Is Beef Trachea Good For Dogs?

Beef trachea is a typical snack that most dogs enjoy. It’s made of a cow’s windpipe and baked into a delicious treat

It contains different nutrients that are very beneficial for dogs. The best benefit is that the beef trachea can help support arthritis. 

is beef trachea good for dogs
Is beef trachea good for dogs?

The beef trachea is also great because it stays fresh if stored properly. Apart from this, it’s a tasty snack your dog will likely enjoy. 

So, is beef trachea suitable for dogs? Let’s explore whether it’s ideal for dogs and how your pup can benefit from this delicious snack. 

What Is Beef Trachea?  

The beef trachea is a cow’s windpipe which is made of cartilage. The trachea is two inches wide and goes from the mouth to the cow’s lungs. 

beef trachea on plain background
Beef trachea can be a health beneficial snack for dogs.

This unique treat contains beneficial nutrients and is typically baked. Other names for this treatment include moo-tubes, windies, and trachea bones

How it’s Made?

The process of making beef trachea is a straightforward one. After it’s cut up into chunks, it’s baked until it’s hardened

The great thing about beef trachea as a snack is there aren’t any additives or artificial ingredients. They can also be easily digested and are full of flavor. 

They are made in three sizes: 3, 6, and 12 inches. The small sizes are perfect for small dogs like Chihuahuas. 

If your dog is on the larger side, then six or 12-inch pieces are ideal. However, it’s best not to give large dogs 3-inch pieces since they can easily swallow them. 

This ease of ingesting will quickly turn into a choking hazard. Also, the beef trachea is very difficult to cut. So it’s best to buy the proper size in accordance with the size of your dog. 

Benefits of Beef Trachea 

The beef trachea is a straightforward snack but packs quite a punch to benefit your dog’s health. 

Goldendoodle puppy looks happy
Goldendoodle puppy looks happy

Decreases Joint Problems 

Your dog can easily decrease and potentially get rid of joint problems by eating beef trachea. This is because it contains chondroitin and glucosamine.

Keeps Teeth Clean 

It’s been proven that dog chews help to keep a dog’s teeth clean. In addition, these snacks assist in reducing the number of bacteria on the dog’s teeth

Studies suggest that the act of chewing may help to keep a K9’s teeth free of tartar as well.

Great For Puppies and Older Dogs 

The beef trachea is perfect for older dogs and puppies. They come in various sizes and are great for snacking and relieving pain in K9 teeth. 

Also, the beef trachea is perfect for puppies to keep them entertained. It’s also perfect for preventing joint pain and even for treats when you’re training your dog. 

Safe and Healthy

The beef trachea is low fat, low calorie, and contains fiber and protein. In addition, they are very durable in terms of chewing, so they won’t break apart quickly, which allows them to last. 

Reduces Arthritis Symptoms 

The natural compounds in the beef trachea can help to relieve and decrease symptoms. These symptoms include stiffness, osteoarthritis, and other pain or discomfort associated with arthritis.

How Should You Feed it to Your Dog Safely?

The best way to feed beef trachea to your dog is to ensure you’re feeding them the correct size. Your dog may be on the smaller end and can handle bigger meals. In this case, it’s still best to provide them with a 3-inch beef trachea instead of risking a bigger size. 

Yorkie eats with bowl
Yorkie eats quietly in a bowl.

Just make sure, no matter what size your dog is, that they properly chew and carefully eat the trachea. Since it’s made of cartilage, it’s more on the chewy side. You want to ensure they eat carefully to avoid potentially choking. 

Beef Trachea Pros and Cons 

It’s important to know the pros and cons of this unique snack before giving it to your dog. 

beef trachea dog treat
A box of beef trachea will be served as a dog treat.

Pros

  • It contains properties that help keep your dog’s teeth free of plaque and tartar.
  • The beef trachea is an excellent alternative if you’re trying to help your dog lose weight. 
  • They are low-fat and low calorie.
  • They are very affordable and typically cost around $2 bucks per pack. 

Cons

  • It can potentially cause diarrhea.
  • Your dog may or may not like the taste. 
  • It could be a messy snack due to the grease ring on the trachea. 
  • It could be a choking hazard if your dog attempts to swallow it all at once. 

How Often Can Dogs Eat Beef Trachea?  

Dogs usually enjoy beef trachea and look forward to having it anytime. Although beef trachea isn’t unhealthy, it’s a snack that should be given sparingly. 

Yorkie with black collar
Yorkie with black collar looks thirsty and hungry!

Dogs must have a daily balanced diet. A balanced diet is essential; the beef trachea doesn’t contain enough vitamins and minerals to encourage a healthy diet. 

So, like anything else you give your dog, it has to be delivered in healthy portions or amounts. For example, beef trachea should ideally be given once or twice weekly

Generally, the beef trachea should only be about 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Each piece is about 25 calories, but this amount can vary per piece. 

So it’s best to check the bag for info on calories. The calorie count varies because the amount depends on how much fat is on the beef trachea pieces. 

Of course, you don’t want to overfeed them, and you certainly don’t want them to get used to eating it daily. So it’s better to use them as a snack a few times a week. 

Lastly, if you’re an owner who is serious about keeping track of calories, you should speak to your vet instead. 

How To Properly Store Beef Trachea?

The beef trachea is all-natural, meaning no additives, artificial flavors, or preservatives are included in the manufacturing process. Since there are no preservatives, nothing will help keep them fresh for an extended period. 

dog in front of refrigerator
A dog and his owner checking the refrigerator.

It’s essential to store them properly, or they will go bad very fast. A great place to keep them is in a cold area where sunlight can’t reach them

Another great place is to store it in a container, but you can also opt for a ziplock bag if you don’t have a container. Keeping them in either of these will help them to remain fresh and last longer. 

If you’re living in a hot area, it’s best to store them in the fridge. However, keeping them outside the refrigerator may risk developing moisture and ruining them. 

However, if you live in a cold location, you can store it in the cabinet. Lastly, the freezer is one of the best places to keep it

The beef trachea can last for years if stored in the freezer. However, it’s important to note that you should only freeze them if you buy them frozen. 

How Long Does it Take For Dogs to Eat Them?

The amount of time it will take for your dog to finish differs according to which breed you have. Here’s how long it took these breeds to eat beef trachea: 

  • Labrador – 8 minutes
  • Boxer – 6 minutes
  • Pug – 23 minutes
  • German Shepherd – 9 minutes 
  • Rottweiler – 8 minutes 
  • Cavapoo – 90 minutes 
  • Border Collie – 10 minutes 
  • Beagle – 15 minutes
  • Dachshund – 18 minutes 

According to the findings, it’s clear that bigger dogs can finish beef trachea much more quickly. This is what makes this such an excellent treat for dogs. It’s long-lasting and tasty in flavor, and ideal for any time of the day.