You feed your dog WHAT? 9 Weird and Bizarre Dog Foods

I recently began working in a pet shop, and was somewhat horrified to see the vast array of dog treats that sounded (and looked) very unappetizing.

I have made my peace with these items, because I've come to the conclusion that if we are to kill animals, it is far better that no parts of the animal go to waste.

My dog now happily munches on the following (in moderation, of course).

When giving things to your dogs, please remember that there have been many dogs that have choked to death on food and toys. Supervision is best, especially if you have a pet that doesn't like chewing their food.

Let's start this list off with a bang. Chicken necks.

Raw chicken necks are best for dogs, because if it is cooked, the bone may splinter when your dog bites down. The bones are fairly soft though, which is a positive. Chicken necks are best for smaller dogs, but even smaller dogs shouldn't eat too many, which can cause constipation.

TIP: If your dog is a gulper, not a chewer, make sure they don't choke on the bones!

The next delicious treat on our list of dog foods are pig ears (which are also eaten by people in some parts of the world). Pig ears are very precisely cooked, as failure to do so can result in the possibility of salmonella. In the past, there have been some times when pigs ears have had to be recalled because of salmonella risk. Pig ears, being pork, have a high fat content. It is not recommended for your dog if they are overweight.

Pig ears are very salty, and should only be a treat for dogs, not their regular food.

Rawhide is made from the inner layer of skin from animals. Usually, it is made of cow, but can be made from other animals such as horses. They normally come in cute shapes, like bones, or hearts, or stars or Christmas trees.

Rawhide is a long lasting dog treat that will take your dog a while to get though. When buying rawhide, look for thicker pieces, because they will take the longest for your dog to chew.

I personally am not a fan of rawhide, for two reasons:
1. The way that they made rawhide is nasty, full of bleaching and chemicals.
2. It is a choking hazard. I have heard of dogs that die from choking on rawhide.

TIP: If you want to buy rawhide for your dog, try to source locally made stuff. Dog food standards are not as high in other countries where it is made, and there are less rules governing the process.

Of the items I've written up for this list so far, pig snouts are my personal favourite. They are less fatty, and help clean the teeth and gums of your dog. There are no sharp edges or pieces, and dogs love them. The ones I have linked to also have a smokey taste, which dogs seem to enjoy even more (mine certainly does!).

The only disadvantage to them is that I get queasy looking at them. Urgh.

Lamb ears are an alternative to pig and cow ears, and are especially great for smaller dogs who may have trouble with a bigger treat.

We had to get here eventually. Penis. A bully chew stick is a bull penis that has been dried. These are also known as beef pizzles, pizzle sticks, beef sticks or steer stix.

Like rawhide, bully chews last a long time

I recommend bully chews over rawhide, because it is a more natural. Rawhide is treated and bleached and has all kinds of nasty stuff happen to it, but the bully chews process is more simple.

The penis is removed and cleaned, and the fluids are drained out of it. It is then braided, and can be smoked to add flavour. These are then cut into various sizes. Yum.

These are high in fat.

A lot of people come into the store wanting to know what the difference is between cow ears and pig ears. Cow ears are generally less fatty and aren't greasy at all.

Both are around the same size, and they're both ears. It doesn't matter really which one you choose, as there is no huge difference between the two, but if your dog has weight problems or is sensitive to pork, go for the cow ears.

If your dog is in the mood for a crunchy treat, why not try chicken feet? You don't need to worry about removing the nails.

Chicken feet can be served raw or cooked, it just comes down to personal preference really. These can be a little bit hard on puppy teeth, so if you have a puppy I would suggest trying another treat until your dog grows up a bit.

The product I have linked to on Amazon also boasts of it being a natural source of Chondroitin, which is good for joint pain.

Beef knuckles are great for larger dogs, and last a while. Raw is better than cooked, because it means that the bone will not splinter into dangerous and sharp pieces.

Bones are also a good source of calcium for your dogs.

Do not buy bones for your dog if it is a puppy.