Puppies need to have things to chew on while they are teething. If you don’t want them to start on your furniture then you’ll need to find an alternative to keep them entertained.

While a beefy bull penis may not be very appealing to some dog owners , whether it’s the meaty smell or just the thought of the your dog chewing on a steers nether regions, you’ll be happy to know that there are several alternatives that will provide your puppy with the necessary oral workout. Here are our top picks for alternatives to bully sticks for puppies.

Best Bully Stick Alternatives for Young Dogs

I think that you’ll agree that this is a pretty varied selection of puppy chews from natural antlers and vegetable based treats to hard cheese and synthetic alternatives. The good news is that they are all fairly cheap with most being under ten bucks so we recommend trying a few to see which your dog prefers.

Kong Puppy Toys

A small rubber toy the is extremely durable. The inside is hollow allowing you to stuff it with your puppies favorite treat, just to make things more interesting.

We recommend filling it with peanut butter and giving it to your dog outside as it may get a little messy. These little balls are guaranteed to last and you can pick them up for under $10.

Deer or Elk Antler

Deer or Elk Antlers are natural, healthy chews for any sized dogs. They are exactly what they claim to be and are great for keeping your dog entertained.

Antlers are a hard chew and as such will last a long time. Just remember to keep an eye on your pup to make sure that they don’t damage their teeth. Pick a good sized antler up for around $6.

Dried Yams or Sweet Potatoes

These are totally natural vegetarian alternatives to bully sticks. Made from dried sweet potatoes they are chew-able and can be fully digested.

A typical Yam is good for a small to medium sized dog or puppy. They do not smell,won’t stain and are hypo-allergenic. They are also high in fiber and low in calories so as part of a calorie controlled diet they are perfect.

Himalayan Dog Chews

Himalayan Dog Chews are especially good if your dog has an allergy to beef. Manufactured from a very hard cheese and made by hand in Nepal these bars are meat-free with the main constituent being Yaks milk.

There is very little smell but care should be taken when your puppy is close to the end of the bar. Although a natural product they would take time to be digested in large chunks and mayprobably be passed before this happens.

Greenies Dental Chews for Dogs

Again, this is a beef-free product. Mainly aimed at reducing plaque build up on a dogs teeth and promoting gum health they do make a good chew for puppies.

Greenies dental chews are vegetable based but go for the Teenie size if your puppy is small otherwise they may struggle to chew it properly.

Puppy Chews to Avoid

It is advisable to avoid giving either rawhide or cooked bones to your pup.

Rawhide is made from the leather hide of a steer or cow and as such it can be very difficult to digest when swallowed in large chunks. This has been known to lead to health complications for many dogs including intestinal blockages.

On the other hand, cooked bones, although very tasty and seemingly natural, can splinter when eaten resulting in the shards piercing the gut and causing complications.

Whichever treats you decide to give your puppy you should always stay vigil while they are chewing to ensure that they don’t get into difficulties and be prepared to remove any small sections of the chew should they break off.

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The dental chews are the most popular type of chews from Greenies® but the company also makes other treats. Pill Pockets are available if your dog is on medication is you find it difficult to administer pills. Joint Care formula is made for older dogs who have difficulties with their bones.

What are Greenies® Dental Chews?

Plaque buildup is inevitable in dogs. You could just let it be but if you care about your dogs health and well-being, as most owners do, then you may want to consider getting it removed.

One way to get it removed is to have your dog anesthetized and have a veterinarian clean the teeth manually, the same way that human have their teeth cleaned. Obviously this runs it’s own risk so using a specially designed chew stick is the second, and less invasive, alternative.

Greenies Dental Chews are made for exactly this. They are firm but flexible, tough but chewing. Shaped like a toothbrush this textured surface is made to encourage the cleaning of teeth.

Are Greenies Safe for my Pet?

Dogs are always at a risk of intestinal blockages simply because they swallow large lumps of food at a time. This is a natural instinct from their distant past when they had to compete for food. The only way to ensure that they could protect their food would be to consume it as quick as possible before the other predators got hold of it.

Of course out in the wild their diet would consist of wild animals which their digestive tracts were capable of handling. A lot of the chews fed to dogs now-a-days may still be natural products such as rawhide and bully sticks but they have been dried and hardened making them more difficult to soften and therefore digest.

Greenies® are specially prepared to be easily digestible but as with any sort of chew there will always be a chance that sections of it breaking off and becoming stuck in a dogs intestine or esophagus. There have been reports of deaths in the past but this was several year ago and the recipe was modified after this time to make the dental chews even more digestible. Having said that pet owners should always monitor their dogs while they are engaged in chewing.

