As pet parents, we all want a little quiet time once in a while. Giving a high-quality chew allows for this!
I usually will give Archie a chew in the evening to keep him busy and it gives me some time to relax and gives him something to do - providing mental stimulation, teeth cleaning, & some fun (it's one of his favorite times of the day, besides walks, of course :) ).
I've created this guide to share some of my top Chew options for our furry friends. I split it up between Heavy, Moderate, Light Chewers (and puppies, senior pups, & our kitty friends!).
I give a little explanation on each chew, why I like it, & tips & tricks throughout!
Most chews are linked right to Amazon to make it easy peasy to add one to your cart and try some out with your pet soon!
Believe me, you & your pup will be happy!
Heavy Chewers:
Bully Sticks: 100% Dried Beef Tendon. I always check where they are made & produced - South America or USA is common. There are a lot of options out there. I always look for THICK ones as well, because they last longer! I like these because they don't get large chunks off.
Here are some Archie approved options:
Top Dog Chews - great price bulk option, 12" & 6" sticks
NOTE:
When your pup gets near the end and you're worried about them choking on it, just toss it. It is fully digestible so if they do eat it all, it won't hurt them just more of a choking hazard when it is too small.
* these are pretty smelly, especially as your dog chews on them. Just a heads up, lol
Antlers: I look for wild shed, no artificial additives, just the antler. These are great because they won't splinter or come off in large pieces. It's more of a gradual wearing down as they chew.
For Heavy Chewers, I suggest a whole antler (elk or deer).
They come split as well, but they don't last as long because the yummy marrow in the middle is softer and that's what dogs love.
Split is beneficial for the first antler so your pup learns what yummy inside is like so they chew on the whole one; works well for puppies, small/tiny breeds, & senior pups
Here is a nice WHOLE antler option - comes in a variety of sizes
Here is a SPLIT antler option - also great for puppies & senior pups
Himalayan Chews: Made from yak & cows milk. I explain them as a hardened smoked cheese chew. Very tough, they do break off little pieces and can be a little messy. Some dogs don't do well with these if they have dairy allergies.
They come in many different sizes & bulk options. Again, there are a lot of brands, but this one is the OG and I trust the most.
If these are your pups favorite, they offer bulk options which saves some $$.
Click on the photo of each to check out pricing on Amazon.
Raw Beef Marrow Bones: These you will probably have to find at your local pet store because they are frozen. Primal Pet Food is my usual go to because they have a variety of sizes and the most popular option is the 6pk bags of 2" bones - I have seen these work for larger 70lb dogs to much smaller 20lb dogs.
With anything new chew - it is better to go bigger to reduce a risk of choking, but you can use your judgement since every dog is different.
Here is the store locator for Primal Bones. Other brands I have experience with are: Northwest Naturals, Tucker's, & Bones & Co.
You give these to your dog frozen, right out of the freezer. Definitely a chew to give outside on a nice day or inside on a towel or old blanket that can get washed easily.
Sometimes grocery stores have these available to purchase or if you go to a local butcher!
Pet Parent Tip:
Raw Marrow Bones can be a little rich for dogs, especially if you're dog has never had them before. Start with a 20 minute chew session and then stick it back in the freezer. If you're dog gets a little loose stool the first time, it could be because it was a little too rich for them and their body is getting used to that and also the raw meat.
Dehydrated Beef Trachea: Not as long lasting as the above, but a nice option. 100% fully digestible. This is a bulk option, your local pet boutique may have them individually as well.
For smaller dogs or even cats if they like it lamb tracheas are better.
Moderate Chewers:
Earth Animal No Hide - these are "rawhide alternatives" (rawhide free). They are much more digestible than real rawhide, don't contain the harmful chemicals, and don't get as slimy (although they are a similar texture to rawhide). See below for my 3 biggest rawhide concerns.
Earth Animal No Hide comes in a variety of protein options and sizes. The traditional 4" and 8" options will last the longest. The stix options are listed below for Light Chewers/Puppies/Seniors and are much much thinner.
The Main 3 Reasons I DON'T Like Rawhide:
#1 Most contain HARMFUL CHEMICALS that are used in the production process & artificial flavors/colors to entice pet parents to buy them, but are unhealthy for our pets.
#2 They are a CHOKING HAZARD due to how slimy they get when they are chewed, many dogs have accidently swallowed them whole and have choked or almost choked.
#3 UNDIGESTIBLE - your dog is not able to digest it much and if you're dog swallows a large piece it can lead to an INTESTINAL BLOCKAGE.
Moderate Chewers options continued...
Raw Turkey Necks / Duck Necks: same as the raw marrow bones, these are given raw and frozen.
You can find at a local butcher and sometimes at grocery stores. Pet specific brands include Primal Bones and Northwest Naturals. For small breeds, you can also give raw chicken necks (also perfect for kitty friends!).
Whimzees Dental Chews - These come in a variety of sizes (XS to L) for all size dogs and fun shapes, like alligators, hedgehogs, & toothbrushes.
I love that these are colored with real food ingredients (nothing artificial!) and have healthier ingredients than some of the other popular dental chew brands on the market.
You can purchase individual bags or a variety packs!
Light Chewers/Puppies/Senior Pups
Whimzees puppy - these are mentioned in the Moderate Chewer section, but they also make a puppy version that are much softer and easier to get through than their "normal" ones.
SPLIT antler - I mentioned these at the beginning of the post for heavy chewers. This split option is easier for puppies, senior pups, and overall light chewers to work on.
Earth Animal No Hide STIX: These are much thinner, hence the name STIX, from their other options.
My 12 lb dog, Archie, does well with these. They don't last super long, but the small dog option of these (listed above in Moderate Chewer section) are much too thick and he isn't interested in them.
For dogs of all sizes -
If you want to take all of the guesswork out and your dog is craving variety with treats & chews that will offer beneficial nutrients as well, check out Real Dog Box.
Archie has been LOVING Real Dog Box which has amazing options for dogs of all sizes. They air dried all of their products so there is still loads of nutrients still in them and they have treat options (also can be used as great food toppers or in DIY meals) and chews for all kinds of chewers. Use this link for $10!
Kitty Friend options:
Raw chicken necks - Northwest Naturalz is the main brand that I know of, but butchers or local pet boutiques may have more options!
Freeze Dried Chicken Necks & Chicken Hearts
Pet Parent Tip:
Something to note about all dog & cat treats: even if they are marketed for either Dogs or Cats on the label - if they are 100% meat (like these 100% chicken necks or hearts above), they can be fed to both cats & dogs!
It is mostly based on marketing - usually treats for cats are in smaller packages. This is especially seen in most Freeze Dried/Dehydrated treats, because those are usually all meat.A COUPLE TIPS & TRICKS:
With anything new chew - it is better to go bigger to reduce a risk of choking, but you can use your judgement since every dog is different.
Always supervise your dog when chewing, especially if they have never had it before.
If you have more than one pup or other pets or even kids - always be aware that dogs can get territorial over chews; it's just in their nature. If you notice this with your pup, take the extra precautions to only give it to them outside, in a crate, or gated off room, etc.
DISCLAIMER:
The information offered by The Balanced Companion is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace regular veterinary care. I strongly encourage you to seek the professional advice of a holistic veterinarian that supports your efforts to incorporate species appropriate nutrition and holistic lifestyle choices into your pet’s life. To locate a holistic integrative vet, please visit www.ahvma.org or ask me for a referral.
This blog post contains affiliate links for purchases of products on Amazon that I may receive commission for. Thank you for your support.
Коментарі