HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST CHEWS FOR YOUR DOG

Let's talk about chews for your dogs. When we say chews, we aren’t talking about chew toys; or treats, like doggie cookies; or toppers, like tuna flakes. We mean those natural, mostly single-ingredient items you give your dog to satisfy his need to chew, massage his gums and help remove dental plaque. Beyond those attributes, we believe a good chew choice must also provide some excellent, high-quality dietary supplementation. For that reason, at Tasteful Pets we only carry all-natural chews from well-trusted sources.

When selecting chews for your dog, there are several factors to consider. Here are some guidelines to help you make good decisions:

1. Size and Durability - Select chews that are appropriate for your dog's size and chewing habits. Avoid chews that are too small and can pose a choking hazard or those that are too hard and may cause tooth damage. Some chews, like bully sticks and cow cheeks, are durable enough to keep your dog engaged for a while, but not so hard that they can potentially cause mouth damage. We understand that sometimes you want a chew that will keep your dog engaged for a while. That’s fine, but keep in mind that there are many beneficial chews that simply won’t last long, but they do have other benefits. An example would be beef trachea. These can be chewed rather quickly by most dogs, so they won’t keep Fido busy while you write the next great novel, but they are an excellent source of natural compounds that provide joint support…and they are much less expensive than an ACL repair!
2. Safety: Ensure that the chews are made from safe materials and do not contain any harmful chemicals or toxins. Avoid chews that have been treated with artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. At Tasteful Pets, we only carry all-natural chews. Our bully sticks, trachea, cow cheeks, etc. are all dried naturally and are not treated with, nor contain, any chemicals or other substances.
3. Digestibility: Some chews, such as rawhide, may be difficult to digest and can cause gastrointestinal issues. For this reason, we do NOT carry rawhide. Cow cheek rolls and chips are a great alternative to rawhide because they are similar in texture, but are much more easily digestible.
4. Avoid Allergenic Ingredients: If your dog has known food allergies or sensitivities to certain proteins, be sure the chew is not made of these. Because it is unusual for dogs to be allergic to beef, we do carry several beef chews. If your dog loves beef, our Beef Bonanza bargain bundle is a terrific way to get some beefy variety at a deeply discounted price. You can even send it to your grand-dog in California for our flat $5 shipping fee. If your dog is allergic to beef, Yak Chews and Whimzees can be good alternatives. Contact us for more suggestions.
5. Purpose and Benefits: Various chews may provide different benefits. Consider the specific benefits you want the chews to provide. Are you looking for something to primarily keep your pup bust for as long as possible, or something to help clean teeth and massage gums, something for joint support, a protein boost, or something else? Choose chews that align with your dog's specific needs. Our recommendation is that you give a variety of chews to address all of the potential benefits. If your dog has greater need for one benefit, say joint support, then look for more chews to provide that support, but variety is always good to help keep your dog engaged.
6. Supervision: Always supervise your dog while they are chewing to ensure they do not swallow large pieces or get into any trouble. If your dog tends to be aggressive with chews or has a history of swallowing large pieces, it would be a good idea to look into chew holders to prevent her from being able to do this. Ask us about these, we can source them for you.
7. Moderation:  Chews should be given in moderation and should not replace a balanced diet. Additionally, if you notice any adverse reactions or changes in your dog's behavior or health after giving him a chew, discontinue use and consult your veterinarian.
8. Ask Us for Help: If you have any concerns or questions about the suitability of certain chews for your dog, contact us, we’re always happy to help, and, of course, consult your veterinarian.

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