Rabbit ears for dogs are a great alternative to traditional dog treats. They’re a natural dewormer, source of fibre and contain glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
They are also a fantastic way to help your pup with teething pains and gum problems. However, it’s important to remember that they are a treat and should be a small part of your dog’s overall diet.
Contents
They are a natural dewormer
Rabbit ears for dogs are a great natural dewormer. They contain hair which helps to brush the inside of your dog’s intestine, allowing worms and other parasites to pass through without getting stuck.
They also help improve digestion as they scrape and slough off the walls of your dog’s gut, and can be fed several times a week as a treat. They are also a natural source of fibre, helping to bulk up your dog’s poo and make it easier for the anal glands to squeeze.
They are also an effective worming agent, containing the amino acid cucurbitacin which paralyses and eliminates worms from your dog’s digestive tract. They can be fed whole or ground into a powder, which you can sprinkle over your dog’s food, or mix in with their water.
They are a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin
Glucosamine is a combination of glutamine (an amino acid) and glucose (a sugar). It helps to create the molecules that form the cartilage in your dog’s joints.
But as dogs get older, their production of this compound decreases, which is why vets recommend glucosamine supplements to help prevent osteoarthritis and alleviate pain caused by joint injuries or conditions.
These supplements do not have to be synthetic and can be found naturally in foods like rabbits ears for dogs or bone broth. They are easily absorbed into your pet’s body and can provide a good source of this essential nutrient.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are powerful compounds that work together to promote water retention in the joints, which helps to cushion the area between bones. They can also improve elasticity of cartilage.
They are a natural source of calcium
If your dog doesn’t have enough calcium in their diet, there are a number of ways to provide them with this mineral. Bones are a popular source, however it is important to grind them into a fine powder before feeding your dog.
Raw bones can be a choking hazard and they also have sharp points that can damage your dog’s esophagus or intestinal tracts.
Other sources of calcium can be found in fish, such as sardine, salmon and tuna. Be sure to cook the fish thoroughly, as raw fish can upset your dog’s stomach and may contain disease-causing bacteria.
Yogurt is another way to add calcium to your dog’s diet. This bacterially fermented milk product is rich in calcium and probiotics.
However, because of the lactose contents, yogurt should be given in moderation and only to dogs that aren’t lactose intolerant. Cheese is also a good source of calcium and makes an excellent treat for your dog.
They are a natural source of fibre
Having a good supply of fibre in your dog’s diet is vital for maintaining their digestive health. It can also help lower their risk of developing diarrhea and colon cancer.
Rabbit ears for dogs are a natural source of fibre, as they contain fur and hide which is naturally high in fiber. They can be a great addition to a raw dog food or can be fed as a treat in small amounts.
The fur on the ears will brush and clean the intestines as your dog chews them, improving their digestion. This in turn will improve their overall stool structure and health.
Soluble fibre dissolves in water and helps to keep your dog’s digestive system moving, preventing things like constipation. This is especially helpful for dogs with diabetes as soluble fibre can help control their blood sugar levels.
Some dog owners also feed fibre supplements to help boost their dog’s intake of this nutrient. However, these can sometimes cause palatability problems for some dogs.
