Veterinarian-Recommended Dog Chews: What You Should Know
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, serving various health and psychological benefits. It helps alleviate teething pain in puppies, promotes oral hygiene, and provides mental stimulation. However, choosing the right chew can be challenging given the variety available on the market. Veterinarians emphasize the importance of selecting safe, digestible, and appropriately sized chews tailored to an individual dog's size, chewing style, and health needs.
Types of Dog Chews and Their Safety
- Bully Sticks: Made from beef muscle, these chews are digestible and favored by dogs. Safety improvements such as bully stick holders are recommended to prevent swallowing large pieces.
- Beef Tendons & Collagen Sticks: These are digestible and rich in protein and collagen, offering a safer alternative for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Yak Cheese Chews: Long-lasting and odor-free, but too hard for some dogs and may cause tooth fractures. Always remove smaller pieces.
- Rawhide: Generally discouraged due to choking risk, digestive issues, and chemical treatments. If used, supervise closely and choose products from trustworthy sources.
- Raw Bones: Offer stimulation and dental benefits. Avoid cooked or machine-cut bones. Choose raw, meaty bones appropriately sized to the dog.
- Pig Ears: Palatable but high in fat and occasionally contaminated by bacteria. Best for lighter chewers under supervision.
- Antlers: Extremely hard and prone to cause tooth breakages. Not recommended by dental veterinarians.
- Synthetic/Nylon Chews: Tough but risky for tooth damage. Should only be used with caution and under supervision.
- Hooves: Very hard and not advised due to high risk of fractured teeth and other injuries.
- Dental Chews: Specifically formulated to improve oral health. Choose products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) for greater safety and efficacy.
- Trachea & Fish Skin Chews: Natural and digestible, offering joint support and omega-3 fats. Choose high-quality sources.
- Rubber Toys (e.g., KONG): Durable and among the safest. When filled and frozen with treats, they provide excellent mental enrichment. Ensure they’re suitable for your dog’s chewing strength.
Guidelines for Safe Chewing
- Supervision: Always supervise chewing, especially with a new product.
- Size and Shape: Ensure the chew matches your dog’s size and chewing vigor. Bigger is generally safer.
- Material Flexibility: Avoid chews that are rock hard; flexible materials reduce tooth fracture risk.
- Ingredients: Opt for chews made from limited, natural ingredients. Avoid artificial additives.
- Specific Dog Needs: Puppies and seniors need softer, smaller chews based on their dental health.
- VOHC Approval: Preferred for dental chews to validate effectiveness and safety.
Common Risks and Precautions
- Choking: Small or broken pieces can cause choking. Discard chews once they become small.
- Tooth Damage: Avoid very hard chews like antlers and hooves to reduce fracture risk.
- Bacterial Contamination: Pig ears and rawhide may be contaminated. Purchase only from reputable brands.
- Caloric Load: All chews contribute to calorie intake. Adjust meals to maintain healthy weight.
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all chew. The best chew for your dog will depend on multiple factors such as age, breed, chewing behavior, and digestive health. The key is supervision, selecting the right product, and staying informed. Consult your veterinarian to choose the safest and most beneficial chew options for your canine companion.
