You may have noticed that we were away at a Trade Show over the weekend 26-27 March. PATS (Pet and Aquatics Trade Show, we believe) is held twice a year – a spring show in Sandown, and the main show in Telford in October.

These shows are important to us for a couple of reasons. Firstly, we can meet suppliers face-to-face. There is nothing better than a good old natter with a chance to discuss past business and the future. Secondly, it’s an opportunity to meet potential new suppliers and to see new products coming onto the market.

As we live and trade from our narrowboat, our stock room is very “compact and bijou”! So our potential for expanding our range is obviously limited. However, we constantly review the items that we stock so that by dropping less popular lines we can add new ranges. A few suppliers offer “drop ship”. This is fantastic for us, as they send out the products direct so that we don’t have to stock them!

The Doggie Boat is a small family business, and we like to support similar suppliers wherever possible. Visiting a trade show is a great way to find these businesses! This was the first time we have been to the PATS Sandown Trade Show – previously we have visited the Telford show later in the year – which is a much bigger event, so we will probably be going there in October.

So here is a little run down (in no particular order) of the stands that interested us at the PATS Sandown Trade Show this year:

WufWuf

One of our newest suppliers, WufWuf is a small family business based in Richmond – not too far away from where we are at the moment! We stock their own-brand treats, toys and interactive feeder, and we can also get a few other third party items from them. Their treats have proved very popular, as they are a softer chew – perfect for smaller dogs or those less able to cope with harder bites. Our boys just love them because they are super tasty!

Buy WufWuf from The Doggie Boat.

Pet Product Marketing

One of the trade publications, Pet Product Marketing is where we can read about new products and gain insight into everything doggies. They’ve asked us to write an article for them, as they were intrigued by our business model!

Pet’s Up

We are always on the lookout for new products, and the Pet’s Up stand attracted our attention. Well, to be fair, it was Loki & Ozzie who expressed the first interest! Their noses were inextricably drawn to the Collagen Chews, but then we spotted the Coffee Wood chews and were given a couple of samples. These are now being enjoyed by the boys on an ongoing basis, and they are proving very hardy. We have been asked for these in the past, so we have placed an order which should be coming in soon.

ProTrainings

Now this was an exciting find! ProTrainings offer online training courses which we can sell through our website. Amongst other courses, they offer various qualifications in Pet First Aid. We will be working on adding these to our shop shortly.

James & Steel

Another supplier that was of interest was James & Steel, as they supply a good range of tough toys for dogs with powerful jaws! Solid 100% natural rubber, so environmentally friendly and sustainable. We have their price list and will be looking at stocking a small selection. Take a look at the catalogue on their website, and let us know if you see anything of interest.

Beco

We have had an account with Beco almost since we took over The Doggie Boat, although as yet we haven’t purchased anything from them. This is mainly because we prefer to support smaller suppliers, as well as the fact Beco products are readily available in most retail outlets. But we had a useful chat with them, especially about their environmental credentials, and will certainly consider stocking some of their products. Again, if there are any of their items you would buy from us, let us know.

PoochSnax

A new start-up business that we first met at PATS Telford last year, PoochSnax have reinvented the Pig Ear. Whilst tasty and popular treats for our pets, the aromatic after-effects from a Pig Ear can be rather less enjoyable for the owners! The Porky Ear is an ear-shaped piece of pig skin that has been air-dried. They have been very well received by our customers and we look forward to a growing relationship with this supplier.

Buy PoochSnax Porky Ears from The Doggie Boat.

Woolf Snacks

Now, this is the sort of supplier we like! Woolf Snacks state that they only supply independent retailers. They have an extensive range of healthy treats, so we will be looking further into their product range.

NAW

Another new range of Healthy Chews. NAW, from Sniffers Pet Care, these are pure air-dried treats. Something we may well look into at some point in the future.

Simply 2 Pet Products

This was a supplier we added to our portfolio after the 2022 PATS Trade Show in Telford. We were impressed with Simply 2 Pet Products ProFleece range of pet bedding, which is made to order and shipped direct. The circular stand bottom right is covered in ProFleece. We have had brilliant feedback from customers who have bought their product through us, so we know we made the right decision. They also act as a distributor for a number of other products which we may add to what we sell at some point. As you can see, we got a very warm welcome!

Buy ProFleece from The Doggie Boat.

Fish4Pets

There’s something fishy going on here! Fish4Pets is a large, independent company which, unsurprisingly, specialises in fishy treats and dog food. Whilst we don’t have the space to stock the food, the extensive treats rangei s of interest to us, and another product range that we may consider stocking in the future.

