Have you ever bought over the price chewable foods for your beloved Pomeranian, thinking that it will keep them occupied for a long time, only to find out that they ate it all in a blink of an eye?
This article will help you learn more about the advantage in giving chewable foods to your Pomeranian as well as choosing the right one. We also give you our recommendation of 19 durable chews for your dog.
Adding chewable foods into your dog’s routine is essential for their physical and mental well-being as well give many other advantages since chewing is a natural behaviour in dogs.
After going through many kinds of chewable foods that are sold in the market, we can finally figure out which chewable foods are the best for Pomeranian dogs. It is because some of the chewable foods are over the price and some are dangerous for our little Pomeranians dog.
Here, we will give you our personal opinion about several kinds of chewable food for Pomeranians along with its potential risks.
The Advantages of Chewing in Pomeranians
1. Gives Mental Stimulation
Mental stimulation is particularly crucial for intelligent breeds like Pomeranians, who thrive on activities that challenge their minds. Chewing on a chewable treat provides mental enrichment by giving them a task to focus on, which can help alleviate boredom and prevent destructive behaviors that result from pent-up energy or lack of stimulation.
2. Gives Physical Exercise
Chewing is a physical activity that engages a dog’s jaw muscles and provides them with exercise. When a dog chews on something, whether it’s a toy or a chewable treat, they’re using their jaws and teeth to gnaw, tear, and manipulate the item. This physical exertion helps to strengthen their jaw muscles and can contribute to overall physical fitness.
For breeds like Pomeranians, who are small but energetic, providing opportunities for physical activity is important. Chewing on chewable foods can be a part of their daily exercise routine, helping to burn off energy and maintain a healthy weight.
3. Helps Prevent Destructive Behaviour
Dogs have a natural urge to chew, and if they don’t have appropriate outlets for this behavior, they may resort to chewing on items such as furniture, shoes, or other household objects. Providing chewable food, such as chew toys or treats, gives dogs a constructive and acceptable outlet for their chewing instincts. By redirecting their chewing behavior to these appropriate items, you can help prevent destructive chewing of valuable or dangerous items in your home.
You can check our guidance on 13 Ways to Pom Pom-Proof Your Home and Yard (Pro Tips!).
4. Relieve Stress and Anxiety
Providing chewable food to dogs offers a constructive outlet for natural chewing instincts, alleviating stress and anxiety by engaging their minds. Chewing releases endorphins, promoting relaxation. This reduces the likelihood of destructive behaviors associated with stress, fostering a calmer and happier dog.
5. Improves Dental Health
6. Behavior Management
7. Nutritional Value
Things to Consider While Choosing the Right Chews for Pomeranians
1. The Size and Breed of the Dog
2. The Age
3. Dog’s Chewing Style
Understanding a Pomeranian’s chewing style is crucial when selecting chewable food as it directly impacts their enjoyment, safety, and overall well-being. Pomeranians vary in their chewing habits, with some being aggressive chewers while others may have a gentler approach.
Aggressive chewers may require tougher, long-lasting options to prevent them from quickly demolishing treats or toys, while more delicate chewers may prefer softer textures to avoid dental discomfort or jaw strain.
Taking into account their chewing preferences ensures that they remain engaged and satisfied during chewing sessions, preventing boredom and destructive behavior.
Regular observation and adjustments in chewable food choices based on their chewing style ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for your Pomeranian.
4. Ingredients
5. Size of Chew
The size of the chewing food is a critical factor to consider when selecting chewable food for your Pomeranian. Choosing appropriately sized chewable items ensures that they are safe and manageable for your dog to chew and consume.
Oversized treats or toys may pose a choking hazard or cause digestive blockages, especially for small breeds like Pomeranians. On the other hand, excessively small items may be swallowed whole, leading to similar risks.
Selecting chewable food that matches your Pomeranian’s size and jaw strength promotes safe chewing practices and prevents potential accidents or injuries. Additionally, appropriately sized chewable items are more comfortable for your Pomeranian to hold and manipulate, enhancing their chewing experience and encouraging engagement.
