Veterinarians are raising concerns about certain popular dog treats that are causing emergency surgeries and health problems in pets. Dr. Stephanie Liff, a veterinarian in New York City, emphasized that 26% of dogs experience fractured teeth, often from hard chews considered safe, such as bully sticks, yak chews, antlers, and smoked bones. Liff explained that any treat too hard to dent with a fingernail poses a risk of breaking a dog's tooth. She recently had to remove a Himalayan yak chew from a dog's stomach and noted that a labradoodle cracked multiple molars on a hard chew, leading to repair costs of over $2,000.
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Katherine Bailee, a breeder of European Dobermans, shared a harrowing experience with a smoked marrow bone. The bone splintered dangerously in her dog Ares's mouth, leading to a scare over potential gastrointestinal perforation. She learned that smoking makes bones brittle and dangerous, dubbing such products a “literal internal hazard.”
Rawhide treats present a different set of dangers. Caleb Johnstone recounted how his golden retriever, Killua, required emergency surgery after swallowing a large piece of knotted rawhide that caused a serious intestinal blockage. Johnstone expressed regret over not understanding that rawhide is a leather byproduct processed with chemicals and can swell in the stomach.
Dr. Ezra Ameis, owner of Paw Priority veterinary clinic, highlighted that he regularly performs gastrointestinal surgeries related to hard chews and rawhide. He cautions against giving pets anything as hard as their teeth, as it can lead to painful injuries.
Dr. Jordyn Zoul, a veterinarian in Georgia, raised concerns about treats that cause invisible damage. She noted instances of dogs developing acute kidney injuries linked to jerky treats. Some dogs experience Fanconi-like syndrome, which can lead to permanent kidney damage. Similarly, she spotlighted the risks associated with grain-free dog diets, which have been shown to contribute to heart disease due to misconceptions about dog dietary needs.
All three veterinarians pointed out xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in some pet treats, as particularly harmful. They cautioned that even small amounts can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.
Alongside these health concerns, the vets are skeptical about marketing terms such as “natural.” Liff stated that such labels can be misleading, while Ameis advised pet owners to avoid treats with complex ingredient lists.
In light of these warnings, many pet owners are reevaluating their choices. Liff and Ameis recommend simpler treats, such as soft, single-ingredient options, as well as fruits and vegetables. They all adhere to the guideline that if a treat cannot be dented with a fingernail, it should not be given to dogs.