Lamb Trotters for Dogs: Benefits, Safety and What to Look For

Quick Summary

Lamb trotters are the lower leg joints of a lamb, 100% natural, air-dried, single-ingredient chews

They're high in protein (46.94%), rich in calcium and Omega 3, and support dental health, joints and muscle maintenance

The hair-on version, Anco Hairy Lamb Trotter, offers the added benefit of acting as a natural digestive aid

Anco offers three lamb trotter options: standard, hairy, and biltong-wrapped, each suited to different dogs and preferences

Always supervise your dog when chewing and choose the right size for your dog's breed. Not suitable for dogs under 4 months or those with dental issues

What Are Lamb Trotters for Dogs?

If you haven’t come across lamb trotters for dogs before, they’re a simple, natural chew that many dogs instinctively love. A lamb trotter is the lower leg joint of a lamb, simply air-dried to preserve all its natural nutrients and flavour. No additives. No preservatives. Just 100% lamb.

They're part of a growing movement towards natural, single-ingredient dog chews, and for good reason. Lamb trotters last a satisfyingly long time-and they’re packed with genuine nutritional benefits that processed treats simply can't match.

As dog owners ourselves, we believe treats should be as natural and wholesome as the food we’d choose for our own dogs.

Anco's lamb trotter range is made and sourced to the highest standards, grain and gluten free, no added salt or sugar, and no GMO, dairy or soy. Whether you opt for the standard Lamb Trotter, the Hairy Lamb Trotter, or the Biltong Wrapped version, you're giving your dog something genuinely good.

What's Actually in a Lamb Trotter?

Let's look at the numbers. Here's all the natural goodness you can find in Anco's Lamb Trotters:

Nutrient	Anco Lamb Trotter	Anco Hairy Lamb Trotter
Protein	46.94%	57.70%
Fat	17.24%	29.30%
Ash	25.51%	3.10%
Ingredient	100% Lamb	100% Lamb
Suitable from	12 weeks	12 weeks
Grain free	Yes	Yes
Added salt/sugar	None	None

The higher ash content in the standard trotter reflects the bone mineral content, calcium and phosphorus, which supports strong bones and teeth. The hairy version is higher in protein and lower in ash, with the coat of hair providing additional digestive benefits (see below).

The Benefits of Lamb Trotters for Dogs

1. Outstanding Dental Health Support

One of the biggest draws of lamb trotters is what they do for your dog's teeth. The tough, abrasive texture acts like a natural toothbrush, scraping away plaque and tartar as your dog chews. Research into raw and dried bones suggests they can be as effective as brushing at keeping bacteria counts on teeth low by scraping away plaque and tartar as your dog chews.

For dogs who refuse the toothbrush, which is most of them, a lamb trotter gives you a practical, enjoyable alternative that gets the job done whilst your dog thinks they're just having a great time.

2. High-Quality Protein for Muscle Health

Lamb is one of the finest sources of high-quality protein available in a natural dog treat. With up to 57.70% protein in the hairy version, lamb trotters deliver the amino acids your dog needs to build and maintain muscle mass, particularly important for active dogs, working breeds, and dogs recovering from illness or surgery.

Regular protein from natural sources like lamb also supports a healthy coat, good energy levels, and strong immune function.

3. Natural Joint Support

The connective tissues in lamb trotters, including tendons, ligaments and cartilage, are naturally rich in collagen, glucosamine and chondroitin. These compounds support joint cartilage, help maintain joint fluid, and can contribute to better mobility over time.

This makes lamb trotters a particularly good choice for older dogs or larger breeds who are more prone to joint stiffness. It won't replace a dedicated joint supplement, but it's a meaningful natural contribution, and one your dog will actively look forward to.

4. Long-Lasting Chewing Enrichment

Dogs need to chew. It's not just a habit, it's a genuine psychological need that releases endorphins, reduces anxiety and helps dogs feel calm and settled. Lamb trotters deliver on this brilliantly.

Even a strong chewer will typically spend 45 minutes to over an hour on a lamb trotter. For smaller dogs, one trotter can last across multiple sessions. That's a significant amount of calm, focused enrichment from a single natural treat.

