Dogs need something to chew, so having access to quality bones is crucial. Unfortunately, too-hard bones pose a choking hazard and can even fracture dental arches. Splinters or whole pieces eaten whole could even obstruct digestive tracts and become dangerous obstructions – therefore making a good bone all the more essential!
Cooked bones can crack and shatter, while raw ones provide satisfying crunches while supporting dental hygiene without GI issues. Plastic bones may also provide an easier alternative.
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Real bones
Real bones can be seen displayed at museums of natural history, often suspended like Tyrannosaurus rex or forming the skeleton of an ancient whale. Bones can be found in all animals that possess bone structures – which includes mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles and birds.
Sharp pieces from broken bones can cause severe injury to dogs, including cutting gums and tongues as well as cheeks. Such injuries require medical care from veterinarians as they are extremely painful. Fragmented bones also fracture teeth and cause intestinal blockages in puppies.
The best chews for dogs don’t contain any sharp edges and should be flexible enough to prevent tooth breakage. A good rule of thumb is that it should “give” when you press it with your thumbnail.
Synthetic bones
Chewing on bones helps strengthen their jaw and keep them entertained and mentally stimulated, as well as relieving teething pain for puppies. It is essential to select a bone without artificial ingredients as these could potentially harm them.
Researchers have developed synthetic composite materials with properties similar to bone. This may one day replace bone grafts which require two separate procedures for extraction and placement.
One of these new bone materials mimics nacre, with soft black polymers staggered across its surface in staggered patterns, while the second mimics mechanical properties of mineral calcite, designed like brick-and-mortar walls with soft bricks enclosed by stiff polymer cells. When given as toys for dogs to chew on, real or synthetic bones both help strengthen jaw muscles while alleviating boredom and anxiety, keeping them away from chewing other items such as furniture or clothing.
Rachael Ray Nutrish bones
Mmm…the aroma of chicken soup bones alone would tempt any dog. And now they can, thanks to Rachael Ray Nutrish long-lasting chew bones! Made with real chicken and lots of garden veggies – with no corn, soy or animal by-product meal additives added, plus safely USA cooked with only premium ingredients!
These chewy dog treats are suitable for dogs of all sizes. Free from corn, wheat, soy or gluten and animal by-product meals as well as fillers or artificial flavors – your purchase helps support The Rachael Ray Foundation by providing animals in need with food, medical supplies and treatments they require.
Use only as intermittent or supplemental feeding. Always ensure a bowl of fresh, clean water is nearby and provide your dog with their recommended number of chews per week based on their weight. Do not give more than the necessary as doing so could cause weight gain.
Nature’s Variety bones
Nature’s Variety uses all-natural ingredients to craft long-lasting and chewable bones made with no added fillers or flavors, fulfilling its mission to offer high-quality alternatives to rawhide and plastic chew toys. Their bones contain cow and yak’s milk as well as natural flavoring for maximum chew time; all their products are manufactured here in the US to stringent quality standards.
Dogs’ instinct to chew can provide mental stimulation and dental health benefits while soothing any teething discomfort. Unfortunately, bone fragments that break off can be deadly to their gastrointestinal tracts; bone treats that shatter into sharp pieces could even prove hazardous.
Cooked animal bones such as chicken wing or rib leftovers should never be given as treats, since they splinter into small, sharp pieces that can puncture throat, stomach and intestine as well as fracture teeth. Uncooked bones may be slightly safer; however they still splinter. Safe bone treats should be soft with some pliability such as bully sticks; furthermore they must possess a mild flavor profile.
