Are dog chews healthy for dogs?

As a common pet product, the impact of dog chews on dog health needs to be comprehensively judged from the two aspects of reasonable selection and correct use. Scientific use can bring multiple benefits to dogs.

High-quality dog chews can meet the natural chewing needs of dogs. During the teeth replacement period (3-6 months) or adulthood, chewing behavior can relieve gum discomfort, clean teeth, and reduce the accumulation of tartar and plaque. Regular brand dog chews use food-grade raw materials (such as cowhide, starch, rubber, etc.), with a moderate hardness and softness, which can provide chewing pleasure and avoid tooth damage.

However, inferior products may pose health risks. Some low-priced dog chews use recycled rubber or add excessive chemical additives. Dogs may experience gastrointestinal discomfort such as vomiting and diarrhea after chewing; chews that are too hard may cause teeth to break, and chews that are too soft may be easily swallowed as a whole, causing esophageal obstruction. Data show that 30% of the "foreign body obstruction" cases seen in pet hospitals each year are related to improper use of dog chews.

Pay attention to raw materials and specifications when choosing. Give priority to products with brand certification and transparent ingredients, and avoid "three no" products; choose the size according to the dog's body size. Small dogs are suitable for chewing gum with a diameter of less than 3 cm, and large dogs need to choose harder and larger styles to prevent accidental swallowing. At the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to the bite resistance of dog chews. Puppies are suitable for soft latex materials, and adult dogs can choose wear-resistant cowhide chews.

Good supervision is required during use. Avoid letting the dog chew the same chew alone for a long time. When the chew is worn to 1/3 of its original size, it should be replaced in time; check the chew regularly for fragmentation and deformation to prevent fragments from falling off and being swallowed. In addition, dog chews should not be used as the only way to grind teeth. Combining brushing and cleaning teeth bones can more comprehensively protect oral health.

In general, qualified dog chews are beneficial to the health of dogs when used correctly. They can not only meet physiological needs, but also reduce house-destroying behaviors. The key is to choose high-quality products, adapt to the dog's body size, and supervise the use of dog chews, so that dog chews can truly become a "healthy companion" for dogs.