Can Dogs and Cats Really Eat Fur? Surprising Benefits You Didn’t Know!

Can Dogs and Cats Really Eat Fur? Surprising Benefits You Didn’t Know!

Wait…my dog can eat fur?!

Yup — and not only can they, it’s actually good for them. Fur-on chews like rabbit ears and whole prey aren’t just treats, they’re nature’s multi-tool.

Fur helps:
• Clean teeth like a natural toothbrush
• Support digestion as fiber
• Provide mental enrichment
• Sweep the digestive tract for a gentle detox

We’re about to dig into the why behind fur-on feeding — and by the end, you’ll be the one explaining the benefits like a pro.

1. Fur = Natural Fiber

Fur acts like a gentle broom in the intestines, sweeping through undigested material and helping regulate digestion. This aids in stool consistency, gut motility, and the expression of anal glands—say goodbye to unpleasant booty odors!

It also improves the gut microbiome, feeding beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. A healthy gut means a stronger immune system, improved nutrient absorption, and reduced risk of digestive upset.

2. A Natural Toothbrush & Hairball Helper

Chewing on fur acts like a loofah for the teeth, helping to scrape away plaque and bacteria while freshening breath naturally.

For cats, the fibrous texture also helps control hairballs by moving swallowed fur through the digestive system rather than allowing it to build up.

3. Mental & Physical Enrichment

Fur mimics the texture of wild prey, satisfying your pet’s natural hunting instincts. This provides mental enrichment and behavioral satisfaction while reducing boredom-related behaviors. Chewing also releases calming endorphins, making fur chews a natural stress reliever.

4. Natural Dewormer & Detox

Nature built fur with a purpose—it binds to parasites and their eggs, carrying them out of the digestive tract. It also sweeps out intestinal worms and unwanted matter. That’s right: fur is a built-in dewormer and detox system!

5. Packed With Nutrients

Fur isn’t just roughage—it’s nutrient-rich too!

  • Keratin: Helps strengthen hair, making it shinier and less likely to break.
  • Silica, Zinc & Copper: Boosts skin and coat health while keeping fur vibrant and glossy.
  • Manganese: Often missing from many commercial and unbalanced raw diets, manganese is critical for collagen formation, supporting strong joints, bone density, and healthy ligaments.

This makes fur a hidden powerhouse for musculoskeletal health and mobility. Pets with active lifestyles or aging joints especially benefit from this natural source of manganese.

Ready to let your pet experience the full benefits of fur? 🐶🐱
Fur isn’t just safe—it’s a natural source of fiber, enrichment, and essential nutrients like manganese. That’s why Golden Nibbles offers a carefully selected variety of fur-on treats to support your pet’s digestion, dental health, and overall vitality.

✨ Shop our fur treat collection:

Give your pet a species-appropriate chew that provides gut health, mental enrichment, dental benefits, and nutrient support—all in one natural snack.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Is it safe for my dog or cat to eat fur?

Yes—when sourced responsibly, fur is completely safe and biologically appropriate. In the wild, carnivores consume prey whole: bones, skin, organs, and fur. Modern pets benefit from this same practice through fur-on treats like rabbit ears, duck heads, or furry chews.

Fur isn’t digested the same way as meat or organs. Instead, it passes through the digestive system intact, acting as natural fiber. Along the way, it helps sweep out mucus, excess waste, and even parasites.

The key is ensuring the fur comes from clean, pathogen-tested sources. At Golden Nibbles, for example, our fur-on chews are freeze-dried raw, locking in nutrients while eliminating harmful bacteria.

For first-timers: start with small pieces and supervise. Some pets may be unsure about the texture at first, but most quickly learn to love it.

Takeaway: Yes, fur is safe for both dogs and cats—it’s actually one of the most natural additions to their diet.

2. How does fur support gut health and digestion?

Fur acts as a natural broom inside your pet’s digestive tract. It collects undigested material, sweeps it along, and helps keep the intestines clean. This reduces constipation, prevents anal gland blockages, and improves stool quality.

But the benefits go deeper: fur feeds the gut microbiome. The extra fiber acts as a prebiotic, encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria. These bacteria aid nutrient absorption, regulate immunity, and even influence mood.

For cats, fur plays a huge role in hairball prevention. Instead of hair building up and being vomited out, fur helps swallowed hair move safely through the digestive system. For dogs, the added fiber supports firmer stools and naturally expresses anal glands, reducing vet visits.

Takeaway: Fur isn’t just filler—it’s functional fiber that boosts gut health, prevents common issues, and supports long-term digestion.

3. Does fur provide nutrients, or is it just fiber?

Fur is often misunderstood as “just roughage,” but it’s actually packed with nutrients. The biggest standout is manganese—a trace mineral essential for collagen production. Collagen supports joint health, ligament strength, bone density, and flexibility. Without enough manganese, pets are at risk of weak ligaments, joint pain, or skeletal issues.

In fact, manganese is one of the most commonly missing nutrients in both commercial pet foods and unbalanced raw diets. Feeding fur is a natural, species-appropriate way to cover that nutritional gap.

In addition to manganese, fur also contains:

  • Keratin: Promotes strong, shiny coats and resilient nails.
  • Silica, Zinc & Copper: Important trace minerals for skin health, coat gloss, and immune support.

Combined, these nutrients help pets maintain strong joints, reduce shedding, and stay active well into their senior years.

Takeaway: Fur is both fiber and food—it offers essential trace minerals (like manganese) that support your pet’s coat, joints, and overall vitality.

Back to blog

Leave a comment