So many treats, so little time! Here's a quick guide to the pros and cons of some of the most popular dog treats.

RAWHIDE

This treat is popular because it is inexpensive, but rawhide can be treated with a variety of chemicals, including arsenic. The biggest problem with rawhide is that it can cause intestinal blockages. Take a chuck of rawhide and put it in a bowl of water. You'll notice that it swells to a rubbery mass 4 times its original size. If your dog swallows a big enough chunk of rawhide, it can swell and block the pyloric sphinctor, the opening from the stomach into the intestines.

So, what can you do? Buy ground rawhide.This rawhide crumbles. so it is less likely to break off in chunks and cause blockages. Buy American Rawhide. Rawhide from other countries can be treated with pesticides and chemicals in order to come into the country. Other countries may also have less stringent regulations about what can go into your dog's rawhide.

BULLYSTICKS

These all natural treats are a favorite with almost all dogs. Big or small, they all love bullysticks and these all natural beef penises are less likely to irritate dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Some owners, however may not like the strong pungent owner of these treats, that gets stronger as the dog chews. Bully sticks also top the list in price, averaging 75% more than your average treat.

DOG BISCUITS

Dog bakeries are becoming as popular as human bakeries, but beware, dogs are not humans.

While owners may like spoiling their dogs with fancy biscuits, these treats are always grain or flour based. This can be a nighmare for a dog with ear infections or skin allergies. The simple carbohydrates in these flours acts as food for yeast, an underlying cause of skin and ear allergies. It is best to avoid these treats, which also cause harmful plaque build-up on teeth.

GREENIES

Greenies have become a phenomenon. These popular treats are made mostly of wheat gluten and chlorophyll, combining the worst aspects of rawhide and biscuits. Because og the glutinous texture of wheat gluten, more and more blackages are being seen in dogs who eat this popular treat. The wheat gluten ingredient is also a nightmare for a dog with skin or ear problems. For the price, you are better off going with an all natural treat.

All Natural Treats

These include beef tendons, like Flossies, animal parts like bones, hearts, pig ears, knee caps and knuckles and chew hooves.

While these treats can be pricier than your average rawhide dog treat, they are much healthier for your dog, because they contain no grain or allergy causing ingredients, and are gentlier on dogs with sensitive stomachs. They also are less chemically processed that your average rawhide, or biscuit.

These treats are highly reccomended for all dogs.

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