Healthy Dog Chews. If you’ve experienced the frustration of a dog chewing up your shoe, you understand their penchant for chewing. It’s not just a destructive habit; it serves important purposes like soothing teething discomfort, strengthening jaw muscles, and maintaining dental hygiene. Chewing also combats boredom and can alleviate anxiety by providing a positive outlet for their energy. Fortunately, there’s a wide array of chew toys available, including edible options, to keep your dog happily occupied.
But how do you know which healthy dog chews are safest, and what vets and animal behaviorists recommend the most? My guide to choosing the perfect edible chew will help you sort through the options.
Understand Your Dog’s Chewing Style
Each dog has its own unique chewing habits. For instance, a Boxer tends to chew more aggressively compared to a Shih Tzu. Additionally, dogs have specific preferences when it comes to the texture of their chews; while some may prefer harder options, others favor softer ones. Moreover, as your dog grows older, their chewing preferences may evolve. What they enjoyed as a young pup might not be suitable as they age, especially if they develop dental issues. Select chews that align with your dog’s personality, age, and chewing tendencies. Remember, what works for one dog may not be suitable for another. Even if a treat is labeled as edible, it doesn’t guarantee safety. For instance, if your dog tends to break off large chunks and swallow them whole, it could pose serious health risks like choking or intestinal blockages. Whenever introducing a new healthy dog chew, closely monitor your pup to ensure it’s a safe choice.
Key Considerations for Edible Dog Chews. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an appropriate chew…
Hardness
Avoid chews that are excessively hard, as they can potentially damage your dog’s teeth or gums.
Durability
Opt for chews that can withstand vigorous chewing without breaking into hazardous chunks.
Longevity
Look for healthy dog chews that are long-lasting, as they provide extended entertainment and value.
Size
Choose chews that are appropriately sized to prevent choking hazards. Ensure they’re large enough to prevent your dog from swallowing them whole. Ingredients: Prioritize chews made with limited, natural ingredients to minimize the risk of stomach upset. Avoid products with artificial flavorings or coatings. If you have any doubts about the suitability of a particular chew, consult your veterinarian for guidance.
Varieties of Edible Dog Chews. Below are some common types of chews for your furry friend…
Bully Sticks
Unlike rawhide, bully sticks, also known as pizzle sticks, offer easy digestibility. These single-ingredient chews, derived from beef muscle, come in various thicknesses, lengths, and even braided or shaped forms for extended chewing pleasure. They don’t splinter; instead, the end softens as your dog chews, acting akin to a toothbrush. While most dogs simply gnaw on bully sticks, power chewers may pose risks by either biting through to form large pieces, which can lead to choking, or swallowing the stick whole. To mitigate this, consider using a bully stick holder to limit how much your dog can access at once. Remove the stick once it’s significantly chewed to prevent ingestion of remaining pieces.
Rawhide
Rawhide, crafted from the inner layer of horse or cowhide, is a popular choice, though its safety varies depending on the dog. For robust chewers, rawhide can pose risks as they may break off sizable chunks, leading to choking or intestinal blockages if swallowed. Moreover, rawhide is challenging to digest, often passing through the digestive system whole, increasing the risk of obstructions. If opting for rawhide, monitor your dog closely, removing any large pieces once chewed to a certain size to prevent swallowing hazards.
Antlers
Antlers serve as all-natural chews sourced from various animals like deer or elk. Available in diverse sizes and shapes, antlers boast exceptional durability due to their hardness. However, this very attribute also presents risks, as dogs may break their teeth or injure their gums while chewing on them. Therefore, careful supervision is crucial when offering antlers to your pet. However, the most significant danger arises from splintered shards of antler. These fragments can puncture or become lodged in your dog’s mouth, throat, or intestines, potentially necessitating emergency surgery. While some veterinarians advise against giving antlers altogether, if you choose to offer them, ensure constant supervision of your dog during chewing sessions.
Human-Made Edible Bones
A variety of human-made edible bones, commonly referred to as dental bones, are available. These chews often aid in dental hygiene by cleaning dogs’ teeth. Opt for highly digestible versions with natural ingredients, ensuring the bone size and shape are suitable for your dog’s size.