6. Quality and Safety
The quality of chewable food is very important when selecting treats or toys for your Pomeranian. High-quality chewable items are made from safe and durable materials that withstand chewing without breaking or splintering, reducing the risk of choking hazards or injury. Reputable brands use ingredients that meet strict quality and safety standards, ensuring that the chewable food is free from harmful additives, toxins, or contaminants.
Regularly inspecting chewable items for signs of wear and tear and selecting reputable brands ensures your Pomeranian’s safety and satisfaction during chewing activities.
7. Purpose
Considering the purpose of giving chewable food to your dog is essential for selecting the most appropriate options. Different chewable items serve various purposes, such as promoting dental health, providing mental stimulation, or satisfying the need to chew.
Understanding your dog’s specific needs and preferences allows you to choose chewable food that effectively fulfills these purposes. For example, if your dog needs dental care, selecting chewable treats designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup would be beneficial.
By aligning the purpose of the chewable food with your dog’s needs, you can ensure they receive maximum benefits and enjoyment from their chewing experience.
8. Durability & Price
Considering the durability and price of chewable food is crucial when selecting options for your Pomeranian. Durable chewable items withstand your dog’s chewing habits, preventing them from quickly demolishing treats or toys and ensuring longevity. This not only maximizes the value of your purchase but also reduces the risk of choking hazards or ingestion of harmful pieces.
Balancing durability with price ensures that you’re investing in high-quality chewable options that provide long-lasting entertainment and dental benefits without breaking the bank.
While higher-priced options may offer superior durability and safety, it’s essential to find a balance that meets your budget and your Pomeranian’s chewing needs.
Durable Chews Suitable for Pomeranians
1. Himalayan Yak Milk Chews
Made from yak milk, salt, and lime juice, Himalayan yak chews are hard, natural and long-lasting treats that can keep dogs entertained for extended periods.
They offer a flavorful and highly durable chewing experience, providing mental stimulation and promoting dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup.
Himalayan Yak Chews are free from harmful chemicals and artificial ingredients, making them a safe and nutritious option for dogs. They are also 100% lactose-free, making them suitable for dogs with dairy sensitivities.
The hard texture of Yak Chews encourages prolonged chewing, while their unique flavor entices dogs to chew. However, it’s essential to supervise your dog while they chew on Yak Chews to prevent any potential choking hazards or ingestion of large pieces.
Note: Yak chews have a strong smoky flavor and aroma and may create a strong odor when chewed on soft furnishings!
2. Bully Sticks
Bully sticks are yummy natural dog chews made from dried bull pizzle. They are highly digestible and low in fat, making them a popular choice for dogs of all sizes and rich in protein and essential nutrients, making them a nutritious treat option for dogs.
However, owners should supervise their dogs while chewing bully sticks to prevent choking hazards and ensure safe consumption. Overall, bully sticks are a flavorful and beneficial chew option for dogs to enjoy.
Note: Once bully sticks moisten during chewing, they can produce a strong odor, which some people find unpleasant. This odor is natural and comes from the process of drying the bull pizzle to make the bully sticks.
3. Raw Beef Rib Bones
Raw beef rib bones are often recommended as chewable treats for dogs due to their durability and dental benefits. They provide a natural source of entertainment and mental stimulation, while also promoting dental health by helping to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
However, it’s crucial to supervise your dog while they chew on raw bones to prevent choking or splintering.
Note: Raw bones should only be given to dogs under supervision and should be discarded if they become too small or brittle to avoid any potential hazards.
4. Cow Ears
5. Pig Ears
6. Nylon Chews
Nylon chews, such as Benebone Wishbone, are durable and long-lasting chewable toys designed to withstand heavy chewing. Made from tough nylon material with real bacon favoring, they provide a safe and satisfying outlet for a dog’s natural chewing instincts.
Nylon chews come in various shapes and textures, offering different levels of challenge and entertainment for dogs. So, it’s essential to choose the appropriate size and texture of nylon chew for your dog’s size and chewing habits and to supervise them while they chew to ensure safety.
