At some point as a pet owner, you have probably felt overwhelmed by the plethora of dog products on the market today. From the healthiest foods to the safest toys to the best collars, selecting the right ones can be daunting. Choosing treats or chews for your dog is a tough decision, too, due to the sheer number of varieties.
Chewing is an essential behavior for dogs and it’s very important for their mental as well as dental health. It can help eliminate behavioral problems, act as a training tool and alleviate boredom. Dogs explore with their noses and mouths, so selecting the right chew is essential. Among the various chews and treats found in pet stores and online, those with a “function” continue to grow in popularity and variety.
Besides tasting good, functional treats are designed to serve a purpose, such as promoting joint or dental health, mitigating pain and helping to relieve stress. Here are a few new treats I found that offer one or more of these benefits.
Designed to be fully digestible—unlike dental chew toys—a great example are the dental chews from Whimzees. Vegetarian and gluten-free, they are made in Holland and their shape and texture helps remove plaque and tartar, while giving your dog some solid chewing action.
There are quite literally thousands of natural treats to choose from, including those mentioned above. The trick is to find a treat your dog will love from a company you trust. Many smaller companies are demonstrating a strong commitment to proper sourcing, testing and manufacturing. Case in point: The Honest Kitchen has a wonderful collection of treats in all sizes your dogs are sure to love. Other favorites of mine include lamb lung treats and trachea chews from Clear Conscience Pet, and new, alternative-protein chews and bones (such as crocodile bones and kangaroo chews) from Barkworthies.
About the Author: Stacy Mantle is the founder of PetsWeekly.com and the bestselling author of “Shepherd’s Moon.” Learn more great tips for living with animals by visiting PetsWeekly.com or get to know a little more about the author at www.StacyMantle.com
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