{"id":1863,"date":"2021-04-11T09:54:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-11T09:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging2.kipandtwiggys.com\/?p=1863"},"modified":"2022-09-18T12:51:10","modified_gmt":"2022-09-18T12:51:10","slug":"rabbit-ears-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kipandtwiggys.com\/rabbit-ears-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Rabbit Ears for Dogs (by Jo the Vet)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Rabbit ears are somewhat of an unusual treat, and chances are you probably haven’t come across them before. But maybe you’re looking for a nutritious, natural treat for your dog? Or even a treat which offers health benefits as well as being delicious? Rabbit ears might fulfil your needs, but maybe you want to check they are safe for your dog first?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we will discover why you might want to consider rabbit ears for your dog, and what benefits they provide, as well as their downsides and a few alternatives if you’re not so keen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Key facts<\/span><\/h2>

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Rabbit ears can provide your dog with some unique health benefits, such as improved digestion, improving dental health, decreasing anxiety and may also decrease worm burdens. <\/p>

They are healthy and natural, and available with both hair on and off, depending on your needs. <\/p>

Be vigilant about where your rabbit ears are sourced to ensure the rabbits have been kept under high welfare standards. <\/p>

Avoid if your dog has sensitive guts and monitor for diarrhoea after they’ve tried them for the first time. <\/p>

For most dogs, rabbit ears are an excellent treat option several times a week, and your dog is sure to love them!<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>What are Rabbit Ears?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rabbit ears are by-products of the rabbit meat industry. Most rabbit ears sold in the UK are sourced from Europe, however China is the largest producer of rabbit meat in the world, so it is important to check the packaging to see where they have come from. European rabbit farming welfare standards are far superior to China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once harvested, the ears are either air-dried (the most popular method) or freeze-dried, with or without hair. Both of these methods ensure they have an excellent shelf-life. Air-dried ears can be stored in an airtight container for up to 18 months, whereas freeze-dried ears can be stored for 30 days once opened, in a cool, dry place. Even so, your dog is probably going to go through them in a matter of days or weeks, so they won’t still be around towards the end of their shelf-life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Benefits of Rabbit Ears for Dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Key benefits<\/h3><\/div>

Natural De-Wormer<\/strong>
Not strictly true, but could help reduce worm count.<\/p>

Anal Glad Health<\/strong>
Fur-on rabbit ears help firm up stools which helps keep anal glands in good nick.<\/p>

Hypoallergenic<\/strong>
Again, not strictly true. But many dogs with allergies tolerate rabbit protein.<\/p>

Dental Health<\/strong>
Chewing rabbit ears has an abrasive effect on dog’s teeth, helping the stay clean.<\/p>

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Rabbit ears are highly nutritious for dogs, however the nutritional make up varies considerably between products. Nevertheless, all are high in protein which is excellent for maintaining healthy muscles, hair and skin, as well as many other bodily functions. The average ranges are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Vitamins and minerals<\/h3><\/div>
Nutrients<\/div><\/div>
Range<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Protein<\/div><\/div>
46-71%<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Fat<\/div><\/div>
8-34%<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Ash<\/div><\/div>
1-3%<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Moisture<\/div><\/div>
5-8%<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Minerals<\/div><\/div>
% RDA<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Maganese<\/div><\/div>
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Not only are they a nutritious treat for your dog, but they also have many health benefits, which include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n