7. Oxtail Chew
Oxtail chews are natural and flavorful chewable treats for dogs made from the tails of cattle. Rich in meat and marrow, they offer a highly yummy chewing experience that dogs love. Oxtail chews are rich in protein and essential nutrients, making them a nutritious treat option for dogs that’s good for their digestive system.
8. Braided Chews
Braided chews are durable and textured chewable toys made by intertwining strips of rawhide, beef, or other materials.
Nature Gnaws Chews is one example of braided dog chews made from 100% natural premium quality beef.
9. Kong Extreme Chew
Kong Extreme chews are ultra-durable rubber toys designed for heavy chewers. Made from tough, puncture-resistant material, they provide a long-lasting and satisfying chewing experience for dogs.
Stuffing a Kong toy with treats, peanut butter, or wet food and freezing it can create a long-lasting and mentally stimulating chewable food option for dogs.
As fantastic as it is, make it one of our recommendations of the best gift for your Pomeranians.
10. Elk Antlers
Elk antlers are natural and long-lasting chewable treats for dogs, sourced from the shed antlers of elk that are rich in nutrients like calcium and phosphorus, making them a nutritious option for dogs.
Pomeranians may lose interest in these less aromatic or flavorful chewable items, so it’s important to take it away from them regularly. After each chewing session, store the antler where your Pomeranian can’t reach it, reintroducing it on special occasions to keep it more novel and engaging. This approach helps your Pomeranian perceive the antler as a valuable and exciting chewable treat.
11. Cow Hooves
Cow hooves are natural and long-lasting chewable treats for dogs, sourced from the hooves of cattle. They offer a tough and durable chewing experience, providing mental stimulation and promoting dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup.
Cow hooves are low in fat and high in protein, making them a nutritious option for dogs. They come in various sizes, textures, and flavors, catering to different chewing preferences and habits.
12. Dried Beef Tendons
Dried beef tendon is a natural and protein-rich chewable treat for dogs, made from the tough connective tissue found in beef. Beef tendon is low in fat and high in protein, making it a nutritious option for dogs. Its chewy texture provides mental stimulation and helps relieve boredom.
13. Rope Chew Toys
Rope chew toys are durable and interactive chewable toys for dogs, typically made from braided cotton or other sturdy materials. You can add some peanut butter over the rope chew toys to keep your Pomeranians busy for hours.
14. Marrow Bone
Marrow bones are natural and nutrient-rich chewable treats for dogs, typically sourced from the femur bones of cattle. Marrow bones are filled with rich, nutritious marrow that dogs love to lick and chew on, making them a highly yummy option. They also contain essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus, contributing to overall canine health.
However, it’s crucial to supervise your dog while they chew on marrow bones to prevent any potential splintering or ingestion of sharp pieces and make sure to choose bones appropriate for your dog’s size and supervise them while chewing to prevent splintering.
Note: Marrow bones, especially those stuffed with treats, contain high calorie content, thus Pomeranians should not be permitted to consume them all at once!
15. Tripe Twist Sticks
Tripe Twist Sticks are chewable treats for dogs made from high-quality beef tripe. They offer a flavorful and highly digestible chewing experience that dogs love. Tripe is rich in nutrients like protein and essential vitamins, making it a nutritious option for dogs.
16. Soup Bones
Soup bones are natural and meaty chewable treats for dogs, typically sourced from beef or other large animals. Soup bones are filled with rich marrow and meat, making them really yummy and nutritious for dogs. The meaty texture of soup bones entices dogs to chew, while the marrow provides essential nutrients like protein and healthy fats.
17. Dental Chews
Dental chews, like Greenies are specially designed chewable treats for dogs, formulated to promote dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup. They come in various shapes, sizes, and textures, catering to different chewing preferences and habits.
Dental chews often contain ingredients like enzymes, abrasives, or other dental benefits to help clean teeth and freshen breath.
18. Rawhide Alternatives
If you prefer to avoid traditional rawhide chews, there are several alternative options available, such as rawhide-free dental chews.
Rawhide alternatives are chewable treats for dogs made from natural ingredients like vegetable-based materials, such as tapioca starch or potato starch that are free from chemicals, artificial colors, and preservatives, making them suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
19. Beef Trachea
Beef trachea is a natural chew that is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help support joint health in dogs. It is long-lasting and provides dogs with a satisfying chewing experience.
