Gorilla Wood Chews (by Ware)

[Debbie and Toby]

W have been searching for something "chewable" for Toby that is SAFE. He needs something to help occupy his time for short periods at a time, he is always supervised, never left  unattended with anything. He can't have antlers or bully sticks. We have tried the himalyan chews, but can't have those, either. We have had 2 pet stores highly recommend these wood chews. Both stores told us these are completely safe, safer than nylabones, which we also don't give Toby. They said as they chew on them and get wet they get softer and can not splinter. Hmmm, I don't know if this is a good idea to use these. We have been freezing kongs with plain yogurt and banana mixed in. He loves that, but is getting bored with it. Since his surgery he is bored out of his mind and we need something for him to chew on. He is a super power chewer so we don't want anything he can break a tooth on or swallow pieces.  We also have the green everlasting ball which we put pieces of treats in but he is also becoming bored with that. Any thoughts or suggestions?

http://www.amazon.com/Ware-Manufacturing-Gorilla-Chew-Medium/dp/B01...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

But here you have all kinds of rawhide under "good" chews, and any vet should know that rawhide is extremely dangerous for many reasons, and has caused injuries and health problems far, far worse than a broken tooth; some dogs have even died from rawhide chews. With all due respect to the dentist, I would not follow this advice!

[Debbie and Toby]

I agree with the "no rawhide", we have never given Toby rawhide because of the dangers, rawhide pieces expands after swallowing and can cause suffocation or very severe stomach issues

There are also sources that will say there is "good" rawhide  that is very digestible, I still do not give any rawhide.

Here is a good article regarding the making of rawhide...definitely not something I want my furbaby to ingest.

http://thebark.com/content/dangers-rawhide-dog-chew-toys?page=2

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Not to mention intestinal obstruction. 

[Frank & TeddyToyDoodle]

Is there a difference between regular rawhide and the "hide" in those CET and Virbec teeth chews ?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'd have to see an ingredient list for the exact product to know. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I think the difference is the rawhide is chopped and then made into the dental chews. My dogs get the CET chews and have for a long time.

[Kamela & Beckett]

Interesting. Rawhide and Greenies aren't on the list of things I'm willing to give my dog. Hard when advice from different sources conflicts!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It seems like many if not most vets, even the specialists may be "out of the loop" when it comes to information about canine food, treat and chew products. :(  

[Nancy]

I did question the Vet about the rawhide and her answer was that strictly from a "dental perspective", rawhide and greenies are good to help maintain good oral hygiene.  I don't give my pups either one, I have only given odorless bullysticks or pizzles.   I agree that the bullysticks don't last very long, but with my pups, they last about and hour and that seems to satisfy them.  I wouldn't call either of them aggressive chewers :) I was also told that that pressed rawhide is totally digestible, that is probably considered "good rawhide", but I am still going to stay away from it.  After some additional research, I did just purchase a bag of Bonies, simply because I have tried to brush their teeth but it is way too difficult.  I'm hoping the Bonies will help out and freshen their breath as well  :) 

[Debi Carreon]

I put some wet food (Nulo brand, great healthy dog food), some kibble in a Kong, some natural pumpkin and sweet pototoe.  She never gets bored with her Kong.  I don't freeze them but since she was little she gets them 3X a day.  Jesse also has sensitive stomach so any bones gives her the runs.  One brand I tried as far as bones is the N-bone, Jumbo, cheaper on Amazon and she has done well with that.  I don't let her eat the whole thing at once.

Hope this helps.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Okay.  Now I am going to look for Gorilla wood chews. Thanks for the Nylabone picture Karen. I have never successfully used a nylabone with any dog I have had.  They are usually unuseable after one session, too splintery and sharp, so I am happy to have this recommendation.

I have successfully use both frozen peanut butter and non fat cream cheese frozen in Kongs.  I usually put one or two "surprises" ( treats) inside also.