There are several popular options in dog bones and chews on the market today. Dog owners also have the choice to feed raw bones to dogs, and this is typically part of a BARF (Bones and Raw Foods) diet.
The most common commercially available types of dog bones and chews include inedible products, rawhide products, and non-rawhide chews. To understand the differences, a closer look at each option is helpful.
Inedible Products
Inedible types of dog chews are usually made of nylon or rubber. They can be a very good option for chewing and stimulation of the gums, but they are not appealing to a lot of dogs as they are not flavored or, if they are flavored, this does not last very long.
Owners have to be careful as dogs can chew off parts of plastic, nylon or rubber and swallow it, creating a risk of digestive problems and choking in some situations.
Rawhide Bones
Rawhide products are perhaps the most common, but they are also the most likely to be problematic for dogs. The issues of concern are choking on larger chunks of the bones, swallowing the bones whole or having pieces of the rawhide block the digestive tract.
In tests, up to 15% of ingested rawhide is still present in the digestive system after 24 hours, which is a concern with dogs of any size.
Non-Rawhide Chews
Non-rawhide dog bones and chews are relatively new products on the market. They are made from real ingredients such as baked pork skin, real chicken, milk and peanut butter. They also have added nutrients in the form of vitamins and minerals, which is great for your dog.
Additionally, these alternative dog chews and bones are 100% digestible, and they do not leave a mess in the house, making them a favorite for both dogs and owners alike.
