Digestibility: While the horn is not meant to be entirely consumed, small shavings or fragments that come off during the chewing process are generally digestible. If you do use rawhides, avoid those with knots at the end. Those knots, if broken off, can cause serious choking hazards as well as intestinal obstructions. Also, since they can be hard to digest, they are not recommended for pets with a history of gastrointestinal issues or pancreatitis. Low Fat: Water buffalo horns are a lean chew option, containing minimal fat. This can be an excellent choice for dogs on a restricted diet or for those who are prone to weight gain. If your dog is chewing it intensely, take it away to prevent tooth fractures. What are Buffalo Horns? WhiteTail Naturals- Water Buffalo Horn for Dogs (Extra Large XL) – All-Natural Buffalo Horn Dog Chew – Long Lasting Chew Toy for Aggressive Chewers

Unlike the antlers of a deer that are shed seasonally, water buffalos (similar to cows and bison) have horns that stay on the animal for its entire life. However, they are not slaughtered to make water buffalo horn dog chews. The horns used for chews are instead a by-product of the water buffalo meat and leather industry. Greenies are one of the most well-known dental chews for dogs. They are aptly named for their distinctive green color and are shaped somewhat like a toothbrush. Greenies are made in the United States with globally sourced ingredients, including vitamins and minerals. The treats are poultry flavored and most dogs seem to really enjoy the taste. That’s not to say that every dog will have a problem with these chews, but many dogs can have a problem. Chews and Chew Toys You Should Not Give Your DogDo not leave these toys out in the sun and extreme temperatures. It can degrade them faster and weaken them. While they may look ok, they are not as structurally strong. I think when it comes to our pets, we all have different thoughts on what they should be fed, what treats they should get, how much they should weigh, etc. Additionally, each pet is unique, and what works for one dog of a particular size or breed may not work for another. Each dog is an individual living in their own environment. You know your dog the best and what works best for them (and you). An important warning about choosing the correct size toys for your dogs, including when you have multiple dogs of different sizes. This photo is an X-ray of a dog’s abdomen. While the wild water buffalo is considered an endangered species, the domestic water buffalo is not. There are millions of domestic water buffalo being raised on farms around the world. These large creatures have been bred for around 5000 years by humans for labor such as tilling rice fields, but also and also to provide milk (which is made into a wide range of dairy products), meat, and leather. Will giving your dog a horn stink up your house or make smell like you’ve got a water buffalo living in it? No. However, like other chews made from animal parts they can have a slight smell, which may be one of the reasons dogs are so attracted to them. Every horn is different, so while some may have a mild natural scent others may not be noticeable to the human nose whatsoever. It depends on the horn. Purchasing Horn Chews

Chewing on these horns helps in scraping away plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth, acting as a natural toothbrush and promoting better oral health. Bone fragments can make it all the way through the small intestines only to collect in the colon and cause constipation. The three snowman-shaped objects you see in the middle of the image are Kongs within the dog’s stomach! They wound up there, not because the dog’s owner intentionally gave their dog the wrong-sized Kongs, but rather because their child didn't supervise closely enough while this dog’s puppies were playing with their food-stuffed Kongs!

Chews and Chew Toys You Should Not Give Your Dog

My entire life and throughout my career as a veterinarian, I was always taught to share both my good and bad experiences as well as my knowledge. Being aware of these potential dangers and risks can empower others to make choices that best suit their dog and their lifestyle. Sharing our personal and professional experiences can help others learn new things (hopefully in a protective way) and provide a different perspective. I believe this concept is why people share tips when working on projects or cooking to help others avoid the pitfalls they experienced so that someone else can just feel the goodness of what they are doing. Not all types of chews are suitable for every dog. However, because horns are hard but not too hard, they are ideal for a wide range of chewers from teething puppies to senior pets. Horns are especially well-suited for power chewers. Always supervise your dog when he has a buffalo horn to minimise the risk of swallowing splinters or pieces. Coating: It should not be coated or treated with flavorings that can cause digestive upset or support the growth of bacteria both before and during chewing (e.g., the coating on pig’s ears).

Do these chews have an odor? Quality water buffalo chews are usually low-odor. However, some natural scent can be expected, especially when they become wet from a dog’s saliva.Just like with any type of chew, when giving your dog a horn you will need to supervise your pet’s chewing session. That way, if any pieces do happen to break off or if there is any splintering you can remove the pieces and get rid of the horn. Eventually, when your pet has chewed the horn down to a size where it can potentially be swallowed you will want to throw it away and give it a new one. Pig’s ears are another favorite treat among dog owners. While pig ears can provide some solid chew time, they are high in fat.

If you are looking for other alternatives to buffalo horn which have fewer risks, or also help with dental hygiene or stress, you might want to consider one of the following alternatives: Antlers ​ It’s essential to select a horn that corresponds with your dog’s size and chewing habits. Larger dogs will require bigger horns, while smaller horns are suitable for petite breeds. Are water buffalo chews calorie-dense? While they do provide some caloric content, they are primarily a source of protein and are generally considered low-fat. However, as with all treats, they should be given in moderation. Please note while these chews and "stuffable" toys are safer and more durable, you must still take precautions.

Chews to Use With Caution

The good news is that this experience has given us plenty of food for thought when it comes to recommending toys based on our evaluation of safety, durability, and overall quality. Here are some of our dogs’ faves that we think yours will love as well.