Dogs love to chew on things. They are natural chewers and they need something to chew on in order to maintain their dental health.

Giving your dog a chew treat is a great way to show them that you care. But the best way to do it is by making sure that they are healthy and not causing any harm to their health. We’ve compiled a few tips to make sure that you are giving your dogs the best and the safest dog chew treats possible.  

What is Considered Unsafe Chew Treats for Dogs?

There are many different types of treats available when it comes to feeding your dog. Some of which may be more harmful to your pet than others.

Unsafe chew treats for dogs are those that they can swallow the whole thing or break into smaller pieces. These should not be given to them as they can choke on these pieces, have a stomachache, or get intestinal blockages which can lead to death. BetterBone for example is a natural bone that can withstand even the most aggressive chewers without breaking.Click here to know more about it. 

Others have ingredients that are toxic to your dogs. Below is a list of some of the most common unsafe chew treats for dogs:

• Rawhide: Rawhide is a type of animal skin and it is not digestible by dogs. It can cause digestive problems like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain in dogs. 
• Bacon: Bacon contains high levels of salt which can lead to dehydration in dogs as well as kidney and liver problems. 
• Biscuits: Biscuits are made with flour which contains gluten which can cause allergies in some breeds of dog such as wheat allergy or celiac disease 
• Chocolate: Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine which can be toxic to pets 
• Coffee grounds: Coffee grounds contain caffeine which is toxic to pets
• Cow Hooves: Cow hooves, like bones and other hard chew toys, carry the risk of breaking your dog's teeth or splintering, which could result in puncture wounds to the mouth or digestive system.
• Pig ears: Pig ears can make for a satisfying chew, but they are also very fatty. Consuming foods with a lot of fat can eventually result in obesity, which causes its own issues for your dog. Additionally, eating foods high in fat might result in pancreatitis and gastrointestinal distress (which can be fatal for some dogs). Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drowsiness, and potential hospitalization are the usual outcomes of this.

How to Check the Safety of Your Dog's Chew

When assessing the safety of dog chews, the following are the main factors we consider: 

• Hardness: If the chew is harder than the teeth, there is a chance that the teeth could be damaged. 
• Gastrointestinal obstruction risk: The possibility that indigestible chunks will come loose and be eaten. 
• Choking hazard: Same as above, however, in this instance the chucks get stuck in the trachea or esophagus rather than the stomach or intestines, posing a choking risk. 
• Softness and Durability: The toy shouldn't be so fragile or badly made that your dog can tear it apart and ingest the stuffing or pieces of it. 
• Size and Shape: It shouldn't be so little that your dog could suffocate on it in terms of size and shape. Circles and rings are among the shapes that make it simple for your dog to get its tongue or snout caught in it. Additionally, it shouldn't be too big for them to work on without risking jaw strain or other harm. The size of the toys you bring into your home should take into account the different-sized dogs you may have. This can be a little challenging in households with many dogs of various sizes, but a good option isBetterBone’s highly versatile products. 
• Washability: Ideally, it should be possible to wash and sanitize it on a regular basis in the dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer.

Dog Chews to Use Cautiously

1. Bully Sticks

Bully sticks are a choking threat even though they are normally not so hard as to fracture teeth (particularly since they become softer as a dog chews on them). The bully stick has the potential to become stuck in your dog's throat, especially when it gets smaller through chewing. 

Some dogs will attempt to swallow the bully sticks whole because they find them to be so valuable and delectable. This could result in a digestive obstruction that needs to be removed surgically. 

Bully sticks are chews with a lot of protein, and their richness might make you sick. Bully sticks shouldn't be chewed by dogs that have kidney problems because they typically have a protein restriction. Invest in a bully stick holder if you choose to train your dog with bully sticks. 

2. Rawhide 

Rawhides are a widely accessible and reasonably priced chewing choice for some dogs. Many dogs chew rawhide without any problems. But in certain cases, rawhide fragments get stuck in a dog's throat, stomach, or intestines, causing choking or a digestive obstruction. 

Your dog will probably be fine if they really chew the rawhide rather than chewing off and gulping large chunks (and may even get some teeth-cleaning benefits). However, if your dog simply bites off pieces or tries to swallow it whole, these are most definitely not a good chew option. 

Avoid rawhide with knots if you choose to use it. If the knots are split off, they can seriously endanger choking risks and intestinal obstructions. Additionally, because they can be difficult to digest, they should not be given to pets who have a history of pancreatitis or gastrointestinal problems.

Looking for the perfect chew toy for your dog? We have the best one for you!

BetterBone raises the bar for the security, longevity, and pleasure of your dog. Our products don't splinter, are hypoallergenic, and aren't harmful. 

It is constructed of two natural, entirely sustainable materials. Its distinctive trident-shaped form also promotes better dental cleanliness, making it the ideal teething or growth-stimulus remedy. 

Purchase your chew toy right away! Your dog will appreciate it.Order yours today by clicking here.