Dog Chew Safety
Today’s post is gently recycled. I do hope to be home from my last leg of road trip today. Dog chew safety is an important topic, though, so please leave feedback!
Yesterday we talked about Jones Natural Chews being 100% Made in the USA, as well as touching on the all natural element. I started this journey asking the question, “Why Jones Natural Chews?” Besides the obvious answer:
Yeah, my babies, Australian shepherd mixes (and rescue pups), LOVE these chews. They’re particularly fond of the Windees, or beef trachea slices. I had to hide the box. And give some away. Not only do my babies love Jones Natural Chews, but my mom’s shih tzu, Honey, adores them.
Honey is a rescue dog herself. A very picky rescue baby who has sent bags and bags of store bought treats our way. Treats she won’t even roll her eyes at. She doesn’t think twice about the little jerky Woofermen from JNC, though. Good girl, Honey.
For me, the obvious answer is the best answer. Dogs love JNC treats. Seriously. All natural meat chews, smelly and tough to tear up. It’s a beautiful thing.
Splintering and Chewing
But! More than one friend has asked about health and dog chew safety. This took me by surprise, but, evidently, dogs have been harmed by nummy treats like these. So I asked Suzy and Laura about splintering and chewing, and here’s what they had to say:
We test all of our bones for splintering. We conduct pressure tests and moisture tests to ensure the best bone strength. Because of the all-natural process we put our bones through, they will not splinter any easier than a raw bone. As with any food or treat, supervision is always recommended, all dogs have different chewing habits. We at Jones’ give all of our own dogs our products with confidence.
Bone Size and Density
Suzy and Laura also say that it’s important to know your dog, to give them the treat that’s the right size for them. For instance, I gave little Honey the Woofermen and some Windees because the labels indicate that they’re designed for smaller and medium sized dogs. Here, I’ll let Laura and Suzy tell you:
Choose a bone that is the right density and size for your dog. The bone should be larger than your dog’s mouth. Pork bones and lamb bones are soft bones and are only for smaller, light chewers. Beef bones are good for most chewers. Beef shank and knee caps are the hardest bones for aggressive chewers.
If large slivers or pieces are breaking off, take it away and try another type. Bones are not intended to be ingested, but chewed and gnawed on. Knuckles will be consumed and will leave a hard bone piece to gnaw.
Oh, and don’t give a treat to a hungry dog. Treats are not meant to be used as food. But y’all know that, right?
So, because our dogs are family, our children, so to speak, and because we don’t just give our children grown-up sized portions and walk away from them, treat your fur babies with the love and caution you would your own children. Meaning, in part, no more dog Twinkes or Fruity Pebbles. Give ’em the good stuff. Give your dogs what’s right for them. Because Flash, Patches and Honey all say so. 😉
Giveaway
Our current giveaway is safe for all dogs. The Woofer is a lovely treat, consisting simply of ground beef. Simply click this sentence, leave a comment on the post which will open, then click I Commented! in the box at the bottom of the post. Leave a tweet for bonus points, though, since tweets win more often than not. Good luck and paws crossed!
Spreading the good chews …
Flea