We at the Doggie Boat sell an extensive range of dog chews of various types. Popular examples are the Ostrich Crisps, Ostrich Knuckles, and ChewRoots to name but a few! But what about the Himalayan Yak Milk Chews?

Are Himalayan Yak Milk Chews good for dogs?

The short answer is YES! Yak Milk is very high in Protein, which means it is perfect for making chews. Traditionally, Yak Milk is boiled over a wood fire for a long time and stirred to thicken it. Then it has to dry over a period of several weeks.

The Protein and Calcium content is also good for dogs. Protein is a natural source of energy and Calcium can be beneficial to dogs with joint problems as it helps build bone structure.

Also great for puppies (we recommend from 12 weeks), as the Calcium is good for the bone and joint formation. Especially helpful for both pup and owner at teething time!

They are tough and therefore a great dental chew too. Although, we must qualify – if your dog is a greedy mega power chewer, a Yak Milk Chew may disappear in just a few bites! (If this does happen, don’t worry – it will be fully digested.)

Having said that, our Ozzie really savours his Yak Milk Chews, and even a small one will last him several days.

By definition, Yak Milk Chews originated in the hills of the Himalayas. Hence the full name of Himalayan Yak Milk Chew! The recipe contains only healthy and natural ingredients such as Cow and Yak Milk, Lime Juice, and Salt. Quality products don’t have any artificial ingredients and are therefore completely safe for your dogs.

Note they also contain a tiny amount (less than 1%) of normal Cow’s Milk. Our supplier Green & Wild’s have explained to us that a small amount is needed to start off the process. It doesn’t work with just plain Yak Milk. The best quality Himalayan Yak Milk Chews only contain the small starter amount of Cow’s Milk.

Some products contain higher amounts of Cow’s Milk. This is not necessarily an issue – unless your dog has a Cow’s Milk intolerance or allergy. So if this is an issue to you or your dog, check the ingredients and, if in doubt, check with the retailer before you buy.

Yaks and Cows both belong to the Bovine family. However, their milk differs. For example, Yak Milk contains more:

• Protein
• Fat
• Lactose
• Essential Amino Acids (when milked in the warmer months)
• Calcium and Iron

Levels of Phosphorus in the Milk are roughly the same.

As a natural product, the colour can vary significantly. Although frequently they tend to be burnt ochre, they can be a lighter – almost Cheddary hue, or a dark brown or even a rich red.

We currently stock two brands: the Green & Wild’s Yakkity Yak Milk Chews and WufWuf Chewerest Yak Chews, both of which follow the traditional original Himalayan recipe.

They are full of nutrients that your dog will not only enjoy, but also benefit from. Dogs need to chew, for several reasons: not least that it is a relaxing stress relief – something that can be very good for them after a period of exercise.

When your chew has been well savoured and you feel it is a bit too small for your pooch (eg risk of choking) – then simply pop it in the microwave for a few seconds! Watch as it then puffs up before your very eyes, let it cool down and then your dog can get even more enjoyment and nourishment from it. And nothing is wasted.

For dogs who are elderly or not good chewers, you can also purchase your Yak Milk Chews ready puffed! Green & Wild’s offer a choice of Puff Nuggets (for a smaller treat) and Puff Bars for something a little more substantial.

Like most dog treats, some dogs love them, others are less fussed. Some, like Ozzie, will savour them, others will devour them with no respect for the delicacy they are! A few may even turn their noses up at them.

Why are they so expensive?

Yak Milk Chews are a very popular dog treat, but they can be quite expensive, because they are made from the Milk of Yaks – a type of Cow native to Tibet and Nepal. They are uncommon out of these regions, which makes them rare – hence the seemingly high price and scarcity of the product.

Another consideration is that Yak Milk is only obtained during breeding seasons, unlike Cow’s Milk, which is harvested year round. This naturally means that Yak’s Milk is far more of a rarity.

Not mass produced like many dog treats, they are still made slowly by the traditional methods, which also makes them relatively more expensive. When we say slowly, we are talking several weeks for the drying process. This is a treat not to be rushed.

However, Yak Milk is very high in Protein, with a higher Fat content than Cow’s Milk. This not only makes it ideal for making Cheese and other dairy products, it makes these chews a very healthy and nutritious option for dogs.

