There are a lot of different dog bones on the market today, with rawhide bones being the most common in pet stores, grocery stores or even with online buyers. However, rawhide chew bones are not healthy for your dog, and they have been linked to digestive problems, full or partial obstructions in the digestive tract and to an increased risk of choking.
Dog owners looking for healthy dog bones free from rawhide have three basic options. Taking a closer look at the pros and cons of each will help you to choose the best dog bones for your pet.
Nylon or Rubber
Nylon or rubber dog bones and chew toys are not unhealthy as long as they are removed if they start to crack, split, tear or shred. The biggest problem with these bones is they offer no nutrition, and most dogs tend to chew on them only as a last resort.
Raw Bones
Raw bones, provided they are joint bones and correctly sized for the dog, are considered very healthy dog bones. However, they need to be removed before the bone, or the meat turns rancid, which can happen quickly in warm weather. They are also extremely difficult to feed indoors as they make a mess on any surface they touch. Raw bones can also have bacteria and attract insects and flies, which also creates additional problems and concerns.
Healthy Bones
Pork skin, real chicken, peanut butter and milk can be fortified with nutrients and vitamins to make extremely healthy dog bones. These chew treats are 100% digestible, leave no residue or mess behind, and come in a range of sizes to suit any dog.
By choosing these types of dog bones and chews, dog owners get all the benefit of a nutritious bone without any of the problems. The dogs enjoy the flavor and have the advantage of the scraping action, helping to maintain dental health all with one treat.