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Alternative to Stag Bar?

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5.1K views 23 replies 15 participants last post by  tia maria  
#1 ·
Hi there,

I'm stuck once again!

I've just had an e-mail from Stag Bar company regarding whether if I should or shouldn't buy stag bars for my Lab.

He's chipped his canines tooth/worn them down on the inside, a while ago. All because of cooked marrow bones he used to have. I honestly didn't think they would cause issues with his teeth as that's what they're designed for.

But seeing that he's an aggressive chewer, and will happily chew all day long, this is why few of his teeth have worn down. For that reason they no longer have cooked bones.

So I've been trying to find a safer and better alternatives for them to chew on. They love chewing and I want to carry on giving them treats, but I can't find any suitable products.

Stag Bars - They've actually recommended not to give my Lab stag bars because they're 'harder' than cooked bones. I am gutted about this as I wanted to try this out.,

Antos - I'm still waiting to hear from them, he's had them before but doesn't last him long at all. Literally within minutes.......

Rawhide - Seems right for him as they soften while he chews them and he loves them BUT I am worried they're not safe for them due to bloats/chokes/and where they come from. Unless there are decent rawhide out there that are perfectly safe for dogs?

Any alternatives/ideas/products that are natural and lasts a long time, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank-you
Lessie
 
#2 · (Edited)
Does he get chews outside?
Or just inside?

Dylan my Rottie x spends hours on a cow foot (as in ankle down) it is raw but takes him about two days to completly strip it and even then he still gnaws on it, but obviously its outside.

You can get Fallow Deer antlers. Which are softer.

https://www.antlerdogchews.co.uk/fallow-deer-antler-half

I buy the packs of large P@H rawhide and never had a problem. They are pressed strips rather than knots. But then my guys never tend to choke, have caught mine chewing pen lids etc that they would rather spit out than swallow.
 
#3 ·
How about Nylabones?
Zipper is a chewer and has never had any issues with them - he only like the textured ones not the smooth ones though.

Or when you are supervising raw bones for tea - much softer and safer than cooked bones.
 
#5 ·
Nylabones are hard as well, we get a 'cheaper' version called tasty bones, which aren't as hard. Rope toy soaked in gravy? Another outdoor one there but you get flossing action too.

And as someone else mentioned, raw bones are softer and what their teeth are designed for, rather than cooked.

Rawhide I'm not sure of the ingredients, but it is the knots that are usually the problem, I buy the cigar type for when I need them to be occupied, but because I'm slightly paranoid they only get them when I'm watching.
 
#6 ·
We also have an aggressive chewer - so I've also been on the look out for low-calorie and long-lasting stuff to keep him occupied (he doesn't have any dental problems, so my main issue is finding things without unnecessary calorific intake that's still enticing enough to stop him going after the inevitable shoes and that isn't rawhide).

He's recently started getting interested in his Stag Bars (finally - after weeks of pushing them and making yummy noises!), but as these aren't an option for you, he also seems to enjoy these:

Goodbite Natural Bone

They're different to a Nylabone in that they're more readily edible (it'll take him maybe three to four days chewing on-and-off to actually finish a medium one), and I'm assuming they're tastier than Nylabones too, as he's a lot more interested in keeping busy with them. Possibly worth a try!
 
#8 ·
hi,
i have a prolific chewer, too. he's only 2 so his teeth are fine, but i get your dilemma. i found raw bones to be the best choice, spine with ribs attached especially. it takes snoopy ages, because first he gets the last bits of meat off, then lick it all clean etc.
the next best thing i found are kongs, the really big ones, kong genius or something like that. i fill it with his dinner (raw or wet or wet and kibble mixed) and freeze it. i tend to make batches this way he can chew for ages, work out how to get it out, and gets no extra calories. i do the same with hooves, but i am not sure if they might be too hard for you.
for the simpler option: zooplus do some lovely chews, i had braided gnu ski, that lasted very long time, and dried beef scalp, and of course pizzles. but these tend to stink, though nothing that and air freshener can't handle.
a word of warning regarding ropes: i have never tried soaking them in gravy, as snoopy id happy to attack them as is, but he eats the fibers he chews loose, and that is very bad for the insides...

hope that helps

ps: what about cardboard boxes? seems too simple to be true, but snoopy loves them. i take all the staples/tape off and he rips it into tiny little shreds, chewing as he goes. it takes some tidying up, though :D
 
#9 ·
How about some dried natural meat product, Paddywack or Pizzle sticks (big enough ones might last a while longer).

