Beef gullet has become an increasingly popular treat for dogs in recent years. But what exactly is beef gullet? And why do dogs go so crazy for it? This article will explain everything you need to know about this unique chew.
What is Beef Gullet?
Beef gullet is made from the esophagus of a cow. The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. After slaughter, the esophagus is removed and cleaned. It is then sliced lengthwise to make long, flat strips or dried in its original tubular shape.
To make beef gullet chews, the esophagus is air dried or dehydrated at low temperatures. This removes the moisture while preserving the natural flavors and textures that make it enticing to dogs. The end result is a tough, chewy treat that is 100% beef.
Beef gullet is naturally high in protein, low in fat, and free of artificial ingredients. It provides a safe and healthy chewing outlet for dogs. Beef gullet is also a source of glucosamine and chondroitin, compounds associated with joint health.
Why Do Dogs Love Beef Gullet?
There are several reasons why beef gullet has become such a hit with dogs
It tastes great! Dogs get really excited by the beefy aroma and flavor of gullet chews. The natural flavors are irresistible to most canines.
It satisfies the urge to chew. Dogs have an instinctive need to chew. Gullet chews provide a productive way for them to satisfy this innate urge while cleaning their teeth. The abrasive texture helps remove plaque and tartar as they gnaw.
It’s a tasty distraction. Gullet chews keep dogs happily occupied for hours. This prevents boredom and destructive chewing behaviors. Owners also use them as special high-value rewards during training.
It’s digestible. The high protein and low fat content of beef gullet makes it easy for dogs to digest. This gives it an advantage over some other chews like rawhide.
It’s long-lasting Large beef gullet chews can keep an aggressive chewer busy for days! This provides great value for dog owners,
Beef gullet checks all the boxes in terms of safety, nutrition, and yumminess for dogs. No wonder they can’t get enough of it!
Buying Beef Gullet Chews
When shopping for beef gullet chews, look for products sourced from free-range, grass-fed cattle whenever possible. This ensures higher welfare standards for the animals.
The gullet should just contain beef with no other ingredients. Avoid any with added salt, preservatives or flavorings. Also be wary of extremely low priced gullet chews, as quality can be questionable.
Inspect the gullet before giving it to your dog. Look for any loose bone shards or sharp edges that could be dangerous. Supervise your dog during chewing and take it away if they start breaking off large chunks.
Only buy beef gullet from reputable manufacturers that follow food safety protocols. Proper handling and drying procedures reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
Due to occasional quality issues, some veterinarians recommend avoiding beef gullet or feeding it only in moderation. Talk to your vet if you have any concerns.
Benefits of Beef Gullet Chews
When sourced and fed properly, beef gullet chews offer a number of benefits for dogs:
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Nutritious protein: Beef gullet is very high in protein which helps build strong muscles and provides energy.
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Natural enzymes: Contains enzymes that aid the digestion process.
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Promotes dental health: The abrasive chewing action scrapes away plaque and tartar.
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Keeps dogs busy: Provides hours of chewing entertainment and prevents boredom.
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Easily digestible: The natural beef flavor and soft texture make it easy to digest.
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Source of glucosamine: Contains compounds that support joint health and mobility.
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Low calorie: Usually lower in fat than many other chews like pig ears or bully sticks.
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Fun treat: Dogs really love the beefy flavor as an occasional treat.
When fed in moderation, beef gullet can be a healthy part of a dog’s diet and lifestyle.
Possible Risks of Beef Gullet
While moderate feeding is fine for most dogs, there are some potential downsides to be aware of:
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Choking hazards: Easily broken off pieces can pose a choking risk. Always supervise your dog during chewing.
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GI blockages or perforations: Large chunks can potentially obstruct or rupture the digestive tract. Monitor your dog’s stools for any signs of distress.
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Bacterial contamination: Raw meat products can harbor pathogens like salmonella. Follow safe handling procedures.
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High calorie: The high protein and fat can quickly lead to weight gain if overfed. Limit to occasional treats.
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Thyroid risk: Gullet may contain traces of thyroid tissue which could impact hormone levels if fed routinely.
Your individual dog may also be sensitive or allergic to beef. Discontinue use if you notice any signs of gastrointestinal upset. As with any chew treat, beef gullet should only be fed under supervision.
Alternatives to Beef Gullet Chews
If you decide beef gullet isn’t right for your pooch, there are many other great chew options to consider:
- Bully sticks
- Antlers and other natural bones
- Himalayan dog chews
- Cow hooves
- Pig ears
- Dental chews
- Rawhide chews
- Frozen stuffed Kongs
- Tendons and ligaments
- Nylon or rubber chew toys
Avoid any chew that your dog can break off large chunks. Select safe chews that match your dog’s chewing style and preferences. Rotate different chews to keep things interesting.
