The AHD team has vigilantly shared content about treats and chews, especially when it comes to the calories these mostly non-essential products add to an already overweight pet population <Link>. Discussing chews specifically, Laura Gaylord DVM, DACVIM, and Donna Raditic DVM, DACVIM, CVA, share an overview of the three types of chews and potential benefits and risks when pet owners provide chews to their dogs.
Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice, January/February 2024. Link.
INSIGHTS: Drs. Gaylord and Raditic are correct when saying veterinarians should advise clients to purchase chew treats for dogs from reputable companies only. Realistically, the proactive discussion of chew treats is likely rare and comes only if the veterinary team is proactively inquiring about a dog’s lifestyle, nutrition and any regularly used toys or treats or, more likely, dealing with a gastric issue. In our experiences, chews and treats are frequently end-cap items intended to be bought at point of service, not as a strategic decision made by the pet owner.