Do Beef Lung Dog Treats Smell? From Ick to Appreciation

So, the other day, I was chatting with my friend Carol (not her real name) in our favorite dog-friendly cafe within walking distance of my home. Few things bring me more joy than a good conversation, a mocha latte, and watching our pups playing in the adjacent dog park.

Amid some lighthearted banter about how we never see our college-age kids anymore and how our fur babies have replaced them, talk shifted to everything we do to spoil our dogs. And I mentioned beef lung dog treats.

"Don't beef lung treats smell?" her nose wrinkled up in disgust. "Yuck!"

The question didn't offend me. It was a logical thing to ask. Here in the US, a lot of us aren't as familiar with organ meats. Of course, we don't want to give our dogs treats that make their breath stink or make the house all smelly. If I'm going to give my dogs a treat, I want it to freshen their breath, not make me cringe when they try to lick my face. I was happy I knew a thing or 2 about dog treats and could share my experience.

What Are Beef Lung Dog Treats?

Beef lung treats are actually what they sound like. They are dried pieces of a cow's lung turned into tasty and nutritious treats. These dog chews are perfectly sized for training. And, I also use them when I need to get something away from the dog— like a dog bone they've been chewing on for too long.

Is Beef Lung Good for Dogs?

Like most organ meat, the beef lung is incredibly nutritious. It's high in B12, iron, healthy fats, and collagen protein. It's also relatively low in fat, and the ones I buy don't have any added ingredients.

No preservatives. No added sugar. Just organ meat.

I also like to think about what it's replacing. I want to give my dogs treats. We all do. But some treats aren't very healthy.

That's not the case with beef lung. And if we're honest, a dog is going to jump at the chance to eat real meat vs. some sugary manufactured dog treat. That's a win-win in my book.

But none of that matters if lung bites are smelly and make my dog's breath stinky.

Do They Have a Strong Odor?

Alright. Let's get real. Do beef lung bites smell?

Why, yes! They do have a smell. But I'll bet it's not the smell you're thinking of. Unlike some dog treats that can clear the room, lung treats actually have a sweet, smoky scent. It's relatively mild. But if you want to get a big whiff of the bag, that's what you'll smell.

Trust me, I've had my share of dog treats with foul odor. I could smell them from across the room, especially when I was pregnant.

Beef lung chews don't have any of that going on. I actually like the smell—what little they have. And my dogs do, too!

Why Do Dogs Love the Smell of Lung Treats?

Dogs have a sense of smell far superior to my own. When I open the huge 2.5 lb bag from the other room, all 3 come running, all excited and drooling. Only a dog mom like you and me could think fondly on this scene. We love to see our babies so happy, drool and all.

These chews may be a mild scent to me, but it's not to them. To my dogs, few things smell better.

Maybe a juicy dog bone.

I don't suspect that kibble smells very good, or at least not as good as real organ meat. For them, that rich, meaty smell is a promise of a tasty reward. Even the pickiest eaters can't resist.

When I first introduced my crew to them, I wasn't so sure they would like them. But it was soon very clear that if dogs could choose their food, this would be it. They would probably eat the whole bag if I let them.

But it's just like when my kids were small. I have to teach them moderation. Veterinarians recommend that no more than 10% of the dog's diet come from treats, even single-ingredient, healthy ones.

I now keep a stash in my kitchen and sometimes in my purse. I never know when I might want to treat my pups.

Does It Make Their Breath Stink?

Ah, the age-old question for dog parents – does giving your dog beef lung treats make their breath stink? Some treats on the market claim to freshen breath. That means anything that doesn't freshen your breath seems stinky.

But the truth is breath-freshening treats often have a lot of added ingredients I'd prefer to stay away from.

Honestly, from my experience, beef lung treats don't make a dog's breath smell bad or improve it.

But if we want to get technical, the nutrients in dried beef lungs and other natural dog treats like real dog bones promote healthier teeth and gums. So, even if the effects aren't immediate, I could say that they do freshen dog breath.

If your dog already has bad breath due to plaque or tartar buildup, lung chews won't magically fix it. That's why I'm a big advocate for regular dental care for dogs and real marrow bones. Dogs chew on dog bones to clean their teeth. When they don't have things to chew on, their teeth either start to decay, or they find something to chew on. My new running shoes found that out the hard way.

So, here's what I do!

I use lung dog treats when I want to give them a quick treat for training, to reward good behavior, or just because I love them. Then I give them beef marrow dog bones for that added bone marrow nutrition, healthier teeth and gums, and fresher breath. When the dog bone is empty I make it last a little longer by refilling it with these free bone refill recipes.

Store Properly to Minimize Odor

Here's a pro tip from a dog mom. Store lung chews in an airtight container after opening. This helps to maintain freshness and prevents my curious pups from trying to figure out where I hid their treats.

Why Grass-Fed Dog Treats Are Best

I want to give my dogs the very best. So, I choose grass-fed treats like beef lung, trachea, and marrow bones for several reasons. Grass-fed beef is lower in fat, especially saturated fat. Plus, it has more omega 3 and conjugated linoleic acid. These healthy fats are well known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Beyond that, grass-fed cattle are raised in a more natural and humane pasture setting instead of a muddy pen. I'm not anti-meat by any stretch, but I prefer to support humanely raised animals.

Final Thoughts on Lung Treats for Dogs

So, do beef lung dog treats smell? Sure, a little. But it's nothing compared to some of the other treats out there. For me, the mild scent is a small price to pay for the joy they bring to my dogs. They're healthy and natural, and clearly, my pups love them. Watching their tails wag, and their eyes light up when they know they're about to get a beef lung treat makes it all worth it.

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