Dogs love to chew, as you may have discovered if you've previously lost a shoe to the dog's fangs. It works the jaw muscles, cleans your dog's teeth, and eases the pain associated with teething puppies. Chewing is a terrific way to keep your dog from getting bored and can also make your dog feel less anxious or frustrated by providing them with something fun to concentrate on. Fortunately, a wide variety of chew toys are available. Edible dog treats might also be a hit with your dog.
How can you tell which chews for dogs are secure? Sorting through the possibilities will be made easier with the help of this guide to the ideal edible chew.
Recognise Your Dog's Chewing Style
How can you tell which chews for dogs are secure? Sorting through the possibilities will be made easier with the help of this guide to the ideal edible chew.
Recognise Your Dog's Chewing Style
Every dog chews in a different way. A boxer, for instance, is more likely than a Shih Tzu to chew aggressively. Additionally, each dog has a different chewing inclination. While some dogs enjoy gentler chews, some enjoy harsher ones. Furthermore, your dog's tastes may change as they get older. When your dog gets older and develops dental problems, the tough chews they used to love as a young dog will probably become too hard.
Choose chews based on your dog's chewing style, age, and personality. For some dogs, what is safe may not be the best option. Even though a dog treat is edible, it may not always be safe. For instance, if the dog breaks up big pieces and consumes them whole, it may result in life-threatening issues, including intestinal blockage or choking. Always watch your dog to make sure they are eating a safe new chew whenever you give them one.
How do I choose the right dog treats?
The list that follows will assist you in selecting a suitable chew:
1: Hardness: Too-hard chews might cause your dog's gums to get cut or their teeth to fracture.
2: Durability: The chew ought to be robust enough to endure forceful chewing. It poses a health risk if it is overly soft, since your dog could break off pieces and ingest them whole.
3: Long-lasting: Seek out dog chews that are tasty and sustainable. These solutions are more cost-effective and can keep your dog busy for longer.
4: Size: Too-small chews put your dog at risk of choking. Make sure your dog can't fit the entire edible dog chew in its place at once by choosing chews that are large enough.
5: Ingredients: Try to find natural, minimal ingredients. Steer clear of any coatings or flavorings that can disrupt your dog's stomach.
See your veterinarian if you have any questions regarding the edible dog treats you have chosen.
Various Types of Edible Dog Chews
These are a handful of the more popular chews.
1 - Antlers
Antlers are naturally occurring chews that come from a number of animals, such as elk or deer. Dog antlers are extremely durable due to their extreme hardness and are available in a variety of sizes and forms. But their hardness may render them a dangerous option. Antlers can cause dogs to break their teeth, which is unpleasant and expensive to fix. Your dog's gums may also get cut by the harsh surface.
The biggest danger, though, comes from an antler shard that breaks off. Emergency surgery may be necessary if these shards pierce or become lodged in your dog's mouth, throat, or intestines. Antlers are discouraged by many vets, but when you do give them to your dog, make sure to watch over them as they chew.
2 - Tendons and Other Animals Part
Various animal parts, such as pig ears or beef trachea, are sold as dog treats. Certain ones are more secure than others. Pig ears are frequently covered, which may make your dog nauseous. Because they are high in protein, or collagen, and low in fat, backstraps as well as tendon chews offer a safer option.
A dog suffering joint problems may benefit from using trachea, a soft chew that has glucosamine and chondroitin in it. Lastly, chewed fish skin is formed into rolls or bones. They may smell a little fishy, but they are a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids.
3 - Yak Cheese Chews
The yak cheese chew was a relatively recent addition to the market. Only three components make up these hard blocks of dried cheese: lime juice, salt, and yak's milk (or occasionally cow's milk). Since there is little lactose in them, dogs usually digest them well when they are sufficiently firm to hold for a long time. They also smell better than some other chews made from animals.
Still, there are risks associated with these dog treats that are edible. Your dog runs the risk of choking or intestinal blockage if they ingest parts that fall off. In addition, even though they are cheese, they can break teeth because they are so hard. Give your dog only the size of a block that they can't finish, just like with other chews. As soon as the yak chew becomes small enough to be dangerous, remove it. Yak cheese chews in small pieces can be microwaved for brief intervals until they "puff," and then they can be simply crumpled up and enjoyed as a treat after cooling.
4 - Bully sticks
Bully sticks, often called pizzle sticks, are more easily digested than rawhide. Bully sticks are beef muscle chews with a single ingredient that come in a variety of thicknesses and lengths. They are curved and braided to provide an extra-long chew as well. They don't break apart. As your dog chews, the stick's end softens and takes on the function of a toothbrush.
The majority of dogs just chew on the stick's end. Power chewers, on the other hand, could swallow the whole stick or bite right through, producing enormous chunks that could choke them. To keep the dog from breaking away too much at once, you might try putting a treat in a bully stick container in that situation. Take the stick away from your dog before they can ingest the remaining pieces after they have chewed it down to a nub.
5 - Made by Humans: Edible Bones
There is a wide variety of edible bones manufactured by humans. These dog chews, sometimes known as dental bones, are frequently used to clean dogs' teeth. Seek out a natural version with components that are easily digested. Additionally, pick a bone form and size that correspond to the size of your dog.
6 - Rawhide
Although rawhide is a popular chew that comes from the middle part of a horse or cowhide, the safety of rawhide varies depending on the dog. Large portions can be broken off by power chewers. Your dog may choke if they ingest these pieces, or a portion may get stuck in their intestines.
Additionally, rawhide is tough to digest. Because pieces will go through the digestive system, there is a chance that they will cause an obstruction. If you decide to feed rawhide, take out any bits right away as the dog breaks them off to keep them from becoming huge. Take the rawhide from your dog once it has been bitten down to a size small enough for it to ingest in one go.
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