The Organic Pet Newsletter, Volume 25

Greenies Linked to Pet Deaths! 

Every loving pet owner only wants the best for their dog. That ought to mean natural treats and food, right? Granted, treats containing natural ingredients are a better option than processed food, but there are natural ingredients out there that are not necessarily healthy for your dog. 

Greenies are a popular dog chew that are comprised primarily of natural ingredients, but contain a potentially dangerous one in gluten. How can an ingredient found in oats, wheat, barley and other natural grains be harmful? Gluten is a glue-like substance responsible for holding many foods together and can be extremely hard to digest. In Greenies chews, wheat gluten acts like cement and can swell in a dog's throat causing them to choke if it is not chewed properly. 

Even if a dog chews the treat completely, there is still a risk of indigestion. A veterinarian treating a sick dog in Denver removed an entire Greenie from the dog's stomach. If gluten is not properly digested, it can damage the lining of the intestines which can lead to further digestion problems, as well as a damaged immune system. According to practicing physician, Mark Hyman, eating gluten has been linked to many diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, anemia, cancer, canker sores, arthritis, and some autoimmune diseases. 

Listed below are our top Selling Safe Dental Chews!

Bully Sticks are dog chews made using only free-range grass fed cattle. They promote healthy teeth and gums as well with their unique design. These chews are completely digestible, making them completely safe for your dog.

Himalayan Dog Chews are comprised of yak milk, cow milk, salt and lime juice. The completely natural chew will last hours, providing your dog with long lasting healthy entertainment. Because the treat breaks down so slowly in small amounts, it is very easy to digest.

Zuke's Z Bones are another gluten-free dog chew made from completely natural ingredients like Tapioca, Apple, Spinach, Parsley, and Vanilla Extract. Z Bones come in a variety of sizes for different dogs and are an extremely healthy option for your pet.