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Can Dogs Eat Treats with Hair/Fur On Them?
- chrisandtonya519
- Apr 16
- 4 min read
We are commonly asked - "Do you have _____ with the hair still on?"; equally as often, when people see our treats with hair - “Wow, that's 'interesting'… is that safe for my dog?".
We spend a lot of time dealing with our dog's hair and fur - from bathing, grooming, vacuuming up what is shed, etc. so it is somewhat counterintuitive to think of adding treats with hair/fur to their diet.
But here’s the thing: treats with hair on them are actually a great addition to many dogs' routines—when used thoughtfully. Like most things in the pet wellness world, it comes down to quality, context, and your individual dog.
So let’s break it down:
If you're short on time skip to our TL;DR Summary.
Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Hairy Treats?
Yes—generally speaking, it’s totally safe for dogs to eat treats with hair on them. In fact, it’s quite natural. Wild canines consume fur and feathers as part of whole prey, which helps support digestion and acts like a natural fiber source. It is important to note that hair/fur isn’t nutritious in the traditional sense (it’s mostly keratin, which dogs don’t digest), but it does play a functional role in a healthy gut.
That said, safety depends on a few key factors:
The source of the treat (clean, humanely raised, free from parasites or chemical exposure)
Your dog’s individual health and tolerance
How often and how much they’re consuming
When in doubt, go slow and observe. We always recommend introducing any new treat—especially one with fur—gradually, and watching how your dog handles it.
So… What’s the Point of Hairy Treats?
Even though they are generally considered to be safe, why do many people intentionally seek out treats that have hair/fur on them.
Here are a few of the benefits:
1. Digestive Support
Hair acts like a natural fiber or "brush" for the digestive tract, although as mentioned above - it is not, itself, digested. It helps sweep through the intestines, carrying out mucus, parasites, and undigested bits as it goes. Some even refer to it as a form of “internal cleansing.” Dogs on raw diets or prey model diets often benefit from this extra bit of roughage.
2. Natural Deworming Support
This isn’t a substitute for proper deworming when needed, but the fibrous texture of hair can help limit the colonization of certain intestinal worms by making the environment less hospitable. Think of it like daily housekeeping for the gut.
3. Dental Benefits
Chewing on hair/fur-covered treats can help clean the teeth and gums by providing a mild abrasive surface.
4. Mental Enrichment
Hairy treats offer sensory interest and mimic the kind of textures dogs would encounter in the wild. That “real prey” feel can light up their brain in a way a sterile biscuit never could. It taps into those primal instincts and satisfies them in a safe, controlled way.
5. Support for Anal Gland Function
Gross but important: the fiber-like bulk from hair can help keep stools firm, which contributes to healthy anal gland expression. If your dog has issues in that department, this might be a missing piece.
Are There Times When Hairy Treats Should Be Avoided?
Yes. While many dogs can handle treats with hair/fur just fine, they’re not for everyone. Further, cats should not consume treats with hair/fur on them.
You’ll want to skip or limit them if your pup:
Has a sensitive gut, digestive disorders, or has had blockages in the past
Is immunocompromised or recovering from illness
Is very small, elderly, or missing many teeth, depending on the treat’s toughness
Has had a bad reaction to similar treats before (excessive vomiting, constipation, etc.)
Is new to raw or whole-prey-style snacks—go slow and start small
Also: If your dog likes to swallow things whole without chewing, some hairy treats could pose a mild choking hazard. Supervision is your best friend here.
How Often Should You Feed Them?
For most healthy adult dogs, 1–3 hairy treats per week is a great place to start.
That could look like:
A rabbit foot with fur once or twice a week
A duck foot with skin and feathers as an occasional challenge
A small furry pelt-style chew every now and then
It’s not something that needs to happen daily (and in some dogs, it shouldn’t). Think of it as a wellness booster—a tool to round out your treat rotation and support gut health naturally.
As always, observe your dog; adapt your treat options as needed.
Are Some Types of Fur or Hair Better Than Others?
Yes - Here are a few quick tips:
Better Choices:
Rabbit: Soft, fine hair, great for first-timers. Ears and feet are super popular, and rabbit is a novel protein for many dogs.
Venison: Coarser hair, usually in small quantities (think dehydrated legs or hide). Good for experienced chewers.
Goat/Lamb: Somewhere in between rabbit and deer. Works well for most dogs and is often hypoallergenic.
Use Caution With:
Feathers: Some dogs do fine with them, others don’t. They’re harder to digest and should be introduced even more slowly.
Very coarse fur (like wild boar): Can be abrasive. Only appropriate in small, controlled amounts and for dogs used to them.
Unknown sources: Avoid anything that’s not clearly labeled or comes from untrusted suppliers. Fur can trap toxins, parasites, or harmful residues.
TL;DR — The Hairy Truth
Here’s your takeaways:
Yes, dogs can eat treats with fur or hair, and many actually benefit from them
The benefits include digestive health, enrichment, dental support, and natural “cleansing”
Go slow, watch your dog’s response, and don’t overdo it
Not all dogs will tolerate them—be smart and skip them if needed
Source matters: stick to reputable, high-quality, clean products
As a general rule: once or twice a week is plenty for most pups
Hairy treats aren’t just a quirky novelty—they’re a nod to your dog’s ancestral diet, and when used right, they can be a functional part of their overall wellness plan.
We are constantly working to grow our treat options with hair/fur on them, these are our current offerings:
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