When it comes to being a responsible dog parent, dog chews are right up there with healthy food and treats. They’re more than just something to keep your pup entertained; they help with boredom, anxiety, and oral health, and even save your furniture from destructive chewing. But here's the catch—choosing the right dog chew isn’t as simple as grabbing the first one you see. A bad choice can cause more problems than it solves!
This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when picking the perfect chew for your dog, and we’ll break down some popular options so you can make the best choice for your furry friend.
Table of ContentHow to Choose the Best Dog Chews Top 7 Best Long Lasting Dog Chews Safety Considerations and Tips |
How to Choose the Best Dog Chews
When choosing the best dog chews, consider the following factors:
- Ingredients: Opt for treats made with natural ingredients, free of artificial additives. Prioritize high-quality proteins and minimal fillers.
- Nutritional Value: Choose treats that complement your dog's diet, not replace it.
- Size & Age: Ensure the treats match your dog’s size and chewing ability.
- Purpose: Whether for training, dental health, or snacking, pick treats that suit your goals.
- Allergies: Watch for any food sensitivities and choose hypoallergenic treats if needed.
Top 7 Best Long Lasting Dog Chews
Yak Cheese Dog Chews
What are Yak Cheese Dog Chews?
Yak cheese chews, like our Tibetan Dog Chews, are limited-ingredient hard cheese made from yak and cow milk. These are sourced from the Himalayan region of Nepal.
These yak bones contain no preservatives or artificial flavorings, thus making for an excellent choice of edible dog chews for your four-legged companions.
Cheese dog chew sticks are also rich in protein and low in fat.
Read more: How Are Yak Cheese Dog Chews Made?
Are Yak Cheese Chews Safe for Dogs?
Yes, yak cheese dog chews are safe for canine consumption as they have no additives. But, they too pose choking hazards like other dog chews.Â
However, unlike other chews, the smaller pieces can be puffed up in the microwave to turn them into crunchy dog treats, like our Tibetan Crunchy Cheese Puffs.
Rawhide
What are Rawhide Chews?
Rawhide dog chews are chews (often) made from the leftovers of the leather industry. While the outside skin of animals is used to make leather products, the inside skin is used to make rawhides.
Most hides are taken from the floors at slaughterhouses. Then, they are placed in high-salt brines to slow down their decay.
After this, they are treated with lime, and the animal hair is removed with chemicals.
Is Rawhide Safe for Dogs?
We use the words ‘often’ and ‘most’ in the above text because not all rawhides are the same.
While most rawhide chews are first made in China and later arrive in the US for further preparation, a few rawhide products are designed and prepared to be easily digestible.
Because of the use of chemicals and rawhide’s nature, there have been many cases of health issues after its consumption. Dogs usually face digestive upsets and intestinal blockage after chomping on large chunks of rawhide chews. It’s best to choose rawhide alternatives to avoid any possible issues
Bully Sticks
What are Bully Sticks?
Bully sticks are popular dog chews. They are made from bull penises.
This makes bully sticks a single-ingredient product. As a result, they are usually free from additives — the manufacturing process includes sourcing, cooking, and air-drying.
Are Bully Sticks Safe for Dogs?
Yes, bully sticks are generally safe for dogs. As they are edible and have no additives, dogs rarely show signs of distress after having this chew.
They also tend to be low in carbohydrates and fat.
However, bully sticks can also be a potential source of illness for your furry friends as they can be contaminated with bacteria.
In depth: Yak Chews vs Bully Sticks — Which Is Better?
Antlers
What are Antlers/Antler Chews?
Antler dog chews are chews made from the antlers of deer or elk. They, too, can be considered a single-ingredient dog chew.
Naturally sourced antlers, like our Tibetan Antlers, tend to be rich in calcium and thus can be a good source of nutrients for your pooch. These are hard, long-lasting, come in various sizes, and are a good bang for the buck product.
Are Antlers Safe for Dogs?
As with everything else in this list, antlers are generally safe. However, you should consider one thing before buying your dog antlers.
Low-quality antlers might chip and splinter while your pup chews on them. That could cause mouth injuries.