Key Benefits

As a dog treat, they have lots going for them:

• Completely digestible. Yak Milk Chews fully break down in your dog’s tummy.
• Made from only natural ingredients. They are just pure Yaks Milk, with just a splash of Cow’s Milk, to which a touch of Lime and Salt is added (typically less than 0.1%) to aid the coagulation process and to act as a preservative.
• No sharp edges or splinters.
• Long lasting.
• Smell free.
• Stain free. No colours, no mess, no residue.
• Entirely edible. Puff up the last piece in the microwave for a delicious new snack.

Conclusion

So yes, Yak Milk Chews are good for dogs, because they are a healthy, natural treat. High in Protein and low in Fat. Yak Milk Chews are also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your dog’s coat and skin.

Our advice is to make sure you always have one in stock, letting your dog chew on it for a few minutes at a time. This means that your pet can enjoy it over a period of time rather than just in one sitting!

We always advise that you supervise your dog whenever they are enjoying treats, and that they have a supply of fresh water available. If they snap off a small piece – don’t throw it away, just pop it in the microwave until it puffs up. That way, apart from not wasting it, you now have a new treat for another occasion! Remember to let it cool before you give it to them, though.

It’s so easy to pop down to your handy Super Store to get all your shopping – including Dog Treats. But, as a general rule, you don’t get the same level of service as you would from your small, family business.

The Doggie Boat

Here at the Doggie Boat, a small family business, we are perhaps smaller than most! Living and trading from our narrowboat, we don’t have much room for lots of stock. This means that what we do stock, we choose very carefully. We are also proud of the level of service we strive offer and we look forward to seeing reviews on TrustPilot.

Naturally we choose our suppliers with care, prefering to deal with fellow small independent businesses, especially for the Healthy Treats. Being dog owners ourselves, we are conscious that we all only want the best for them!

This is why we only stock treats from small independent companies and family businesses. We first started with JR Pet Products. Initially, we took on a limited selection of Meat Sticks – and nearly sold out at the first floating market we traded at! Gradually, we have significantly increased the number of their products that we stock.

With the current cost of living crisis, and expenses rising everywhere, we try to keep our prices as low as possible. Although our costs have increased, we have held many of our prices to pre-pandemic levels. We believe we are the cheapest online retailer of the JR Meat Sticks!

Scoff Paper is another great small family business based in England that we are proud and honoured to be dealing with, especially as our Loki was the inspiration behind the idea. Their unique product is edible greetings cards for dogs – a fantastic option if you want to send something different.

We stock a selection of healthy treats and Jute toys from Green & Wild’s, another small family business. We love their Jute toys, as they are not only strong and durable, they are environmentally friendly too – something that is important to us.

This is also why we now only stock fully compostable poo bags, from Fetch It. Whilst they are more expensive than the traditional plastic bags, these are made from corn starch, which will fully rot down and not leave any micro plastics behind. And, they are surprisingly strong too!

Another small family business and British company we are proud to be dealing with is Dicky Bag. They not only hold your stock of poo bags ready to use, they also have discrete, smell resistant storage compartment for your filled bags until you can find a bin. Plus, there are matching treat bags to go with them.

We are also excited to have been able to take on the Fleece Blankets from ProFleece. Made to order, in Yorkshire (from recycled plastic bottles), these quality blankets are a great addition to our range. They are sent directly from the supplier, so they don’t take up any of our limited space.

For something a little different, we stock a range of fun shopping bags from These Bags Are Great! Another small British family business, these Jute bags are tough and environmentally friendly as well as practical and make great presents.

So to Summarise

Of course, you can get some of these products from larger chain stores. Indeed, until recently, Pets at Home stocked a selection of JR Pet Products. However, they have now discontinued this in favour of stocking their own brand versions. Obviously, we can’t comment on whether or not these are as good, because we don’t know who makes them. However, we can quote from an email JR Pet Products have sent us:

“…they have now also told customers that these are being supplied by us under their own branding – This is absolutely NOT TRUE. We do not offer our products as white label goods and these are not our products! We do not know the quality, welfare or origin of these treats and feel we must let our customers know about this.”

If you want to ensure that you give your pet the best, then we strongly recommend you stick with the brands that you know and trust – and buy from the small family business that truly care and will give you the best advice.

We pride ourselves with only stocking products that we would buy for our own dogs. (Indeed, Loki and Ozzie are our Chief Product Testers, and will personally vouch for every item in our ranges, although they try to convince us that they need more samples for testing for true verification!)

We research all our suppliers carefully and will only buy from the best.

The small independent / family business has to work relentlessly to build its reputation. Unlike a large company or multi-national corporation, small traders rely on their reputation and on repeat custom. This is why we always strive hard to offer the best service we possibly can.

