Doggie Snacks/Chews

[Softsoftsoft]

Just wanted some advice from you lovely wise Dog owners.
Our Labrador pup is 12 weeks old. Is it ok to give him cows hoof, or a pork wrap or paddy wack type thing whilst we are eating dinner? I tried this yesterday when we had visitors and it kept him quiet for a good 40 mins...Is this.ok or is it bad for him? He doesn't eat it as such just chews at the end.
TIA

[Softsoftsoft]

Anyone? 🐶

[harrypotterfan1604]

They’ll probably be varying opinions on this. Personally I wouldn’t I would give a carrot (could always freeze it beforehand to last longer) or fill a Kong with something healthy but appealing, usually much cheaper too than keep buying the other things. A bag of carrots in my local supermarket is 20p.

[BiteyShark]

You would need to ensure that there wasn't a choking issue and supervise at all times.

The one time my puppy got a piece of chew stuck in his throat was terrifying and actually after that I went on a canine first aid course because I realised I didn't actually know what to do in th heat of the moment.

The second issue could be that it's too rich for your puppy as they have sensitive stomachs so watch out for sloppy poos.

As PP mentioned carrots or puppy fillers for kongs might be a safer bet until your dog is older.

[Softsoftsoft]

Thank you, I've read good and bad about these chews, there's always different opinions, as with everything.
He does love a carrot and has one every morning with his breakfast so I guess he could have another one later in the day. I have ordered a kong and licky mat.

[Wolfiefan]

Everyone has different opinions on dog chews! The only one I would completely avoid is rawhide. Horrid stuff.

[BiteyShark]

You could try one type at first for a period of time to make sure your puppy is ok with it and it doesn't upset his stomach rather than several different ones. Again as he is still young I would supervise.

I used to buy all those things and feed them to my dog but they used to upset his stomach as often they are much fattier than his usual dog food. Admittedly he does have an underlying stomach condition that flares up which doesn't help.

The licky mat I use with his usual wet dog food with a few flakes of cooked chicken and he loves it.

[adaline]

Mine has been having natural chews since he was about 16 weeks old - never rawhide though.

He loves them. Just make sure you feed him less at mealtimes to compensate for the extra calories. Mine shows no real interest in a kong anymore - he loved it as a puppy but mostly ignores it nowadays.

[Softsoftsoft]

thanks adaline I'm steering clear of rawhide. Bulls penis here we come