Treats : 101
· BetterDog
How I Feed My Raw-Fed Dog Natural Treats for 14¢
Meet Mimi, my Bluetick Coonhound rescue. Local advice, Canadian pig ears, and simple math turned treats into a calm, affordable routine.
Are Pig Ears Good for Dogs?
Pig ears are a single-ingredient dog chew that offer moderate chew time and enrichment. When sourced responsibly and fed in appropriate portions, they can be a natural, affordable alternative to pricier chews like bully sticks.
Meet Mimi
Mimi is my Bluetick Coonhound rescue. She’s sensitive, thoughtful, stubborn in that glorious hound way, and extremely clear about one thing:
Chewing matters. Not as a luxury — as a daily need.
Mimi is raw-fed, so ingredient quality, digestibility, and sourcing matter. Chews aren’t extras. They’re part of her calm routine.
Why Local Pet Stores Still Matter
This whole thing started locally at Everything Raw Doggie Café. I spoke with Katy — the kind of person who actually understands dogs, food, and what works in real life (not just what looks good on a shelf).
- Chew duration (how long it lasts)
- Fat content and digestibility
- Matching chews to Mimi’s needs as a hound
Finding the Right Pig Ears
https://a.co/d/6TySM1B
Pig Ear Cut-Offs: Same Treat, Better Budget
Not all pig ears come out “pretty.” When companies sort and trim whole ears, they create cut-offs and scraps. Same ingredient, usually the same drying process — just less uniform in shape — so they’re sold cheaper by weight.
https://a.co/d/jhJksf8
The Math
Per natural pig ear piece (approx)
Why This Doesn’t Cut Out the Local Store
Mimi needs variety and changes over time — different textures, different proteins, different smells. That’s why I still go back to Everything Raw, still talk with Katy, and still rotate treats.
Katy recommended switching it up with dried sardines sometimes — another great option and a good way to support local Canadian entrepreneurs.
Why This Is a Win for Everyone
- Canadian pig farmers sell trimmings instead of waste
- Canadian distributors move product efficiently
- Local pet stores provide knowledge, rotation advice, and community
- Mimi gets consistent, natural enrichment
- I either save money or give more treats for the same budget
Want a calmer routine for your dog?
Treat timing and structure matter more than most people think. That’s exactly what we help with at BetterDog.
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