FAQs About Beef Gullet Chews
What part of the cow is beef gullet made from?
Beef gullet chews come from the esophagus of a cow. The esophagus connects the mouth and stomach.
At what age can puppies have beef gullet?
Most vets recommend waiting until at least 4 months of age before introducing harder chews like beef gullet to give a puppy’s teeth and jaws time to develop. Always supervise puppies when giving new treats.
How should I store beef gullet chews?
Store leftover beef gullet chews in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. This prevents them from drying out or becoming contaminated.
Can you feed beef gullet to dogs with allergies?
Dogs with a beef allergy should not be fed beef gullet as it contains 100% cow parts. Check with your vet before introducing any new protein sources.
Why does my dog swallow beef gullet whole?
Large dogs that gulp down treats are at risk for choking or intestinal blockages. Consider buying wider, flatter gullet strips or supervise very closely during chewing.
Are beef gullet chews high in calories?
Yes, beef gullet is relatively high in calories. Limit treats to 10% of your dog’s daily calories to prevent excessive weight gain.
The Bottom Line
When sourced properly and fed in moderation, beef gullet can be a tasty, nutritious natural chew that provides dogs with hours of chewing satisfaction. However, these treats do pose some risks, especially for aggressive chewers. As with any chew, supervise your dog during use and discontinue feeding if any problems arise. Talk to your vet if you have concerns about incorporating beef gullet into your dog’s routine.
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Crunchy, Nutritious, Cleans Teeth
Transparently sourced from 100% pasture-raised, grass-fed cattle, these dehydrated chews are highly digestible, humanely raised, and support regenerative agriculture. The Beef Gullet chews similarly to a Beef Trachea, but much tougher!
PLEASE NOTE: The gullet is where the thyroid is located. We’ve made an effort to remove all traces of the thyroid gland, however, some traces of hormone may be naturally present. For this reason, we recommend you feed this chew in moderation.
*Price listed is per single item Style Whole
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- 100% Beef
- Single Origin
- Zero Fillers
What is Beef Gullet?
Beef gullet is a natural chew treat which is made from beef oesophagus. The oesophagus is usually split down the middle and flattened into a strip, but some products are left in a cylindrical shape. They are usually air-dried or dehydrated at low heat. They are a common treat used for dogs as they are very palatable, a rich source of protein and contain glucosamine and chondroitin.
They usually are gluten and grain free. They normally contain no preservatives or chemicals although individual manufacturers will vary so always check the label. Strips of gullet are usually 12-15 cm in length. They can be used for puppies over 16 weeks of age as well as older dogs as they are soft and don’t tend to damage teeth.
Beef gullet comes from the oesophagus of beef cattle. This is usually a by-product from the carcass that is not fit for human consumption.
Using the by-products means that the process is much more sustainable as all parts of the animals are being put to good use. The gullet is nutrient dense so is a good choice of chew for dogs.
They are readily available in the USA and most countries in Europe. The main producers of beef products in Europe are Italy, Spain, France and Germany.
Other countries such as Australia and The USA produce beef but their safety standards vary greatly compared to EU countries and the United Kingdom so bear this in mind when selecting your product. It is the buyer’s responsibility to source products which have been held to a high standard of animal welfare. Search for products that have been approved by associations like RSPCA Freedom Food Standards, Red Tractor, the Soil Association and Scottish Organic Producers Association.
To reduce the carbon footprint of the product, if at all possible, try to source locally.
Beef gullet chews are available as thin flattened strips or they can be sold in the original form in the shape of the oesophagus. They are usually freeze-dried or slowly air-dried. They don’t usually contain any flavourings, salt, sugar or additives.
Beef gullet treats are suitable for small, medium, and large breed dogs as the strips can be broken up. It is always advised to supervise your dog when giving these treats and always allow them access to fresh water while they are chewing them.
Beef gullet chews can be used as part of a raw diet, in addition to their usual raw food. This is because, during the process of dehydration, they are only heated to a very low temperature, so they are still classed as raw food. There are a few important precautions to take when feeding raw food. You must always wash your hands after contact with the product and clean down any surfaces with a suitable disinfectant. This is because, with any raw diet, there is a risk of contamination with harmful bacteria such as Campylobacter, E. Coli and Salmonella. These pathogens may not necessarily cause disease in your dog, however, they pose a huge risk to anyone in the household who is immunosuppressed or has a compromised immune system such as young infants or the elderly.