Ear Treats for Dogs:
Goat, Lamb & Venison Ears Explained
One of the best natural chews going — packed with protein, joint-supporting nutrients, and genuinely loved by dogs of every size. Here's the full story. 🦌
Walk into any serious dog treat conversation in NZ and ear treats will come up. Goat ears, lamb ears, venison ears — they're having a moment, and for very good reason. These single-ingredient, air-dried natural chews are genuinely one of the most nutritionally rich, digestible, and all-round useful treats you can give your dog. But what makes them so good? And which one is right for your pup? Here's everything you need to know.
01 — The BasicsWhat Are Animal Ear Treats — And What Are They Made Of?
Animal ear treats are exactly what they sound like: the ears of animals — goat, lamb, venison, beef — that have been gently air-dried to create a natural, shelf-stable chew. No additives, no preservatives, no fillers. Just the ear, dried down to its pure, chewy, flavourful form.
The reason they're so nutritionally interesting is what ears are actually made of: primarily cartilage. Cartilage is a dense connective tissue that is naturally rich in collagen, chondroitin, and glucosamine — the same compounds found in expensive joint health supplements. It's also high in protein and relatively low in fat compared to many other natural chews, making it a balanced, genuinely nutritious treat rather than an empty-calorie snack.
Air-drying (rather than cooking at high heat) is critical to preserving this nutritional profile. Unlike smoked, roasted, or boiled alternatives, air-dried treats retain their natural enzymes, amino acids, and nutrients largely intact — giving your dog the full benefit of what the cartilage has to offer.
Ear treats look simple. But what's in them — cartilage packed with natural chondroitin, glucosamine, and protein — puts them in a different league from most pet shop treats. Your dog knows it too.
Why Ear Treats Are So Good for Your Dog
This isn't marketing — the benefits of natural cartilage-based chews are well supported by nutritional science. Here's what's actually happening when your dog works through an ear treat:
Natural Joint Support
Cartilage is the body's primary source of natural chondroitin — a compound clinically associated with cartilage health, reduced joint inflammation, and improved mobility. Every ear treat delivers these same compounds as a food-form supplement, making them particularly valuable for active dogs, large breeds, and seniors.
Dental Health Through Chewing
The firm, fibrous texture of an ear treat provides genuine mechanical cleaning action as your dog chews — scraping plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces in the same way a toothbrush would. Regular chewing has been shown to reduce plaque accumulation by up to 70%, supporting gum health and fresher breath without any brushing required.
High Protein, Lower Fat
Ear treats are predominantly cartilage and skin — making them naturally high in protein and lower in fat than many popular chews. Venison ears, for example, contain approximately 68% crude protein and 14% fat. That's a nutritionally dense treat that supports muscle condition without the calorie load of fattier alternatives like pig ears.
Fully Digestible
Unlike rawhide — which is essentially indigestible processed leather — natural animal ears are composed of cartilage and skin that breaks down safely and efficiently in a dog's digestive system. This means no risk of intestinal blockage from swallowed pieces, making them a genuinely safer option for enthusiastic chewers.
Ideal for Dogs with Sensitivities
Single-ingredient treats are the gold standard for dogs with food intolerances or allergies. With nothing added — no grain, no gluten, no artificial additives — ear treats are one of the safest options for dogs on exclusion diets or with sensitive digestion. Novel proteins like goat and venison are especially useful for dogs reactive to common proteins like chicken or beef.
Mental Stimulation & Enrichment
A satisfying chew is a genuinely enriching activity. The sustained focus required to work through an ear treat engages your dog's problem-solving instincts, provides a calming outlet for anxiety and restlessness, and releases endorphins that promote wellbeing. A dog occupied with a good chew is a settled, contented dog.
Why Ear Treats Beat Rawhide Every Time
Rawhide has been a go-to dog chew for decades — but it has a genuinely poor safety record, and the more dog owners know about it, the more they switch to natural alternatives. Here's the honest comparison:
Rawhide is not food — it's a leather byproduct. Rawhide is made from the inner layer of cow hides, processed by the leather industry using chemicals including bleach, formaldehyde, and artificial flavourings. It is not a natural food product — it's a processed industrial material shaped to look like a treat.
Rawhide doesn't digest. Unlike natural cartilage-based chews, rawhide does not break down in a dog's digestive system. It swells with moisture, creating a genuine choking hazard and, in serious cases, intestinal blockages requiring emergency surgery. The FDA has issued multiple warnings about rawhide chews for exactly this reason.
Natural ears are fully digestible. Because they're composed of actual cartilage and skin rather than processed leather, animal ear treats break down safely and completely through normal digestion. Pieces that are swallowed pass through without incident.
Chemical contamination is a real concern with rawhide. Multiple studies have detected trace levels of arsenic, lead, mercury, and chromium in commercially produced rawhide treats. Single-ingredient, air-dried ear treats from traceable sources contain none of these — what you see on the label is what's in the bag.
Ear treats are single-source and transparent. No colouring, no chemical processing, no added flavouring. Goat ear, lamb ear, venison ear — the ingredient list is one item long. That transparency is increasingly rare and genuinely valuable.
Goat vs Lamb vs Venison: Which Ear Is Right for Your Dog?
