Chew toys can help keep your dog mentally stimulated and their teeth healthy, but some can be potentially hazardous if chewed incorrectly.
Rawhides, antlers and bones can splinter into a dangerous form that can block up intestinal passageways if consumed; chewed too vigorously they could also damage teeth and even cause serious harm to oral health.
Healthier chews include long-acting products that effectively scrape away plaque and tartar while stimulating gumline stimulation and can even provide temporary relief from anxiety or boredom.
Contents
1. Rawhide
Dogs love chewing, and chewing helps their teeth stay strong and clean. But not all chews are beneficial or safe for dogs to enjoy; rawhide in particular has been found to contain cancer-causing chemicals and formaldehyde preservation that could expose both dogs and owners to dangerous pathogens.
Natural chews provide the same dental benefits of rawhide while being less of a choking risk. Look for chews with short ingredient lists that do not include fillers, preservatives, and flavors not necessary for your dog’s wellbeing.
Chewing helps dogs keep mentally stimulated, which improves their behavior and prevents boredom-based destructive chewing behaviors. Carrots may provide healthier chew options but lack the mental stimulation required by dogs.
2. Beef trachea
Beef trachea makes for an easy and nutritious treat that’s suitable for dogs of all ages, made from the windpipe of a cow. Packed full of natural glucosamine and chondroitin that may help relieve arthritis pain, these hollow, crunchy treats offer plenty of chewing fun while providing natural relief from inflammation.
Tracheas also aid joint health by strengthening and lubricating cartilage. Furthermore, like other hard chews, tracheas help clean teeth by scraping away plaque and tartar build-up.
As opposed to rawhide chews, boneless treats are safe for all dogs, including aggressive chewers. Still, it’s wise to observe your pup’s reactions before giving a new chew to them and start with smaller chews if you are new to bone-free treats in order to prevent accidental choking incidents.
3. Pig ears
Pig ears are an increasingly popular chew treat that offer many advantages for canines, such as being low in fat and packed with natural glucosamine for joint health. Chewing also promotes dental hygiene in dogs by helping remove plaque and tartar accumulation; plus their high protein content makes pig ears an easy way to help meet their nutritional requirements.
Pig ears offer an alternative to rawhide treats that contain chemicals and may not be easily digestible for your pet, making them easy for him to digest. Furthermore, there’s no risk of choking with this treat provided your pup does not swallow whole ears or large chunks. However, as always it’s wise to monitor his chewing to prevent such situations from arising.
4. Backstrap
Every pup has unique chewing needs and preferences. Chewing is a natural behavior and helps with dental hygiene; while traditional chews such as bones, rawhide, or bully sticks may wear down quickly or present choking hazards; edible chews offer safer solutions.
Backstrap chew is an exceptionally long-lasting, deliciously-scented and durable option that makes an excellent treat for tough chewers. As it only contains one ingredient, its use reduces risk of food sensitivities or digestive discomfort.
Cow hooves are soft enough to prevent tooth damage without adding fat and are great for long-term chewers, providing a great distraction from destructive or destructive behaviors as well as engaging their brain naturally. Chewing on them may even help dogs with separation anxiety as a distraction and stimulation for engagement naturally.
5. Fish skin
Yak sticks and elk antler chews make great long-term options to remove tartar buildup while stimulating gum health, with both ethically harvested antlers providing essential calcium. Plus, their non-splinter design minimizes digestive issues or possible injury risk.
Bully sticks are durable chews that are beloved among pets and pet parents for their dental health benefits and delicious taste. Low in fat content makes these tasty chews perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Consider chews with minimal ingredients, such as those without chemicals, fillers or flavor enhancers. Too hard chews may crack teeth and irritate gums while chunky ones pose a choking hazard or risk of bowel obstruction.
