Dogs need chewy treats to keep their teeth in good health. You have different options for chew toys for your dog, including tendons. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the properties of tendons for your dog before you head down to the local pet store to shop.
Tendons As Dog Treats
Tendons are only one of the many items that you can use as a dog treat. Tendons are tough, flexible cords of fibrous collagen tissue that attach muscles to bones, and they do not make good meat for human consumption. Therefore, they are separated from the meat commercially produced for humans. They are then wound into a corkscrew shape or twisted together in pairs. This spiral shape is what helps the tendons to clean a dog's teeth as he chews them.
Tendons vs. Rawhide
Tendons are different than rawhide chewy treats. Rawhide comes from the skin of animals, while a tendon is basically sinew, such as the Achilles tendon. Some pet owners do not like to give their dogs rawhide treats because a dog may have difficulty digesting them. Rawhide been known to cause intestinal blockages in some dogs. It also presents a choking hazard, particularly when a piece is chewed down small enough to fit inside a dog's mouth.
The best thing to do is discuss both types of treats with your dog's veterinarian to determine which one is the best chewy treat option. Whichever treat you choose, make sure it is high quality and domestically produced. Domestically-produced tendons have the benefit of being subject to American law and health regulations.
Where to Find Tendon Chews
You can, of course, purchase tendons for your dog down at the local pet store. If you purchase tendons in person, you can evaluate the quality of the tendon much closer before you purchase it. Still, the prices may be better online, and for the person who finds it difficult to find the time to go shopping in the real world, online shopping may be the better option.
- Chewy.com - This website offers a good selection of tendon chews, including Nature's Logic Beef Tendon Dog Treats. These chews are made from Midwestern cattle, and they come in a one-pound bag. This brand also claims not to use any preservatives or artificial flavoring.
- Pawstruck.com - This online retailer offers its own brand of beef tendon chews, and they claim the only ingredient in their product is 100% beef. You can buy a single chew or purchase in bundles of 10, 25, 50 or 100.
- Petco.com - This online and retail store pet product supplier carries a wide variety of beef tendon chews. A highly rated product by Petco users is Good Lovin Hackberry Log Smoked Turkey Tendon Dog Chews which are about $10 for a three ounce package.
When buying online, you have the advantage of being able to see what others have to say about tendons they have purchased when you read the product reviews offered with many of these products. This takes some of the guess work out of buying treats for your dog.
Tendons and Your Dog
It's always a good idea to discuss any changes or additions to your dog's diet with your veterinarian. That way you can be sure that tendons, or any other treats you want to try, are safe for you pet.
