If you've ever wondered why one pig ear looks enormous and fuzzy and another looks smooth and compact – you're not imagining things. Those are two genuinely different products, and the difference goes deeper than aesthetics.
Hairy pig ears are Momentum's best-selling chew by... a lot. Once we explain what makes them different, you'll get why immediately. Clean pig ears are their own thing: same Wisconsin pork, same freeze-dried single-ingredient foundation, but a genuinely different chewing experience. Both versions have a distinct profile, and understanding the difference will help you pick the right one for your dog.
Here's everything you need to know.
Why Hairy Pig Ears Are Our #1 Seller
A hairy pig ear is exactly what it sounds like: a whole pig ear, freeze-dried with the natural hair still intact.
Most pig ears on the market are blanched before processing. Blanching involves briefly scalding the ear in hot water to loosen and remove the hair. It does two things: it strips the hair, and it causes the ear itself to shrink – sometimes significantly – as heat causes the cartilage and tissue to contract. What you're left with is a smaller, more compact chew.
Our hairy pig ears go from farm to freeze-dryer without that step. The hair stays on. The ear stays full-sized. The result is a large, dense, visually dramatic chew with real chewing resistance that lasts – and a set of benefits that the blanched version simply can't deliver.
The Hair Isn't a Flaw. It's a Feature.
This is the part that surprises most people.
The hair acts as natural dental floss. As your dog works through a hairy pig ear, the hair physically wraps around and moves between teeth, reaching into the spaces that standard chews miss. It scrapes plaque and tartar in a way that smooth chews can't replicate – and it does it through completely natural mechanical action, no additives required.
The hair also acts as natural dietary fiber. In the wild, dogs eating whole prey would routinely consume fur and hair as part of the package. That hair moves through the digestive tract and supports gut health the same way dietary fiber does – helping to clean the intestinal lining, support regular bowel movements, and maintain a healthy gut environment. For dogs who need a little more fiber in their routine, hairy pig ears are a functional food, not just a treat.
The hair makes the chew bigger. Because the ear isn't blanched and doesn't shrink, hairy pig ears are substantially larger than their clean counterparts. More surface area, more chewing time, more engagement. For medium to large dogs who burn through chews quickly, the size difference is meaningful.
What Do Clean Pig Ears Bring to the Table?
A clean pig ear has the same foundational nutritional profile as the hairy version – same Wisconsin pork, same freeze-drying process, same cartilage-rich composition – but the hair has been removed.
The result is a more compact, lower-profile chew. Still single ingredient. Still fully digestible. Still delivering the glucosamine, chondroitin, and protein that make pig ears nutritionally valuable. Just without the fiber benefit of the hair, and at a somewhat smaller size due to the blanching process the ear goes through before freeze-drying.
For some dogs and some owners, that's exactly what they want.
The Health Benefits of Pig Ears – Both Versions
Regardless of which version you choose, pig ears are nutritional powerhouses in a way that most conventional chews aren't. Here's what's actually happening when your dog chews one.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Joint Health
Pig ears are made almost entirely of cartilage. Cartilage is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin – the same compounds found in joint supplements marketed specifically for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or mobility issues.
Glucosamine supports cartilage synthesis and provides mild anti-inflammatory effects. Chondroitin helps cartilage retain water and elasticity, and inhibits the enzymes that break down joint tissue. Together, they support the structural integrity of your dog's joints – and in a pig ear, they're coming from whole food rather than a synthetic supplement.
For active dogs, senior dogs, large breeds prone to joint problems, or any dog you want to support proactively, the glucosamine and chondroitin in pig ears are a meaningful dietary contribution.
High-Quality Protein
Pig ears contain approximately 69% protein. That protein comes from real cartilage and connective tissue – not rendered byproducts, fillers, or synthetic additions. It supports muscle development, maintenance, and overall cellular health.
Dental Health
The mechanical action of chewing a pig ear helps remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surface. This is true of both versions. The hairy pig ear, as noted above, takes the dental benefit further – the hair reaches into spaces that the chew itself can't access, acting like dental floss between and around teeth.
Regular chewing also strengthens gums, which supports long-term oral health in the same way that the physical act of chewing is inherently beneficial for a dog's jaw and dental structure.
Fully Digestible – Unlike Rawhide
This matters more than people realize. Rawhide is not digestible. It can cause intestinal blockages, particularly in dogs who chew aggressively and swallow large pieces. Pig ears – hairy or clean – are made of cartilage and break down safely during digestion. They're a genuinely safe alternative to rawhide for dogs who love a long chew.
Mental Enrichment
Chewing is one of the most natural and satisfying behaviors for dogs. A pig ear is a long-form chewing experience – not a treat that disappears in thirty seconds. The sustained engagement is mentally stimulating in a way that quick treats aren't, and regular chewing has been associated with reduced anxiety and stress in dogs.
Hairy vs. Clean: Which Is Right for Your Dog?
Choose hairy pig ears if:
- Your dog is a medium to large breed that needs a substantial, long-lasting chew
- You want maximum dental benefit – including the flossing action the hair provides
- Your dog could benefit from added dietary fiber
- Your dog is a healthy chewer with no known digestive sensitivities
- You want the biggest, most visually impressive chew in our lineup
Choose clean pig ears if:
- Your dog has a sensitive stomach that may not tolerate added fiber
- You prefer a less visually dramatic chew
- You have a smaller dog who does better with a more compact chew size
- Your dog loves pig ears but reacts to the hairy version
- You want all the nutritional benefits of pig ears in a smaller package
Both versions are a better choice than any pig ear that's been smoked, flavored, chemically treated, or preserved with additives. Ours are freeze-dried single-ingredient Wisconsin pork – nothing added, nothing removed except the hair (in the clean version).
A Note on Fat Content and Feeding Frequency
Pig ears are higher in fat than most chews – approximately 15% – which is part of what makes them so flavorful and appealing to dogs. That same fat content means they're best given as an occasional reward rather than a daily chew. One to two times per week is appropriate for most dogs.
Pig ears are not recommended for dogs with pancreatitis or dogs on a vet-prescribed low-fat diet. As with any chew, always supervise your dog and make sure fresh water is available.
The Bottom Line
Hairy pig ears and clean pig ears are both excellent, single-ingredient chews built on the same nutritional foundation – Wisconsin pork, freeze-dried to preserve every bit of its natural glucosamine, chondroitin, and protein content. The choice between them comes down to your dog's size, digestive needs, and your personal preference as an owner.
The hairy version is bigger, delivers more fiber, and provides an unmatched dental benefit through the natural flossing action of the hair. The clean version gives you the same core nutrition in a more compact, lower-fiber profile that works well for sensitive stomachs.
Either way, your dog wins.
For more clean-label chew options, browse our full Natural Freeze-Dried & Air-Dried Dog Chew collection.
June '26 Sale: Buy 2 Get 1 Free – Mix and Match
For the entire month of June, individual pig ear chews are on sale – buy 2, get 1 free. Hairy and clean mix and match, so you can try both and let your dog decide. The discount applies automatically at checkout – just add 3 individual chews to your cart to get the free one. Sale ends June 30, 2026.
→ Shop Hairy Pig Ear Chews – Individual
→ Shop Clean Pig Ear Chews – Individual
