BIGGER THAN A TRAINING treat and longer lasting than a biscuit, dog chews can be handed over to reduce anxiety during a long night of thunderclaps or offered as a distraction when the grownups are trying to play. Next time you’re stocking up, take a break from stinky farm-to-shelf rawhide and look for a more refined approach to dog chews.
Rawhide Alternative
Many customers have lost their taste for traditional rawhide, turning to rawhide alternatives instead. Get your twisted ligaments and chewable hides from companies that use clean processing and steer clear of preservatives, grain, gluten and hormones — bonus if it’s from free-range animals like water buffalo. Some of these treats can be cut down to size, too, which reduces the choking hazards presented by traditional rawhide.
Tripe Twists
Redbarn Pet Products
KEY FEATURES: A single-ingredient beef tripe chew sourced from free-range cattle.
SALES TIP: Call it a clean-label treat, which means it’s free from artificial preservatives and chemicals.
redbarninc.com, (562) 495-7315
$2.49
TruKnox Lil’ Pete Knots
Innovate Pets
KEY FEATURES: Made with real chicken and natural herbs, these rawhide-free dog treats look and feel like real rawhide.
SALES TIP: Choose this chemical-free alternative to rawhide — dogs won’t know the difference.
innovatepets.com, (865) 408-7455
$9
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Wild Eats Cheek Chews
Hyper Pet
KEY FEATURES: Nutritious, easily digestible and long-lasting chews that break into small, bite-size pieces so dogs don’t have to swallow them whole.
SALES TIP: Chews with a wow factor: Water buffalo cheeks are a unique and chewable protein.
wildeats.org, (800) 456-5778
$6.99
Long-Lasting
All chews are marketed as long-lasting, so differentiate one from another by selling chews with a story. Talk about the traditional and natural methods created by the indigenous people of the Himalayas, or hype chews made by Mongolia’s premier pet food processor. Use human-grade food words, even if it means keeping a straight face when you say, “Your dog is going to love this artisanal lamb trachea.”
Dog Chews from The Himalayas
Platinum Pets
KEY FEATURES: Chews processed with natural yak and cow milk, then dried and smoked for several weeks.
SALES TIP: Talk up the traditional methods that these chews are drawn from.
platinumpetsusa.com, (360) 524-9780
$17.99
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Lamb Trachey Chewz
Clear Conscience Pet
KEY FEATURES: Crafted from artisanal roasted lamb trachea and infused with a dry rub of flax, carrots, tomato and spinach.
SALES TIP: These treats are juiced with omegas and phytonutrients, plus chondroitin, glucosamine and collagen.
clearconsciencepet.com, (239) 984-2705
$12.95
Herders Choice Chews
Ummp (Mongolian Chews)
KEY FEATURES: Made from a rare rawhide process that eliminates chemicals, opting instead for natural lactic acid.
SALES TIP: This special process is based on traditional methods by Mongolian yak herders.
mongolianchews.pet, (307) 655-7400
$3.95
Jerky
A hunk of jerky can keep a dog going for a while. For dog owners who need medium-size distractions or give treats to promote good saliva production, stock up on the jerky side of things. There are treats with a simple dehydration process, some with added probiotics and some that are a collage of foods with fruits and vegetable chunks visible in each jerky strip.
Healthy Balance Natural Dog Chews
Ethical Products
KEY FEATURES: All-natural chews free of gluten and antibiotics, with added probiotics.
SALES TIP: These chews come in three interesting shapes: large strips, meatballs and kettle chips.
ethicalpet.com, (800) 223-7768
$6.99
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Chicken Jerky Strips
Nature Gnaws
KEY FEATURES: Oven baking builds flavor in this all-natural treat, made from free-range chicken breast.
SALES TIP: Select a size: The crispy strips can be doubled up or broken down to suit dogs of all sizes.
naturegnaws.com,(954) 998-2266
$29.99
Wag More Bark Less
Cloud Star
KEY FEATURES: High-protein jerky treats with added antioxidants from fresh apples, cranberries and sweet potato.
SALES TIP: These chews can be as much as 50 percent crude protein per serving.
cloudstar.com, (800) 361-9079
$15.99