5. Rich in Calcium and Omega 3

The bone content in lamb trotters provides natural calcium and phosphorus, essential minerals for strong bones and healthy teeth. Lamb is also naturally rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, which support brain health, reduce inflammation, and contribute to a healthy skin and coat.

This is particularly valuable for senior dogs, where cognitive health and joint inflammation are ongoing concerns.

6. Hypoallergenic, Great for Sensitive Dogs

Lamb is considered a novel protein for most dogs, meaning it's less commonly found in standard dog diets and therefore less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. This makes lamb trotters a brilliant choice for dogs with sensitivities to beef or chicken, or those on an elimination diet.

The single-ingredient simplicity of Anco's lamb trotters means there's nothing hidden on the label. What you see is exactly what your dog gets.

What About the Hairy Lamb Trotter?

The Anco Hairy Lamb Trotter is the same great product with one additional feature: the natural hair is left on. It might look a little unusual, but there's a genuinely good reason for it.

The hair on the trotter acts as a natural digestive fibre. As your dog chews and digests it, the hair moves through the digestive tract, supporting digestive health by adding natural fibre and keeping things moving healthily. Anco's own product page notes this as a specific benefit, and it's one you won't find in processed or synthetic chews.

The hairy version also has a higher protein content at 57.70% and lower ash compared to the standard trotter, making it an excellent all-round choice for dogs who can handle it.

Always introduce hairy treats gradually and monitor your dog's stools when first trying them. Some dogs may need time to adjust.

Biltong Wrapped Lamb Trotter, An Extra Layer of Flavour

For dogs who need a little extra encouragement, the Anco Biltong Wrapped Lamb Trotter adds an irresistible twist. The calcium-rich lamb trotter is wrapped in biltong, a natural air-dried meat, adding an extra layer of flavour and protein.

At £2.20, it's a great option for dogs who enjoy a longer-lasting, high-protein chew with added flavour. The biltong wrapping also gives fussier dogs something to get started on before they reach the trotter itself.

Lamb Trotters vs Other Natural Chews, How Do They Compare?

Wondering how lamb trotters stack up against other popular natural chews? Here's a straightforward comparison:

Chew	Protein	Dental Benefit	Joint Support	Hypoallergenic	Long-Lasting
Anco Lamb Trotter	46.94%	Excellent	Yes	Yes	Yes
Anco Hairy Lamb Trotter	57.70%	Excellent	Yes	Yes	Yes
Chicken feet	High	Good	Yes	Varies	Moderate
Pig's ear	Moderate	Moderate	No	No	Moderate
Standard rawhide	Low	Moderate	No	No	Yes
Antler chew	Low	Good	No	Yes	Very long
Anco Roots (tree root)	None	Good	No	Yes	Very long

Safety, What You Need to Know

Lamb trotters are a bone-containing treat, so a few sensible precautions apply:

Always supervise your dog whilst they're chewing, particularly first-timers

Choose the right size, a trotter that's too small for a large dog becomes a choking risk once it's been chewed down

Fresh water should always be available when your dog is chewing

Not suitable for puppies under 4 months, wait until adult teeth are in before introducing bone chews

Not recommended for dogs with existing dental issues or elderly dogs with weakened teeth

Introduce gradually, start with short, supervised sessions and build up

As with any natural bone chew, there is a small risk of splintering. Air-drying reduces (but does not eliminate) this risk. If you notice your dog biting off large chunks rather than slowly gnawing, remove the treat and offer a softer alternative.

Which Dogs Are Lamb Trotters Best Suited To?

