The chews by some of the leading pet food producers are some of the most popular on the market, but are they actually healthy? The answer is a resounding NO! They certainly are not. They contain a whole host of worrying and unnatural ingredients that could cause harm to your beloved best friend.
If for example you feed raw and your dog gets a dentastix once in a blue moon, the risk can be quite low. It is the consistent feeding (as Pedigree suggests, one a day!) that will cause the most issues. Among others you could be looking at increased risk of skin irritation, eye and respiratory issues, and even cancer.
Iron Oxide is a known skin and eye irritant that causes lung inflammation (11). This red food colouring is very cleverly hidden on Dentastix labels as a 'mineral supplement'. In addition to Smoke Flavor, there are now recent concerns about the genotoxicity (cancer) risk posed by Iron Oxide (12).
Just like us, dogs need daily dental care for a healthy mouth. One stick a day helps mop away bacteria before plaque can become tartar. Plus, a daily routine is a great way to bond with your dog. It's best to give dental sticks after a meal - we recommend after breakfast.
Made our dog very sick
We gave our dog a 1/4 piece of dentastix (we cut her a very small piece to try) for small dogs and couple hours later she started vomiting. This product should be pulled off the market immediately as feeding it to your dog could have serious consequences!!!
Edible treats such as rawhide chews can help with dental health. But some dogs, especially aggressive chewers, consume them too quickly or may swallow pieces whole. This can cause choking or blockages. These products may also be contaminated or cause stomach irritation.
Pets can be nauseated after anesthesia, and may vomit if they eat or drink large amounts too quickly. Feed your pet ¼ to ½ their normal meal tonight, and return to normal feeding tomorrow unless otherwise instructed by your veterinarian.
Chewing for long periods is also beneficial as it stimulates the salivary glands. This excess saliva helps wipe the teeth clean. Keeping the mouth clean also helps your dog to have fresh breath. To be effective, your dog should chew on the dental treat for 30 minutes.
There is no specific time of day chews should be fed to your dog. Follow directions on the label for recommended feeding amount and guidelines. Our chews contain less than 10% of your dog's recommended daily calorie intake. This means it's not necessary to reduce their meals.
Dentastix claim their unique shape helps keep teeth clean but depending on the dog, the soft chew doesn't do much to naturally rub away at plaque.
#3 Fish Fingers by JR Pet Products
Due to their texture, which could aid with dislodging tartar build up, these fish finger treats from JR Pet Products are also fab for aiding dental hygiene. Perfect for dogs who need a low-fat option, they are grain free and gluten free, made from 100% whitefish jerky skins.
Hard treats, such as antlers or synthetic or natural bones, that could potentially damage your pet's teeth should be avoided, according to the American Animal Hospital Association 2019 Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats.
Animal Bones, Antlers and Rolled Rawhide
Dogs have an innate need to exercise their jaws, however many beloved chews like bones, elk antlers and cow hooves can cause serious dental trauma like fractures and breaks.
Dogs can eat 1 appropriately sized Dentastix per day, in addition to their daily meals. However, puppies under the age of 4 months, or 2 kg in weight (4.4 lbs) should not be given these treats. It is important that fresh clean drinking water is always available.
Our Winner: Greenies
Greenies, which are shaped like a toothbrush, are made in four different sizes to meet the needs and the mouths of most dogs from five to a hundred pounds. They also have special formulas for puppies, seniors, and weight management.
Daily Dental care treat for your pet dog's strong teeth. Pedigree Dentastix is completely digestible and has no residue, so it can be served as a tasty dog treat with actual dental benefits.
It's important to only give a dental chew once a day.” Keep these tips in mind when giving your dog a dental chew, from Dr. Danielle: WHIMZEES® can be used as a training option so asking your pup for good behavior or rewarding them for it is encouraged prior to giving the treat.
Just remember to feed one GREENIES™ dental treat a day. Ear scratches and praise, however, are calorie-free, so use them often during training. Encouraging healthy habits: When fed once a day, puppy dental treats like GREENIES™ Puppy 6 Months+ TEENIE™ Dental Treats gently clean teeth and gums.
Though chews that are properly designed can potentially reduce tartar and plaque buildup, they're not a substitute for regular tooth brushing and professional dental cleanings - just an additional tool.
Although bully sticks are natural, single-ingredient dog chews that are rawhide alternatives, pet owners should not give more than the recommended amount per day. So how many bully sticks is that? We recommend once a day. Treats should not make up more than 10% of total daily caloric intake.
Size: Make sure the dental chews and treats are sized appropriately for your dog since they can be a choking hazard.
A family in Cary is heartbroken and asking questions after their beloved pet pooch died following a routine teeth cleaning procedure at an Apex pet hospital. Many pet owners may not realize that anesthesia, which can be fatal for humans, also poses a risk for animals.
While implementing an at-home oral care routine (and perhaps pairing it with dental treats or chews) is important in that it helps control plaque and tartar buildup, visiting the vet regularly for a professional cleaning is the best way to keep your dog's mouth clean and healthy.
Softer food may be a comfort to pets with extensive dental procedures. One option is to add water to soften normal dry food. f you elect to use canned food that is not part of your pet's normal diet, we recommend Royal Canine Gastrointestinal diet as it will not cause stomach upset with using a new diet.
Many of the ingredients in Greenies products are healthy on their own for many dogs, but just like people, dogs can become allergic to one or more of these ingredients at any time. Food allergies are usually more irritating than dangerous, with vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and hives as symptoms.