Beef Lung Dog Treats FAQ: All Your Questions Answered

The other day, my neighbor and I were enjoying our favorite summer beverage on her back patio, admiring the turning leaves as the days grew shorter. Zoe, her new adopted pup, was a little ball of energy as she ran around our feet and jumped up on us. She wanted to play but had no playmates today. I left my 3 dogs at home today so Zoe can get used to her own yard and new family first.

The face of my neighbor (who I'll call Sarah) suddenly lit up with an idea. And I watched as she walked into her house before returning with a little rubber ball. She threw it as hard as she could, as she exclaimed, "watch this." And that energetic little pup ran, grabbed that ball and returned. After about 10-15 minutes of Sarah and I alternating throws, that little dog was worn out and ready to nap near our feet.

It reminded me how important exercise is for a dog's mental and physical health. Like us humans, many dogs don't get enough. Maybe they're stuck in the house. Or their humans are busy.

When they don't have enough engagement, they don't know what to do with all of that energy. Sarah is lucky Zoe already knew how to fetch. I told her I used beef lung chews to train my dogs to return their toy to my feet. She wanted to know more. So, since I planned to create a beef lung dog chews FAQ today, I thought I'd share some of our discussion.  

What are beef lung dog treats?

Beef lung treats are bite-sized, healthy snacks for dogs. They're made from cattle, are high in protein, and are low in fat and calories. Not only do they taste great for pups, but they also make for excellent training or just-for-fun treats. The ones I buy come from grass-fed cattle raised in the USA.

I told Sarah I used beef lung treats to train my pups. They're perfect for those quick, rewarding bites when you're teaching a dog to fetch or sit. I also use them when I want my dogs to drop something like a dog bone when gnaw time is over.

Are beef lung treats good for dogs?

Yes. Beef lungs are high in protein and low in fat, making them a healthy treat. Because they are organ meat, they're also an excellent source of vitamins C and B12, iron, zinc, and other beneficial nutrients. They're about 74% protein and 26% fat, with no sugar, preservatives, or other ingredients.

I told Sarah that the fat is about 50% saturated fat. But a beef lung is a small treat, so they're not getting a lot of fat overall. Plus, because I buy grass fed, my dog's treats are higher in the healthy fats (polyunsaturated fats omega 3 and conjugated linoleic acid).

Many pet parent also like to give their dogs beef lung treats because they offer collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and provides structure to tissues. Appropriate collagen levels lead to healthy skin and coat, reduced joint pain, and better digestive health.

Bonus: Chewing on treats like these helps maintain clean teeth and healthy gums.

Read more: Collagen for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know

Do dogs like beef lung treats?

Absolutely! Most pet parents can agree that k9s love beef. Beef lung dog treats are tasty, small, and easy to chew. What's not to love? Best of all, they don't have a strong odor like many other dog treats do.

Fun fact: It's believed that dogs actually crave organs because of their high levels of vitamins and minerals. Nutrients don't only make humans feel good!

Zoe was all ears when I pulled out a few to show her after her nap. Yes, I keep dog treats in my purse. What?! You don't?

As Zoe chewed on the beef lung treats, I explained how these treats are more than just tasty—they're packed with nutrients that help keep her coat shiny and her joints healthy, just like my dogs. Sarah was impressed, and Zoe was too busy munching to notice.

When's the best time to give dog treats?

The best time to give dog treats is between meals and when your dog is calm or showing behaviors you want to reward.

Like any treat, beef lung dog treat shouldn't be given right before mealtime. However, when there's enough time before and after their meal, you can give treats during training sessions, just for fun, or during exercises when your pup may want a snack.

While Zoe was enjoying her treat, Sarah asked why dogs go crazy for them. I shared that it's because of the rich taste and nutrients in organ meats like beef lung. Instinct drives dogs to eat healthy foods when they're available.

Zoe certainly seemed to agree, as she kept looking up at me for more!

Unfortunately, I had to cut her off. Even the healthiest dog treats should be eaten in moderation.

Can dogs eat too much beef lung?

