Best & Worst Dog Chews; Safety First!
So Many Dog Chew Options! What’s the Best?
When it comes to treating our pups, as dog owners we are constantly on the hunt for the tastiest, healthiest, and safest options. This can be difficult when there’s a plethora of options to choose from at the pet supply store.
Many times we opt for longer lasting chews to keep them happy and entertained for an extended time, but it is of utmost importance that we know and understand the safety risks and factors that are associated with these kinds of treats.
We often see labels such as rawhide, rawhide-free, bones, bone-free, dental chews, freeze-dried, and the list goes on! So how do we know which chew is the best option for our pups? This guide can help you decide for yourself.
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Safety First!
Although there are many risks associated with giving dogs various types of chews, not all chews are made the same, there are some good options available.
Dogs do not necessarily need these chews for fulfillment, there are many ways to create an enriching activity for your dog that could be safer, however certain chews (with monitoring) can be fun and tasty for your pup if desired.
The important things to keep in mind when choosing the right chew are the ingredients it contains, the size of your dog, and the size of the chew.
It is also essential that dogs are never left alone with a chew, it is pertinent that we watch over our dogs as they enjoy the chew to ensure that they do not choke and that the chew isn’t splintering or breaking off into small, sharp pieces that may cause injury.
Some owners may have the thought process that a big bone or chew would be helpful to keep their dog entertained while they're out, but this can be extremely dangerous and result in injury. It is key that we monitor them while they have it.
Some of the possible hazards of various chews include:
Choking & Vomiting
Sharp chews causing cuts and abrasions that may cause pain, draw blood, or become infected
Chews getting stuck on teeth, in the mouth, throat, or stomach
Poor ingredients causing stomach upset and other medical concerns
Bowel, Intestine, and Rectum obstructions & perforations
Dental Trauma & Mouth injuries
While in today’s world many pet owners are quite knowledgeable and up-to-date with many safety and health concerns our animals may deal with, there are still some that may be uninformed of the dangers of certain dog chews.
Dog chews have the potential to be extremely dangerous and harmful to our pups, so being educated about the best possible chews for our individual dog’s needs is essential. The safety of the chew is not only concerned with the ingredients, but also with the size and shape of the chew, as well as the size of your pup.
The Low-Down on these Risks
From the above list of medical concerns, it should be clear that the possible consequences of choosing the wrong chew for your dog can be detrimental to their health, as well as to your pocketbook.
Choking Hazard: One of the most common issues with dog chews is the choking hazard it presents. Pieces of bones or chews can be lodged in dogs throats affecting their ability to breathe and can even pierce their esophagus, soft tissues in the mouth, stomach, or intestines which can unfortunately be fatal at times.
Your pup may also excitedly try to swallow the whole thing which can result in choking and bone splinters in your dog’s mouth, throat, esophagus, or stomach which can be extremely painful and require immediate veterinary attention.
Lacerations: Sharp fragments of bone can also cause perforations/lacerations throughout the mouth and body that can become infected, cause organ damage, and can be fatal.
Dental Trauma: The hazards of certain dog chews also include dental trauma such as broken teeth and injuries to the tongue and mouth. Some bones and chews are extremely brittle and can break or crack your dog's teeth which will subsequently result in an extraction or root canal. These injuries can be excruciatingly painful for your dog, and for your wallet.
Cooked Bones: A common misconception amongst dog owners is that cooked bones (like cooked chicken bones from your dinner) are okay to feed to your dog. This is far from true and has the potential to be extremely dangerous.
Cooked bones are extremely brittle and will splinter and shatter in your dogs mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines causing extreme pain, vomiting & stool issues, piercing of soft tissues, digestive blockages, and can cause irritable bowel syndrome.
Raw Bones: Raw bones differ from cooked bones in their possible hazards; raw bones are technically said to be a healthier and safer option than cooked bones due to their enzymatic ability to scrub teeth, and their tendency to not shatter or splinter in the mouth, however they still procure their own set of risks.
The problem with raw bones is that they may be contaminated with harmful pathogens such as E. Coli, Salmonella, and Listeria that can make your dog, or you, sick.
