Is Beef Trachea Good for Dogs? 10 Reasons Why

Last Saturday morning, I wandered the local farmer's market hunting for the perfect summer squash for my seasonal smoothies. While on my mission, I got sidetracked—as we creatives often do—and found myself browsing the beef selection of a local farmer who owns a small pasture-raised cattle ranch just outside town. I was drawn in by the selection.

As a meat-eater and pet parent of three dogs who also prefer meat, it got me thinking of all the edible parts of a cow we ignore and undervalue. From organ meats to bone marrow to juicy dog bones, there's much more to beef than hamburgers and steak.

Take the beef trachea tube as an example. I just found out this stuff is super nutritious. Now, I'm probably not going to add it to my diet any time soon, but my dogs love these crunchy treats.

So, I wanted to know is beef trachea good for dogs? If yes, then why? Where's the proof? Here's what I found out.

1. It's Rich in Glucosamine and Chondroitin

I previously gave my lab mix, Bruno, glucosamine and chondroitin supplements because big dogs often develop joint problems later in life. But what I didn't know was that there are more natural ways to supplement these in the diet.

Case in point: beef trachea tubes.

The trachea is the windpipe. It's mostly cartilage and other connective tissues, which are made of the same stuff joints are made of. So, they're jam-packed with glucosamine and chondroitin.

I'd much rather my dogs get their nutrition from natural, unprocessed, single-ingredient sources like dog bones and trachea tubes. Wouldn't you?

2. Natural Dental Care

Chewing on beef trachea can help my dogs keep their teeth clean. That gnawing action also massages the gums to promote gum health, and it strengthens the jaw.

I don't know about you, but I never thought brushing a dog's teeth was very natural. Believe me, I tried it, and more power to the people with discipline to keep that up.

In the wild, dogs use dog bones and tough animal tissues like cartilage to do this job.

Why should my sweet babies do anything different just because they live on my sofa instead of out in the woods?

3. High Protein Beef Trachea for Dogs

Dogs are omnivores, but they prefer meat when they can get it. In a natural setting, this is where they would be getting most of their protein, not the soybeans and corn in kibble.

Beef trachea is a treat. And the American Kennel Club says treats should not exceed 10% of your dog's diet.

But this also depends on the quality of the treat. We're not talking about giving your dog peanut butter or highly processed treats every day. This is natural dog nutrition.

Adding it to the dog's diet two or three days a week allows dogs to get more animal protein, as nature intended.

4. Low in Fat Trachea Tube

Beef trachea is a leaner part of the cow. So, if you're watching your dog's waistline, they have pancreatitis, or your vet has told you to reduce fat in their diet, is beef trachea good for dogs? It's great!

5. Highly Digestible Beef Trachea for Dogs

Compared to some treats, including a dog bone, the nutrients in the trachea tube are easier for a dog's digestive system to absorb and use. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, these are the perfect options.

Higher-fat treats like the marrow dog bone can irritate some dogs' digestive systems when given too often.

6. Long-Lasting Chew

Trachea for dogs is a satisfying treat. Its chewy texture allows it to last for a very long time, even with aggressive chewers.

7. Stimulates Mental Health

According to the ASPCA, dogs chew for fun, mental stimulation, and anxiety relief.

Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. When they don't have something to chew, they will find something around your house like my new dining table as I found out.

Outdoor dogs might chew on sticks if they can find them. But indoors, they might opt for my favorite running shoes or one of your kid's toys. Yes, my kids—off at college now—lost a few favorite toys in my house before we figured this one out.

As sad as it is to lose your favorite sneakers, punishing a dog for natural behavior is cruel. What do I expect them to do if I don't give them something to chew on?

8. Supports a Healthy Coat

Thanks to the nutrition found in this dog bone alternative, my dogs have the softest, shiniest coats. I love to snuggle with them.

Now, many people aren't aware of what a healthy coat looks and feels like. Dog hair should feel soft and pliable, not brittle and coarse, even on short-haired and wire-hair breeds.

If your dog's hair is not healthy, then the skin underneath is probably also not in great shape. It may be itchy and produce extra dander, which some people, like my sister, are allergic to.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 10-20% of people are allergic to dogs or cats. People think it's the hair, but pet dander (dead skin cells) is the primary culprit.

Reducing that dander by even a little means my sister gets to stay a little longer when she visits.

9. Help Pet Parents Avoid Common Food Allergies

Beef trachea for dogs can replace treats that contain grains, dairy, soy, and other foods your dog could be allergic to.

That said, it's not unheard of for a dog to develop a beef allergy. So, if you notice allergy symptoms like excessive scratching or digestive disturbances, you should always make a log of everything your dog is eating and talk to your vet.

10. Affordable & Accessible

A marrow dog bone is a great treat, but can be cost-prohibitive if you're giving your dog an all-natural grass-fed beef treat 3-4 days a week.

Here's where trachea for dogs is a great alternative to the dog bone. It's just as nutritious but lower fat and affordable enough to make this a regular thing.

You can get 20 Mobility Chews from USA-raised grass-fed cattle for not a lot of money.

A Trachea Treat Triumph!

Whether I'm looking for joint health or a way to improve dental hygiene and mental health, a trachea for dogs is a smart choice for my little family.

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