We truly value all of our loyal customers and all feedback is very welcome.

Recent strike action at Royal Mail has, of course, disrupted our deliveries. We have tried alternatives, with varying degrees of success. However, they are generally more expensive and often slower with reliability issues.

However, we are now able to use the Royal Mail Tracked services at the same price we have been paying for the standard, non-tracked service. This makes it an attractive option, as you the customer get notifications of the progress of your delivery. This will now be our default shipping option.

Of course, all of our products are available in our shop, so why not take a leisurely browse. And, if you have any questions – just ask by using our contact form. As a family business, we are here to help!

Beef Collagen Sticks are a super healthy alternative to Rawhide Chews. Simply Air Dried, no harmful chemicals are used in the process.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the most common type protein in animals. It’s a structural protein that makes up the structure (or framework) of cells and tissues.

It is composed mainly of the amino acids Glycine, Proline and Hydroxyproline. It is found in connective tissue, skin, tendons, bones and cartilage.

What are the Benefits for Dogs?

Joints

Collagen is used as a treatment for arthritis in dogs. But, it is also preventative, as it helps strengthen your dog’s joints and may therefore reduce the risk of arthritis and/or joint problems in later life. It promotes healthy bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments, all of which can maintain and/or improve mobility. It can help rebuild and strengthen cartilage in older dogs too.

Teeth & Nails

Whilst teeth and nails do contain minerals, they mostly consist of collagen. By feeding your dog collagen treats, not only will they benefit from the chewing action itself, the collagen will also help create healthier teeth and nails – both of which are vitally important to your dog’s health.

Digestion

Beef Collagen Sticks are a natural and highly digestible chew for dogs. Collagen can help repair and strengthen the lining of the digestive tract, which itself is largely mage from collagen. By helping to seal the gut lining, it can therefore help reduce the risk of “leaky gut”.

Appetite

Collagen is a “superfood”, which supplies amino acids and nutrients which can help stimulate a dog’s appetite.

Coat

The layer of a dog’s skin, which is called the Dermis, consists largely of collagen. It is this layer that produces healthy fur. Collagen can not only improve the health of your dog’s coat, it can also help to reduce shedding. In addition, it may also help stimulate new hair growth – good if your dog is prone to bald patches.

Skin

As above, collagen help stimulate the Dermis. This can improve elasticity of the skin as well as helping to reduce inflammation and improving dry or flaky skin.

Weight

The amino acid Glycine contained in collagen encourages the creation of lean muscle. This can help increase the dog’s fat burning, which in turn can help with controlling your dog’s weight.

Anxiety

Collagen helps reduce inflammation in the body and in turn this can help improve the flow of blood, oxygen and other much needed compounds around the body, including to the brain. This helps gives a positive and healthy stimulation to the brain, which can help reduce anxiety.

So, are Beef Collagen Sticks Good for Dogs?

In a word, yes! The Beef Collagen Sticks we sell are 100% Air Dried. No chemicals are involved in the manufacturing process. Available in two sizes, your dog will not only enjoy the chewing process, but can also benefit from the healthy attributes we have mentioned above.

Collagen is a safe treat you can feed any dog. The healthy benefits include keeping your dog’s joints healthier and can reduce the long-term risk of osteoarthritis and/or joint illness.

Click here for more details.

At this Festive time of year, Christmas Safety needs to be foremost in our minds. It is easy to get so wrapped up (if you’ll pardon the pun!) in the celebrations, we may miss the dangers to our dogs.

Of course, we all want to enjoy ourselves, but Christmas Safety has to come first. An emergency trip to the vets is certainly not what any of us want. If this is your puppy’s first Christmas, then they are likely to be over excited and possibly confused by all the goings-on.

This is not intended to be a comprehensive list, but here our Top 20 Christmas Safety tips you should be looking out for:

• Fairy Lights
  At just that chewable height! Can cause electric shock if chewed when switched on.
• Batteries
  Plenty around at this time of year. If eaten can cause burns and/or poisoning.
• Silica Gel Packets
  Found in many presents. Can cause blockages in the digestive tract.
• Onions
  At any time of year, of course. Can cause stomach irritation, red blood cell damage and anaemia.
• Glass Baubles
  Tempting toys just at the right height. Can be easily broken and can cause cuts – internally and externally.
• Cooked Bones
  Not just from the turkey. These become brittle and splinter, causing internal damage.
• Blue Cheese
  Another Christmas luxury. The mould contains Roquefortine C, which dogs are sensitive to.
• Alcohol
  Easily spilt, especially when flowing and friends are around. Can cause breathing difficulties. If a large amount is consumed, can even put your dog in a coma.
• Artificial Sweeteners
  Far from healthy. Can lead to fatal hypoglycaemia, acute liver disease and blood clotting. Warning – chewing gum contains this. Definitely get to the vets ASAP.
• Toys with small parts
  With children around, this is a real danger. These toys can get stuck in the throat or intestines and may need surgery to extract them.
• Chocolate
  Another Festive Speciality, but poisonous to dogs.
• Poinsettia, Mistletoe, Ivy & Lily
  Decorative plants and foliage look nice and make your home Christmassy. However, they are toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, drooling and diarrhoea.
• Potpourri
  Makes home smell nice, but not great if consumed by dogs. Can cause serious gastrointestinal problems which can last several days.
• Grapes and Raisins
  Around all year, these are common ingredients in Festive Fayre. Highly poisonous to dogs, so keep your pets well away from your Mince Pies and Christmas Pud.
• Christmas Tree Needles
  Real or synthetic, both present dangers if consumed. Can upset the stomach, cause cuts in the mouth or intestines and could need surgery.
• Wrapping Paper
  Plenty of this around at this time of year. Biggest problem is if your dog decides to eat it, as it could cause a blockage that requires surgery to remove.
• Macadamia Nuts
  Another Festive treat that you need to keep away from dogs. Can cause weakness, tremors, vomiting and hypothermia within 12 hours of consumption.
• Tinsel
  Pretty to look at, but not for eating! Can give your dog an upset stomach and get caught in the intestines causing serious damage.
• Mouldy Foods
  Who doesn’t have leftovers at this time of year? Not great for humans, but any bugs can also make your dog “proper poorly” too.
• Salt Dough Ornaments
  A children’s favourite. But the salt content can cause your dog to vomit or give them diarrhoea or even seizures if they eat them.

These are just some of our Christmas Safety suggestions. There are, of course, other hazards. Be watchful and if you have the slightest concern, contact your vet. For further reading, follow this link to the PDSA website.

As with children’s Christmas presents, it is important to make sure any present you buy your pet is safe. Sadly, there is no requirement for dog toys to be CE marked. So, if you are buying toys, make sure they are from a reputable manufacturer and ALWAYS check the toy before giving it to them. In addition, make sure you supervise them whilst they are playing. It can be all too easy for them to rip the stuffing out and start eating it!

Be wary of buying any dog toys that contain batteries. See above – if they manage to get the battery out and ingest it, this can be extremely nasty.

We are very careful what toys we stock. No toy can be guaranteed indestructible – some dogs seem capable of destroying even the toughest toy. Curiously, we have come across one known power chewer who has made a toy last for ages, whereas another less destructive dog destroyed a similar toy in seconds!

Your Christmas Safety plan needs to make sure that your dog doesn’t feel left out! They will still need their walkies and attention during the day. If you’ve got family around that you haven’t seen for a long time, make sure they are involved with your pet too.

Normally quiet households can be particularly “busy” at this time of year and this can be very unsettling for your dog. So make sure you give them extra attention and reassurance. Make sure they have somewhere to go where they feel safe. A LickiMat, loaded with your dog’s favourite treat can help them relax and destress. Or, pour some Furr Boost onto a LickiMat and freeze it for a super relaxing treat!

We hope you have found our Christmas Safety tips helpful. We at The Doggie Boat want you to enjoy a peaceful and worry free Christmas.

We see them in many pet shops. Roasted Beef Bones of all sizes. But are they good for our dogs?

We don’t think so! Let’s face it, a dog’s natural diet is raw, so why would we want to cook them in the first place?

Because dogs have become domesticated, they have become part of the family. How many of us are tempted to give them food off our own plate? Some dogs main diet is our food scraps and left overs. And, as dogs eat bones, there is also the temptation to give them the bone as a treat after we’ve carved the meat off it.

The trouble is, once a bone has been cooked, it is far more likely to break, crack and/or splinter. This is when it can get caught in the throat, or even further inside the dog, not only causing discomfort or pain, but even result in an expensive vet bill to remove the offending piece(s) of bone and repair the damage, or worse

Raw vs Cooked

and food-borne diseases. Yes, there are risks with raw, but these are minimal. Remember, dogs in the wild would be eating a raw diet!

Raw food is an excellent source of the vitamins and minerals our dogs need. The cooking process starts to destroy these, making the nutritional value less effective. But, if you are concerned that the Beef Bones (or any other bones, for that matter) you give your pooch could cause issues either cooked or raw, then what’s the answer?