These bacterial pathogens have the potential to cause stomach pain & upset including vomiting & diarrhea, urinary tract infection, fever, respiratory illness, and even septicemia (blood poisoning).
Another hazard of these raw bones is the overwhelming possibility of these pathogens being passed between you, your family, and your dog. These bacterial pathogens are harmful for both dogs and humans, putting us at risk of illness.
Pregnant or Breastfeeding?: This is especially pertinent information for pregnant women to know, being that these bacteria can cause miscarriage and fetal abnormalities. Raw bones also include things like pig and cow ear chews, as well as marrow bones. Just make sure to always do your own research and look into the ingredients of everything you buy for your pup to chew on or eat.
Hazardous Ingredients: Another potential hazard among various dog bones and chews is the concern for unhealthy ingredients. Some ingredients that should be looked out for in your dogs chews, treats, and foods are formaldehyde, BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, nitrates/nitrites, food dyes, MSG, carrageenan, and xylitol.
These ingredients have the potential to work as carcinogens, cause stomach upset, and in some cases lead to liver and kidney failure. Reading the ingredients list on your dogs treats can save you and your dog a lot of heartache; the healthier chews tend to be the ones with single or minimal ingredient lists.
Guide to Safely Give Chews
Although there are many risks associated with giving dogs various types of chews, not all chews are made the same, there are some good options available. Dogs do not necessarily need these chews for fulfillment, there are many ways to create an enriching activity for your dog that could be safer, however certain chews (with monitoring) can be fun and tasty for your pup if desired.
The important things to keep in mind when choosing the right chew are the ingredients it contains, the size of your dog, and the size of the chew. It is also essential that dogs are never left alone with a chew, it is pertinent that we watch over our dogs as they enjoy the chew to ensure that they do not choke and that the chew isn’t splintering or breaking off into small, sharp pieces that may cause injury.
Some owners may have the thought process that a big bone or chew would be helpful to keep their dog entertained while they're out, but this can be vastly dangerous and result in injury. It is key that we monitor them while they have it.
Tips for safe administration of chews:
Always watch over your dog while they have a bone or chew & never let them have it while you are away.
Ensure that the chew is the correct size for your dog. Larger chews tend to be safer for dogs, the bigger your dog is, the bigger the chew should be. This can reduce the chance of choking significantly.
Research and look into the ingredients of the chew before you purchase. Chews (and treats in general) that have single or minimal ingredients lists tend to be better options. If you are not sure about an ingredient, contact your regular veterinary staff for help!
Practice safe hygiene practices like thoroughly washing hands before and after handling chews, disinfecting any surfaces (counters, sink, floor, crate, containers, etc.) after chew, and preventing the spread of pathogens by cleaning your dog's paws, face, and mouth after having a chew (especially raw chews).
If you decide to feed raw, always make sure to freeze chews, defrost in the fridge, and dispose of any leftovers immediately after use. Never refreeze raw chews after giving them to your dog, whatever may be left over should always be thrown away.
Healthy Chew Options
& Enrichment Alternatives
Although these are definite risks when it comes to giving bones and chews to your dogs, not all chews are created equally and there are chews available that tend to be healthy and safe. Some of these options include:
Bully Sticks: Bully sticks are high-protein, single ingredient (typically) chews that are shaped like a long rod and come in many sizes. Typically these chews are made from the muscle tissue of a bull’s penis, which can sound strange, but tend to be highly digestible and do not pose as much of a risk of shattering, splintering, or breaking off into rigid pieces.
They tend to keep their shape until the end of their life which limits the risk of choking.
You’ll know that the bully stick is at the end of its life when it becomes smaller/skinnier, and sometimes starts to get stringy; at this point you must throw the stick away for safety.
They can be an excellent source of protein and amino acids for your pup, which can support the health of your dog’s brain, muscle, skin, and coat.
They are also an excellent addition to your dog's dental care routine, helping to scrape off any excess plaque or tartar build up. Unless your dog is allergic to beef, these are also a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies because they are all natural, single ingredient treats.