Or, like others have mentioned, raw bones. They aren't as hard as cooked ones and they will spend ages not only gnawing on them, but licking out the tasty marrow from the middle.
 
#11 ·
I gave my last dog raw meaty bones, he was a power chewer and nothing else lasted him more than 10 minutes. Weight bearing bones of large animals are the ones you're advised to avoid (although these are the ones I see roasted and sold in pet shops etc) as there's a chance of broken teeth with them but I gave them to Rupert with no problems. I figured the benefits for him far outweighed the small risk of a broken tooth. Spencer on the other hand doesn't get them as smaller, softer bones are fine for him.

Raw cows ears are a firm favourite with Spencer, takes him about half an hour to an hour to eat one depending on the size of it. Raw pigs ears would probably be another good one but I can't get them here.

Raw whole hard cabbages or cauliflower are one I've seen recommended before but have never tried myself. Rupert used to love shredding cardboard boxes and while it wasn't chewing in the same way he chewed on a bone it seemed to satisfy the same need.
 
#12 ·
I had stag bar for Inca and some half antler ones but she wasn't interested. I gave them to JJ he likes hte half ones but hasn't bothered with the stagbar, after I read about them causing chipped teeth I won't be buying anymore.

Inca has always had rawhide with no problems and JJ likes it. I've just been giving him the little sticks as he was so small, but he's been finding Inca's remainders of half eatenchewy shoes and been finishing them off now he's bigger.

I'm confused about the bones issue. You'd think pets shops would sell suitable ones?,, but I get told smoked bones are dangerous. I haven't seen any 'soft' raw bones.. Inca has had filled bones and they are rock hard, she never eats the bones just likes the turkey and cranberry fillings at xmas. I think JJ would try to eat the bone though so haven't given them to him.

I would have thought cooked bones were softer than raw but was told cooked bones are dangerous! I always thought chicken bones were dangerous and shouldn't give to dogs but many on here mention feeding dogs chicken wings.. so I just rather not feed bones at all as I'm really confused about which ones are the right ones to give them!! :confused:
 
#13 ·
I had stag bar for Inca and some half antler ones but she wasn't interested. I gave them to JJ he likes hte half ones but hasn't bothered with the stagbar, after I read about them causing chipped teeth I won't be buying anymore.

Inca has always had rawhide with no problems and JJ likes it. I've just been giving him the little sticks as he was so small, but he's been finding Inca's remainders of half eatenchewy shoes and been finishing them off now he's bigger.

I'm confused about the bones issue. You'd think pets shops would sell suitable ones?,, but I get told smoked bones are dangerous. I haven't seen any 'soft' raw bones.. Inca has had filled bones and they are rock hard, she never eats the bones just likes the turkey and cranberry fillings at xmas. I think JJ would try to eat the bone though so haven't given them to him.

I would have thought cooked bones were softer than raw but was told cooked bones are dangerous! I always thought chicken bones were dangerous and shouldn't give to dogs but many on here mention feeding dogs chicken wings.. so I just rather not feed bones at all as I'm really confused about which ones are the right ones to give them!! :confused:
Cooked bones should *never* be given to dogs. Ever.

It should be raw bones.
 
#14 ·
I'm confused about the bones issue. You'd think pets shops would sell suitable ones?,, but I get told smoked bones are dangerous. I haven't seen any 'soft' raw bones.. Inca has had filled bones and they are rock hard, she never eats the bones just likes the turkey and cranberry fillings at xmas. I think JJ would try to eat the bone though so haven't given them to him.