Dog Type	Recommended Option	Why
Medium to large adult dogs	Standard Lamb Trotter (£1.30)	Great size for a satisfying, long chew
Dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies	Hairy Lamb Trotter (£1.50)	Hypoallergenic + natural digestive fibre from the hair
Fussy eaters	Biltong Wrapped Lamb Trotter (£2.20)	Extra biltong flavour gets them started
Dogs with joint concerns	Standard or Hairy Lamb Trotter	Natural collagen, glucosamine and chondroitin
Dogs needing dental support	Any lamb trotter	Tough abrasive texture naturally cleans teeth
Puppies (12 weeks+)	Hairy Lamb Trotter	Softer hair-on option, but supervise closely
Senior dogs	With vet guidance	Joint and brain health benefits but monitor chewing

The Full Anco Lamb Trotter Range

Anco is a Scottish, family-owned company with over 30 years of experience creating 100% natural dog treats. Every treat in the range is air-dried or cold-pressed to preserve natural nutrients and flavour, no artificial additives, no shortcuts.

Here's what's available in the lamb trotter range:

Product	Price	Key Feature	Product Page
Anco Naturals Lamb Trotter	£1.30	46.94% protein, calcium-rich bone chew	ancodogtreats.co.uk/product/anco-naturals-lamb-trotter
Anco Naturals Hairy Lamb Trotter	£1.50	57.70% protein, natural digestive fibre from hair	ancodogtreats.co.uk/product/anco-naturals-hairy-lamb-trotter
Anco Naturals Biltong Wrapped Lamb Trotter	£2.20	Calcium-rich trotter wrapped in air-dried biltong	ancodogtreats.co.uk/product/anco-naturals-biltong-wrapped-lamb-trotter

Browse the full Anco lamb range, including Lamb Rolls, Lamb Horns, Lamb Braids, Lamb Ears and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are lamb trotters safe for dogs?

Yes, when given to the right dog in the right way. Lamb trotters are a natural, air-dried bone chew, so they should always be given under supervision. They're not suitable for dogs under 4 months, dogs with dental issues, or elderly dogs. Choose a size appropriate for your dog's breed and always have fresh water available. Anco's lamb trotters are 100% natural with no added preservatives, making them one of the safest natural chew options available.

How long does a lamb trotter last?

It depends on your dog's size and chewing style. Most medium to large dogs will spend 45 minutes to over an hour on a single trotter. For smaller dogs, one trotter can last across multiple sessions. Because they're long-lasting, they're excellent value for money compared to treats that disappear in seconds.

Are lamb trotters good for a dog's teeth?

They're one of the best natural dental chews available. The tough, abrasive texture scrapes plaque and tartar from the teeth as your dog chews, working on areas a toothbrush often misses. Research supports the idea that dried bone chews can significantly reduce bacteria on teeth, making them a brilliant complement to (or practical alternative for) regular brushing.

What's the difference between a standard and a hairy lamb trotter?

The standard Lamb Trotter (£1.30) is a clean, air-dried lamb foot, 46.94% protein, rich in calcium and minerals. The Hairy Lamb Trotter (£1.50) has the natural hair left on, which acts as a digestive fibre, helping to sweep the gut and may aid in the removal of intestinal parasites. The hairy version also has a slightly higher protein content at 57.70%.

Can puppies have lamb trotters?

Anco's lamb trotters are suitable from 12 weeks of age, but it's important to wait until your puppy has finished teething before introducing bone chews regularly. Puppy teeth are softer than adult teeth and can be damaged by hard chews. Always supervise closely and consider the Hairy Lamb Trotter for younger dogs as the softer hair content makes it slightly more forgiving.

Are lamb trotters good for dogs with allergies?

Yes. Lamb is a novel protein, less commonly used in standard dog diets, making it less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. Anco's lamb trotters are 100% single-ingredient, grain and gluten free, with no added dairy, soy or GMO. They're a great choice for dogs on elimination diets or those with sensitivities to more common proteins like beef and chicken.

The Bottom Line

Lamb trotters tick a lot of boxes, dental health, joint support, high protein, long-lasting enrichment, hypoallergenic, and completely natural. They're the kind of treat that works hard whilst your dog simply enjoys the chew.

Anco offers three variations to suit different dogs and occasions: the standard Lamb Trotter for everyday use, the Hairy Lamb Trotter for added digestive benefits, and the Biltong Wrapped version for something a little more indulgent. All three are 100% natural, air-dried, and made to Anco's consistently high standards.

Shop Anco Lamb Trotters