Learn about why dogs like to chew and the best chew treats that are available to them.
There are a lot of chews out there, and it can be hard to know which ones are best for your pet. We've compiled this list of the most popular chews for different types of dogs so that you can pick the one that's just right for your pup!
Why Do Dogs Chew Everything?
It's because they're dogs. You know what they say—dog-eat-dog world. But more specifically, the reason your dog chews everything is that its teeth never stop growing. That's just the way it is for them, and it's not all that different from you or me. Our teeth grow slowly and constantly throughout our lives. But for dogs, their teeth are always growing!
To help regulate this growth, dogs have to chew on something pretty much every day of their lives to keep things in check. If they didn't have a way to get rid of those excess teeth, they'd end up with a mouthful of sharp points that would be incredibly painful.
So while your dog might seem like he's chewing everything in sight because he loves the taste of that new lamp shade, he's just doing his job.
Natural Chews
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, allergies, or bad breath, natural chews are good. Not only are they better for your pet's health, but they’re also great for keeping their teeth clean. If your dog has any severe allergic issues consider keeping some allergy medicine for dogs at home. Temaril P and Hydroxyzine for dogs are good options.
Bully Sticks
Bully sticks for dogs are made from the spongy tissue found in the bull's penis. They're a good source of protein, and fat, as well as vitamins E, B12, and iron. They can help clean teeth and reduce tartar buildup by scraping them away while the dog chews on them.
There are three different types of bully sticks: standard, medium, and premium. All types have similar nutritional content but differ when it comes to size. If you're looking for something that'll last longer than the standard bully stick but don't want to spend too much money, then go with mediums. They usually last anywhere between 2-3 hours, depending on how much your dog chews at once!
Deer Antlers
Deer antlers are a natural chew that is high in protein and low in fat. They are also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and magnesium.
If you're looking for a chew that will help your dog's dental health as well as give him something to keep him busy, deer antlers are the way to go. The chewing action helps clean teeth while keeping gums healthy by removing plaque buildup and reducing tartar buildup on teeth.
The downside is that they can be very expensive depending on how big they are, so make sure you check out all prices before buying one. You can also check out Whimzees and Clavacillin for dogs.
Cow Ears
Cow ears are a great choice for dogs who love to chew. They're good sources of protein, calcium, and iron. They also contain zinc which is important for your dog's immune system.
Cow ears are very hard. Make sure you buy them from reputable sellers online or at a pet store in your area so you know what you're getting!
Pig Ears
Pig ears are a great choice for dogs that need to stay busy. The texture is hard, so your dog will have to work at it. They're also a good source of protein and fat, which can help keep your pet feeling full.
Pig ears are an ideal treat for dogs with allergies or joint problems because they're low in calories and high in protein. They'll help boost the immune system and promote healthy joints as well! However, Simparica and Cosequin, along with some joint supplements for dogs, should be the main solutions for joint issues.
The best part about pig ears is how long they last—your pup will be chewing on them for hours!
Rawhides
Rawhides are a natural dog chew that's been around for centuries. It's skin from an animal, such as a cow or horse, that has been dried and cleaned. Rawhide is not digestible, so it won't upset your pet's stomach or cause any allergic reactions. However, you should avoid giving rawhide to dogs with sensitive digestive systems or allergies to cow products such as beef. In case of any concern, speak to your vet about Prednisolone for dogs. Additionally, you should steer clear of this chew if your dog has epilepsy or diabetes. Some veterinarians say these conditions can be exacerbated by eating this type of treat.
If you're interested in giving your pup a little something extra while he plays with his new toy (or even just when he needs some quiet time), consider adding peanut butter! Rawhides are great for chewing because they wear away at the teeth and help maintain their health over time—and peanut butter can help take care of some bad breath problems at the same time! Some other options for bad breath problems are Dentastix and Chlorhexidine for dogs.