Air Dried Bones

Well, there is an alternative.

Air Dried. Pasteurised, if you like. It’s the best of both worlds. They are not cooked, so they do not suffer the splintering or cracking problems. Neither do they suffer the associated deterioration in vitamins and minerals.

But, they are not raw either. So they retain the vitamin and mineral content without the risk of bad bacteria causing food-borne diseases.

Another advantage in being Air Dried means that they don’t go off! Looked after, there can be many hours of chewing delight for your dog in a Beef Bone.

Our boys thoroughly enjoy a good chew on these, particularly after their main meal. For them, it seems they are “doggie dessert”!

Roasted Bones

Our personal experience of roasted beef bones is that they are messy, smelly and greasy. Not only unpleasant to handle, they can leave greasy marks on your furniture and carpets. Yuck! They can also cause stomach upsets and diarrhoea. Yuck again! And, with the very real and ever-present danger of splinters causing injury to your best friend, we believe you should steer well clear.

Anal Glands

OK. Not the nicest of subjects. But if your vet frequently has to clear out your dog’s anal glands, then an air-dried bone could be the best – and most natural – answer.

Looking after your Beef Bones

We stock the JR Beef Bones. This is the foot, otherwise known as the Beef Shank. They come with a little bit of meat on them – something really tasty to get your pooch going. When we are selling canal-side, a good many canine noses start heading towards the bone display!

When you’ve bought your Beef Bones, the first thing to remember is don’t put them in the fridge. There’s no need. Simply unwrap when ready and give to your dog, who will doubtless be delighted!

Please note that the amount of meat content will vary as these are natural products. This will probably result in slightly loose poos after the very initial session or two with one of these bones, but this is normal. It is often better to restrict gnawing time at this stage.

Once they have got all the meat off and are down to the bone, then they will really start chewing. This action is a natural teeth cleaner! The chances are that they will get the knuckles off in either one or two separate pieces. These are also great to chew on. At this stage, you should find that their poos firm up and this is what really helps the anal glands in the way that nature intended.

The photograph shows some Air Dried Beef Bones after some rigorous chewing! On the left is the knuckle bone, which has been chewed off. Centre and right are the shanks at various stages. As you can see, they are very clean, with no signs of splintering. The knuckle and smaller shank have been on the go for about 4 months. They are chewed daily by our two, demonstrating how long-lasting they can be.

Safety First

The key thing is NEVER to give your dog cooked or roasted beef bones. Or, indeed, ANY bone that’s been cooked in any way, even if it is sold as a dog chew.

Raw bones, fresh from a trusted butcher, are fine, but should be given to your pet immediately. It should be kept in the fridge when not being chewed and disposed of after a couple of days.

Air Dried Bones, such as the JR Beef Bones or JR Ostrich Bones, are perfect. They can be kept on the go for several months, but do not be tempted to fill or coat them with anything as this will make them go off! Your dog will enjoy a good gnaw on these – often as a stress reliever or a relaxation after a meal. They are great for cleaning teeth and, as we’ve mentioned above, they help bulk up their poo, thus reducing the risk of anal gland problems.
Do not store air dried bones in the fridge – simply keep in your dog’s toy box or other safe, dry storage location.

Always supervise your dog when you give them any type of chew and inspect it both before and after to make sure that there are no bits which may pose a risk. Once the bone gets small enough to be swallowed whole, it could pose a risk of choking, so then is the time to replace it with a new one!

You may wish to restrict the length of time your dog is allowed with a bone in any one sitting if they are a real power chewer.

If your dog has any food sensitivities, then always check with your vet before giving them any new foods, chews or bones.

Alternatives

You may wish to consider Chicken Feet as a healthy alternative to a big bone. Perfect as a high-value reward and great for dogs who are not so interested in bigger bones. Air Dried not cooked, they are perfectly safe.  Good for helping to clean teeth, and they are also a great source of glucosamine – perfect for keeping your dog’s joints healthy.

We also stock a variety of alternative bone-based chews, including Ostrich Metatarsus Bones, Ostrich Toes, etc. Take a browse through our Chews and Bones shopping aisle for more ideas!

The bottom line is: avoid roasted beef bones.

We all want what’s best for our pets. Dogs love to chew, so what better than to give them something to chew on?

Popular opinion suggests that Rawhide Chews are downright dangerous, that they are full of chemical nasties due to the processes involved in their manufacture.