Dental Chews: Dental chews (such as the popular brand Greenies) can be a great, safe, and healthy option for your pup, especially if they have sensitive teeth.
These chews are designed to be tough enough to help scrape excess plaque and tartar off teeth, while also being soft and malleable enough to completely chew, break down, and digest without the risk of choking or blockage.
They are usually made of safe, regulated, and gentle ingredients such as xanthan gum, gelatin, and natural starches that are easily digestible and break down completely in the stomach.
There are many brands that sell these kinds of treats that are readily available, just make sure to still check the ingredient lists for any questionable ingredients (not all brands are created equally). Some also have natural extracts that can freshen your pup's breath.
With these treats it’s important to keep in mind that they are not a substitute for a proper dental hygiene routine, they are merely an added benefit to the routine in general.
Homemade “Chews”: If you have a little extra time and energy, making your dog’s own chews can be a great way to give them something fun and yummy, while being able to completely control the ingredients you are giving to them.
You can do this by using popsicle molds (or a small tupperware/container); you can fill them with dog-safe broth, water, and/or plain kefir/yogurt and add your dogs favorite treats, kibble, fruits & veggies, cooked chicken, or any other dog safe treat that your pup may like.
Freeze the molds so that they last longer and are more of an enriching activity, you can run the molds (or container) under cool to warm water to get them to easily pop out, and give them to your dog to enjoy.
This idea is especially great during the hot summer months; this treat after a nice walk in the sun would be immaculate!
Kong Toys: A great way to keep your dog entertained for an extended period of time is to use toys like Kong toys (any brand that is similar can work) that are tough toys with holes that can be filled with treats of your choosing.
The toughness of the toy makes them work for the treat thats inside, one filled Kong could take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes or so to completely clear out the treats. The durable silicone material makes also makes it super simple to clean and disinfect after use, which is an added bonus.
They come in a variety of sizes, so make sure to pick the appropriate size for your dog. The toy itself is quite safe and does not pose a big risk of choking, but it is always better to air on the side of safety by monitoring them while playing with it and picking a size that would be too large to get stuck in their mouth or throat.
Snuffle Mats & Puzzle Toys: A slightly newer, but very enriching, type of toy on the market nowadays are snuffle mats which are mats and toys typically made from fleece strips that hide and burrow treats for your dog to sniff out. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and designs depending on your dogs needs.
These toys can keep them engaged for a very long time, and can be a much safer option to let them have while you are away somewhere. Puzzle toys are also an excellent choice, they are similar to snuffle mats in that they can hide treats in holes and burrows for your dog to work out. These options are both extremely safe and excellent additions to your household!
Conclusion
Overall, bones and chews made for dogs are highly variable, in their ingredients, shapes/sizes, and safety/hazards. As stated in this blog, the chew you decide to get for your pup is ultimately dependent on their size, when and where they would be enjoying it, as well your dog’s personal health and safety needs.
After reading this blog you should be able to understand the very real risks and hazards that bones and chews can possess. However, you do not have to let this valuable information scare you into avoiding them at all costs; there are still many healthy and risk-conscious options dependent on you and your dog’s needs.
If you are still on the fence about which bone or chew would be right for your dog, you can always try out some of the other recommendations for your pup’s enrichment time, such as, homemade chews/treats, as well as enriching toys and activities like the ones mentioned in this article.
As always, this blog is not to be taken as direct veterinary advice; the information found in this article has been derived by educational and peer reviewed journals and articles, however it is not meant to be used as a substitute for consulting veterinary professionals for personal advice and help. If your still on the fence about if long-lasting chews and bones are right for you dog, reach out to your regular veterinary office for advice.
Written By: Jessica L Hays
DTA Social Media & Community Outreach Associate/Dog Walker
References:
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Staff, AKC. “Finding and Choosing the Right Bully Sticks for Dogs.” American Kennel Club, 24 May 2024, www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/bully-sticks-for-dogs/#:~:text=Not%20only%20can%20bully%20sticks,or%20treats%20on%20their%20own.
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