It's difficult for a dog to have too much beef lung because it's a healthy, guilt-free dog treat. But to maintain a well-balanced diet, your dog shouldn't overeat anything. Veterinarian-approved dog food will have all the nutrients they need.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), most vets, and other dog experts, you should always stick to the 10% rule when giving treats. This means that treats shouldn't make up more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. In other words, their mealtime kibble should make up a bulk (~90%) of their daily calories. That includes all treats put together, including the ones I make myself using the free dog treat recipes.

While it's not likely, it's also important to mention that organ meats, including beef lung dog treats, contain a lot of iron. Iron toxicity is possible if, let's say, I gave Zoe the whole bag. Dogs who weigh less may be at higher risk. Please store your beef lung where your pup can't find it. They're certain to overindulge if given the chance. But giving them a few bites a day is well within the safe range.

This is especially true if you get dried beef lung. Just like it's easier for a human to eat a handful of dried fruit than it would be to eat that many pieces of fruit whole, the same is true for dried organ meats.

As Zoe settled down at her feet, I reminded Sarah about the 10% rule for treats. Just like we wouldn't want to spoil our dinner with too many snacks, dogs need a balanced diet, too! She nodded, appreciating the tip for keeping Zoe healthy and happy.

Are these good for aggressive chewers?

Yes. Since beef lung treats are meant to be eaten right away as treats, they work well for all dogs, including aggressive chewers. While they're soft, they're also slightly chewy. Best of all, they're small and easily breakable for even smaller bites, allowing you to easily give a few to your active chewer.

You might also be interested in reading: How to Choose Dog Bones for Aggressive Chewers (Large Dogs)

I told Sarah that even though beef lung treats are easy to chew, they're also great for aggressive chewers like my lab mix, Bruno. He gets the satisfaction of a tasty snack without the worry of breaking a tooth on a tougher treat. Zoe seemed ready to test that theory herself! But I had already handed the rest of my bag over to her new dog mom so that she could treat her later.

How often should my dog eat beef lung treats?

If your dog loves beef lung treats, it's okay to offer them every day. As long as you stick to the 10% rule, it doesn't matter how often you offer the treats. Since beef lung treats are usually small, you can always give a little bit (2-3) each day, depending on your dog's size.

If you're like me, you like to switch up your treats from time to time. I love that beef lung treats and the other treats I buy have a long shelf life. They are naturally preserved by removing moisture with a slow and low heat drying process.

What are the best beef lung dog treats?

We love the K9 Connoisseur Slow-Roasted Beef Lung Bites. They're all-natural, single-ingredient, and delicious. But that's not all!

My dogs and I have so many reasons to love grass-fed lung bites from K9Connoisseur.

• They're healthy. These beef lung dog treats are low-calorie, grain-free, and don't contain any artificial flavors or unnecessary fillers.
• They're made with one ingredient. K9 Connoisseur's treats are single-ingredient, made only from free-range, grass-fed beef. No unquestionable ingredients!
• They're all-natural. As a pet parent, you want the best for your k9s. All-natural treats are important. And these really are natural, with no preservatives, genetically modified ingredients, or added sugars. Did you know that some dog treats have added sugar because they don't taste good without it? That's not the case with these. Dogs crave organ meat.
• They help keep dogs strong and lean, with low saturated fat and a minimum of 60% protein each.
• They're locally sourced. K9 Connoisseur's treats are also made from cattle born and raised in the US.
• They help keep teeth and gums healthy. Chewing on beef lung treats can prevent plaque and tartar build-up.
• They're small. These bite-sized treats are perfect for training. You can even fit a handful in your pocket! Pet owners and dog trainers love this because they can avoid larger treats they have to break apart during training sessions.
• They're delicious. These slow-roasted treats are tasty with a natural beef flavor.
• They work very well for all dogs. These beef lung bites are good treats for dogs of all sizes, small to large. They work well whether it's to work on training, you want to show your pup some love, or to offer extra fuel on adventures.
• They offer great value! These lung bites are best sellers for many reasons, including their amazing value. You can get a 2.5-pound bag for a great price. That bag is huge! It lasts for a long time.

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