Here are 5 reasons why puppies benefit from eating natural chews:
- Good for dental health. Chewing helps to remove plaque and tartar buildup on teeth, which can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Natural chews are also abrasive enough to help smoothen the edges of teeth, which can help prevent them from becoming sharp and causing injuries.
- Helps with teething. Puppies go through a teething phase when their baby teeth are falling out and their adult teeth are coming in. This can be a painful process, and chewing can help to relieve some of the discomfort. Natural chews are also a good way to help puppies relieve the urge to chew on things that they shouldn’t, such as furniture or shoes.
- Provides mental stimulation. Chewing is a mentally stimulating activity for dogs. It can help to keep them occupied and prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors. Natural chews are a good choice for puppies because they are often challenging to chew, which can help to keep them entertained for longer periods of time.
- Can help with training. Natural chews can be used as a reward for good behavior. This can help to reinforce positive behaviors and encourage puppies to learn new commands.
- Can help to build trust and bonding. Sharing a chew with your puppy can be a great way to build trust and bonding. It is a way for you to show your puppy that you care about them and that you enjoy spending time with them.
When choosing natural chews for your puppy, it is important to select ones that are appropriate for their age and size. You should also supervise your puppy when they are chewing to make sure that they do not swallow any large pieces.
Here are some examples of natural chews that are safe for puppies:
- Bully sticks: Bully sticks are made from the pizzle of a bull, and they are a long-lasting and satisfying chew.
- Beef trachea: Beef trachea is a soft and chewy treat that is good for cleaning teeth and gums.
- Pig Ears
- Beef Bones
- Cows Ears
- Beef Scalp
It is important to avoid giving your puppy rawhide chews, as these can splinter and cause internal injuries. Rawhide products are technically byproducts from the leather industry and are known to contain harmful trace chemicals. You should also avoid giving your puppy cooked bones, as these can also splinter and cause problems. Air dried chews dont not splinter because they are NOT cooked.
If you are unsure about which natural chews are safe for your puppy, you should consult with your veterinarian.
Yes, there are a few more reasons why puppies would benefit from chewing natural treats:
- Reduces anxiety and stress. Chewing can be a calming activity for dogs, and it can help to reduce anxiety and stress. This is especially helpful for puppies who are feeling anxious or stressed, such as during thunderstorms or when they are left alone.
- Promotes gut health. Some natural chews, such as bully sticks and beef trachea, are good sources of fiber. Fiber is important for gut health, and it can help to regulate digestion and prevent constipation.
- Provides essential nutrients. Some natural chews, such as antlers and horns, are good sources of minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus. These minerals are important for bone health and development.
- Can help prevent obesity. Natural chews are a low-calorie alternative to treats, and they can help to prevent obesity in puppies.
Overall, there are many benefits to giving puppies natural chews. They are good for their dental health, can help with teething, provide mental stimulation, and can help to reduce anxiety and stress. They can also promote gut health, provide essential nutrients, and help prevent obesity.
When choosing natural chews for your puppy, it is important to select ones that are appropriate for their age and size. You should also supervise your puppy when they are chewing to make sure that they do not swallow any large pieces.
Here are some additional tips for giving your puppy natural chews:
- Start with small pieces and gradually increase the size as your puppy gets older and stronger.
- Choose chews that are made from safe materials, such as beef, pork, or lamb.
- Avoid chews that are made from rawhide or cooked bones, as these can splinter and cause internal injuries.
- Discard any chews that become damaged or that your puppy is able to easily break into small pieces.
With a little care and attention, you can help your puppy enjoy the many benefits of chewing natural treats.