Ingredients

• Gelatin
• Wheat protein isolate
• Glycerin
• Soy protein isolate
• Sodium Caseinate
• Natural Poultry flavor
• Hydrogenated Starch Hydrogenate
• Lecithin
• Vegetable Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols)
• Minerals
• Vitamins
• Dehydrated Tomato
• Ground Flaxseed
• Dehydrated Sweet Potato
• Cranberry Fiber
• Potassium sorbate
• Choline Chloride
• Taurine
• Carotene
• Chlorophyll

Greenies are high in proteins which are used to help break down the plaque buildup. They also contain vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidents essential to a dogs health. These sticks are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).

Where to Buy Greenies

What is the Best Size Greenie for my Dog?

When choosing a Greenie you should select one that is the optimum size for your dogs jaw. Too small and it will just be gulped down. Too large and your dog will struggle and may may damage it’s teeth.

Greenies for Dogs Reviewed

Greenies Dental Chews for Dogs, Regular (27 Pack)

The most popular sized dental chew from Greenies. This 27 oz box contains 27 daily treats for your dog. Ideal for dogs 25 to 50 pounds but other sizes are available to accommodate any size animal.

Just give one treat to your dog each day and to help banish stinky doggie breath, improve gum health and keep the old canines clean.

Greenies Pill Pockets Peanut Butter Capsule, 7.9-Ounce

These Pill Pockets are made with real peanut butter, irresistible to most dogs. Just pop a pill or capsule into the central cavity then pinch is closed and you’ll have no problem getting your dog to take its medicine stress free.

Great for older dogs who need to take daily medications and they also come in beef and chicken, although peanut butter is our favorite.

If your dog is a picky eater and likes to chew its food more then putting the pill pocket into it’s daily bowl of food should help.

Greenies JointCare (1 Week)

If your dog suffers from ligament or joint pain then these supplements may help alleviate some of the pain and improve mobility.

Containing vitamins and minerals including Omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine extracted from green muscles. Numerous owners have reported seeing and improvement in older dogs health and these treats aren’t very expensive to try out. Although hard, each chew comes individually wrapped so as to help preserve its freshness.

These pills are not intended for dogs under 15 pounds and as the extracts come from a type of shell fish owners that have allergies related to this are advised to avoid handling them.

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As the name suggests the recipe for these treats actually originates in the Himalayas and has been used to make a long-lasting snack for the farmers of the region for thousands of years.

There are a few companies selling these types of dog chews so they are also known as Yeti dog chews. The Himalayan locals call it “Durkha” whereas Tibetans refer to it as “Chhurpi” which basically translates as milk cake.

Himalayan dog chews are the canine equivalent of this totally natural, high protein, low fat nutritious bar. You could even eat one of these yourself if you were so inclined but watch out for your teeth as these bars are hard.

These bars cannot just be ripped up in minutes. It takes time for a dogs chewing to slowly soften the bar before small pieces of it can be scraped off using their teeth. Some owners may not appreciate the fact that Bully Sticks are made from a bulls private parts and may prefer that their canine companion eat something a little more palatable.

Natural Ingredients

made from Yak milk

So what goes into these chews and just how natural are they? The good news is that there are only three constituents in these Himalayan chews and they are milk, salt and lime juice.

The milk comes from yaks and cows which are allowed to range free eating the local grass before the milk is collected in the traditional hand method. After boiling the milk is centrifuged to remove the fat and is then treated with equal parts lime juice and salt to help fast-track the cheese making process.

When the cheese is ready several weeks later it is cut and sun dried. There are no other preservatives or additives that go into making Himalayan dog chews which is what makes it so healthy.

How Long Do Himalayan Dog Chews Last?

The amount of time that these natural chews will keep your dog occupied depends upon how aggressive an eater your breed is. If you have a large size Himalayan dog chew (11 oz and up) then you can expect to get around 45 minutes of chew time if you have a large sized dog. Smaller breeds may take up to a week to get through one of these treats. Either way, you’ll need to monitor your dog while it enjoys this dog chew as there is still a chance that it could swallow the last small pieces when it reaches the end.

Himalayan Dog Chew Reviews

Although not as well known as some of the other popular dog chews on the market these nutritious bars can still be bought online. Due to the labor intensive method used in producing these chew they tend not to be as cheap as Bully sticks but they are a great, non-meat product, to supplement your dogs diet with.

Here are some of the best Himalayan dog chews on the market at the moment.

Himalayan Mixed Dog Chew, 11-1/2-Ounce, 3-Piece

This three pack of large sized bars may seem expensive at first but is actually good value for money. When you consider the cost per bar then you are actually getting a large sized bar (just under 4 oz) for less than a single small priced chew.

If you already know that your dog likes these types of dog treats then it makes much more sense to buy the value packs than individual pieces.

