Guide to Cow Hooves for Dogs (by Ruth the Vet)

What Are Cow Hooves?

Like many natural dog chews, cow hooves are created from by-products of the meat industry. The bones are removed from the cow’s feet and then processed to create a tasty chew. Sometimes they may also be filled with a meaty paste to make them more appealing. 

Provenance

Cow hooves, as the name suggests, are made from the feet of cattle. The hooves are considered a by-product, meaning that they are not a normal part of the cow to be eaten. They do have several other possible uses besides dog chews – for example, they may be used to make tallows (fats for use in food or industry), fertilizers, and even foam for fire extinguishers. 

Preparation

To make a suitable chew, the hooves are removed from the rest of the foot, cleaned, cooked, and then air-dried. These hoof treats are then naturally hollow and are sometimes filled with meaty paste.

Raw Feeding Box

Cow hooves are not usually eaten raw. They do technically contain some protein, but it is in a form that is very difficult for a dog to digest, so they are not usually a significant part of a balanced diet.

Benefits of Cow Hooves for Dogs

Long-Lasting

Cow hooves are largely made of keratin, a tough protein that provides a challenge for even an enthusiastic chewer. This makes them a long-lasting choice, but can come with some risks to dogs’ teeth, as we will see later.

Single Protein Source

As long as they are not filled with another kind of paste, cow hooves should only contain a single kind of animal protein. This may be useful for dogs who cannot tolerate certain kinds of meat in their diets.

However, depending on the manufacturing process used, there is the possibility of cross-contamination with other proteins, too. This means that dogs who are severely allergic to some meats may still have issues eating these treats, even if they are normally fine with beef.

Lower Fat

Cow hooves do have some fat in them, but this may be less than for other kinds of chews or treats. However, it can vary quite widely between different brands, so be sure to check the packaging for your dog’s own treat.

Nutritional Information for Cow Hooves

Protein

Cow hooves are often said to be “high in protein”, but this is quite a misleading claim. They do technically have a high protein content, but most of that protein is in the form of keratin. This tough structure is very difficult for dogs to digest, so keratin is not a very useful source of protein for dogs.

Fats

Most cow hooves do contain some fat – and if they have a meaty stuffing, then this is likely to be much higher. These fats are not particularly high-quality, from a nutrition point of view, so mostly just add calories to this treat.

Vitamins, Minerals & Compounds

Cow hooves contain very few vitamins and minerals. Those that are present are tightly hard to digest, much the same as the protein, and so are not likely to offer many benefits.

However, as long as your dog is eating a complete and balanced diet that is appropriate for their age and breed, then they will not need any extra vitamins or minerals in their diet.

Feeding Guide

Cow hooves should only be given as an occasional treat – certainly no more than once a week. Try to keep any treats or table scraps that your dog has low, so that they make up no more than ten per cent of their daily food intake, by weight.

Downsides & Risks of Cow Hooves for Dogs

Dental Damage

Cow hooves can be quite hard, and there is a risk that chewing on them could damage your dog’s teeth. As a general rule, a dog chew should be soft enough that you can make a dent in it with your nail. If the cow hooves that you have bought are harder than this, then consider soaking them in water to soften them before offering them to your dog.

Choking

Cow hooves are solid, and if dogs try to swallow them too quickly then they may get stuck in their throat or food pipe (oesophagus). If this happens then your dog will need immediate medical attention, and sadly it can even be fatal in some cases. Always supervise your dog when they are enjoying this kind of chew, and make sure they do not try to swallow large pieces.

Intestinal blockage

Smaller pieces of cow hoof that are swallowed without chewing can lodge in the stomach or small intestines. As hooves are hard to digest, this can lead to them causing a blocking. If this happens then the dog will start to vomit and may seem uncomfortable in their belly. This needs prompt treatment from a veterinarian to avoid serious complications.

Avoid If…

• Your dog has untreated dental issues
• Your dog is known to chew and swallow their food quickly
• Your dog has any food sensitivities or allergies

Are Cow Hooves Good for Puppies?

Cow hooves are not a suitable treat for puppies and young dogs, as they may harm their developing teeth. Young dogs are also more prone to bolting their food, which may increase their risk of choking. Do not feed cow hooves to dogs under 1 year of age.

Alternatives to Cow Hooves For Dogs

• Other meaty chews such as tripe sticks may have a higher nutritional value, as they are easier for dogs to digest. However, they are still considered treats, and should not make up more than ten per cent of your dog’s diet.
• The Veterinary Oral Health Council has an accepted list of chews that are safer for your dog’s teeth.

FAQs