There is a lot of information available to new puppy owners in articles, blogs, books and from breeders, vets, friends and just about anyone with a dog. Not all information is accurate, however, which makes it sometimes challenging to know what is a healthy option in a chew toy for your new addition.
To help first-time puppy owners, here are three common issues in finding healthy, safe chew bones for puppies. A vet is typically the best source of information, but there is also a considerable amount of data online from Animal Science departments at universities across the country.
Always Read the Labels
It is important to take the time to read the packaging label on any chew bones for puppies. Do not assume the “healthy” on the label of the package actually means healthy ingredients. Labeling requirements are very different for pet foods than human food, and so is manufacturing, processing and packaging requirements.
Look for the term GFSI in the processing information. This means the puppy chew bone was manufactured in a facility certified by the Global Food Safety Initiative. The treats and chews from these facilities are produced under human food production standards.
Avoid Rawhide Chew Toys
While rawhide toys are still the most common on the market, there is significant research into the potential dangers of this byproduct of the leather tanning industry. Rawhide swells with contact with the dog’s saliva, creating a risk for intestinal blockages and discomfort. This same factor makes it a high-risk chew bone when it comes to choking as well.
Choose the Correct Size
When selecting a size of chew bones for puppies, consider how aggressive the puppy is with chewing and the size of his or her mouth. Choose bones which are too large to swallow. They should also be substantial enough to prevent the puppy from biting them into smaller pieces and swallowing them whole.
