Chewing is one way in which dogs express their natural canine instincts. While treats provide immediate satisfaction, chews provide longer-term satisfaction while helping reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
Chews and treats should not be so hard as to break teeth or cause choking, necessitating life-saving veterinary intervention. Furthermore, low calorie treats should be provided in order to prevent excess weight gain.
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Dental Chews
Dental chews leverage your dog’s natural instinct to chew to remove plaque and tartar buildup while refreshing their breath, as well as help prevent serious dental health problems like gum disease and tooth loss. Regular use may help avoid serious oral issues including these two problems.
Look for dental chews made with minimal ingredients and low levels of calories to ensure your dog doesn’t overindulge in these treats. Your veterinarian can offer guidance as to the kind of treat best suited to their stage in life and specific dental needs – puppies may benefit from soft chews for alleviating teething discomfort while older dogs might prefer stronger options.
Some chews use mechanical action to scrape away plaque while others feature unique textures and designs to reach hard-to-reach areas. Others contain active ingredients like parsley and mint to combat bad breath; regardless, daily brushing remains at the core of a comprehensive oral hygiene program for your pet.
Natural Chews
Natural chews utilize real animal parts to provide dental and mental stimulation for canines, helping curb destructive chewing behaviors while providing nutritional and health benefits. They’re typically long-lasting chews with multiple uses. Natural chews may present a potential choking hazard for their pup, so pet parents should always monitor Cadet when she chews these tasty treats. Common natural options for Cadet may include beef pizzles, tendons, gullets, bones, cow hooves/antlers/antlers and trachea chews among many more! Natural Farm’s Odor-Free Standard Bully Stick is an exceptional chew option made from dried and processed muscle tissue from grass-fed cattle in Brazil. There are no added flavors or preservatives, plus their One Tree Planted program plants a tree for every chew sold!
Dogs need a balanced diet full of essential nutrients and minerals in order to remain healthy. Natural chews offer many of these essential substances, including calcium and phosphorus for bone and muscle development as well as protein for immune support, coat health, skin, muscles and bones.
Soft Chews
Soft chews offer an alternative to oil or liquid supplements and may be more cost-effective for certain pet owners. Their palatability increases compliance with medication.
Many organic ingredients used to craft chewables offer natural benefits for pets as well as better for the environment. Chewables containing high levels of protein support muscle development and overall well-being.
Daily Digestive Soft Chews provide an effective combination of digestive enzymes to support intestinal health. Highly palatable chews contain probiotics, prebiotics and live (viable) bacteria necessary for pets to break down food into nutrients they can easily digest and absorb.
Hard Chews
Rawhide, an all-too-common dog chew, should not be recommended due to potential risks of gastrointestinal blockage and jaw fractures. But you have another healthy and long-lasting option available in yak cheese that’s easily digestible with high amounts of calcium, iron and protein content.
Puppies require chews that help ease their teething discomfort and redirect biting tendencies, while simultaneously cleaning their teeth of plaque and tartar and freshening breath. Since puppies are in an active growth phase, chews specifically designed for them can assist with bone development as well as mental stimulation needs.
Food-filled chew toys for puppies can help them remain engaged, prevent over-chewing and teething accidents, and keep them busy during play time. Speak to a veterinarian or pet store merchant about your dog’s age, personality and chewing habits so they can suggest the most appropriate chew to suit him/her.
