As I already mentioned, bones might not be a good choice for all dogs. Still, you need suitable treats for your pooch to keep their teeth healthy and plaque-free. Fortunately, you’ve got a lot of options:
1. Bully Sticks for Dogs
Bully sticks are made from beef muscles (bull’s penises), and while they might seem disgusting to you, most dogs find them irresistible. Bully sticks are also long-lasting, rich in protein, and easy to digest, so they’re an excellent alternative to bones.
To find the best bully sticks look for products labeled all-natural, for example, Supercan Bully Sticks.
However, keep in mind that most bully sticks for dogs smell. While your dog will probably love that smell, you might not.
2. Pig Ears for Dogs
Pig ears probably aren’t the most delicious treat you can imagine, but I’ve yet to meet a dog that doesn’t go crazy for them. They are tasty, soft, easy to digest, and can keep your dog busy for a while. Moreover, they’re excellent for scraping your dog’s teeth free for plaque.
However, pig ears are no match for voracious chewers, and they have high-fat content. Too many pig ears might cause vomiting and diarrhea.
3.Cow ears for dogs
While bully sticks might be stinky, cow ears are usually odor-free. They’re also highly digestible, have low-fat content, and are less likely to damage your dog’s teeth. Moreover, cow ears support joint and bone growth and aren’t as messy as other treats.
However, cow ears can cause runny stool in some dogs, so you should keep an eye on your pooch.
4. Beef jerky treats and chicken jerky treats for dogs
I’ve met many people wondering if they can give their dog beef jerky or chicken jerky. While there’s nothing harmful in giving your dog dried meat, you shouldn’t give them jerky for humans. It contains spices and ingredients that could be dangerous for dogs.
Fortunately, there are beef jerky and chicken jerky treats for dogs. Make sure that these treats for dogs contain only natural ingredients, and you shouldn’t have problems.
Safety Rules for Giving Bones/Treats to Dogs
When you’re feeding your dog bones or other natural chews for dogs, you should keep several safety rules in mind:
- Supervise your dog, and don’t leave them alone with the bone.
- Give your dog raw bones/treats after you feed them. A hungry dog is more likely to swallow a bone than a sated one.
- Consider your dog’s eating habits. A dog that eats quickly is likely to choke on a bone.
- Take into account your dog’s size. Small dogs need small dog treats, while large dog chews are necessary for big dogs.
- Never give your dog a bone that’s smaller than their muzzle’s length.
- Throw the bones away when the dog gnaws them to the brittle part. Otherwise, the bone will splinter into tiny pieces.
As you can see, bones can be good and bad for your dog. It depends on what bones you select and how you give them to your dog. If you’re still uncertain about what natural treats and chews are best for your dog, you should speak with your vet.
Moreover, some bones and treats might not be suitable for dogs with chronic conditions or restorative dental work. What do you think about bones for dogs? Do you give bones to your pet? Tell us about your dog’s favorite natural treats in the comment section.