Why Does My Dog Chew So Much?
There is no doubt that dogs love to chew, from being in the puppy stage, chewing shoes and furniture, to older age senior dogs; they all have a natural instinct to chew. As part of their survival, the Canine species relied on chewing their prey (muscle, organs, and bones). However, most commercially made feed today does not provide that same chewing experience that dogs not only need, but crave. Since chewing is an instinctual behavior for dogs, it also, fights boredom, relieves anxiety, and diverts their attention away from other destructive behaviors. For additional tips on how to get your dog to stop chewing, visit here.
Nutritional Benefits of Chewing
Chewing on bones and other animal parts not only removes plaque and keeps your dogs mouth healthy, but provides many nutritional benefits. Chewing stimulates saliva enzymes to help remove the plaque and tartar from their teeth to help keep them clean. Bones can be a fantastic source of minerals and other nutrients. Bones are composed of calcium phosphate, a mineral that aids your dog’s proper growth. They help a canine’s skeletal system to regenerate and adapt. This is especially important for puppies. In fact, the calcium in raw bones can be up to four times more digestible than the most commonly available calcium supplements.
Other chews such as bully sticks, trachea, and even duck feet are excellent sources of cartilage, collagen,and keratin. In turn your dog is receiving natural chondroitin and glucosamine which aid in keeping your dog’s joints healthy.
Dog Teeth Cleaning Products
Brushing your dog’s teeth can be a pain and taking them to the vet for cleanings is not only expensive, but causes undue stress for your dog. When we don't clean our dog's teeth excess tartar can build up not only causing bad breath, but can lead to infections and expensive tooth extractions.
Greenies, Dentastix, Oravet Dental Hygiene Chew Alternatives
When you start your search for the best dog chew toy, you are sure to come across plastic toys, such as Nylabones, or other dental treats, each claiming to help freshen your dog’s breath. There are many warnings and dangers on dog's eating plastic. So why would I want to give them a plastic bone. You must keep a watchful eye on your dog while they chew to make sure they do not swallow any pieces. But really...Why would you feed your dog plastic?
Have you ever looked at the ingredient label on dental dog treats such as Greenies, Dentasticks, and Milk Bone brushing chews?
Wheat flour, wheat gluten, glycerin, gelatin, oat fiber, water, lecithin, natural poultry flavor...
These treats claim to clean teeth, freshen breath, and be a healthy treat. However, I am confused how any of those ingredients lead to a fresh and clean mouth, much less provide nutritional value. Any chewing can be beneficial for your dog, but why not give them a treat that not only cleans their teeth, but is a much healthier alternative.
Vet Recommended Dog Dental Chews
Those in the know... Nutritionists and Medical professionals seem to unanimously believe that Dehydrated Duck Feet provide the absolute best teeth cleaning and plaque removal for dog's teeth.
Yes, that’s it. Single ingredient, all-natural, and full of nutrients.
While duck feet might be the best at cleaning your dog’s teeth, there are other treats that offer cleaning and health benefits as well, such as bully sticks, beef trachea, and knee caps. Like us, dog’s enjoy variety and deserve to be spoiled.