Himalayan Dog Chew, Medium 2.5 oz

If you have a smaller sized dog and would like to start out with a slightly smaller chew then this 2.5 oz bar is a good one to go with.

Perfect for dogs up to 25 lbs. If your pooch is larger then it would be advisable to go for a larger bar as they will soon gobble it down.

Himalayan Dog Chew, Small 3.5 oz

Another three pack set of small bars suitable for small dogs up to 10 lbs. Each piece is just over 1 oz in weight which cost around 9 bucks.

If you have a larger dog then go for larger chews as these small ones can easily be swallowed by big breeds and could pose a chocking hazard. If you have both large and small breeds in your household then it would be better to go for a large size chew and then cut it into smaller pieces for the little dogs if they have issues consuming the big bars.

Yeti Dog Chew (1 Piece) – X-large 5.5 Oz

Yeti bars are made from the same ingredients as the Himalayan dog chews, just different branding.

This extra large bar is great for big powerful chewers. It has a slight smokey odor that is barely noticeable and it won’t stain your flooring. This is a huge 5.5 oz chew which should keep most breeds busy for a long time.

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SAVE 8% site wide with this Bully Sticks Promo Code for May

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On the surface this appears to be another survey that reinforces what many before have already suggested and which plenty of dog owners already suspect. The reasoning behind it is simple, dog owners get more exercise. In fact more than half of dog owners get the daily recommended physical activity each day.

So What Are The Main Reasons Behind These Amazing Claims?

Want to Lower Your Risk of Having a Heart Attack? Getting a Dog may be the answer.

Life expectancy can be determined by many factors such as genetics, lifestyle and even the region you live in so anyway that you can increase your odds above average is good news right?

Personally I think that it is more than just the effects of increased mobility that is providing these health benefits as having a dog can also reduce stress which in turn can lead to a better lifestyle.

Exercise

It’s easy to kick back after work and slouch around for a few hours before hitting the sack. But when you have a pushy pooch that just won’t leave you alone until he gets his daily walkies then having a time-out from that comfy couch and your favorite TV show can actually be beneficial to your health.

Lets face it, if you own a dog then the chances are that you are getting plenty of exercise. Walking your dog several times a day ensures that you are getting that much needed physical workout that many other miss out on.

Walking will get your heart rate up, improve your circulation and help with muscle tone. But not only that. Getting out of the house will get you some fresh air, maybe a little sunshine and even meet new people.

Companionship

Both humans and canines are social animals. Our society is built around it and without it we are left feeling unfulfilled and empty. Having someone to confide in, even if it is just our dog, builds a bond that is second to none.

A UK study done a few years ago revealed that a fifth of women confided their deepest secrets to their dogs. Are you the same?

For thousands of years dogs and humans have endured a bond that is built around mutual respect. In fact some breeds of dog have been created specifically to give comfort to those in need.

Stress Relief

Petting a dog is therapeutic. Dogs love the attention that you give them and it’s relaxing and calming both for you and your pet.

Sure you could just switch on the television when you want to dumb down and forget about everyday issues but you’ll miss out on the  feedback that socializing with your pet brings to the table. It is the infectious interaction that your dog generates that is the key to improving your mood and removing stress.

Ultimately you’ll be left feeling more optimistic and less likely to worry about those everyday things that are getting you down.

Dog Owners are LESS Likely to suffer from

• Stress and blood pressure issues
• High cholesterol levels
• Anxiety
• Loneliness
• Poor health
• Depression

It could simply be that dog owners are a breed apart and that it is their same personality that led then to take on the responsibilities of a dog in the first place is the same reason why they take responsibility in looking after their health.

If you are a bit of a couch potato, smoke and shun exercise then owning a dog may not be the best choice for you as they are life altering commitments and you may be better suited to getting your own life into order first before taking on the responsibility for someone else’s.

So if you want to stay happier and healthier then why not get a dog, even if it didn’t lead to a longer life then at least you’d have a great companion and they’re more fun than a goldfish.

Dogs are man’s best friend for a reason. If you’re a dog owner then why not voice your opinions below.

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Bully Sticks for Puppies: Safe and Tasty

One of the most popular questions from new dog owners is wanting to know whether bully sticks for puppies are safe and if so then when can you start with them.

A Safe Dog Treat

The good news is that bully sticks are one of the safest dog treats available as they are fully digestible, natural and do not break off in shards. When compared to some of the common alternatives such as rawhide, which is known to cause intestinal problems, it is a much better choice.

Are There Any Risks?

There are, however, certain risks involved in any meat product such as bacteria and high calories so they must be given in moderation.

You should also never leave your puppy unsupervised when they have any dog chew to play with. If may be tempting to just give your pup a nice big bully stick and let them get on with it while you go out shopping but you need to remain responsible and watch over them as they could soon get into trouble if they manage to rip off a large chuck.

