How to Prepare Pigs Ears for Dogs

How to Prepare Pigs Ears for Dogs. Purchasing pig ears for dogs at the pet store can grow to be expensive. Preparing your pig ears for your dogs at home is a less expensive way to provide your dogs with the meaty treat that they crave. Smoked pig ears are relatively simple to make at home and require only a handful of ingredients, making them fairly inexpensive treats to make at home. Follow the instructions below to make smoked pig ears that will likely have your dog begging for more.

Things Needed

• 1 lb. of pig ears
• 1/4 cup salt
• Wood smoking chips
• Large boiler
• Towel
• Large smoker
• Metal tongs
• Lighter

Step 1

Check the pig ears for hair. If hair is present, burn it off using a lighter, then scrub the ears. Do not worry if you cannot burn off all the hair because dogs should be able to digest the hair on the pig ears.

Step 2

Fill the boiler with 2 liters of water, add 1/4 cup of salt and bring to a slow boil. As soon as the water starts to boil, add the pig ears directly from the package. Reduce the heat to a low setting so that the water simmers. Simmer for one hour.

Step 3

Remove the pig ears from water with metal tongs. Place the pig ears on a towel to dry. While the pig ears are drying, prepare the wood chips. Follow the directions on the package of wood chips because each variety must be prepared differently.

Step 4

Prepare the smoker by adding the wood chips and preheating the smoker to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the ears in rows on the smoker rack. Smoke the pig ears slowly, checking every two hours, until ears harden and have a rich, leathery brown color. This process typically takes four to six hours.

Step 5

Remove the well-smoked pig ears from the smoker with metal tongs and allow them to cool. The pig ears are ready for your dog once they are cool to the touch.

References

• "The Ultimate Dog Treat Cookbook: Homemade Goodies for Man's Best Friend;" Liz Palika and Troy Cummings; 2005