Four Tips For Choosing Edible Dog Chews

Dogs love to chew, and if you don’t give them an edible alternative, they may just end up with your favorite slipper in their mouth. Many dog owners are starting to turn to all natural chew options, but with such a seemingly endless number of choices available in the dog treat aisle, it can be overwhelming to make a decision. The next time you’re looking for a chew for your dog, keep these four tips in mind.

1. Read the label and the fine print.

   Rule number one about healthy, edible chews is that less is more. Make sure to read the ingredient label and fine print so you know exactly what is going into your dog’s mouth. Ideally, you want chews that have only one ingredient – everything else is just filler.

   Also look for products that are sourced and made in the United States. These two indicators let you know that the chews are of the highest quality. Legally, pet food manufacturers can claim “made in the U.S.” if the product is packaged in the U.S.  However, the raw materials may come from other areas of the world. When shopping for the perfect treat it is important to look for products made from ingredients that originate in the U.S.
    
2. Look over the product itself
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   When choosing a chew, pick it up and closely examine the look and feel of the product. Does the pork or beef ear you’re considering look like a real ear, or does it look like something that was pressed in a mold to be shaped like an ear? Some beef and pork ears are made from other parts of the animal, such as skin or chin, then formed into the shape of an ear.

   Truly natural treats, like those made by First Companion®, offer 100 percent real beef ears and pork ears, so you won’t see any artificial colors or flavoring.
    
3. Seek out individually packaged chews.
   
   
   
   Think about the treats you purchase today. Do they come wrapped in a sealed package, or do you find them unwrapped and sitting on a shelf or in a dump bin? It’s easy for bugs, bacteria and other harmful organisms to make their way into poorly packaged dog chews, which is why it’s important to seek out chews that are shrink wrapped or packaged in resealable bags. Better yet are chews that are individually wrapped in clear packaging. The best chews for your dog shouldn’t have anything to hide.
    
4. Choose a chew that is appropriate for your dog's life stage.

   Something to keep in mind when selecting a chew for your dog is your dog’s age. Puppies love chews that help ease the discomfort of teething, so a chew like a First Companion beef pizzle is perfect for them. In addition to helping with teething, beef pizzles help with dental hygiene.

   As dogs age, they encounter more and more dental issues, so it’s important to find chews that are on the softer side. Beef tracheas, like those available from First Companion, come from softer tissue, so they’re easier for your dog to chew.

Choosing a natural chew for your dog doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. Follow these four steps and your dog will be thanking you– and so will your slippers.

Find First Companion long-lasting, all-natural chews at entirelypets.com.