Giving your dog something to chew is an important part of their day, it stimulates their mind by providing an activity that is instinctual and fulfilling to any member of the canine species. Chewing has many benefits for a dog: It provides mental stimulation while exercising the jaw muscles. It also cleans the teeth rather effectively by scraping the tooth and loosening plaque and tartar build up. Chewing is an essential part of dental health and should be something owners make sure their canine companions are able to enjoy. Chewing can relieve stress, boredom and give a dog something to enjoy if exercise and activity must be limited for any reason (surgery, injury, etc).
With chewing being so vital to a dog's well being, one must know what can safely be given. It is important to do your research and choose the right options. There are chews that are safe and chews that are not safe. There are chews that provide a quick burst of fun, and chews that allow for long-lasting enjoyment. Luckily, there are many great options. Unfortunately, one of the most popular chew items isn't as ideal as people are led to believe.
With chewing being so vital to a dog's well being, one must know what can safely be given. It is important to do your research and choose the right options. There are chews that are safe and chews that are not safe. There are chews that provide a quick burst of fun, and chews that allow for long-lasting enjoyment. Luckily, there are many great options. Unfortunately, one of the most popular chew items isn't as ideal as people are led to believe.
Rawhide is one of the most popular chew items for dogs in North America, you can purchase this product at any store across the country that sells pet supplies. Unfortunately rawhide is only approximately 80% digestible. That means that rawhide will not be fully digested by your dog when consumed, which can pose a serious threat - especially if you don't notice when your beloved four-legged friend swallows a large piece of his rawhide bone whole. Rawhide is typically made of tough hide from either cows or horses and is rendered and heavily processed. Rawhides may also harbor dangerous chemicals and bacteria, which is certainly something you want to keep out of your dog's body. Rawhide is in itself difficult for the body to process, which stresses out a dog's digestive system and can cause issues with diarrhea and vomiting.
The danger of choking is a real threat when feeding rawhide, as is the potential for blockages in the intestines as well as general intestinal upset. Since rawhide chews are not entirely digestible, if a large piece is swallowed by your dog the chances of it becoming lodged somewhere in the body are quite high. Intestinal blockages are life threatening and often fatal when left untreated.
There are a lot of alternatives to rawhide, most of which are completely safe and even have nutritional benefits. Most are inexpensive and there are a few options that will last your dog even longer than a rawhide does! These products are readily available these days and have proven to be a fantastic addition to any dog's arsenal of chews.
If you do not feed raw, consider learning more about it. Raw feeding provides a fantastic opportunity for dog's to chew and crush bone - which is exactly what they are biologically designed to do. Dogs are instinctually drawn to the act of chewing. If you are unable or unwilling to feed raw, offering a raw recreational bone is the next best option. Knuckle bones or marrow bones are great options, are long lasting, and typically safe.
The danger of choking is a real threat when feeding rawhide, as is the potential for blockages in the intestines as well as general intestinal upset. Since rawhide chews are not entirely digestible, if a large piece is swallowed by your dog the chances of it becoming lodged somewhere in the body are quite high. Intestinal blockages are life threatening and often fatal when left untreated.
There are a lot of alternatives to rawhide, most of which are completely safe and even have nutritional benefits. Most are inexpensive and there are a few options that will last your dog even longer than a rawhide does! These products are readily available these days and have proven to be a fantastic addition to any dog's arsenal of chews.
If you do not feed raw, consider learning more about it. Raw feeding provides a fantastic opportunity for dog's to chew and crush bone - which is exactly what they are biologically designed to do. Dogs are instinctually drawn to the act of chewing. If you are unable or unwilling to feed raw, offering a raw recreational bone is the next best option. Knuckle bones or marrow bones are great options, are long lasting, and typically safe.
Bully sticks are another great option. They are made of 100% digestible, pure muscle meat. They are usually derived from either beef or veal and provide a decently long lasting chew acceptable for the majority of dogs (as long as there are no beef allergies). How long they last depends entirely on the dog, but some easier chewers can get quite awhile out of them. They are safe, fun and taste great to dogs. Some brands of bully sticks don't come properly sterilized and cleaned, so those may create an odour. Look for the ones that are properly cleaned, as they are odour free!
Antlers are a fantastic option, especially for the heavyweight chewer. Antlers are 100% natural, odour-free and can be extremely long lasting. Deer antlers and elk antlers will not splinter or chip away, instead they will be ground down over time as the dog chews on it. Wolves and other wild canines chew on antlers whenever the opportunity arises, as antlers are full of many essential minerals. The marrow at the center is tasty, very nutritious and easy to consume and this chew is entirely mess free! There will by no soggy, oily mess left in its place. Antlers will not stain the carpet or furniture, nor will they leave a mess of crumbs and goop behind. Antlers happen to be one of my favourite chew options for dogs and I always recommend this option to everyone. This chew is perfect for dogs with food sensitives, allergies, or gastrointestinal issues.
These are only a select few out of a large list of great options. Consider other things such as dried sweet potato chews, beef tendons, beef trachea chews, veggie chews, duck feet and dehydrated beef tripe. There are many nutritious chews that can benefit your dog, so do your research and let your dog enjoy this primal activity.
Click here to learn how to make your own dehydrated sweet potato dog chews!
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Want to make dramatic positive changes with your dog's nutrition? K9 Instinct provides nutrition consultations and a collection of great canine diet and nutrition eBooks to help you keep your dog healthy and strong!
Angel
K9 Instinct
www.k9instinct.com
These are only a select few out of a large list of great options. Consider other things such as dried sweet potato chews, beef tendons, beef trachea chews, veggie chews, duck feet and dehydrated beef tripe. There are many nutritious chews that can benefit your dog, so do your research and let your dog enjoy this primal activity.
Click here to learn how to make your own dehydrated sweet potato dog chews!
Want more great information like this, or don't want to miss any of these great articles? Click here to sign up for the monthly K9 Instinct newsletter. Free treat and homemade dog food recipes, tons of information, important recall alerts and so much more are available in our newsletter!
Want to make dramatic positive changes with your dog's nutrition? K9 Instinct provides nutrition consultations and a collection of great canine diet and nutrition eBooks to help you keep your dog healthy and strong!
Angel
K9 Instinct
www.k9instinct.com
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