4 Tips on Choosing the Best Chew for Your Pet

There are many pet treats and chews available on the market. At Puppy Love Pet Products, we have an extensive line with varying types, species and size. But how do you choose the right product for your pet?

In addition to consulting your veterinarian on what is best for your pet, here are a few guidelines to help you choose the right chew or treat.

There are unlimited pet treats and chews available on the market. This is evident as soon as you walk down an aisle at your local pet store. In creating Puppy Love Pet Products, we aimed to have a line that had a product suitable for every pet. And true to our goal, we have over 20 different treat options (not including different bag sizes), 9 different species flavours, and over 40 chew variations.

It can be overwhelming to choose the best product for your pet, especially if you are a first-time pet owner. Here are some guidelines to help make that decision easier.

#1 - Size

One of the first things to think about when picking a chew for your dog is their size or breed. How big is your pup? Little toy breed, giant breed, or somewhere in the middle? A huge 10" bully stick probably isn't the best choice for a tiny chihuahua, but it might be perfect for a dog the size of a golden retriever. Our chew selection has options for everyone, from our Jr. Bully Minis and Puppy World Veal Chew right up to long chews like Mr. Twisty's, Steer Sticks, and the Puppy World 24" Bully Sticks. Not sure what size to get? Check out the suggestions under our chew products on the site!

Of course, every dog's different, so think of these as just guidelines to get you started. Some pups might not finish a whole chew in one sitting. If that's your dog, no problem – just take the chew away after a bit and save the rest for another day. Our chews are pure meat, so if your dog isn't used to them, eating too much at once can sometimes upset their tummy.

Always consider your pet's size to determine the appropriate amount of treats. Treats should only be a supplement to their main diet, so moderation is key to avoid overfeeding and exceeding their daily calorie needs. Your vet can provide the best advice on daily calories and how many treats are suitable for your individual pet. Keep in mind that many treats (such as liver or breast pieces) can be broken down into smaller bits if necessary. Additionally, freeze-dried treat options are already conveniently bite-sized, ideal for cats and small dogs.

#2 - Age

Size isn't the only thing – your dog's age also plays a big role in finding the best chew. You know how puppies just have to chew, but they're working with delicate baby teeth. And senior dogs? Their teeth might not be as strong, or they might be missing some. That's why something like Puppy World Veal Chews often works well for both ends of the age spectrum – they're not as dense and easier to get through. They're definitely a gentler option compared to super hard chews like the Puppy World SherPaw or a Puppy Love Elk Antler, which are typically better for adult dogs with strong chompers.

For pets who need something softer on the teeth, Beef Lung or Puppy World Lamb Lung are great picks because they're spongy and light, making chewing easier. Our Freeze Dried treats are also a winner for easy snacking, especially for seniors (and cats too!). Don't toss out harder treats like Beef Liver just yet – simply break them into more manageable pieces. Another handy trick is to crush treats and mix them into their food bowl for a flavour boost and an easy treat delivery!

#3 - Allergies

With Puppy Love Pet Products, you have plenty of choices! We offer treats made from 9 different animal proteins: Beef, Chicken, Fish (Salmon/Sardines), Pork, Turkey, Duck, Lamb, Bison, Elk/Deer, and Kangaroo. Knowing if your dog has any allergies is super important for choosing the right one for them. Sometimes allergies can be subtle, but paying attention to certain warning signs can help.

"True food allergies result in an immune response, which can range in symptoms from skin conditions (hives, facial swelling, itchiness), gastrointestinal signs (vomiting and/or diarrhea) or a combination of both. " – https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-allergies-symptoms-treatment/

So, if you know your dog has a chicken allergy, you'll obviously skip things like Chicken Feet. A great alternative to try is Duck Feet, as duck tends to be less likely to cause allergic reactions. Dealing with a beef allergy? Pork, Bison or elk can be fantastic substitutes.

#4 - Type of Chewer

So, what kind of chewer is your dog? A careful nibbler who savors every bite, or a total chomper who practically inhales treats? Knowing their style helps you pick the best chew! If you've got a really enthusiastic or aggressive chewer, consider something tough like a Puppy World Bully Stick or Twisty. These are thicker and denser, so they're built to last longer. For dogs who are lighter eaters, thinner chews like the Beef Slim or Beef Chew 11" are often ideal. Other dogs can enjoy these too, of course, but just know they won't keep a power chewer busy for nearly as long!

We also have some treats that are tougher (such as feet or bully bits) vs easy to consume products (like our freeze dried). As always, we recommend supervising your pet when treating and provide plenty of fresh water.

Ready to Spoil Your Dog? Let's Get Shopping

Bottom line? Know your dog! Their size, age, any sensitivities, and how they like to gnaw are your clues to finding the best chew. Each dog's is different, so what thrills one might not excite another. But with these tips and your vet's advice, you're sure to pick a winner that'll bring on the happy chewing!

Want to start shopping? Check out our store locator here: https://www.puppylovepetproducts.ca/store-locator