All three are excellent choices — but the right pick depends on your dog's size, protein sensitivities, and chewing style. Here's how they break down:
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Goat Ears — best for small to medium dogs
Goat ears are the smallest of the three, sizing approximately 110–170mm. This makes them an ideal portion for smaller breeds and less intense chewers who would polish off a larger ear too quickly to really benefit. Goat is also a novel protein — meaning dogs that react to common proteins like chicken, beef, or lamb can often tolerate goat without any issues, making these ears especially useful for dogs on allergy management diets. Popular with medium dogs too as a lighter mid-week treat.
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Lamb Ears — a versatile all-rounder
Lamb ears sit in the middle of the size range and suit a wide variety of dogs — from medium breeds through to most larger breeds. Lamb is a familiar protein that most dogs love, and the slightly softer texture compared to venison makes lamb ears particularly good for puppies getting into chewing, dogs with sensitive teeth, and senior dogs who appreciate a slightly easier chew. A reliable, popular everyday treat option.
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Venison (Deer) Ears — best for medium to large dogs
Venison ears are the largest and densest of the three, ranging from 120–230mm, making them ideal for medium to large breeds and medium to large breed puppies who need a more substantial chewing challenge. At approximately 68% crude protein, they're the most protein-rich option in the range. Venison is also a novel protein — great for dogs that react to more common meats. The firmer texture means they last longer, providing more sustained chewing enrichment per treat.
🐾 Quick size guide
As a general rule: goat ears for small to medium dogs (up to ~20kg), lamb ears for small to large dogs (flexible for most breeds), venison ears for medium to large dogs (20kg+). All ears can be given to puppies with supervision — just match the ear size to your puppy's breed size, not their current weight. Always supervise your dog while they're enjoying any chew treat.
Our Ear Treat Range at Thorncombe
All of our ear treats are sourced from Whinny & Co — a New Zealand producer we trust for their commitment to single-ingredient, air-dried natural treats with no additives, fillers, or nasties. Available individually or in bulk 1kg packs for great value.
Bulk Venison (Deer) Ears 1kg
Our most popular ear treat for medium to large dogs and medium-large breed puppies. Air-dried New Zealand venison ears with no additives — a single-ingredient chew packed with approximately 68% crude protein and natural chondroitin to support joint health. Size varies from 120–230mm, making these a genuinely substantial chew that keeps larger dogs engaged. Also available individually as Whinny & Co Venison Ears if you'd like to try before you commit to the bulk bag.
Bulk Lamb Ears 1kg
The versatile all-rounder of the ear treat family. Lamb ears suit a wide range of breeds and are a favourite with dogs of all sizes — their slightly softer texture makes them especially good for puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with sensitive teeth who want a satisfying chew without having to work too hard. 100% air-dried New Zealand lamb ear with nothing added. A brilliant everyday natural chew that most dogs absolutely love from the first sniff.
Bulk Goat's Ears 1kg
The small but mighty option — super popular with small to medium dogs who need a right-sized natural chew. Goat ears range approximately 110–170mm and are a brilliant alternative to larger ears for smaller breeds. As a novel protein, goat is also the go-to choice for dogs with intolerances to more common meats — great for pets with allergies to other species. 100% air-dried goat ear, single ingredient, no additives. Also available as individual Whinny & Co Goat's Ears from $2.50 each.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ear treats safe for puppies?
Yes — with supervision. Match the ear size to your puppy's breed size rather than their current weight. Goat ears are ideal for small breed puppies; lamb ears suit medium breed puppies; venison ears work well for medium to large breed puppies. Always supervise your puppy with any chew treat, especially early on when you're learning their chewing style. Remove the treat if pieces become small enough to swallow whole.
How often can I give my dog an ear treat?
For most dogs, 2–3 ear treats per week is a reasonable frequency as part of a balanced diet. They're not meal replacements — they're treats and chewing enrichment. If your dog is on a calorie-restricted diet, factor the treat calories in. Your vet can advise on appropriate treat frequency for your dog's individual health needs.
Do venison or goat ears smell?
Honestly — yes, a little. They're natural, air-dried animal products and they have a mild meaty aroma. Most dogs go wild for it; most owners barely notice after a while. The key is storing them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place between treat sessions. The bulk 1kg bags are resealable, but an additional airtight container is worth it for freshness and to keep the smell contained.
My dog inhales treats rather than chewing them. Are ear treats safe?
Ear treats are fully digestible, so pieces that are swallowed won't cause a blockage the way rawhide can. That said, any chew treat poses a choking risk if large pieces are swallowed without adequate chewing — always supervise your dog, especially if they're a gulper. You can also try holding one end of the ear while your dog chews the other end, which slows them down and encourages proper chewing behaviour.
What's the difference between buying individually vs the 1kg bulk bag?
The 1kg bulk bags offer significantly better value per treat — ideal if your dog is already a fan and you want to stock up. Individual Whinny & Co ears (available from $2.50 each) are a great way to try a new protein or size before committing to bulk. We'd always recommend trying individually first if you're introducing an ear treat to your dog for the first time.
Can I give ear treats to a dog with a beef allergy?
Yes — goat and venison ears are both novel proteins, meaning dogs that react to common proteins like beef, chicken, or pork can usually tolerate them without issue. Lamb is also a common exclusion diet protein for beef-allergic dogs, but if your dog already reacts to lamb, stick with goat or venison. If your dog has a diagnosed food allergy, it's always worth checking with your vet before introducing any new protein.
Treats They'll Go Nuts For 🦌
Stock up on goat, lamb, and venison ears — available individually or in bulk 1kg packs for great value. Free shipping on orders over $85*, shipped from Te Awamutu.
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