homemade healthy dog chews

Homemade Longer Lasting Dog Chews on the Cheap

Theyll Have a Ball with this Dog Chew Alternative

We have a 4-year-old pug that loves to chew (on toys). In fact, his favorite pass time is trying to destroy his toys. He can pop a tennis ball and de-squeak a squeaky toy in 30 seconds.

We tried pig ears, but he would get it down to the size of his mouth and choke trying to swallow it whole. If a ball is too hard, he doesnt like it. We tried all kinds of balls.

We finally found out that racquetballs are his favorite. We buy them in a pack of three. It took him three months to break the first one. His second one is still going strong. Our neighbors tried them also with their 1-year-old lab-pointer mix. She loves them too. The racquetball doesnt come apart, but has enough give that they can chew it.

When the ball gets wet, it sometimes pops out of our pugs mouth when he tries to chew on it and ricochets around the room, which really keeps him occupied. If you get your pup any new toy, always supervise them to make sure that there are no problems.Jodi

Recipe: Homemade DIY Dog Chews

Chewing is your dog's natural instinct. It provides entertainment and aids in dental health. TheseDIY dog chews won't last as long as rawhides or other commercial chews, but they're much healthier for your pet at a fraction of the price.

Commercial dog chews can be expensive, and they aren't always made with the healthiest ingredients. Some of the ingredients as well as the artificial flavorings, colorings and preservatives can be toxic to your pet over time.

Zucchini is a low calorie, high fiber snack. It contains Vitamins A, C and K. This superfood is also high in magnesium and potassium.

Not only will these cheap homemade dog chews give your pup something to gnaw on, they'll provide a nutritional boost to his diet. Unlike rawhide chews, they'll be great for your pet's digestion. They don't last as long as commercial chews, but your dog is sure to love them!

Homemade DIY Dog Chews

Zucchini is packed with nutritional benefits for dogs. One cup of raw zucchini only has about 20 calories, and it's low in fat and cholesterol. This vegetable is great for your dog's digestion and is rich in zinc, manganese, copper and phosphorus.

While shopping for the ingredients to make these healthy dog treats, I recommend using organic, natural ingredients if possible. One of the best things about making DIY dog chews from scratch is that you can leave out all of the unnecessary preservatives and artificial ingredients found in commercial products, and pack them with nutrition.

Recipe: Homemade DIY Dog Chews

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These treats are healthy and safe for virtually any pup. They're a great option for dogs with digestive issues and offer a low calorie snack for pets on a diet.

I use cinnamon and turmeric to add some flavor and additional nutrients to these homemade dog chews. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is commonly found in joint supplements for dogs.

Cinnamon also offers anti-inflammatory properties, which means these homemade dog chews would be a great option for pets with arthritis or other hip and joint issues.

Basil, chamomile, ginger, mint and parsley are other great herbs and spices that you could sprinkle over these DIY dog chews.

• Author: Samantha Randall
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: about 16 chews 1x
• Category: Dehydrated Treats
• Method: Oven Baked
• Cuisine: Dog Chews

• 1 large zucchini
• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp. turmeric

Preheat your oven to 200 F.

Slice the zucchini with a knife or vegetable slicer. Try to get slices that are about 1/8 thick. The slices should be no more than 1/4 thick.

The thicker you slice them, the longer they will take to dehydrate.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make clean up easier. Lay the slices flat on the baking sheet.

Brush each slice with olive oil. Sprinkle your chosen herbs or spices lightly over each slice.

Bake the DIY dog chews for about 4-6 hours. Check the consistency after four hours. If the chews aren't dried out enough, continue baking until all of the water has been removed from the zucchini.

If you have a dog with dental issues, you can leave the zucchini a little chewy to make it easier for your pup to eat.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chew
• Calories: 9
• Sugar: .4 g
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Fat: .6 g
• Carbohydrates: .9 g
• Fiber: .3 g
• Protein: .3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

How to store: Store leftover zucchini dog chews in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 12-14 days. Remember that homemade chews and treats do not have the preservatives that store-bought products do.

Homemade snacks will not last as long as their commercial counterparts. If you'd like, you can freeze these treats in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

For More Information

We publish many homemade dog food and treat recipes every month. For more recipes, pet food cooking tips, and advice, see our Recipes section. If you're new to home-cooked dog food subject, I recommend you read more about How Much To Feed to understand serving sizes, What Supplements To Use to create well-balanced meals, and How To Store for tips on simple and easy homemade dog food storing in a fridge or a freezer.

Healthy & Safe Dog Chews: 5 Natural Rawhide Alternatives For Dogs

Every pet owner considers giving their dog a rawhide, but did you know that such treats can be dangerous for your pet. Dogs do love the bones, and they can provide contentment for extended periods of time.

Dogs are amazing animals with unbounding loving and loyalty for their humans, but can at times get bored. Boredom can lead to destruction, so many pet parents choose rawhides for entertainment purposes. Heres what you need to know about these convenient dog treats.

