If you're a dog owner, you know how important it is to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. One way to do that is by providing them with chews to satisfy their natural urge to gnaw. However, not all chews are created equal.

In this blog post, we're going to explore the world of artificial dog chews, what makes them potentially dangerous for your pup, and why natural alternatives like yak chews and cheese chews are a healthier choice for your canine companion.

What Are Artificial Dog Chews?

Artificial dog chews are commercial pet products designed to keep your dog occupied and promote dental health. These chews come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors, and they are often made from synthetic materials and chemicals. While they may seem convenient and enticing, there are several reasons to be cautious about giving your dog these artificial treats.

The Different Types of Artificial Dog Chews:

Rawhide Chews 

Rawhide chews are perhaps one of the most widely recognized artificial dog chews. They are typically made from the inner layer of cow or horsehide, which undergoes a series of chemical treatments and processing steps to create the final product. While rawhide chews are readily available and have been a popular choice for dog owners, it's important to be aware of their potential drawbacks and risks.

1. Choking Hazard: Rawhide chews can become soft and malleable, causing dogs to break off smaller pieces that may be swallowed. These smaller fragments can present a choking hazard or lead to obstructions in your dog's throat or digestive tract, which can be life-threatening.

2. Digestive Issues: The chemical processing involved in creating rawhide chews can make them difficult for some dogs to digest. Ingested rawhide pieces may lead to stomach upset, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal problems, causing discomfort and potential harm to your dog's health.

3. Contamination Concerns: Rawhide chews have faced concerns related to contamination with harmful substances. Some rawhide products have been found to contain chemicals used in the processing and may be sourced from animals that have been treated with antibiotics or other substances. These contaminants can pose health risks to your dog.

4. Dental Health Risks: Contrary to their marketing claims of promoting dental health, rawhide chews can become soft and sticky when chewed, potentially adhering to your dog's teeth. This can create an environment for the growth of harmful bacteria and contribute to dental problems over time.

Nylon Chews

Nylon chews are a popular choice for dog owners looking for durable and long-lasting chew toys. These chews are typically made from hard plastic or nylon material and come in various shapes and sizes. While they are marketed as safe and entertaining for dogs, it's essential to understand the potential risks associated with these synthetic chew toys.

1. Risk of Fracturing: Nylon chews can be extremely hard and durable, which may initially seem like an advantage. However, the hardness of these chews can also be a downside, as it can cause dental issues for your dog. Chewing on hard nylon can lead to tooth fractures, gum injuries, and jaw discomfort. Over time, this can result in painful dental problems, affecting your dog's overall well-being.

2. Choking Hazard: Like other artificial chews, nylon chews can break into smaller pieces when chewed on excessively. These smaller fragments can pose a choking hazard if swallowed or inhaled, potentially causing respiratory distress for your dog.

3. Risk of Swallowing: If your pet manages to break off a piece of the nylon chew, there is a risk of them swallowing it. Swallowed fragments can lead to gastrointestinal issues, including obstructions or irritations in the digestive tract. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove ingested pieces. You won’t have this problem with organic dog chews

4. Lack of Nutritional Value: Nylon chews do not provide any nutritional value to your dog. Unlike natural chews such as yak chews or cheese chews, which offer both entertainment and some nutritional benefits, nylon chews are essentially non-consumable and do not contribute to your dog's overall health.

Synthetic Bones

 

Synthetic bones are a popular choice for dog owners looking for a long-lasting and flavorful chew option. These bones are typically made from hard plastic or nylon and are often designed to mimic the appearance of real bones. While they may seem like a safe and entertaining choice for your dog, there are several important considerations to keep in mind.

1. Risk of Splintering: One of the primary concerns with synthetic bones is their tendency to break into sharp pieces when chewed on vigorously. These sharp fragments can pose a significant hazard to your dog's mouth, teeth, and gums. The potential for splintering can lead to painful injuries and dental issues, which can result in costly vet bills and discomfort for your pet.

2. Intestinal Blockages: If your dog manages to swallow a piece of a synthetic bone, it can become lodged in their digestive tract. This can lead to life-threatening intestinal blockages, which may require surgical intervention to resolve. The risk of blockages is especially high in smaller dog breeds and puppies.

3. Limited Nutritional Value: Synthetic bones lack the nutritional benefits that natural alternatives like yak chews or cheese chews provide. While they may offer your dog a satisfying chewing experience, they do not contribute to their overall health or well-being.

4. Potential for Tooth Damage: The hardness of synthetic bones can cause significant damage to your dog's teeth over time. Chewing on hard, non-food items can lead to cracked or broken teeth, which can be both painful and costly to address through dental care.

Bully Sticks 

While bully sticks are made from beef muscle, they can be high in calories and often treated with chemicals to preserve freshness. They can also pose a choking risk and may be difficult for some dogs to digest.

To read more about bully sticks please read - Everything You Need to Know about Bully Sticks for your pet dog

To summarize…

Why Are Artificial Dog Chews Harmful?

• Many artificial chews can break into small pieces that can be swallowed, leading to choking or obstructions in your dog's throat or digestive tract.
• Artificial chews often contain chemicals and additives that can upset your dog's stomach or lead to diarrhea.
• Hard synthetic chews can cause tooth fractures and gum injuries in your dog, leading to painful dental issues.
• Artificial chews can be high in calories and may contribute to dog obesity, along with other health concerns.

So what’s the solution? What to replace your artificial dog chews with?

The Natural Alternative: Yak Chews and Cheese Chews for Dogs