Healthy edibles chew treats have become increasingly popular among dog owners looking for natural, healthy treats for their pets. These chews are made from ingredients like vegetables, fruits, and meat and are marketed as providing nutritional benefits beyond just being tasty snacks. However, some dog owners have concerns about the safety and quality of these edible chews. This article will examine whether healthy edibles chew treats are truly safe options for dogs.
What are healthy edibles chew treats?
Healthy edibles chew treats for dogs are made from ingredients that are considered nutritious and safe for canine consumption. Typical ingredients include:
- Fruits like apples, bananas, blueberries
- Vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans
- Meats like chicken, beef liver, salmon
- Grains like oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa
These chews provide dogs with extra vitamins, minerals, and nutrients from whole food sources. Additionally, some healthy chews are specifically formulated to support dental health by helping clean teeth and freshen dog breath.
Compared to traditional rawhide or processed treats, edible chews made from fruits, veggies and other wholesome ingredients are considered a healthier, more natural option. Many dog owners like that these chews don’t contain artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Are the ingredients safe?
When choosing a healthy edible chew, it’s important to read the ingredient label carefully to evaluate the safety of what’s included. Here are some things to look for:
- Whole food ingredients: Ingredients should be whole foods like sweet potato, banana, chicken. Avoid treats with “meals”, by-products or powders which lose nutrients.
- Species-appropriate: Dogs can safely eat many fruits and veggies. Avoid ingredients toxic to dogs like grapes, onions, garlic.
- Single protein source: Choose single protein treats like chicken or salmon. Avoid vague terms like “meat meal” which could contain multiple proteins.
- Natural preservatives: Preservatives like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) are gentler than artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin.
When sourcing is transparent, that’s a good sign. Look for treats made in the USA, Canada or Europe with ingredients from trusted places. Be wary of vagueness.
Are healthy chews digestible?
Digestibility is an important safety consideration with any dog treat. Chews that are highly processed or too hard can pass through the digestive tract largely intact. This puts dogs at risk for intestinal blockages and obstructions.
Look for healthy chews that are easily digestible based on the ingredients:
- Whole fruits and vegetables provide fiber and nutrients that can be absorbed.
- Grain-free treats may be better for dogs with sensitivities.
- Softer chews are safer for dogs that tend to gulp treats.
- Avoid overly hardened treats and aggressive chewers.
Size and shape also impact how safely a chew passes through. Choose an appropriate size treat for your dog and opt for less dense, flatter chews when possible.
Are quality controls in place?
Reputable manufacturers of healthy dog chews should have quality control measures including:
- Facility inspections for sanitation
- Testing for microorganisms and foodborne pathogens
- Routine equipment calibration and maintenance
- Product testing for nutritional adequacy
- Regulatory oversight from agencies like FDA/CVM
These controls help ensure safety from contamination and consistency in nutritional content. Look for treats made in the USA, Canada or Europe where regulation is strictest.
What do veterinarians say about healthy chews?
Many veterinarians approve of healthy edible chews for dogs. Some potential benefits according to vets include:
- Whole food ingredients provide vitamins and minerals
- Chewing exercises jaws and cleans teeth
- Digestible chews support regular bowel movements
- Keeps dogs occupied and redirects destructive chewing
However, vets do recommend supervising your dog when giving any chew treat. Choose size appropriate chews and monitor excessive consumption. Stop giving a chew if signs of gastrointestinal upset.
Are there any health risks?
While quality healthy chews are designed to be safe, there are some potential health risks to be aware of:
- Choking if chew is too large, especially for aggressive chewers
- GI obstruction or blockage for hard-to-digest treats
- Allergic reaction in dogs with food sensitivities
- Nutritional imbalance if feeding too many treats
- Broken teeth from very hard density chews
To minimize risks, supervise dogs when eating any chew treat, select an appropriate size and hardness, and avoid overfeeding treats. Also inspect the chew periodically and discard when small pieces start breaking off.
What precautions should be taken with healthy chews?
It’s important dog owners take the following precautions with any edible chew treat:
- Supervise your dog when eating chews
- Select size appropriate for your dog
- Avoid very hard chews for aggressive chewers
- Start with softer consistency then progress as needed
- Discard when chew becomes small pieces
- Prevent dogs from gulping down chews
- Don’t exceed 10% of daily calories from treats
Additionally, introduce new treats slowly and watch for signs of GI upset. Always choose reputable brands that focus on quality ingredients and safety.
What are the best healthy edible chews?
Some top picks for the best healthy edible chews include:
| Brand | Top Chews | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Zuke’s | Mini Naturals | Whole food bites made with real chicken, wholesome grains and veggies. Soft texture. |
| Blue Buffalo | Dental Bones | Cleans teeth and freshens breath. Made with savory chicken and whole grains. |
| Merrick | Power Bites Real Chicken Recipe | Grain-free bites with USA-raised chicken. Packed with protein. |
| Wellness | WellBars Lamb & Greens Recipe | Lamb protein and leafy greens like spinach and parsley. All natural. |
When comparing options, read labels carefully for quality whole food ingredients, species-appropriateness, and safety processes.
Conclusion
Quality healthy edible chew treats can offer great nutrition and enjoyment for dogs when chosen wisely and used properly. Selecting the right size chew for your dog, supervising use, and buying from reputable brands maximizes safety and minimizes risk. While no treat is 100% guaranteed safe, healthy chews provide a more nutritious option over processed alternatives. Monitoring your dog’s reaction and using care when feeding edible chews allows dog owners to feel confident giving dogs these tasty snacks.