We at The Doggie Boat have done extensive research on this and can find very little substantive documentation to support these theories and reports. On their website The American Kennel Club states:

“Rawhide chews are made from the leather industry’s leftovers. Most hides are taken directly from the kill floors at slaughterhouses and placed into high-salt brines, which helps slow their decay. Most rawhide chews are manufactured in China, and it can take weeks to months before these brined hides actually make it to the tanneries for their final manufacture. Once the hide arrives at a tannery, it is soaked and treated with lime to help separate the fat from the skin, the hair is removed by chemical and physical efforts, and the hide is rinsed again. Unfortunately, the salt brines cannot prevent decay, no matter how long they delay it. It is best to fully rinse a rawhide in water prior to giving it to your dog.”

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/are-rawhide-chews-dangerous-for-dog/.

There is, however, a report by British vet Dr Pippa Elliott, which makes uncomfortable reading:

“Rawhide does not dissolve in a dog’s stomach — in fact, it swells up. So make sure you know about the dangers of rawhide chews before giving your dog one.”

She goes on to say:

“Here’s a question for you that may help illustrate the dangers of rawhide chews: How digestible is shoe leather?

Answer: Not very.

So is it a surprise to learn that rawhide is arguably even less digestible?

Plus, rawhide goes through more bleaching processes and is soaked in more chemicals than shoe leather.

All of which makes it even more surprising that rawhide chews are such popular treats for dogs. But the dangers of rawhide chews don’t stop there. The dangers to pets also include:

• Choking
• Gut obstruction
• Food poisoning (for both pets and people)
• Infection
• The ingestion of toxic chemicals

If you regularly give your dog rawhide chews, then you may want to reconsider that decision.”

Dr Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS, is a veterinarian with nearly 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. Dr Elliott earned her Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery from the University of Glasgow. She was also designated a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Married with 2 grown-up kids, Dr. Elliott has a naughty Puggle named Poggle, 3 cats and a bearded dragon.

We do know that a lot of popular dog treats and even dog foods that claim to be “best for your dog” and “healthy” are actually far from it. So it’s not just Rawhide Chews that are the problem. Even many of the well-known brands of dog food are the equivalent of giving your pet McDonalds every day! Take a look at All About Dog Food – and prepare to be shocked!

Click here to read about Dog Foods.

Click here to read about Dog Treats.

As the definitive proof may not be as readily available as perhaps it should be, do Rawhide Chews deserve the bad press they have been getting? Well, we believe so.

Even this American website, “Dog Chews Rawhide“, which is trying to extol the virtues of American Rawhide Chews is enough to send shivers up your spine!

“The first step in making rawhide chews is transportation of animal’s hide to processing plants where it is split, washed with degreasers and detergents, and cleaned. The completely clean rawhide is then sterilized in hydrogen peroxide at the required temperature for the required amount of time. This also has a desired side effect of making the rawhide the yellow-white color you are familiar with.”

Our personal experience is supported by Dr Pippa Elliott’s view. Tracey’s Guide Dog Oakley, a dog generally with a “stomach of steel” and “JCB jaws” really struggled to chew Rawhide treats in the initial stages because it turned slimy and gooey. Then, being a greedy Labrador he would bite off big chunks and try to swallow them.

He would gag in the process. Very often he would succeed in semi-swallowing them, resulting in him gagging and bringing it back up. Any that was swallowed was passed through (eventually) undigested. Often upsetting him on the way. We soon learned our lesson and stopped giving them to him.

So what is a Healthy Chew?

Here at The Doggie Boat we choose what Dog Treats we stock very carefully. Originally we started by stocking JR Pet Products treats – and, indeed, these are still the mainstay of our range. However, we have also added products from Green & Wild as well as Betty Miller.

Our main alternatives to Rawhide Chews are the JR Bull Pizzles, Braided Lamb or Ostrich, Venison Tendons and Buffalo Skin. There are plenty more to chose from in our Chews and Bones section.

These are just pure product, which have not undergone any chemical treatment of any sort, that are then naturally Air Dried. Not baked or cooked.

Unlike Rawhide Chews, there are no added flavours and nothing is done to them to colour them in any way. They are just pure, natural air-dried, fully digestible meat treats.

If you want to give your dog something more substantial, then there is, of course, the Ostrich Bone. Pure bone. Air Dried. So it doesn’t splinter into anything harmful like the roasted bones that are available. And again, they are fully digestible.

