We all know that dogs love to chew on bones (and other items, but we won’t go into that here). I have given Cici all kinds of chews and bones. I have given her raw bones, frozen, but she would chomp them up and I was always afraid that those large pieces of bones might hurt her. What to do? You gotta give your dog a bone to chew on but you are not supposed to give them cooked bones and raw bones can be hard too. (Pun intended).
How about a healthy alternative…
Mercola chewy dental bones
We have long been a fan of Dr. Joseph Mercola online. The info on his website is quite good, alternatively delicious and healing. And his team includes Dr. Karen Becker, a vet. So, we were delighted to receive these dental bones for Cici’s review. And she LOVES them. She gets one per day and drools whenever I take one out to give it to her. And it is good for me because I know that they are great for her teeth. Win-win. All four paws up and two thumbs up !
Ingredients include: Organic brown rice powder, Tapioca starch, water, natural chicken flavor, Organic Pea powder, Brewers Dried Yeast, Parsley powder, Peppermint oil, Rosemary Oil and Vitamin E. Gluten-free.
Some info on Dr. Mercola’s website about oral health in dogs:
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), 80% of dogs show oral distress by age 3. It’s one of the most common health issues treated in animal health clinics today.
Dr Becker says in the video that telling you not to brush your dog’s teeth is like telling you to forego brushing and just chew granola. She suggests that our dog’s oral health is VERY important. And that is why it is important to brush your dog’s teeth every day. So these bones are not a substitute for that. (Although I admit am not a big fan of brushing Cici’s teeth).
Here’s a quick checklist to help you start taking better care of your dog’s teeth:
- Have your dog’s teeth checked and professionally cleaned at your family veterinarian – follow your vet’s advice as far as cleaning regularity
- Start your dog off with as clean a mouth as possible prior to cleaning or brushing
- Pickup a soft-bristled tooth brush and toothpaste from your veterinarian – human toothpaste and baking soda may not be good for your dog
- Brush your dog’s teeth on a daily basis – even with regular brushing, your dog may still need occasional professional cleaning
- In between brushing, find a healthy and tasty chew bone for your dog.
Avoid dog chews with these ingredients:
Here are some of the not-so-natural ingredients you’ll see listed:
- Gelatin: A potentially toxic animal by-product, created by boiling down various unused parts of animals such as skin, tendon, bone, cartilage and connective tissue.
- Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate (HSH): Low-carbohydrate artificial sweetener.
- Soy Protein Isolate: Known allergen, with reduced vitamin, mineral, and protein quality – and increased levels of potential carcinogens.
Mercola Healthy Pets Dog Dental Bones come in two sizes and contain absolutely no corn, soy, gluten, extra fat or sugar, or animal byproducts..
- Large Size (2.23 oz./63.4g) for dogs 25 pounds and over.
- Small Size (0.81 oz./22.9g) for dogs from 5 to 25 pounds.
And for puppies, senior dogs and dogs with delicate or missing teeth, Mercola Healthy Pets Gentle Dental Bones (1.43 oz./40.54 g) come in two sizes.
- Large Size (1.43 oz/40.54g) for adult dogs or puppies 15 pounds and over.
- Small Size (0.81 oz/22.9g) for adult dogs 5-25 pounds or puppies up to 15 pounds.