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We know how much you love to treat your power chewer, but a recent alert issued July 31, 2019 by the FDA advises keeping away from all pig ear treats for now. The statement indicates that treats supplied by some producers in South America are likely the cause of a spike in human cases of Salmonella. (Some retailers have recalled the treats from their shelves; more information on the specifics of the advisory, the Salmonella outbreak, and your state can be found here.)
While we wait for further updates from the FDA, we’ve mined the Rover archive for a few common sense chew buying and safety tips, and some chew alternatives to consider.
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- Bone up on the basics. Some chew products, such as rawhide, are dangerous and potentially deadly to dogs. (For more on the topic, read our article, “The Potentially Deadly Treat You’re Probably Giving Your Dog.”)
- Read the fine print. Examine the label, packaging and ingredient list carefully. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), “It’s important to seek out chews that are shrink-wrapped or packaged in resealable bags [because] it’s easy for bugs, bacteria and other harmful organisms to make their way into poorly packaged dog chews.” (Read more helpful AKC recommendations in their list, “Four Tips for Choosing Edible Dog Chews.”)
- Be careful about leaving your dog unattended with a chew. You know your super-chewer, and it may be that leaving your dog alone with toys just isn’t safe. Supervising the chew session will give you peace of mind.
- Consider a synthetic or rope chew. A natural rubber chew and chase toy, a rope tug, or a teething and chewing ring are all highly-reviewed options for extreme chewers.
