Give Your a Dog a Tasty Chew Bone!

Chewing is a Healthy Habit

Chewing is a normal hard-wired habit in dogs. Originally, wild canines caught prey, chewed tough meat, and gnawed on bone marrow. This kept their jaws strong and teeth clean. With their direct hunting heritage, chewing is a vital activity for all dogs including golden retrievers. In mature dogs, regular chewing helps maintain dental health and avoid periodontal (gum) disease. For puppies, chewing stimulates tooth growth/development and eases discomfort. For younger dogs, it is a common form of sensory exploration. For dogs of all ages, chewing relieves stress and boredom.

Types of Dog Chews

While dogs are not very selective about what they chew on, it is important to provide safe and healthy chew objects. All dog chews can be divided into two basic categories: edible and non-edible. Edible chews can be consumed or eaten while non-edible chews focus on dental health and constructive stimulation.

Edible Dog Chews

A modern kibble diet doesn’t satisfy most dogs’ chewing needs. When it comes to edible dog chews, there are several specific options to choose from: rawhide, bully sticks, antlers, yak chews, and natural (raw) bones.

Rawhide Chews

Made from the inner layer of horse or cowhide, rawhides bones have long been a popular chew. However, these chews are often made from by-products that have been heavily processed and exposed to many chemicals. Another concern is that aggressive chewers can break off large chunks. These pieces can cause choking or get stuck in a dog’s intestines.

Bully Stick Chews

Single ingredient chews made from beef muscle, bully sticks are high in protein, flavorful, and easily digestible. Manufactured in different lengths and thicknesses, bully sticks gradually soften when chewed but don’t break into harmful splinters. However, they may not last as long as some other chews.

Antler Chews

Antlers are a unique natural chew. These chews, usually from deer or elk sheds, are a fantastic source of essential minerals and are very long lasting. If your dog has sensitive teeth or gums, antler chews may be too hard for them.

Yak Chews

Yak chews are relatively new chewing treats made from hard blocks of dried yak or goat cheese. Fairly durable, they offer a chewing experience rich in calcium and protein and are easily digested.

Raw Bone Chews

Cooked bones are dangerous; they can splinter and fracture, but raw bones remain satisfying nutrient and mineral rich chews. Hefty beef bones make a great raw chew choice for larger mature dogs.

Chewing Safety

Please keep in mind that there is no such thing as a completely safe chew. All dogs should be monitored when chewing. Dog chew bones should always be larger than the diameter of your dog’s mouth. This ensures that they can’t gulp the bone down but must gnaw and work it carefully. Remove a chew when the pieces are small enough to cause a choking risk or obstruction hazard.

Chew Feedback

Dogs love to chew, and it is rewarding to satisfy this healthy urge. Consider your dog’s chewing temperament and test out some new chews. Afterwords, let us know what chews you have tried with your golden. Drop us your thoughts and suggestions here. Better yet, visit us at our kennels in beautiful central Maine. We are only four easy hours north of Boston, Massachusetts.