• Rawhides are derived from the inner layer of horse or cow hides. In the process of making the treats, the hides are cleaned and then prepped in various forms. They may be ground or cut and then pressed into shapes. Some of the treats are made more appealing through additives of chicken, beef or liver flavors.
• Yes, rawhides are beneficial to satisfy your dogs natural instinct to chew. Chewing helps to relieve your pets anxiety while providing necessary stimulation. You have probably heard that these treats help with keeping the teeth clean, healthy and stronger, warding off bad breath and oral disease.
• There are several risks correlated with rawhide chews and bones such as:
• There may be some trace content of toxic chemicals and also carry contamination of Salmonella or E. coli.
• Some dogs could have allergic reactions to substances used in the creation of these treats, leading to diarrhea.
• Since rawhides are not digestible, there is a threat of choking or blockage. If your dog swallows a large piece of the treat, it may get stuck in the digestive tract and could lead to surgery. Without surgery, the result could be fatal.

Consider weighing the benefits versus the risks of providing rawhides to meet your dogs chewing needs. Documented risks are minimal each year, considering the amount of these treats eaten by dogs on a regular basis. The safer option is to find healthy treat alternatives for your dog including natural dog chews.

Rawhide Alternatives

Frozen carrots are the best rawhide alternatives.

Now that you know more about rawhides, you may wonder what your options are in choosing a healthy alternative snack or chew for your dog. You must first analyze the chewer in your family. I have one who is a gulper and lucky you if you think you can get the bone away from him. Those tiny little bat teeth come out and he guards it with his life.

My larger dog is not one to share with her brother but would gladly and gently share with her humans. She is a moderate chewer. My daughter has a rescue Pittie who is very kind and loves to share, but when it comes to her bones, she needs something more substantial and nearly destructive. You alone know what type of chewer is in your family, and can determine the best healthy snack for that behavior. There is a range of options for almost every canine chewing pleasure. Some great choices are:

Bully Sticks

Bully sticks are said to be a great alternative to rawhide because they are healthier and digestible. However, not all bully sticks are the same. Healthy varieties contain no chemicals or preservatives. This variety is made from Free-range, grass-fed beef and turkey.

Raw Bones

These are tricky. You want to avoid the pet store verity as they are cooked and chip easily. The last thing you want is splinters in your dogs digestive tract. Get your bones raw these being the top choices:

• Duck
• Lamb
• Beef or Buffalo Knuckles

All of these are available at local butcher shops or organic markets. If you already have your dog on a raw food diet, then you can do your meat and bones shopping all at the same time.

Random Animal Parts

Some pet owners choose to give their canines deer antlers as a rawhide alternative, but there is a new product that claims to be even safer for your pet. The Healthy Edibles Antler dog treat is an antler and a good rawhide alternative for dogs. The snack is shaped like a deer antler with true venison flavor. There are no other colors, preservatives or chemicals added. Dogs love these easy-to-digest canine chews.

Fish Skin

You may want to try these new, natural, healthy dog treats made from fish skin and fish meat fromBarkworthies. They are fully digestible and do not contain any chemicals, preservatives or additives.

But they can provide loads of glucosamine and chondroitin, along with a boost of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to support your pets hip and joint issues. They are treats that have full health benefits.

Fruits & Vegetables

There are several healthy options found right in your own home, according to A-Z Vets, such as fruits and vegetables.Just make sure its all frozen otherwise it wont be much of a chew.

Dogs love green beans, sugar snap peas, and carrots and you will make them fun and last by freezing them.

Most fruits are also a great option except for sultanas, raisins, and grapes which are all toxic for your pet.

Frozen fruits may include:

• Apples
• Pears
• Bananas
• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Blackberries

Mixed berries such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries in small sized portions once or twice a day are a great healthy option too.

Natural Chews Not To Give

There are many no-hide dog treats that are completely digestible but that doesnt mean you should vie them to your dog. Many of them are either made from chickens with added chemicals, steroids or hormones or incase of fish skin, might be too fatty for your pupper to properly digest.

Make It Healthy

When considering the health of your dog, you choose the best in diet, physical activity, and a loving environment because your pet is family. Most of us who adore our animals, love to spoil them although many feel the way to show affection is through many treats and snacks. When you decided to provide your pet with a healthy diet, it is also vital to select some of the healthiest and safest snack alternatives.

People often use treats as a reward system for their pets, not realizing how the calories and fats add up throughout the day. As a dog owner of two small dogs, I often feel the urge to give them a treat throughout the day, but at the same time have concerns about their weight and overall wellbeing. You can provide your dog with healthy dog chews that are also a safer substitute than rawhides.

Another thing to remember is that quantity is not the answer. Your dog will be just as happy with half a treat rather than overindulging. In this case, it is the thought that counts and your dog appreciates any morsel with tail-wagging excitement. Spoiling your pet is never about quantity, but about providing healthy, safe dog chews to please your furry family member. I get the same affection and tail wags from my pups whether I give them a whole treat or just a morsel.

All Natural Is Best

After talking to a few veterinarians, I put together a list of vet-recommended dog treats and snacks found around the home, including oat cereal like cheerios, peanut butter (without added xylitol), baked sweet potato chips, and a small chunk of ear pigs meat.

You need to research dog treats extensively just as you would the food you provide. Read labels and choose treats with minimal ingredients.

Look for all natural dog chews when possible. Ensure your choices state there are no:

• Chemicals
• Preservatives
• Additives
• Colors or Dyes

Also, make sure the treats are digestible, and there is no chance for choking, not even a minimal chance. So many dogs succumb to choking hazards due to rawhides and other canine treats. However, even if a treat or snack promises to be safe, never give something to your pet while unattended.