It is low in fat and high in protein, making it a healthy option for dogs of all sizes.
Making a Homemade Dog Chews with a Food Dehydrator
Making homemade chews for Pomeranians has never been easy with a reliable Food Dehydrator.
Not only does it save you money, but it also guarantees that you’re aware of all the ingredients in your Pomeranian’s yummy treats!
Simply slice your preferred meat, fruit, or vegetable and place it in the dehydrator for a few hours to create chewy treats. It’s actually one of the ways to put vegetables into your dog’s diet!
You can make homemade chews for your Pomeranians by using Food Dehydrator like:
- Sweet Potatoes
- Carrots
- Liver Slices
- Chicken or Beef Jerky
- Tripe
- Banana, Apples, Pineapples
How Frequently Should I Offer My Pomeranian a Chewable Treat?
The frequency of giving chewable treats to your Pomeranian depends on several factors, including their age, size, chewing habits, and the type of chew.
As a general guideline, it’s recommended to offer chews to your Pomeranian 1-2 times per day for short periods, such as during supervised playtime or as a reward during training sessions.
However, it’s essential to monitor your Pomeranian’s chewing behavior and adjust the frequency accordingly.
Overindulgence in chews can lead to digestive upset or weight gain, so it’s best to offer chews in moderation and provide a balanced diet alongside regular dental care. Consulting with your veterinarian can help determine the appropriate frequency of chews for your Pomeranian’s individual needs.
As with any chew, it’s essential to supervise your Pomeranian while they enjoy their chewable treat and to provide plenty of water for them to drink after having the chew.
Is It Safe to Give Dog Chews to My Pomeranian?
Dog chews can be safe when given appropriately and under supervision.
When giving chewable food to Pomeranians, it’s essential to be cautious of the following:
- Size and Texture: Choose chewable items that are appropriate for your Pomeranian’s size and chewing habits to prevent choking hazards or dental injuries.
- Ingredients: Check the ingredients list for any potential allergens or harmful additives that may affect your Pomeranian’s health.
- Supervision: Always supervise your Pomeranian while they chew to ensure their safety and prevent any accidents or ingestion of large pieces.
- Digestive Sensitivity: Be mindful of your Pomeranian’s digestive sensitivity and avoid chews that may cause gastrointestinal upset.
- Dental Health: Choose chewable items that promote dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup, but avoid chews that are too hard or abrasive, as they can damage your Pomeranian’s teeth.
Always monitor your dog while they chew to prevent choking hazards or ingestion of large pieces. Avoid chews that are too hard or brittle, as they can cause dental fractures or digestive issues.
Additionally, be cautious of chews made from rawhide or other questionable materials, as they may pose health risks.
When in doubt, consult with your veterinarian to ensure the safety of the chews you provide for your dog. By being cautious and selecting appropriate chewable items, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable chewing experience for your Pomeranian companion.
We strongly advise all Pomeranian owners to have sufficient pet insurance for their Pomeranians, as they may frequently engage in chewing activities that could lead to accidents.
Is it necessary to supervise my Pomeranian while they are chewing?
The Concluding of Durable Chews for Pomeranian
In conclusion, providing appropriate chewable food for your Pomeranian is crucial for their overall health and well-being. From dental health to mental stimulation, chewable treats offer a range of benefits for your dog.
However, it’s essential to choose chewable items that are suitable for your Pomeranian’s size, chewing habits, and dietary needs. Supervision while they chew is paramount to prevent any potential choking hazards or ingestion of large pieces. Monitoring their chewing behavior allows you to intervene if necessary and ensure a safe experience. Remember to select high-quality chewable treats made from natural ingredients and avoid items that may pose health risks.
By offering chewable food in moderation and under supervision, you can provide your Pomeranian with a satisfying and enjoyable chewing experience while promoting their dental health and overall happiness.
Always consult with your veterinarian for recommendations on the best chewable options for your Pomeranian’s individual needs, ensuring that they can enjoy their chewable treats safely for years to come.