Short answer: Choose a chew bone based on your dog's size, age and chewing style. A Soft Bone is suitable as an in-between treat, a pressed bone for longer chewing, and a natural bone such as a beef knuckle or marrow bone for strong chewers. The bone should be large enough that your dog can't swallow it in one go. Always supervise, take away the last piece and count it towards your dog's daily food allowance.
What is the difference between the types of chew bones?
Chew bones cover three very different products. Natural bones are dried bones from beef, pork, lamb, deer or horse. They are hard and long-lasting. Pressed bones are made from pressed beef hide shaped like a bone. So they aren't real bones, and the material softens as your dog chews on it. Soft Bones are soft bone-shaped snacks that you give as a reward or in-between treat, just like other training treats.
| Type | Examples | Hardness | Chewing time | Suitable for |
|---|
| Soft Bone | Canis Soft Bone Mini Mix, Canis Soft Bone Glutenvrij | Soft | Short | Rewards, small dogs, older dogs |
| Pressed bone | Canis Geperst Bot 6 inch (15CM) up to and including 12 inch (30CM) | Firm, softens when chewed | Medium to long | Gentle to average chewers, choose the right size |
| Hollow bone | Canis Mergpijp Natuur, Canis Mergpijp Wit met Rund | Hard | Long | Adult dogs that love licking and gnawing |
| Large natural bone | Canis ACTIEKNALLER Runderknook, Canis Dino XL verpakt, Canis Runderschouderblad verpakt | Hard | Long | Medium to large adult dogs |
| Snacks containing small bones | Canis Ossestaart 15CM, Canis Serrano Smulkluif | Varies | Medium | Adult dogs, only under supervision |
Which chew bone suits my dog?
- Small dogs: Canis Soft Bone Mini Mix or Canis Geperst Bot 6 inch (15CM).
- Medium-sized dogs: Canis Geperst Bot 8 inch (20CM) or 10 inch (25CM), Canis Mergpijp Natuur or Canis Ossestaart 15CM.
- Large dogs: Canis Geperst Bot 12 inch (30CM), Canis Dino XXL verpakt, Canis Ossestaart 35-45CM or Canis Runderschouderblad verpakt.
- Puppies: no hard bones while they are teething (roughly from 3-4 to 6-7 months). Give a soft Soft Bone in small pieces. You can read more by age in when can a puppy have chew snacks.
- Sensitive stomach: stick to one protein source at a time, for example Canis Lamsbot, Canis Hertendino or Canis Paardenbeen. Introduce a new snack gradually and see your vet if problems arise.
Does your dog chomp through everything with gusto? Then a very hard bone isn't always the best choice, as enthusiastic chewers can break a tooth on it. Softer chew snacks are often a better alternative.
Is a chew bone safe for your dog?
A chew bone is safe if the size is right and you stay close by. Keep these points in mind:
- If you can't make a small dent in the bone with your thumbnail, it is hard. The same applies to antler and horn.
- Never give cooked bones, as they can splinter. Only give dried snacks containing small bones, such as oxtail and pig's trotters, under supervision and in a suitable size.
- Take a pressed bone away as soon as large, soft pieces come loose that your dog could swallow in one go.
- Always make sure fresh water is available.
How many chew bones can you give?
All snacks combined should provide no more than about 10 per cent of your dog's daily energy intake. For many dogs, a large natural bone or a filled marrow bone is more of a weekly treat than a daily snack. Canis Mergpijp Wit met Schapenvet is also high in energy. If your dog gets a lot of snacks, give slightly less of their main food. You can read how to work this out in how many snacks can a dog have per day.
Ingrid's tip: If you're torn between two sizes, go for the larger one. Give a new bone for the first time when you can calmly keep an eye on things. Afterwards, swap it for a small titbit, and your dog will naturally learn to let go of the bone.
How do you store chew bones?
Store bones in a dry, cool place in a closed container, such as a tub with a tight-fitting lid. Seal a bag of Soft Bones properly after use. A half-chewed bone can be left to dry and given again later. If it is mouldy, slimy or starts to smell bad, throw it away. Wash your hands after giving it.
Frequently asked questions
Can a chew bone replace tooth brushing?
No. Chewing can be a nice addition, but it doesn't replace brushing or dental check-ups at the vet.
How long does it take a dog to finish a chew bone?
That varies greatly by dog and by type. A Soft Bone is gone in no time, while a pressed bone or natural bone can keep a dog busy for a long while.
Is a pressed bone the same as rawhide?
A pressed bone is made from pressed beef hide, which puts it in the same family as rawhide. With both, watch out for soft pieces that could be swallowed in one go.
What should I do if my dog swallows large pieces?
Take the bone away and choose a larger size or a different type from now on. If your dog starts vomiting, retching or seems to be struggling to breathe, contact your vet immediately.
Sources
About the author
Ingrid Kooijman is the founder of Canis Snacks. She selects natural single-protein dog treats, sells them online and at markets in Brabant, and answers dog owners' questions about food and chews every day. Questions about these treats? Email info@canissnacks.com.
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