Pet Nutrition Q & A: Chew, Chew, Train!

I’ve heard that many rawhide chew toys and bones are unhealthy for a dog’s intestines and stomach. Can you recommend some safe things for a dog to chew on?
―Mary

Many dogs do just fine with rawhide chews, Mary. However, there could be some risk of your dog ingesting pieces that are too large to pass through his gastrointestinal tract. Each pet parent should weigh the benefits and risks of giving rawhides based upon their own dog's chewing needs and behaviors. Chewing is very important to many dogs, so providing an appropriate outlet is important.

Bones may pose a greater risk since they are prone to splintering. Chicken bones, in particular, should not be given to your dog, since the splintered bones can cause damage to his gastrointestinal tract. Other hard bones are somewhat safer, and some pet parents like to provide them. If you do so, please be aware of the risks, and be sure to contact your veterinarian if problems such as vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain arise.

Commercial dental bones and other hard chew treats also work well for some dogs, but these can cause problems, too, if pieces that are too large are ingested.

Another option for chewers is a tough chew toy such as a Kong. These toys can be stuffed with food so that your dog has to work to get the reward. Please check out the following links for more information on this topic:

- Physical & Mental Stimulation
- Destructive Behavior

Thanks again for contacting us, Mary. We wish you the best of luck in finding the right chew for your dog.