What's the difference in chew toys?

[jellyfish]

I've seen remarks on the board about Himalayan chews, yak sticks, bully sticks, water buffalo horns, marrow bones, antlers, raw bones, chicken feet, nylabones and other things. I don't have a clue what half of these are and what are good, what are bad. Daisy needs chewing options. I bought her a half deer antler, a yak stick and puppy teething keys to start. So far she likes the yak stick the best, the deer antler is a distant second and she could care less about the teething keys. I need to get more stuff but I'm not sure where to start. I also read about some things wearing down teeth and I don't want to cause her problems but she definitely needs things to chew on that aren't carpet or furniture.

Horns and antlers: Should I get them hollow or filled?

Himalayan chews: I ordered some of these. Hopefully she likes them.

Yak/Bully sticks: I know the yak stick is a bully stick wrapped in some kind of yak's milk cheese stuff. She basically broke off the yak's milk part into chucks and ate them but she loves chewing on the bully stick. She chews the bully stick part until it is super soft, kinda stringy. So far I've cut off the end twice because it is kind of gross. Not sure if I should be doing that.

Marrow bones/Raw bones: What are the differences between these? Should they be frozen or thawed?

Bones at most pet stores that look smoked: How do these stack up?

Chicken feet: Raw or dried?

Nylabones: These are the plastic bones, right? If she doesn't like the teething keys are these even worth the try?

 

[hannah]

Mine didn't care for the keys at first and now they are one of the top faves. So hang on to them!

We have 1 deer antler and its filled.. not sure about the difference and which is better

My dogs love pigs ears & Bully sticks HOWEVER we only give them to them when we are around as they can choke on them! Very important that if you are to give your dog these types of bones to not leave it with them unsupervised. Also once they chew them down to a size where it can fit into their mouth we throw it in the garbage. Also watch where you buy them, tons of them have chemicals and what not in them. We buy ours from a butcher when we go get our meat and what not! Also local smaller pet stores have them as well that are from local butchers (I know some people on here don't believe in giving these bones at ALL to your dog but ours love them so much so we allow it under supervision )

Nylabones are great and and mine also love BALLS we have tons of them and rope toys as well

 

[Alice Kable]

We just give our boys nylabones and hard rubber kongs.

 

[MaplesMommy]

I give raw bones, hooves and antlers.
They all come from a local farm and I give them frozen(not the antlers). (You could semi thaw it or hold it under water if your dog wont eat it frozen).
I limit the time on it though. Maple is a strong chewer and would chew for hours straigh,which could potentially wear down her teeth. I let her chew for about 20 mins,then take it away and put it back in the freezer. (Not the antler of course lol).

If you're looking for something to keep the teeth clean,Id go with something that doesnt become soft once they start chewing on it.

 

[Jakeyjake]

We have plenty of nylabone products on hand. We also have chew time at night for 20 mins. with marrow bones. Mine both liked the teething keys too but then they started getting little pieces off when they got older so they went in the trash.
The Himalyan chews gave Jake diahrrea so we don't use those. I would suggest limiting the chewing time initially to make sure she can tolerate whatever you are giving her.

 

[2bullymama]

Antlers, marrow bones are the best..... stay away from the cooked/smoked items and no bully sticks - they are a chocking hazard.

My guys love all their nyabones, even the teething keys, tough tennis balls, ,but the overall favorite is the marrow bone. After the finish the marrow, I rinse the bones, stuff with peanut butter or cream cheese and place in the freezer for another day

 

[WeeDex]

So many great suggestions, I don't have much to add!

I was just going to mention that when Dexter was teething, we found Nylabones and the softer Kong puppy toys best for him. He didn't like antlers or cheese sticks. Now - LOVES them!!! So you may find what works now will change with time.

I swear I bought one of every type chew toy / bone available!!