I would have thought cooked bones were softer than raw but was told cooked bones are dangerous! I always thought chicken bones were dangerous and shouldn't give to dogs but many on here mention feeding dogs chicken wings.. so I just rather not feed bones at all as I'm really confused about which ones are the right ones to give them!! :confused:
It's very clear cut really :)

Raw bones - perfectly safe.
Cooked, roast, smoked, baked etc bones - NEVER feed.

As raw fed dogs, my boys eat raw pork, beef, lamb, mutton, rabbit, chicken, turkey, game bird, venison and duck bones - no issue with any of them at all, raw bones, when compared to cooked bones, are soft and pliable, and will not splinter into dangerous sharp shards like cooked bones do.
 
#15 ·
I'm confused about the bones issue. You'd think pets shops would sell suitable ones?,, but I get told smoked bones are dangerous. I haven't seen any 'soft' raw bones.. Inca has had filled bones and they are rock hard, she never eats the bones just likes the turkey and cranberry fillings at xmas. I think JJ would try to eat the bone though so haven't given them to him.
I didn't think the filled bones were raw? Rupert used to like them but never tried to eat the bone itself.

Raw bones aren't soft soft, they're just not as hard and brittle as cooked ones. Things like lamb ribs, turkey legs, chicken wings, chicken carcasses etc are fine. Only reason I won't feed chicken wings is coz Spen does a one chomp and swallow whole :rolleyes:

Rawhide is one I've had problems with and I won't feed any type now.
 
#16 ·
Does he get chews outside?
Or just inside?

Dylan my Rottie x spends hours on a cow foot (as in ankle down) it is raw but takes him about two days to completly strip it and even then he still gnaws on it, but obviously its outside.

You can get Fallow Deer antlers. Which are softer.

https://www.antlerdogchews.co.uk/fallow-deer-antler-half

I buy the packs of large P@H rawhide and never had a problem. They are pressed strips rather than knots. But then my guys never tend to choke, have caught mine chewing pen lids etc that they would rather spit out than swallow.
Are they meant to be able to eat the whole thing of that half fallow antler?
 
#18 ·
Thank-you guys, lots of helpful replies! :D

I will try Raw Bones and see how he gets on with this.

With regards to Antos, I had a closer look on the ingredients, first ingredient comes up as Wheat Starch - is this safe for dogs with skin issues?!

My initial thoughts were no as wheat is one of the worst triggers for skin irritations. UNless I;m wrong?

Few questions about Kong;

- I am slightly apprehensive about using Kongs simply because you have to add food, which means re-adjusting their foods etc I worry he will put on weight with all the 'extra treats' and not receiving a balanced diet because of having to cut down their meals, to prevent weight gain.

He's a lab. So is it possible to offer kongs with food that are not calorific?

Can you wash kongs? It doesn't affect its shape?

Can dogs have kongs unsupervised, i.e. when you;re out?

I want to try out kong, but a lot of 'fillings' on sale, I don't agree with.

Also how come dogs are allowed to have peanut butter in their kong, I was really surprised about this.
 
#20 ·
Thank-you guys, lots of helpful replies! :D

I will try Raw Bones and see how he gets on with this.

With regards to Antos, I had a closer look on the ingredients, first ingredient comes up as Wheat Starch - is this safe for dogs with skin issues?!

My initial thoughts were no as wheat is one of the worst triggers for skin irritations. UNless I;m wrong?

Few questions about Kong;

- I am slightly apprehensive about using Kongs simply because you have to add food, which means re-adjusting their foods etc I worry he will put on weight with all the 'extra treats' and not receiving a balanced diet because of having to cut down their meals, to prevent weight gain.

He's a lab. So is it possible to offer kongs with food that are not calorific?

Can you wash kongs? It doesn't affect its shape?

Can dogs have kongs unsupervised, i.e. when you;re out?

I want to try out kong, but a lot of 'fillings' on sale, I don't agree with.

