Dogs love to chew, and this natural instinct serves many important purposes. Chewing helps alleviate the discomfort of puppy teething, strengthens jaw muscles, and effectively cleans your dog’s teeth. Beyond physical benefits, chewing is an excellent way to combat doggy boredom and can even help reduce anxiety or frustration by providing an engaging activity. With countless options available, understanding how to choose the Best Dog Chews is crucial for your pet’s health and happiness.
The market is flooded with various types of chews, from recreational toys to edible treats. But how do you discern which ones are truly safe and beneficial for your furry friend? This guide will help you navigate the vast array of edible dog chews, ensuring you make informed choices that align with your dog’s unique needs and chewing habits.
Understanding Your Dog’s Chewing Style
Just like humans have different personalities, every dog possesses a distinct chewing style. A robust Boxer, for instance, is more likely to be an aggressive chewer compared to a delicate Shih Tzu. Beyond breed, individual preferences vary, with some dogs enjoying harder chews while others prefer softer alternatives. These preferences can also evolve with age; a tough chew suitable for an adolescent dog might be too hard for a senior dog facing dental sensitivities.
It’s paramount to select chews that complement your dog’s age, personality, and chewing intensity. What might be safe for one dog could pose a risk to another. An edible treat, while appealing, isn’t inherently safe. For example, if your dog tends to break off and swallow large pieces whole, this could lead to serious complications such as choking or a dangerous bowel obstruction. Always supervise your dog closely when introducing any new type of chew to ensure it’s a suitable and safe choice. For more insights on appropriate recreational items, you might explore various chew toys that dogs can eat.
Key Factors for Choosing the Best Edible Dog Chews
When searching for the best dog chews, consider these vital characteristics to ensure both safety and satisfaction for your canine companion:
- Hardness: Chews that are excessively hard can lead to chipped or broken teeth, and even cuts to your dog’s gums. A good rule of thumb is that if you can’t indent it with your thumbnail, it might be too hard for your dog.
- Durability: The chew should be sturdy enough to withstand enthusiastic gnawing without disintegrating too quickly. If a chew is too soft, your dog could easily break off sizable chunks and swallow them, presenting a significant health hazard.
- Long-lasting: Opt for edible dog chews that offer sustained engagement. Longer-lasting options not only keep your dog occupied for extended periods but also provide better value.
- Size: Chews that are too small for your dog can quickly become a choking hazard. Always choose edible dog chews that are sufficiently large, preventing your dog from fitting the entire item into their mouth at once.
- Ingredients: Prioritize chews with limited, natural ingredients. Be wary of artificial flavorings or coatings that could upset your dog’s stomach or trigger allergic reactions. Choosing chews with wholesome ingredients aligns with a natural food diet for dogs.
Should you have any concerns regarding your selection of edible dog chews, a consultation with your veterinarian is always recommended. They can offer personalized advice based on your dog’s specific health profile and chewing habits.
Popular Types of Edible Dog Chews
There is a wide variety of edible dog chews available, each with its own benefits and potential drawbacks. Understanding these differences can help you select the best dog chews for your pet.
Rawhide
Rawhide, derived from the inner layer of horse or cowhide, remains a popular chew choice. However, the safety of rawhide largely depends on the individual dog. Power chewers, in particular, can break off large pieces that, if swallowed, can cause choking or become dangerously lodged in the intestines. Rawhide is also notoriously difficult for dogs to digest, meaning swallowed pieces can pass through the digestive system whole, increasing the risk of obstruction. If you choose to offer rawhide, vigilantly remove any large chunks your dog manages to break off. Once the rawhide becomes small enough to be swallowed in one piece, it’s safest to take it away.
Bully Sticks
Unlike rawhide, bully sticks (also known as pizzle sticks) are generally considered easily digestible. These single-ingredient chews, made from beef muscle, come in various thicknesses and lengths, including braided and shaped options designed for extended chewing. They possess the advantage of not splintering. Instead, as your dog chews, the end of the stick softens, acting somewhat like a toothbrush. Most dogs will simply gnaw on the end, but powerful chewers might bite straight through, creating large pieces that could be swallowed, posing a choking risk, or they might attempt to swallow the entire stick. In such cases, using a bully stick holder can help prevent your dog from consuming too much at once. Always remove the stick when it has been chewed down to a small nub to prevent accidental swallowing.
Otterhound puppy chewing on a treat in the grass.
Antlers
Antlers are natural chews sourced from various animals like deer or elk. Available in a range of sizes and shapes, antlers are exceptionally long-lasting due to their extreme hardness. However, this very hardness can make them a risky choice. Dogs can easily break their teeth on antlers, leading to painful injuries and costly veterinary treatments. The hard, unforgiving surface can also cut your dog’s gums.
The most significant danger associated with antlers comes from potential splinters or shards. These sharp pieces can puncture or become embedded in your dog’s mouth, throat, or intestines, often necessitating emergency surgery. For these reasons, many veterinarians advise against using antlers as dog chews. If you do opt to provide them, constant supervision is non-negotiable while your dog is chewing.
Yak Cheese Chews
Yak cheese chews are a relatively newer addition to the edible chew market. These hard blocks of dried cheese typically contain just a few ingredients: yak’s milk (sometimes cow’s milk), salt, and lime juice. Their low lactose content generally makes them well-tolerated and easily digestible by dogs. They are hard enough to be long-lasting and often have a less offensive odor compared to some other animal-based chews.
Labrador retriever standing indoors with an antler in its mouth.
Despite their appeal, yak cheese chews present similar dangers to other hard chews. If your dog breaks off large chunks, they risk choking or experiencing a bowel obstruction. Furthermore, their hardness means they could potentially cause broken teeth. As with any chew, always select a block large enough that your dog cannot swallow it whole. Remove the yak chew as soon as it becomes small enough to pose a hazard. Interestingly, small pieces of yak cheese chews can be microwaved briefly to “puff” them, turning them into a crunchy, safe treat once cooled.
Tendons and Other Animal Parts
A variety of animal parts are marketed as edible dog chews, ranging from beef trachea to pig ears. The safety of these options can vary considerably. Pig ears, for example, are often coated, which can lead to an upset stomach. Chews like backstrap and other tendons are generally considered safer choices due to their low fat content and high levels of protein and collagen.
Trachea offers a softer chewing experience and contains beneficial chondroitin and glucosamine, making it a good option for dogs with joint issues. Finally, fish skin chews, often shaped into bones or rolls, while having a distinct “fishy” odor, are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin, coat, and overall health. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, consider researching soft food for dogs with upset stomach in conjunction with chew choices.
Human-Made Edible Bones
The market also features a wide array of human-made edible bones, often labeled as “dental bones.” These types of edible dog chews are frequently designed to help clean dogs’ teeth by mechanically scrubbing plaque and tartar as the dog chews. When selecting these, look for versions that are highly digestible and made with natural ingredients. It’s also important to choose a bone size and shape that is appropriate for your dog’s specific size and chewing intensity to maximize benefits and minimize risks.
Conclusion
Choosing the best dog chews is more than just picking an appealing treat; it’s about making a responsible decision that impacts your dog’s safety, dental health, and overall well-being. From understanding your dog’s unique chewing style to carefully evaluating factors like hardness, durability, and ingredients, every step is crucial. While popular options like bully sticks and yak cheese chews can be great, even they come with specific safety considerations. Always remember to supervise your dog with any new chew and consult your veterinarian if you have any doubts. By making informed choices, you can provide your canine companion with satisfying and safe chewing experiences that keep them happy and healthy for years to come. Explore more articles on Dog Care Story to further enhance your pet care knowledge!
