Dogs love to chew, it's part of their natural instinct. While it can sometimes be seen as destructive, especially when it involves shoes or furniture, chewing has several benefits for your pooch. It provides mental stimulation, reducing boredom, anxiety, and frustration, while also promoting dental health and keeping their jaws strong.
Rather than letting your furry friend gnaw on household items, it's best to provide them with appropriate chews to satisfy their urge. Yak cheese, rawhide, and reindeer antlers are among the most popular choices for safe and healthy dog chews. But which one is right for your dog? Let's take a closer look at their benefits and drawbacks.
Reindeer Antlers
Reindeer antlers are naturally shed by deer and are harvested and cleaned without additives, preserving their natural composition. They are rich in protein and essential minerals like phosphorus and calcium, which support strong bones and teeth.
One of the main advantages of reindeer antlers is their durability. They are among the toughest chews available, making them ideal for aggressive chewers. Their hard texture provides a satisfying chewing experience and ensures they don't splinter easily, reducing the risk of choking and making them a safer option than many other chews.
Another great thing about reindeer antlers for dogs is that they have little to no odour and don't create a mess, making them a great option for indoor use.
While they don't come in different flavours, they are available in split and whole varieties. Split antlers have been cut in half to expose the marrow, making them more enticing for novice chewers or smaller breeds. Whole antlers, on the other hand, are more suitable for larger breeds and power chewers who enjoy a long-lasting challenge.
Whether you opt for split or whole antlers, it's important that you select the right antler size for your dog's weight. Deer antlers are generally available in four sizes.
- Small - dogs 2 to 9 kilos
- Medium - dogs 9 to 18 kilos
- Large - 18 to 27 kilos
- Jumbo - Dogs 27+ kilos
Rawhide
Rawhide chews are made from the inner layer of cow or horse hides. Known for their toughness, they take time to break down, keeping dogs engaged for hours-especially power chewers who can destroy softer treats in minutes.
While rawhide doesn't contain as many vitamins or minerals as some other chews, it does provide dental benefits. The gnawing action helps remove plaque and tartar, promoting healthier gums and fresher breath.
However, the safety of rawhide depends on how it is processed. Some brands use harsh chemicals, so it's essential to choose high-quality, minimally processed rawhide from reputable manufacturers. Additionally, selecting the right size and thickness for your dog will help prevent choking hazards and digestive issues.
Yak Cheese
Yak cheese chews are made from yak and cow milk, combined with lime and salt, then boiled, coagulated, and dried to create a hard, long-lasting chew. These chews are packed with protein and calcium, making them a nutritious option.
One of their biggest advantages is durability. Unlike some chews that disappear within minutes, yak cheese chews last significantly longer, making them ideal for dogs that love to gnaw. They also come in different hardness levels, with hard cheese sticks suitable for aggressive chewers and softer cheese puffs designed for puppies and senior dogs with sensitive teeth.
Nutritionally, yak cheese chews offer a high protein content and essential minerals to support muscle health and strong bones. Since they are free from additives, grains, and gluten, they are an excellent choice for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. Additionally, they don't leave a strong smell or greasy residue on carpets or furniture, unlike some meaty chews.
Tips for Choosing the Right Chew for Your Dog
Choosing the right chew for your dog will depend on its chewing style, age, dietary needs and preferences.
Chewing Style
Your dog's chewing style plays an important part in choosing the right chew. If it is a power chewer that aggressively gnaws through chewers, you'll need durable, long-lasting chews like whole antler chews and thick rawhide tools to prevent quick destruction. On the other hand, if your dog is a moderate chewer, softer chews like split antlers and braided rawhide can provide a satisfying but safe challenge. For gentle chewers, puppies, or senior dogs with sensitive teeth, opt for softer options like rawhide chips or yak cheese puffs that are easier to break down.
Dogs Age
Your dog's age is another important factor in choosing the right chew. Puppies have developing teeth and gums, so they need softer, more flexible chews that won't damage their teeth. Adult dogs with strong jaws and a high chewing drive can handle tougher, long-lasting chews that keep them engaged and support dental health. Senior dogs, on the other hand, may have worn or sensitive teeth, making gentler chews a safer and more comfortable option.
Dietary Needs
Reindeer antlers are an excellent choice for dogs on a low-fat, high-mineral diet, as they contain zero fat and are naturally rich in calcium, phosphorus, and other essential nutrients that support strong bones and teeth. They are also completely additive-free, making them a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies. In contrast, yak cheese chews provide a good source of protein and calcium but contain dairy, which may not suit all dogs. Rawhide, while long-lasting, can be harder to digest and isn't ideal for dogs with sensitive digestion or those prone to gastrointestinal issues.
Preferences
If your dog loves a good challenge and enjoys chewing for hours, tougher chews like rawhide rolls or reindeer antlers are perfect, as they provide long-lasting entertainment. However, if your dog tends to lose interest quickly or has a gentler chewing style, softer chews like yak cheese puffs might be a better option, keeping them engaged without overwhelming them.
Some dogs tend to prefer flavoured chews, such as bully sticks or flavoured yak cheese, while others may enjoy the natural, scent-free experience of reindeer antlers. Additionally, if your dog is picky about texture, you may need to experiment with different options-hard chews might suit dogs that like to gnaw, while those with softer teeth or gums may prefer chews that are easier to break down.
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