Tendons and Other Animal Parts
Various animal parts, from beef trachea to pig ears, are marketed as edible dog chews, but their safety can vary. Pig ears, for example, are often coated, which might cause stomach upset in some dogs. In contrast, backstrap and tendon chews are generally safer options, being low in fat yet rich in protein and collagen. Trachea serves as a softer chew that contains chondroitin and glucosamine, making it a beneficial choice for dogs with joint issues. Additionally, fish skin chews, despite their fishy odor, are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, often molded into bone or roll shapes.
Are you finding this article useful?Would you like 100% free access to more articles like these, and free access to over 5,000 vetted pet care service professionals throughout the United States? Sign up here for a free Petworks account, and we’ll email you a 10% discount code, good towards your first pet care services booking on Petworks!
“The ingredient list is a tricky subject, not only in dog food but in treats as well,” TikTok-famous vet Hunter Finn, DVM, admits. “The pet treat sector is just not well regulated and, let’s be honest, treats are not a necessity for our pets, but help us strengthen our bond.” – Dr. Hunter Finn, D.V.M, founder and owner of Pet Method (also known as Pet Method Animal Hospital) based in McKinney, Texas.
Dog parents look for chew treats that serve dual purposes: offering distraction and satisfaction to their dogs while promoting oral and dental health. Chews can effectively redirect chewing behaviors, particularly in puppies during the teething phase when their permanent teeth are emerging. Additionally, chews serve as sources for dog training, entertainment, and enrichment for your beloved pups.
In 2021, Dr. Marty Goldstein DVM joined the pet care platform Petworks as an advisor in its Animal Nutrition care division. Dr Marty Nature’s Blend is on a mission to help your pets live their healthiest lives possible. Dr. Marty’s pet nutrition expertise and guidance has helped Petworks evolve and become the preeminent animal and pet nutrition consultation service for pet parents in North America.
In 2022, Blue Buffalo Founder Bill Bishop Jr. joined Petworks as Senior Advisor in our Animal Nutrition Care Division. Bill brings his extensive expertise in pet food innovation and business leadership. His guidance helps Petworks enhance our pet nutrition service offerings, helping to ensure that pet parents throughout the world receive trusted, science-backed nutritional support for their dogs, cats, and animals.
About The Author
Petworks Co-Founder Kevin Kinyon is a life-long animal lover who works tirelessly to improve the lives of pets and their parents. Human and animal qualities he values most are integrity, humor, and empathy.
One Reply to “Learn About Healthy Dog Chews”
Thanks for your handy post. Over time, I have come to understand that the actual symptoms of mesothelioma cancer are caused by a build up of fluid between lining of the lung and the breasts cavity. The condition may start while in the chest region and distribute to other limbs. Other symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include fat reduction, severe deep breathing trouble, temperature, difficulty swallowing, and puffiness of the neck and face areas. It must be noted that some people having the disease never experience just about any serious symptoms at all.
In 2021, Dr. Marty Goldstein DVM joined the pet care platform Petworks as an advisor in its Animal Nutrition care division. Dr Marty Nature’s Blend is on a mission to help your pets live their healthiest lives possible. Dr. Marty’s pet nutrition expertise and guidance has helped Petworks evolve and become the preeminent animal and pet nutrition consultation service for pet parents in North America.
In 2022, Blue Buffalo Founder Bill Bishop Jr. joined Petworks as Senior Advisor in our Animal Nutrition Care Division. Bill brings his extensive expertise in pet food innovation and business leadership. His guidance helps Petworks enhance our pet nutrition service offerings, helping to ensure that pet parents throughout the world receive trusted, science-backed nutritional support for their dogs, cats, and animals.
Petworks Co-Founder Kevin Kinyon is a life-long animal lover who works tirelessly to improve the lives of pets and their parents. Human and animal qualities he values most are integrity, humor, and empathy.
Thanks for your handy post. Over time, I have come to understand that the actual symptoms of mesothelioma cancer are caused by a build up of fluid between lining of the lung and the breasts cavity. The condition may start while in the chest region and distribute to other limbs. Other symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include fat reduction, severe deep breathing trouble, temperature, difficulty swallowing, and puffiness of the neck and face areas. It must be noted that some people having the disease never experience just about any serious symptoms at all.