For something different, if your dog really loves to chew, then the Green & Wild’s Olivewood Chews and Chew Roots hit the spot. They really satisfy the gnawing instincts that most dogs have, but safely. These woods are chosen carefully as they do not splinter into harmful or dangerous spikes that can get stuck in a dog’s mouth, throat or even stomach or intestines. Indeed, they just break down into fine crumbs, which pass through the digestive system safely.

We don’t stock Antlers, as there are too many reports of dogs breaking their teeth on them because they are too hard. However, we do stock Buffalo Horns, which we are assured are less risky for a dog to chew on. They also have the advantage that, being hollow, they can be stuffed!

Don’t be taken in by Fancy Packaging!

It’s that time of year where the brightly coloured, festive looking dog treats appear on the shelves. Like other Christmas packaging, they are there to tempt you to part with your money.

Pet Shops and Supermarkets know that this is the time of year when people are more susceptible to spending money on things that LOOK good rather than the things that ARE good.

Many people will have a new puppy for Christmas. Friends will want to buy their friends’ dogs presents. The time is ripe for the fancy packaging, which is often poorly labelled, to tempt you into buying something that is not good for the dog.

So, before you buy, take a look at the ingredients list. It may be hard to find, sometimes. The harder it is to find, the less likely the product is to be suitable. Look out for added sugars, colourants and flavourings. And as for those Rawhide Chews? Our advice is leave them on the shelves and buy something that is definitely healthy. Your dog deserves it!

100% pure air-dried Ostrich thigh bone. Nothing added. Nothing (apart from moisture) taken away.

Long lasting ~ super healthy ~ teeth cleaning ~ highly digestible ~ super-low fat ~ hypoallergenic ~ safe crunchy munchy treat for dogs.

Ostrich is one of the ‘novel proteins’ recommended for dogs. This means that it is a protein not found in their usual food. Most dog foods are based around chicken and/or beef, or, in many cases ‘animal derivatives’ (let’s not go into detail on that very controversial subject – but basically, it usually means that the pet food is made from all the dodgy bits leftover after all the edibles have been removed by the normal butchery processes). Dogs can develop sensitivities and allergies to these regular proteins, leading to digestive problems, skin conditions and other issues.

Our Ostrich Bones are pure and simple; air dried responsibly sourced thigh bone of an Ostrich – just dried. That is it! Pure, clean, healthy, natural gnawing satisfaction for your faithful hound.

The structure of Ostrich Bones is unlike marrowbones such as the beef ones we might get from a butcher. Instead of gooey marrow inside, the ostrich bone has a hollow honeycomb centre. The bone itself does not splinter or break into sharp shards at all. As the dog gnaws on it, it crumbles into completely safe and highly digestible grit-like particles. No smell, no grease, no goo, no going ‘off’. It will last as long as your dog takes to munch through it, and you can safely allow him/her to munch down to the very last morsel.

The gnawing action on Ostrich Bones that a dog loves is perfect for cleaning teeth. It naturally removes plaque and tartar and helps to keep teeth and gums healthy and breath fresh. As it goes through the digestive system, it also naturally cleanses the intestines and bulks out the poop in a natural and very beneficial way. (Sorry to raise this subject but it is so important in doggieworld!). The bulking and firming of the faeces has the necessary effect of squeezing the anal glands as your dog passes poop, thus relieving impacted glands and so avoiding the need for that very unpleasant procedure from the vet or groomer.

As with any treat, it is important to supervise your dog whilst munching. Most dogs will find these bones a good long-lasting and very satisfying chew. Of course, every dog is different and there will always be the super-power-chewers who manage to devour a bone in record time. However, the Ostrich Bones should still have all the other benefits – just not so long-lasting for these individuals. You may also wish to restrict the length of time your dog has access to the bone in order to make it last a bit longer!

You can buy one (or more!) of these super healthy Ostrich Bones from our shop by clicking here. They are also available in our Bumper Box deals, which include other items from our Ostrich range. Note, the Ostrich Metatarsus Bone is a tougher bone that does not have the honeycomb centre. The Ostrich Knuckle is the joint part of the bone which again doesn’t have the honeycomb centre.

For a little bit more independent reading on giving bones to dogs, see this article.

Ozzie’s Opinion

“I is doing my very bestest to devour this yummy scrummy munchybone. I has been working hard on it every day for nearly 6 weeks and it’s still going strong. I might be only a little wooflet, but I has powerful gnashers and I takes my gnawing very seriously. I WILL defeat this bone but it’s going to take a bit more hard work yet. That’s not a complaint; I loves my job as Chief Product Tester. It’s a tough job but it has to be done!”