You might like : Yak Chews vs Antlers: Which is the best?
Tendons and other Animal Parts
Animal parts, such as tendons, trachea, pig and rabbit ears, and fish skin, are made into edible dog chews. Tendons are low in fat and high in protein, whereas the trachea (a softer chew) is rich in glucosamine, which is better for dogs with joint issues.
As for fish skin, they are shaped into rolls or bones and are usually rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Are Tendons and other Animal Parts Safe for Dogs?
For the most part, tendons and other animal body parts are safe as dog chews. The only varieties to be careful about are pig and rabbit ears, which can be coated. The coating can upset your dog’s stomach.
Human-made Edible Bones/Dental Chews
What are Human-made Edible Bones and Dental Chews?
Human-made edible bones, often known as dental chews, are human-designed chews for dogs’ oral cleanliness.
Are Human-made Edible Bones Safe for Dogs?
Yes, dental chews are safe for dogs. However, please pay attention to the ingredients — choose a dental dog chew with digestible and natural ingredients.
Synthetic Dog Toys
What are Synthetic Dog Toys?
Synthetic dog toys and dog chews are two different kinds of products. Synthetic dog toys are usually non-edible, whereas dog chews are edible.
These toys are made from non-edible materials like plastic, rubber, and fabric. Its types are: rubber chews, rope tug toys, plastic toys, etc.
Are Synthetic Toys Safe for Dogs?
The safety of these non-edible dog chew toys depend upon the materials they are made from. Many toys have coatings and colorings, which wear off over time and can be toxic to dogs.
Similarly, poorly built toys can break into smaller pieces and become choking hazards.
Safety Considerations and Tips
Do Not Use Dog Chews as Primary Food Source
While dog chews are beneficial for your pet's dental health and mental stimulation, they should not replace your dog's primary food source. Dog chews are designed as supplements or treats and may lack essential nutrients found in balanced dog food. Incorporate dog chews into your dog's main diet as occasional treats rather than relying on them for nutrition. [source]
Supervise Your Dog When Giving Treats
It's essential to supervise your dog when giving them treats. Most dog chews are hard and long lasting and supervising your dog can help prevent choking hazards and ensures your dog chews safely. Additionally, supervise your dog when introducing a new dog chew. Observe any signs and symptoms of reactions or allergies while consuming treats and consult a vet for best advice.
Monitor Calorie Content in Chews
While long-lasting dog chews are great way of entertainment and promotes dental health, they can be calorie-dense. Keep track of your dog's total calorie intake and ensure dog chews and treats do not exceed 10% of their daily calorie requirements.
Use Dog Chew as a Reward
Utilize dog chews as rewards for desired behaviors or completed commands. Avoid using them as bribes for training, as this may lead to dependency of your dog on chews and treats. Using dog chews as rewards reinforces positive behavior and strengthens the bond between you and your pet.
Limit Treat Frequency
Limit the frequency of treats, including dog chews, to maintain a balanced diet for your pet. Treats should be given occasionally to prevent dependence and ensure your dog remains focused on their main meals. Avoid creating a treat-focused mentality in your dog by incorporating treats into their routine sparingly.
Special Considerations for Puppies and Senior Dogs
Puppies and senior dogs have unique needs when it comes to dog chews:
Puppies:
For puppies, choose dog chew for small dogs that are softer and designed for teething to alleviate discomfort and encourage healthy chewing habits. Monitor chewing sessions closely to prevent accidental ingestion of large chunks and potential choking hazards.
Senior Dogs:
Senior dogs may have dental issues or reduced chewing strength, requiring softer or more easily digestible dog chews. Opt for chews recommended for senior dogs to promote dental health without causing discomfort. Regularly check for signs of wear and tear on chews to ensure they remain safe for your senior canine companion.
Conclusion
Not all dog chews are made the same. Choosing the best chew for your dog can make a drastic impact on their health and well-being, and yours, too.
While making your decision, pay special care to the ingredients used and whether they are natural. Also, look for the ones that will last the longest.
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For more insights on dog health, read our comprehensive list of items dogs can and cannot eat or know about how dog chews might help with dog anxiety.