Dog Bones, Pet Supplies, and Treats

One of the most fun parts of shopping for pet supplies is buying dog bones, treats and toys. Every pet owner knows they joy they bring to their pet when they are rewarded with their favorite treat or a fun, new toy.
Petbones.com is an informational site created to provide pet owners with information on dog bones, treats, pet supplies and toys. This site does not endorse any one brand or product.

Treats are a major part of pet supplies. Not only are they for training and reward, but they are also a way to show our pets love. For training, treats help positively reinforce good behavior and discourage unwanted actions. Professional dog trainers use soft, extra tasty treats like dog jerky to give dogs incentive to obey.

Treats can also be used for dental hygiene. Certain chew “bones” are made from healthy ingredients that take a long time to chew, giving the dog’s tooth surface and gums stimulation. These dental bones also clean the dog’s teeth and help break down plaque and tartar build up.

Toys and treats can also be used to ease anxiety sometimes brought on by the absence of the owner. Giving a nervous dog a special toy or engaging treat helps distract the dog while the owner is away. For extra effectiveness keep the toy among items that smell like the owner to provide a comforting reminder.

If “just because” is the reason the dog is receiving a treat, moderation should be practiced. The dog should not be taught that he can just ask or beg for treats whenever he wants them. Toys should also be handled the same way. Keep toys out of reach until the owner is ready to initiate playtime, this not only makes playtime and toys rewards but also will prevent raising a one-track, “ball-minded” dog. (Wanna play ball, wanna play ball, wanna play ball- can be heard in their doggy minds!)

When selecting treats for pets it’s best to go to a pet supply store as opposed to the grocery store. Food quality is important especially when it comes to fatty treats. Grocery store treats are often more like junk food for the dog. With the exception of dental bones, the treat’s first listed ingredient should be a named source of meat- like beef or chicken, not animal by-products.

Dental bones or chews are not actually bones. They are made from extra dense corn starch or plant cellulose. Real animal bones or hooves should never be given to a dog because they can cause internal lacerations and digestive blockages. Smaller bones like chicken bones should especially not be given to dogs because they pose a very serious risk of choking.

Other animal based treats like rawhide and pig ears are also questionable. Both are normally treated with chemicals that can potentially be harmful. Natural raw hides are better, but the treatment of the cattle or animal used to make the rawhide should be considered. Pig ears are fatty and can lead to a buildup of plaque on the walls of the dog’s arteries, leading to heart disease.

Toys are a great way to reward a dog without having to worry about nutritional content. Toys should be inspected to make sure the materials are safe and no parts can come loose and be choked on. Balls are a tried and true standby for dogs. Fetch is one of a dog’s favorite games because it simulates the hunting and retrieving experience that dogs naturally crave.

Tug toys are also a favorite among dogs; tug can be played between dogs or with the owner. Tugging simulates the dismantling of prey by the pack once it has been captured. Tug helps develop strong neck and jaw muscles critical for survival in the wild. Tug toys usually consist of a rope with a handle or chew toy on both ends.

For the ultimate in stimulation the treat-toy combo can’t be beat. These toys have holes or slots to stick a treat. The dog not only gets to chase the toy but also gets mental stimulation by trying to figure out how to remove the treat.

Toys, treats and dog bones are the best part of shopping for pet supplies. Giving the dog his reward is even more gratifying. Because of the joy in treating our pets, petbones.com is dedicated to providing updated information on the subject, so check back often for new information!

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