Also how come dogs are allowed to have peanut butter in their kong, I was really surprised about this.
yes you can wash kongs and they keep there shape, they are made of a tough rubber, I have the kong extreme for my lab and there isn't a mark on it, it's been thrown around, and washed plenty.

you don't need to use kong fillings for it, you can use natural yogurt or wet dog food frozen, fish4dogs has a salmon or trout mousse, that went down really well, I've also used cream cheese and tuna, theres loads you can put in and freeze so it lasts quite a while.

if you give it with wet dog food then it can count as a meal and will last longer than out of a bowl, and dosn't need to be unhealthy. if you have a large dog I wouldn't fill the whole thing with peanut butter, I like peanut butter for the little hole at the bottom it stops anything leaking out. or it can be smeared in the ridges round the side as a treat.
 
#21 ·
The Kong fillings are rubbish. I bought one once and never again. My rule here is if it fits in a Kong then it can go in the Kong. Mashed potatoes, scrambled egg, yoghurt, mashed banana, pilchards in tomato sauce, wet dog food, kibble mixed with a little grated cheese (nuke filled Kong in microwave and leave to cool) and god knows what else has been a Kong filling here. A lot of the time I freeze it after filling to make it last longer.

Just be careful if your dog is very destructive. I couldn't leave Rupert with a Kong unsupervised as he chewed up even the Extreme ones.

As for wheat, it was one of the things Rupert couldn't have because of his allergies. And most shop bought dog food, treats and chews contain it so I started making my own dog treats.
 
#22 · (Edited)
Thank-you guys, lots of helpful replies! :D

I will try Raw Bones and see how he gets on with this.

With regards to Antos, I had a closer look on the ingredients, first ingredient comes up as Wheat Starch - is this safe for dogs with skin issues?!

My initial thoughts were no as wheat is one of the worst triggers for skin irritations. UNless I;m wrong?

Few questions about Kong;

- I am slightly apprehensive about using Kongs simply because you have to add food, which means re-adjusting their foods etc I worry he will put on weight with all the 'extra treats' and not receiving a balanced diet because of having to cut down their meals, to prevent weight gain.

He's a lab. So is it possible to offer kongs with food that are not calorific?

Can you wash kongs? It doesn't affect its shape?

Can dogs have kongs unsupervised, i.e. when you;re out?

I want to try out kong, but a lot of 'fillings' on sale, I don't agree with.

Also how come dogs are allowed to have peanut butter in their kong, I was really surprised about this.
JJ has one of his meals in his kong. I feed mix of small amount of kibble & home cooked with 'main meal' and wet stuffed in kong for breakfast as he likes it early that way I can prepare it night before and freeze it, keeps him busy for ages while I go back to bed with a cuppa! ;)

He has a chew in the evening for 'supper' to keep him out of mischief while I'm watching telly!

sometimes I make my own like if making shepherds pie I cook off the mince and carrots first and some of that goes in kongs for dogs, then they have some of the potato (mashed separately without butter) and that makes their 'shepherds pie kong, or do one similar with fish, sweet potato and peas which they both love too.

scrambled egg and bacon (or sausage) is another favourite.

Luckily my dogs seem to be naturally lean and get alot of exercise trotting alongside my mobility scooter twice a day (about 90mins) plus playing and training in house/garden so I don't have to worry about their weight too much.

I forgot to say.. to wash.. just stand kong in a cup with widest end facing up and so it can't fall over.. pour boiling water in to top (cup needs to be taller than kong) and leave to soak for a bit then rinse under cold water tap, any food stuck in should wash out.
 
#23 ·
Thank-you for your advice!

Will be buying some kongs soon!

I'm hoping my lab won't nick my spaniel's kong and destroy it.......:rolleyes:

As far as I can remember, I couldn't see any of the medium hardcore kongs whereas I've seen large ones (Black Kongs) which are perfect for my Lab.

But for my spaniel he would need a medium one. He used to have one, til the lab destroyed it!

Where do you buy your kongs from?