Why Hair-On Dog Treats Are Good for Dogs 🐾
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If you've ever looked at a hairy cow ear, rabbit skin or other hair-on chew and thought, “Is my dog actually supposed to eat the hair?” the answer is that hair-on treats can be a natural and enriching addition to a dog's treat rotation.
At Nahla's Tail, we love natural treats that let dogs enjoy something closer to their natural chewing and eating behaviours. Hair-on products are particularly interesting because they offer more than just something tasty to chew.
🐶 What are hair-on dog treats?
Hair-on treats are animal-based chews where the natural hair or fur has been left intact rather than removed.
Examples include:
- 🐄 Hairy cow ears
- 🐇 Rabbit skins
- 🐖 Hair-on pig ears
- Other naturally dried hair-on animal products
Because the hair is retained, these treats have a different texture and chewing experience from conventional processed dog treats.
🌿 1. A natural source of fibre
Animal hair is primarily made from keratin, a tough structural protein. Dogs don't fully digest keratin, so some of the hair passes through the digestive system.
That means hair-on treats can contribute a small amount of indigestible fibre to the diet.
It isn't a magic "detox" ingredient, but the rough, fibrous nature of the hair can add variety to a dog's normal treat routine.
🦷 2. Encourages chewing
Dogs naturally enjoy chewing, and chewing can provide valuable mental stimulation.
A tougher treat such as a hairy cow ear gives your dog something to work on rather than simply swallowing a soft treat in seconds.
The act of chewing can also help mechanically scrape some plaque from the surfaces of teeth, although hair-on chews should not be considered a substitute for proper dental care or veterinary dental treatment.
🧠 3. Mental enrichment
Sometimes the biggest benefit of a chew isn't what's in it, but what the dog gets to do with it.
Working through a natural chew can provide:
- Longer-lasting engagement
- Mental stimulation
- A satisfying chewing activity
- Variety from everyday treats
- An outlet for normal chewing behaviour
For dogs that love to chew, a natural hair-on treat can turn snack time into an activity.
🐕 4. More natural texture and variety
Dogs experience the world through their mouths, and different textures can make their food and treats more interesting.
Hair-on products provide a combination of:
texture + scent + chewing + taste
That makes them very different from highly processed biscuits or soft commercial treats.
At Nahla's Tail, that's part of why we love natural treats. Dogs don't need every treat to look perfect. Sometimes the wonderfully weird ones are the most exciting! 🐾
🥩 5. Naturally occurring nutrients
Animal-based treats can provide naturally occurring proteins and other nutrients, depending on the particular product and how it has been processed.
The nutritional value varies considerably between products, so hair-on chews should be viewed as treats and enrichment, rather than as a replacement for a complete and balanced dog food.
🐾 What about the hair?
This is probably the question we get asked most!
Yes, some hair may be swallowed.
Because hair is difficult for dogs to digest, it generally passes through the digestive tract rather than being broken down like ordinary food.
However, dogs vary. Some will chew carefully and swallow very little hair, while others may gulp larger pieces.
That's why it's important to:
- Choose an appropriately sized chew
- Supervise your dog while chewing
- Remove the treat if large pieces start breaking off
- Make sure your dog has access to fresh water
- Introduce new treats gradually
If your dog has a sensitive digestive system or has previously had problems with chews, speak with your veterinarian before introducing hair-on products.
❤️ Natural doesn't mean unlimited
Hair-on treats can be a fantastic addition to your dog's treat collection, but they're still treats.
Give them in moderation and take your dog's size, chewing habits, age and overall diet into account.
And always supervise your dog with any chew.
🐾 The Nahla's Tail way
We believe dogs deserve treats that are simple, natural and interesting.
That's why our range includes products such as hairy cow ears, rabbit skin and other natural chews. They're not polished little biscuits made to look pretty in a packet. They're natural animal products that give dogs something interesting to sniff, chew and enjoy.
More natural. More variety. More tail wags. 🐾💕
Shop our Hairy & Natural Chews
The Hairy Pack is a great way to try a selection of natural hair-on treats, including cow ear, pig ear and rabbit skin, all in one bundle.
Always supervise your dog when giving chews. Treats should be given as part of a balanced diet and in accordance with your dog's individual needs.