Dog Bone

Not Recommended Dog Chewies

There are some dog treats on the market that have been known to actually harm a dog’s health rather than help.

Rawhide

Rawhide is a good example of a potentially dangerous natural dog treat. Rawhide is simply the skin of a cow. Natural rawhide tastes similar to beef. That is why it is so pleasing to dogs. But it can also be hazardous for dogs, as well. Some of the problems with giving your dog a rawhide dog bone include:

• There is a choking hazard associated with rawhide. If pieces of rawhide are swallowed whole or even in big chunks, they can get stuck in your dog’s throat.
• Pieces of hard rawhide can actually scrape a dog’s throat and esophagus on the way down to his stomach.
• Rawhide can create a physical obstruction inside the intestinal track. Picture this: When a dog chews rawhide, it becomes wet and gummy. Now, imagine swallowing wads and wads of chewing gum. See the similarity? Not good.
• Rawhide is not regulated in many countries. In some these countries, arsenic-based products are used as a preservative in rawhides. Yep, you read it correctly—arsenic. That equates to giving your dog poison.

Cow Hooves

Cow hooves are exactly what they sound like—hooves from cows. Dogs consider them tasty treats, but similar to rawhide, they can prove problematic.

• Cow hooves are so hard; they can actually break your dog’s teeth.
• Sharp, uneven pieces from the cow hoof can be swallowed and tear the wall of the bowel. If this occurs, infection is almost definite and so is death. Why take that chance?

Pig Ears

Pig ears are dried ears from a pig. They tend to look like what they are. Ew.

• Besides looking nasty, pig ears can cause blockages.
• Pig ears have the potential harm humans as well. Early in 2000, the FDA placed an advisory stating pork-related dog bones and chews may contain salmonella, so, if you are handling pig ears, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly.

Recommended Dog Bones

There are just as many healthy dog bones available as there are unhealthy. Many manufacturers have taken into consideration your dog’s health and have created excellent chewing methods that are not only satisfying to your dog but good for them.

Nylabone

Nylabones are dog bones made from pure nylon, which makes them exceptionally strong. Unlike rawhide, they will not splinter or break into chunks. They are completely digestible and are made with the most aggressive chewers in mind. When the Nylabone is chewed into a stump, throw it away and buy a new one.

Cornstarch Bones

Cornstarch bones are made from cornstarch and are perfectly safe for your dog to eat, provided that he or she does not have food allergies. The Booda Company actually makes cornstarch toys that are completely free of preservatives and contain no animal by-products.

Better Than Ears

Better than Ears are imitation pig ears that are low-fat and highly digestible. They are made from healthy products, such as soy flour and wheat bran. Dogs love them. Pigs love them, too, for obvious reasons!

Tips on Dog Bones

• Never give your dog leftover chicken bones. They can become lodged in the esophagus and hinder breathing functions.
• If you feel your dog must have rawhide, consider purchasing compressed rawhide. Compressed rawhide is better than regular rawhide because it is made from layers of beefhide and formed under extreme pressure. This creates an very dense dog bone. Compressed rawhide lasts three to five times longer than regular rawhide.
• Always look at the ingredients when you purchase dog bones. Also, if they appear greasy, that is usually an indicator that they are not the healthiest thing to put in your dog’s mouth.
• As a rule of thumb, always observe your dog’s behavior with a new treat. If you think it may be dangerous for your dog to chew, go with your gut instinct. Better safe than sorry.

External Bone Links

• PetSmart
• Petco
• Big Happy Dog.com