Long-lasting dog chews are a god send for many reasons. They’re great for contributing to your dog’s dental health – preventing plaque and tartar build up. And let’s face it, they’re perfect for keeping Fido occupied when you’re busy or can’t be around too.
But we’ve all been there. You give your dog a chew hoping it’ll keep them entertained for an hour or so while you get those daily chores done. Then 5 minutes later it’s all gobbled up and they’re staring at you for more. I hear you!
Which is why this post will share the top safest long-lasting dog chews. So you can get a moment to yourself without breaking the bank.
Please note: There are affiliate links in this post. If you click a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only give recommendations for items I feel will truly benefit my audience. Thanks for supporting our blog!
Dog chew safety tips
Just a few words of caution before we dive in. No dog chews are entirely safe. With any dog chew there is always a chance it will break up into smaller pieces and become a choking hazard. Which is why it’s always important you supervise your dog so you can step in if they run into trouble. When the chew becomes too small or it breaks into shards, be sure to take these away.
Never give your dog cooked bones to chew on as these can splinter, causing a blockage, or damage to the mouth and intestines. In fact, when feeding any type of bone it’s always best to be cautious. Bones can break up into smaller pieces and become a choking hazard. While some bones are naturally hard and can fracture your dog’s teeth. A cracked tooth could leave you with an expensive vet bill, not to mention the pain it may cause your dog.
It’s always best to do your research around feeding rawhide too. There have been too many cases of dogs becoming unwell as a result of rawhide, so they’re best avoided. The manufacturing process leaves rawhide with trace amounts of toxic chemicals, and they’ve been known to be contaminated with salmonella and E.coli. Rawhide is also difficult to digest, which can cause both digestive issues and intestinal blockages.
Although chews do help prevent plaque and tartar build-up, they’re no substitute for daily brushing. To help keep your dog out of the dentist’s chair, it’s a good idea to brush your dog’s teeth a few times a week… Ideally every day.
And lastly, always ensure your dog has access to fresh drinking water, especially with chews. All that chewing can make your dog thirsty. I know my Loki always needs a drink after a good chewing session!
Buffalo horns
Buffalo horns are almost indestructible. My Loki still has a buffalo horn from a year ago and it looks almost brand new! Since they’re entirely natural, you know there’s no artificial flavourings, additives or preservatives included.
Buffalo horns are 88% protein and low in fat. So your dog can chew all day long and you don’t have to worry about them putting on weight. Which also means they’re great for dogs that are prone to pancreatitis.
The horns don’t have a foul odour like other natural chews often do, and they’re non-staining. Meaning your dog can settle down on your carpet without fear of any dirt of marks being left behind.
Antlers
Antlers are all natural and usually come from deer or elk when sold in shops. They’re packed full of beneficial nutrients and minerals such as protein, fibre and calcium. Like buffalo horns, they’re extremely long lasting, don’t smell and won’t stain your furniture.
Antlers also don’t splinter or break up into smaller pieces, so they’re considered one of the safest chews you can offer your dog. The softer material in the middle of the antler is similar to bone marrow and is the tastiest part to chew. The best part for dogs is gnawing away for hours on end trying to get the inside out. They’re also great for teeth and satisfies your dog’s natural urge to chew.
Yak milk
Himalayan yak chews are 100% natural. They’re made from a mixture of yak and cow milk and are rich in protein and calcium. They’re also low in fat and are gluten and additive free, which is great for dogs with food intolerances.
Yak chews are slightly softer than the tougher buffalo horns and antlers, but that doesn’t mean they’re not long-lasting. Your dog will need to work at it for a long time to soften the treat before they can chew pieces off. Due to the hard texture, they’re also great for teeth, helping fight plaque and tartar.
Bully sticks
We all know our dogs like to eat things that would make us raise an eyebrow or two, but bully sticks (dried bull’s penis) are a real doggy hit. Yep, you read that correctly. Despite many believing bully sticks are high-protein beef muscle, they are in fact a bull’s male parts. But don’t let that put you off!
They are all natural and easy to digest so are unlikely to cause digestive problems. They don’t splinter either, so you won’t have to worry about potential injuries to your dog’s mouth and throat. Beef is a fantastic source of amino acids, which is great for your dog’s brain, muscle, coat and skin health.
However, a minor word of caution – bully sticks can have a strong odour, especially as they become wet while chewing. But it’s all worth it for that wagging tail and goofy smile, oh, and those precious moments you get to yourself!
Cow ears
Cow ear chews are exactly what it says on the tin. They are dried and roasted to create a tasty, long-lasting dog chew. They’re low in fat which also makes them a good choice if you’re watching your dog’s waistline. And since they’re essentially cartilage, they’re softer than many other chews, which makes them great for puppies and younger dogs.
Cow ears won’t last as long as buffalo horns or antlers, but they should keep your dog going for a couple of hours or so.
Beef trachea
Beef trachea is essentially the dried wind pipe of a cow. They’re entirely natural and can sometimes be found filled with meat in local pet shops. Since they’re high in beef protein and contain beneficial amino acids, they’re known for promoting healthy joints in dogs. They also have a crunchy texture which helps to clean your dog’s teeth.
These long-lasting dog chews are brilliant options if you want to keep your dog happy and entertained. But always remember to supervise your dog while chewing, and remove any dangerous sharp or smaller pieces.
So which chew will your dog try first? Let us know in the comments below…
If you liked this post you may also like:
How to stop a dog from chewing everything
3 homemade dog toothpaste recipes – only 5 ingredients or less
Be the first to comment