Are Beef Trachea Dog Treats Safe?

Next week, I'm scheduled to talk about pedestrian and biker safety at our community's town hall meeting. This has always been a big issue for my family. We love to run and hike with our dogs. Our little town has grown into a bigger one, and I want to make sure we prioritize walkability. As I'm preparing my notes, I have safety on my mind.

We all take educated risks in life, balancing safety with freedom to do what makes us happy. But when it comes to dog bone safety, I don't take chances. So I did a lot of research to answer for myself: Are beef trachea dog treats safe?

What is Beef Trachea?

Beef trachea, often marketed as beef trachea dog treats or trachea tube is a popular all-natural natural dog chew that provides several benefits. They are air-dried or baked tubes from the windpipe of cattle, rich in nutrients.

What's It Made Of?

That's not a silly question. You know what a windpipe is—it's what we breathe through. But you may never have thought about the structures that make up a windpipe. As it turns out, beef trachea is mostly cartilage and has outrageously high amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin.

Now, I used to give my dogs joint supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin because it's never too early to start protecting a life of mobility. But when I found out that I could give my dogs something natural that they actually want to chew on instead of a pill, I was thinking, yes, let's do that.

But that's not the only benefit, by far. And don't worry, I remember we're here to talk about: Are beef trachea dog treats safe? I just want to give you some context.

I created a whole beef trachea FAQ if you want to learn more.

Benefits of Beef Trachea for Dogs

• Nutritional Value - Beef trachea is packed with collagen for hair and skin plus lots of vitamins and omega 3 and 6. It's relatively low in saturated fat, too... if you get grass-fed beef trachea.
• Dental Health - These chews help clean teeth and massage gums, promoting overall dental health.
• Jaw Health - According to the American Kennel Club, strong jaws help dogs maintain proper posture, which can improve their gait and ability to move freely as they age.
• High Protein - They provide a high-protein, low-fat treat that supports muscle maintenance.
• Mental Health - Gnawing on dog bones is instinct. Dogs want to chew on safe treats for dogs for entertainment and anxiety relief.

As a side note, a brand-new pair of my running shoes discovered what happens when I don't give my dogs something to chew on. So, there's that benefit too!

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Are They Safe Treats for Dogs?

Cow windpipes can be very safe dog chews. In the wild, these are the kinds of things dogs eat to stay healthy. I'm not saying it should be 100% of their diet. I make sure around 90% of their diet comes from veterinarian-approved dog food. But dogs who are kibble or wet food only are missing out.

That said, there are some considerations.

1. Supervision is important.

I don't let my dogs have any dog bone treats or chews without supervision. I give them their beef trachea for dogs when I can stay near them to prevent any possible choking hazards. While certainly rare, dogs can choke on things just like humans can. If a dog is choking, you can give them the Heimlich maneuver.

2. Puppies shouldn't have it.

As cute as this would be for a while, these are not safe treats for dogs who are too young. Older puppies...maybe.

Wait until their grownup teeth come in. Beef trachea is too hard for bare gums and softer baby teeth. A puppy might try to swallow it whole.

Their little jaws also aren't strong enough, and they could hurt themselves.

3. Quality matters.

I only buy dog bones from reputable sources. I'm looking for grass-fed. Beyond the ethical reasons for wanting more humane cattle farming, cows that are allowed to eat a normal cow diet (grass) produce more nutritious meat. For example, grass-fed beef contains around 5X the omega 3 and is leaner overall.

I'm also sourcing dog bones from USA-raised cattle. I like that I'm supporting US farmers and that my dog chews don't have to travel a long way, contributing to greenhouse gasses.

I feel just a little safer when buying safe treats for dogs from within the US because of US pet food regulations, which are managed by the FDA, like people food. According to their website, they "ensure the ingredients in pet food are safe and have an appropriate function in the pet food."

4. Introduce beef trachea for dogs gradually.

If your dog is new to dog bones, start with one day a week. See how your dog reacts. If you feel your dog was unsafe at any time, you might choose big dog bones next time.

5. No more than 10% of the diet.

Once you feel comfortable, know that you can give your dog trachea tube or a dog bone up to 3 times a week. The American Kennel Club recommends that dog treats are no more than 10% of the diet to make sure they're getting a balanced diet with mostly dog food.

6. Rotate Chews.

Now, trachea tubes come in a pack of 20. And unlike dog bones, one treat is single-use.

But did you know you can freeze all-natural dog bones between uses and give them to your dog many times to get your money's worth? That means I can keep several different types of dog bone chews in the freezer in a sealed bag. They don't take up much room.

I like to rotate the trachea chews and dog bones because one of the benefits is mental health. I wouldn't want to watch the same movie on Netflix three times a week for the rest of my life. That might get me down.

My dogs seem invigorated whenever I introduce a new chew to the lineup, so I know they appreciate the variety. They love beef lung bites, Goliath bones, beef kneecaps, and more. Each one gives a slightly different sensory experience.

But remember to never give a dog a bone that's small enough for them to accidentally swallow. I like to source my bones from people who thought this through and can tell you which ones are best for which size dogs.

I have a large dog and two medium ones. I always know which bones to choose for each dog. My lab mix doesn't get kneecaps because those are too small. My terrier doesn't get Goliath bones because they're too big for her little mouth.

7. Inspect regularly.

If any dog bone becomes a choking hazard, take it away. Look for splintering and discard when necessary. That isn't an issue with beef trachea. But it might be if you rotate different dog treats. Even long-lasting dog chews don't last forever, and I always know where to get some more, so I always have safe treats for dogs on hand.

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