How does it form?
The wild ancestors of dogs maintained their teeth by chewing on the bones of their prey. Chewing causes the material to grind against the teeth, removing plaque. Chewing also produces saliva, which releases collagen protein. This collagen helps to dissolve plaque.
Although our faithful four-legged friends no longer have to hunt or eat their own prey, they still have a natural instinct to chew. Luckily, we owners can help with their dental care. The right chew products can help prevent plaque build-up.
What is the best chew for dogs?
There are a number of different products designed to meet a dog’s chewing needs. These products can be divided into two groups: snacks and toys. Snacks are very attractive because of their delicious smell and taste. For example, there are the 100% natural yak bars or the sustainable chewing roots from coffee trees. These natural snacks are a sustainable choice for chewing snacks!
Do toys help?
Chewing toys are designed so that they don’t break easily, but can still scrub teeth clean. One popular type of chew toy is a dental floss rope. As the name suggests, these toys have a flossing action that reaches plaque between the teeth. Nylon or rubber chew toys last a long time due to their durable material and can be tailored to your dog’s chewing needs, size and age.
A durable alternative on the market
You may be familiar with the above examples of chewing products, or you may have tried them yourself. New to the chewing market are olive wood chews and bones. Olive wood has an attractive, sturdy look. It is also a completely natural product, with no artificial additives, flavourings or colourings. The density and hardness of the wood make it durable. Even the most powerful chewer will not be able to break this chew! The fine wood fibres act as a kind of toothbrush.
The unique thing about olive wood is that, unlike other types of wood, it does not splinter. The natural structure of olive wood causes it to fray. As a result, there are no sharp pieces of wood that could injure your dog. So you can let your dog chew on the root with confidence. But, as with all chewing products, keep an eye on him while he chews.
If you can’t decide between a chew or a toy, the olive wood is an ideal solution. It has the tasty appeal of a snack and the durability of a toy.
Does chewing make your dog happy?
As well as helping with dental care, chewing also produces endorphins in the brain. Also known as the “happy hormone”, endorphins make dogs feel calm and content. With the right chew products, you will have a happy pet and a happy owner!
