Do natural chews break down in dogs' stomachs?
Many natural dog chews will break down in dogs' stomachs, but not all. Rawhide is particularly hard for dogs' stomachs to break down, so it can result in indigestion or even obstruction if it is ingested. Other natural chews like real bones and antlers are considerably more digestible, but only in the small amounts ingested through gradual chewing. Other highly digestible natural chew choices include Himalayan yak chews, tracheas, tendon chews, pig ears and bully sticks. Just be careful to choose all-natural chews and watch out for artificial ingredients and coatings that may cause stomach upset for your dog.
How long do natural dog chews last?
Natural dog chews last for varying amounts of time, depending upon what kind of chews they are and the chewing habits of your pup. Treats like bully sticks may last for as little as 10-30 minutes if they are smaller and your dog is an aggressive chewer. Longer lasting treats like Himalayan yak chews can last for weeks or even more, while hard chews like antlers may last for up to six months. Read the product description and helpful customer reviews on our site to get a sense of how long you can expect a particular natural dog chew to last your dog.
Are real bones and antlers actually digestible for dogs?
Bones and antlers are considered more digestible than rawhide, but only in the small amounts that come from gradual gnawing. They are not meant to be swallowed in large pieces, so they work best for dogs who slowly scrape and wear them down. If your dog tends to bite off chunks, a more digestible option like a Himalayan yak chew, trachea, tendon chew, pig ear, or bully stick may be a better fit.
Why do some natural dog chews disappear in minutes while others last for months?
How long a chew lasts depends on the chew type and your dog's chewing style. Smaller bully sticks can be gone in 10 to 30 minutes with an enthusiastic chewer. But Himalayan yak chews can last for weeks or more, and hard chews like antlers may last up to six months. To set expectations for your dog, read the product description and customer reviews to see how long the chews typically last.