| Pet owners are often looking for various chew toys or bones for their dogs to not only help exercise their teeth and gums, but to also help keep them happily occupied and not bored. There are many possible products out there. Various biscuits like milk bones or gourmet biscuits can be tried, but feeding too many of these can lead weight gain because of the excessive amount of carbohydrates and calories in these products. Many animal guardians will go to local pet supply stores and buy various versions of pigs ears, raw hides, or beef jerky for dogs, but these products I find can be hazardous to many dogs, not only in their ability to sometimes cause obstructions when broken into little pieces, but also due to the toxic flavor-enhancing chemicals and preservatives used on many of these products. |  |
Bully sticks are a natural alternative and most dogs tolerate them fine. I have also found Greenie Dental Chews useful for many dogs, which can help clean the teeth. And finally, in my experience and opinion many dogs do wonderfully on giving raw meaty bones to their pets. Not only does this provide calcium and nutrients, but guardians can often observe the tartar literally wash right off the teeth. Beef backs, chicken backs, and raw marrow bones are amongst the options I have found most useful in my practice. I haven’t seen problems clinically with salmonella or E. coli poisoning when dogs are given fresh raw meaty bones. It is the use of cooked bones that is the big risk to dogs, as cooked bones can splinter leading to sharp foreign bodies and other risks, etc.
There is classic book called Give your Dog a Bone by veterinarian Ian Billinghurst, which outlines the benefits of feeding raw meaty bones to dogs. Another option is feeding a fresh raw diet such as the wonderful Nature’s Variety Instincts, which not only provides balanced fresh nutrients, but also calcium sources in the form of small bones that are wonderful for the health of the teeth and gums of our dogs.
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One Comment
It’s so nice to see a Vet recommend a raw diet. I’ve been feeding raw to my 2 Tollers for a number of years. Their teeth are fantastic. I also find their fur is softer and more lush and their eyes are brighter.
So few folks know the benefits of a raw diet and are scared to try it. I also don’t find it to be more expensive than a high-end kibble.
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Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
September 8th, 2010 at 11:16 pm
I have been recommending raw diets for years and have seen great results. Saves you money in long run because it ends up cutting down on vet bills. Also see book Dr PItcairns guide to natural health for dogs and cats by Richard PItcairn, DVM.,phd as source of recipes for home diets.
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