The best safe chews for puppies can be a difficult decision to make. Your precious bundle of joy is so precious that you don’t want to give them anything bad. So how do you make the best decision?
Your pup needs to chew, and there are so many unhealthy puppy chew sticks on the market that you don’t know where to start. Our favorite natural, safe, and healthy products are listed below in age-appropriate order (these ages are just suggestions, and puppies should be given treats slowly and monitored for any adverse reactions. ALWAYS supervise your puppy when giving treats)!
Natural dog chews: what are they?
As dogs need to chew, it’s crucial to provide them with a natural alternative to some of the more dangerous things they choose to nibble on. Natural chews are often derived from animals and are almost always edible. What are safe chew treats for dogs?
Natural chews need to be large or durable enough to keep your dog chewing fur for an extended period of time. Animal parts can be dehydrated, dried, or cooked, but natural chews can be dehydrated, dried, or cooked.
Depending on your dog’s needs and preferences, you’ll need to figure out which chews he’ll enjoy.
Natural chews for puppies under 3 months
1. Chicken Liver Chew
Chicken liver chew is an excellent treat for dogs who love chewing. You can use chicken livers fresh or frozen. Simply thaw them out and then grind them up fine using a food processor. Mix the ground up liver with some raw meat (like beef) and freeze again until ready to serve. Dogs love the taste of chicken liver and they will enjoy eating their own treats!
2. Raw Beef Jerky
Raw beef jerky is great for puppies who are teething. To make this recipe, simply cut strips of raw beef steak and dry them out in the oven at low temperatures. Dry the beef thoroughly before cutting it into thin strips. Once dried, place the beef in a freezer bag and store it in the freezer until ready to eat. Be sure to keep any leftover jerky in the freezer so it does not go bad.
3. Kibble Cheese Bites
Kibble cheese bites are a fun way to give your puppy a snack. You can buy kibble cheese cubes at pet stores or order online. Simply chop up the cheese and mix it with some cooked rice cereal. Then roll the mixture into balls and pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Let cool completely before serving.
4. Soft Pretzels
Soft pretzels are a favorite among puppies. These soft pretzels are perfect for puppies who love to chew. You can find these pretzels at many grocery stores or order them online. Simply soak the pretzel dough in warm water until pliable enough to shape. Roll the dough into long ropes and twist each rope into a pretzel shape. Allow the pretzels to sit in the refrigerator overnight or longer if desired. Serve chilled.
5. Milk Bones
Milk bones are a tasty treat for dogs who love milk. You can get milk bone treats at your local pet store or order them online. Just follow the directions on the package.
6. Potato Chips
Potato chips are a popular snack for dogs. You can purchase potato chips at your local pet store, order them online, or even bake your own. All three methods work well. If baking your own, just wash the potatoes, peel off the skin, and slice them into small pieces. Place the sliced potatoes onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes or until crispy. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
7. Puppy Chow
Puppy chow is a sweet treat for puppies who love to gnaw. You can find puppy chow at your local pet store and order it online. In addition to being delicious, puppy chow is safe for puppies to consume. There are no ingredients listed on the packaging that could harm your dog.
Health Benefits of Puppy Eating Sticks
There are plenty of benefits to using puppy chewing sticks. Not only do they help improve your puppy’s dental hygiene, but they also give him a chance to practice his chewing skills. Here are some of the main benefits of puppy chewing sticks:
1. Dental Hygiene
Dogs have sharp teeth that can easily break off pieces of their own teeth if they don’t use them properly. Using puppy chewing sticks encourages your dog to use his teeth correctly.
2. Practice Makes Perfect
Practicing good chewing habits early on makes it easier for your dog to maintain proper oral care later on. If you start teaching your puppy to chew on puppy chewing sticks now, then he’ll be able to enjoy a lifetime of clean teeth.
3. Healthy Teeth
Dogs’ teeth grow continuously throughout their lives. As long as dogs continue to chew on puppy chewing sticks, they’ll prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
4. Less Mess
When dogs chew on hard objects, they tend to swallow small bits of debris. These particles can end up in your dog’s stomach where they can cause serious digestive issues. By giving your dog puppy chewing sticks, you’re helping him to reduce the risk of choking.
5. Preventing Obesity
When dogs chew on puppy chewing sticks, they’re exercising their jaws and keeping their mouths busy. This prevents them from overeating and becoming obese.
6. Keeps Your Dog Happy
If your dog loves to chew on things, then you know how frustrating it can be when he decides to destroy something instead of just chewing on it. Puppy chewing sticks keep your dog happy because they provide him with a fun way to work out his jaw muscles.
7. Improves Social Skills
Puppies who chew on puppy chewing sticks are more likely to get along well with other dogs and people. They’re less likely to bite or nip at others because they’re practicing socialization skills.
Things to Consider when Choosing a Dog Chew
1. Size
The first thing to consider when choosing a dog chew is size. You want something small enough to fit comfortably in their mouth, yet big enough to provide them with some entertainment. Smaller chews may not last long enough and larger ones might get stuck in between teeth causing damage. If you have a puppy, make sure they don’t choke on anything!
2. Shape
You should choose a shape that fits well in your dog’s mouth. A square shape is best for chewing on hard surfaces while round shapes are great for gnawing on bones. Avoid any type of toy that could cause choking hazards or sharp edges.
3. Texture
The texture is the second factor to consider when choosing a chew. Hard textures are ideal for gnawing on things like wood and plastic toys while softer materials are good for chewing on soft items like rope toys and plush toys.
You’ll find that many chews are made out of both natural and synthetic fabrics. Synthetic chews tend to be sturdier than natural chews and are often preferred by owners who prefer durability over comfort.
Reference
https://academic.oup.com/jas/article-abstract/90/12/4355/4717908?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false
