Dog bones that last a long time

  • Dogs

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  • Long lasting dog chews are the ticket to happy, fulfilled pooch downtime. Not only are chews useful as a treat to help train your dog and reinforce positive behaviour, but you might also find them a safeguard for your furniture and other bits and bobs your dog might otherwise get his teeth into. If your dog suffers from anxiety or is easily bored, a chew is usually a good distraction for him to focus on instead. The act of chewing, too, is good for the dog’s teeth in reducing tartar and plaque, so helps to keep them strong and clean – and their breath sweet! Dental chews for dogs are designed specifically for this.

    The trouble is, those canine teeth are strong, and often a chew that you thought would last a few hours or even a day is polished off in minutes. All that’s left is the puppy-dog eyes beseeching you for seconds.

    Furthermore, a flimsy dog chew can have negative side-effects if the dog tries to gobble them down too quickly as he risks swallowing broken chunks that can cause stomach problems.

    But not all dog chews are equal. While a regular chew might be decimated in minutes as a quick treat, long-lasting chews are designed to keep a dog busy for hours, and distract your dog from gnawing on that antique table leg. That’s got to be worth a bit of investment…

    Long lasting dog chews tend to advertise their durability, so look out for that on the label. Different chews are designed for the full range of canine sizes and their taste preferences, and many chew companies also cater specifically for the different needs of puppies.

    Always give your dog a chew that’s appropriate for his size – that is, larger than the mouth, so they have to work at it, gnawing it down. This prevents aggressive chewing or gulping. And they should always be supervised with a chew.

    Best long-lasting dog chews

    Dog bones that last a long time

    Red Deer Antler

    Sizes: Small (pack of two) or large (pack of one) | RRP: £12.99 for small; £14.99 for large |

    The 4Dogs Original chunks of deer antler are 100% naturally shed in the Highlands of Scotland, so as well as being long-lasting they are sustainable (deer cast their antler annually). There is no concern about sharp antler points, as each chunk is hand-sanded for safety. Antler is known to have a low risk of splintering, and they have health benefits, too, containing calcium, chondroitin, phosphorus, manganese and zinc, which help to keep their bones and teeth strong. They are extremely hard, so suit a strong chewer who loves to gnaw.

    As a natural product, they come in various shapes and sizes. They look expensive for their size (they are sold by weight), but they really do last and dogs love them.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
    In the US? View now at amazon.com

    Dog bones that last a long time

    Himalayan Dog Chew

    Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: From £10.98 for a pack of three |

    A long-lasting dog chew designed to keep your dog busy for a while, based on a traditional Himalayan yak chew recipe. They are very hard, so suitable for strong chewers. These are a great natural option, without additives or junk, as they are made from cow’s milk which is transformed into cheese and then pressed and air-dried for three months. This makes them appropriate for those dogs on a gluten-free or grain-free diet. There are many versions of these available and some have the lactose removed in the curing process, so if your dog is lactose-intolerant, look out for these.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk
    In the US? View now at amazon.com

    Dog bones that last a long time

    Olive Branch Chews

    Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: From £9.99 for a pack of two |

    We’re told not to let our dogs chew sticks for fear of splinter damage, however Alp Chews olive wood branch is harder than native woods and naturally close-grained, so it doesn’t splinter like the sticks found in the park. The hardness of the wood means the dog devours it slowly. It is impregnated with olive oil which is good for a healthy coat and immune system. It also contains elements of iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium which are beneficial for the diet.

    Especially appropriate for those who have a taste for table legs, as this wooden bone can help satiate that instinct.

    The branch is sustainably harvested from Mediterranean olive trees.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
    In the US? View now at chewy.com

    Dog bones that last a long time

    Bamboodles T-Bone Dog Chew

    Flavours: Chicken, peanut butter or beef | Sizes: S (up to 15kg), M (up to 30kg) or L (up to 40kg) | RRP: From £4.99 for small |

    Bamboodles  T-Bone is tough and “designed to make dogs’ tails wag”. It is made of combined bamboo and nylon fibres to create a long-lasting durable chew toy suitable for all dogs, and is ideal for the more destructive chewers.

    The T-Bone shape is ideal for dogs’ front paws and keeps them busy for hours, as well as controlling plaque and tartar with the chewing action. The textured surface mimics wood for an authentic and satisfying experience.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, petsathome.com or viovet.co.uk
    In the US? View now at amazon.com/ or chewy.com

    Dog bones that last a long time

    Earth Animal No-Hide Dog Chew

    Flavours: Chicken, beef, salmon, peanut butter, venison | Sizes: Stix (under 6.8kg); S (up to 20.4kg); M (up to 34kg); L (more than 35kg) | RRP: From 99p for one stick |

    Earth Animal No-Hide provides a healthier alternative to rawhide, with 80% digestibility. It has just seven simple ingredients: brown rice flour, organic eggs, olive oil, banana, pineapple, agar-agar and one flavour-bursting sustainably sourced protein.

    These no-hide chews are twice-baked to provide extra durability and a satisfying chewing experience, and promote doggy dental hygiene.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, petsandfriends.co.uk or paws.com
    In the US? View now at amazon.com, chewy.com or onlynaturalpet.com

    Dog bones that last a long time

    Apasiri Chew Toy

    Flavours: Bacon, mint, peanut butter or beef | Sizes: Small or medium/large | RRP: From £10.85 for small |

    Apasiri’s chew toy is specifically designed for extreme chewers. This toy, which is shaped like a bone with pimples on the straight part, is made of food-grade nylon and natural rubber. This means it should not splinter or break. The pimples are designed to help clean the teeth, reducing plaque and tartar.

    This chew bone has passed more than 1,000 bite-resistance tests of professional equipment and is feted as “almost indestructible”.

    It’s not only fun for your pet to gnaw on, but is also an ideal interactive toy for games of fetch or retrieve.  And – in four tempting flavours – dogs will agree, it tastes great!

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
    In the US? View now at amazon.com

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    Dog bones that last a long time
    Dental chews are ideal for keeping your dog’s teeth clean and healthy Credit: GETTY

    Dog bones that last a long time

    Dog bones that last a long time
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    What is the longest lasting dog bone?

    Elk antler gets our top prize for the longest-lasting natural dog chew. If your dog just can't get enough to chew, go for an elk antler. It's ideal for very aggressive chewers, but like a bone, antlers can splinter and break.

    What is the toughest bone for a dog?

    The hardest and longest-lasting chews are antlers and slow-cured, thick-walled beef femurs and knuckles. While cooked bones should be avoided, slow curing does not dry out the bones or cause them to splinter. Dogs will gnaw away at them and ingest the mineral-laden scrapings.

    What treats last as long as rawhide?

    Are you looking for a safer rawhide alternative for your dog?.
    #1. Carrots. While baby carrots can make a great, healthy dog treat on the go, large, full-size carrots can be a wonderful choice when your dog needs to chew. ... .
    #2. Pegetables. ... .
    #3. Bully Sticks. ... .
    #4. Antlers. ... .
    #5. Salmon Skin Bones..

    How long can you store dog bones?

    If you're give your dog a bone, take it away after 10 or 15 minutes and put it in the refrigerator so your dog doesn't chew it into tiny pieces. Throw bones away after 3 or 4 days.