What Size Should You Choose?

Depending upon the size of your breed a 12 inch bully stick is a good starter but if you want to start with something a little smaller and natural you could always go with a carrot.

With their small teeth you may actually find that they have an issue actually eating the thing and it could take them a week or so before it is broken down to a size where it will pose a chocking problem to them.

It is advisable to start with a low odor bully stick as puppies can get a little carried away and end up with bits stuck on their paws and fur. Having a puppy traipse a stinky mess around your clean house may not be the most desirable thing to have to clean up.

Mix it Up

Why not provide a bit of variety for your puppy and throw a few other treats into the mix to keep them entertained. There is good reason for this as young dogs are known to love bully sticks so much that you may have an issue with them becoming very possessive of it.

Ever tried taking a toy or treat away from a dog? It’s not the easiest thing to do. The trick here is to trade it out for another treat such as a carrot, Kong or antler instead so that they are not limited to just one treat.

Remember that you are the Alpha dog and it’s important that you teach your puppy that  from the start.

If you find that your puppy is starting to bite off large chunks and swallow them then it may be better to trade up to something a little more substantial such as a deer antler or try a stronger braided bully stick instead.

Choosing a Bully Stick for your Puppy

Start out how you mean to go on and buy a free range variety of Bully Stick. This way you’ll get a good quality chew and lower the chances of getting one that is ingrained with traces of toxic chemicals and pesticides.

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Save 35% on Bully Sticks with the special inventory reduction promotion

Why not stock up on your favorite high quality bully sticks while the price is super low, but remember that this is a limited time offer and you only have a few days before this coupon code expires.

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Bully sticks have long been touted as an all natural snack for your canine friend but recent studies from the University of Tufts suggest that there may be some hidden dangers lurking within this tasty snack.

Are you over feeding your dog?

First up are the number of calories that these seemingly healthy protein sticks contain. Now you have to remember that most dogs don’t need to consume a huge amount of calories each day to stay in shape but the research showed that an average pizzle tested contained between 9 and 22 calories per inch.

How Many Calories?

The average length for a bully stick is six inches (6″) which means that it would contain approximately 90 calories.

Now this may not appear to be a great deal of calories for you or me but for little Fido this could in fact account for up to 30 percent of his daily recommended intake of calories.

It should be noted that the sample range for this survey was quite small and only involved a tiny sample of 26 different types of bully sticks selected from retailers across Canada and the United States.

The same bully sticks were then tested for various contaminates including bacteria and antibiotics. Escherichia coli was found in 27% of the samples among other bacteria in lesser amounts.

Not all of the contaminants found have been known to infect humans and dogs do tend to have a more robust immune system. After all bully sticks are a natural meat product so it wasn’t unexpected that these results would detect some bacteria.

What to Take Away From This Survey

So what did I learn from this survey.

• Everything in moderation. (Don’t feed your dog bully sticks every day)
• Try to select the best quality dog treats and if your pooch becomes sick after eating one then it may be time to try a different brand.
• Always wash your hands after touching a pizzle
• Don’t eat your dogs Bully Sticks

What Surprised Me Most Was ..

One surprising fact to come out of the survey is that many dog owners surveyed did not even know what a bully stick was made from. I’m sure that it’s of no great shock to readers of this site to discover that a Bully Stick is just a dried penis of a bull or steer. But nevertheless some people still find this fact a little repulsive.

Take away what you will from the survey but Bully Sticks are still a very nutritious, digestible and relatively safe treat for your dogs, especially when compared to some of the alternatives such as rawhide.

It always pays to investigate the different types of treats that you feed your dogs and it is worth purchasing the most natural, and by that I mean organic, products that you can.

Your View

What do you think? Do reports like these alter your views on feeding your dog bully sticks?

The post Bully Sticks: Healthy Dog Treat or Calorie Dense Junk Food first appeared on Bully Sticks For Dogs.

Get a 15% discount with this coupon code from Best Bully Sticks when you complete their online survey.’

Bully Sticks are not the only thing on offer during this promotion you’ll be able to get this discount on all items site wide with the coupon code you’ll be given once you complete the questionnaire.

Limited Time Offer on Bully Sticks

So if you’re looking for some odor free bully sticks, Kangaroo jerky or lamb ears then take a visit to the offer page and save yourself some money.

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Save bigtime on Bully Sticks during April 2013

Best Bully Sticks are running another promotion this month. Use the above coupon to get a 10% discount on their huge site-wide sale. But you’ll have to hurry as this offer expires at midnight EST on the 26th April. All bully sticks are on sale as well as many other products so be sure to check it out.

Remember to share this coupon with your friends, just click on the links below.

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