Rabbit Ears for Dogs & Venison Treats

Pet parents often wonder what meats fall into this category. "Venison" or "game" is, simply put, meat from wild game animals rather than farmed livestock. Dogs love it for its flavour, and their owners love it for its nutritional benefits. The game category includes large and small animals, such as:

• Roe deer
• Red deer
• Wild boar
• Hare (and rabbit)
• Wild birds, e.g., pheasant

This is a very common question. Yes, rabbit ears for dogs are an excellent, natural chew. They are a popular choice because they are:

• Low in fat: A great, light snack.
• Easy to digest: Gentle on most dogs' stomachs.
• Good for dental health: The chewing action helps clean teeth.
• Often hypoallergenic: Rabbit is a "novel" protein, meaning it's great for dogs with sensitivities to common meats like chicken.
• With fur (optional): Many dog parents choose rabbit ears with fur, as the fur is thought to act as a natural digestive aid by helping to "sweep" the intestinal tract.

Besides Rabbit Ears for Dogs, popular chews include antlers (from deer or roe deer), hare paws, wild boar legs, and the ears of various game animals. You must match the chew to your dog's needs and chewing strength. What does this mean?

• Rabbit/Hare Ears: As mentioned, these are great for smaller dogs. They are crunchy but not too hard, and low in calories.
• Wild boar legs or antler pieces: These can be given to large dogs with strong teeth, but only under supervision—these are very tough chews.
• Split antlers: A good compromise, as the marrow inside is softer but still very tasty and doesn't wear down the teeth as much.
• Roe deer or red deer skin: An excellent, healthy, and versatile chew.
• Wild boar skin: Fattier, making it tastier, but be careful with dogs who have sensitive stomachs.
• Soft, pressed meat strips: For dogs who can't handle hard chews.

For an adult, medium-sized dog, one game chew (like a piece of deer skin or a roe deer ear) is an optimal snack. Small dogs should eat proportionally less—for example, a single rabbit ear. Avoid overfeeding your dog to prevent stomach upset.

Yes. Game meats are less common in standard dog foods, making them a good foundation for an elimination diet. It's often easier to find mono-protein venison food and treats than, for example, horse or ostrich, which vets may recommend if venison, fish, or lamb don't work.If you need other protein sources, check out:

• chicken dog treats (we especially recommend turkey)
• lamb dog treats