that the Salmonella outbreak associated with pigs’ ears had quelled by October 2019, the American Veterinary Medical Association said that the treats remained a source of concern in 2020.
The CDC traced the Salmonella outbreak to a few notable countries of origin for the pigs’ ear treats. However, this process is made difficult by the storage conditions of the treats. While some pet stores would store their pigs’ ears in individual wrapping, others would keep them in a large bulk bin that pet parents could fish one out of.
The AMVA reports that “salmonella can stick around in the environment for quite some time” and notes that it can be hard to trace salmonella infections that were associated with pigs’ ear bulk bins in 2019.
Salmonella contamination of pig-ear treats has been a recurring concern in the pet industry. While the pigs’ ears themselves may be safe for cats, many vets recommend against feeding cats and dogs pigs’ ears because of the potential for Salmonella contamination.
This is especially true for pet parents who are or are close to someone who is immunocompromised. Contaminated pig-ear treats can spread Salmonella to hands and household surfaces, making proper handling and hygiene important.
Alternatives to Pigs’ Ears
Luckily, there are as many alternatives to pigs’ ear treats as reasons to take advantage of them. While most of these treats are labeled for and aimed at dogs, that does not necessarily mean they are appropriate or safe for cats.
Cows’ Ears
Cows’ Ears have become a popular treat that pet parents can use in place of pigs’ ears. Beef is lean meat that contains less fat and a higher density of nutrients than many pork products. Several brands now take advantage of the production of these treats. However, pet parents loved Barkworthies Cow Ears!
Lambs’ Ears
Lambs’ Ears are another suitable replacement for pigs’ ears. They are softer and less likely to splinter than pigs’ ears. Lambs’ Ears used to be significantly more difficult to find than pigs’ ears, but many brands have stepped up to make Lambs’ Ear treats more accessible in recent years. Ziwi’s Liver-Coated Lambs’ Ears were our favorites! The liver coating provides nutrients, including taurine, although cats should obtain most of their required nutrients from a complete and balanced diet.
Now that you know what you can safely feed your cat, it’s just as important to find a bowl that supports their health and well-being. With whisker-friendly bowls and a wide tray to catch any spills, our Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl is our favorite option.
Final Thoughts
Cats will be attracted to many different foods, but that doesn’t mean that we should be feeding them anything they look at! Pig’s ear treats are not toxic to cats and can provide protein and fat, but they are not nutritionally necessary or balanced treats for cats. However, there are a lot of risks associated with feeding your cat pig’s ear treats. From obesity to salmonella, and potentially choking, gastrointestinal upset, or intestinal obstruction, pigs’ ears have many dangers associated with them, and pet parents would do well to avoid them for their pets’ overall safety.
As always, if you suspect that your cat is having issues with something they ate, you must contact your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will best be able to guide you in determining whether or not your cat needs medical attention.
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