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Greenies Puzzle: Insights and Safety Scoops!
Welcome to our deep dive into the Greenies controversya tale of pet health, dental treats, and the lengths to which companies and pet owners go to ensure the safety of our furry friends.
The Chew on Greenies: A Timeline of Concerns
2006: The FDA Sniffs Around
Reports emerge of pets facing intestinal blockages after munching on Greenies. The FDA steps in to investigate, turning the pet worlds attention to the potential dangers lurking in dental treats.
Post-Outcry: A Label Makeover
In response to public concern and adverse events, S&M NuTec revamps Greenies packaging to include warnings. Its a step towards transparency, but does it address the root of the issue?
The Present Chew: Still a Hard Pill to Swallow?
Recent online chatter suggests some Greenies batches could double as doggy dental destroyers due to their hardness. Are your pets pearly whites at risk?
Mars Inc. Bites Back
Mars, the current custodians of Greenies, have reformulated the treats to enhance safety and digestibility. They claim these new Greenies break down quicker, aiming to reduce the scare of blockages.
Navigating the Treat Aisle: Your Guide to Pet Dental Health
1. Understanding the Treats: Labels & Ingredients
Do Your Homework: Always read and understand the labels. If the ingredient list reads like a chemical warehouse inventory, think twice.
Real Meat, Real Benefits?: Look for treats with recognizable, quality ingredients.
2. The Hard Truth: Assessing Treat Safety
Bite Test: If the treat feels like it could break a window, its probably not ideal for your dog.
Dissolve Dilemma: Drop a piece in water. Does it soften or remain as impenetrable as a mystery novels plot twist?
3. Every Dog Has Its Day: Know Your Pet
Size Matters: A treat suitable for a Great Dane might not be the best pick for a Chihuahua.
Age and Dental Health: Senior dogs or those with dental issues might require softer options.
4. Supervised Snacking: A Safety Net
Eyes on the Prize: Always supervise your pets when theyre enjoying a treat. Its not just about choking hazards; its about ensuring theyre chewing properly.
5. The Alternatives: Exploring Other Options
Plant-Based Pleasures: Consider safer, softer alternatives. Vegetables like carrot sticks can be a great choice for some dogs.
DIY Delights: Homemade treats can be tailored to your pets needs and are a fun way to ensure their safety and health.
Final Thoughts: Chew on This
While Mars Inc. has taken steps to mitigate the risks associated with Greenies, skepticism among pet owners remainsa testament to the enduring bond we share with our pets and our relentless pursuit of their health and happiness. Remember, no two pets are alike; whats a treat for one could be trouble for another. Always prioritize your pets health, consult with a vet, and keep those tails wagging safely.
Q: Dr. McTailwagger, theres been a lot of bark about dental treats. Can you shed some light on how important dental health is for pets?
A: Absolutely! Imagine if you skipped brushing your teeth for a week, let alone a lifetime. The thought alone sends shivers down your spine, right? Our pets face similar challenges. Dental health in pets is not just about fresh breath or avoiding yellow teeth; its a cornerstone of their overall health. Poor dental hygiene can lead to periodontal disease, which can spread bacteria into the bloodstream, affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys. Its not just about avoiding a toothache; its about ensuring a happy, healthy life for our furry companions.
Q: With concerns around certain dental treats, what should pet owners look for when selecting a treat for dental health?
A: Great question! The key is balance. You want a treat thats hard enough to assist in scraping away plaque but not so hard that it risks damaging teeth or causing digestive issues. Look for products with a Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal. This indicates the treat has been tested and proven to reduce plaque or tartar. Ingredients matter, too. Natural ingredients with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, like coconut oil or turmeric, can provide additional health benefits.
Q: Are there any signs that a treat might not be suitable for a pet?
A: Definitely. First off, observe your pets reaction. If theyre struggling to chew or show disinterest, it might not be the right fit. Signs of gastrointestinal discomfort post-snacking, like vomiting or unusual stool, can also be red flags. And, of course, any changes in dental healthsuch as new chips or cracks in the teethwarrant a second look at their chewables.
Q: Theres a lot of DIY pet treat recipes out there. Any advice for pet owners looking to go the homemade route?
A: DIY treats can be a fantastic way to control what goes into your pets diet and cater to their specific health needs. The golden rule is simplicity. Start with a few basic ingredients known to be safe and healthy for pets, like pumpkin, sweet potato, or lean meats. Avoid anything toxic to pets, such as onions, grapes, and chocolate, and keep an eye on calorie intake. Creativity is your friend, but so is caution; always research an ingredient if youre unsure about its safety.
Q: With a myriad of dental care products on the market, how can pet owners make educated choices?
A: The pet care aisle can indeed feel like a jungle, teeming with products all claiming to be the best. The first step is to look beyond the packaging. Products endorsed by reputable veterinary organizations or those that have undergone scientific scrutiny stand out from the crowd. Ingredients are the heart of any product. Opt for treats with simple, recognizable components that contribute to dental health, such as parsley or mint for fresh breath, and avoid those laden with fillers or artificial sweeteners. Finally, remember that variety is the spice of lifeeven in dental care. Rotating between different types of dental care products can prevent boredom and address various aspects of dental health.
Q: Can the same dental treat work for every pet?
A: Just like humans, pets have individual needs and preferences that can make the idea of a universal solution quite far-fetched. The size and breed of your pet can significantly influence the suitability of a dental treat. Larger breeds might make quick work of treats meant for smaller mouths, deriving little dental benefit. Conversely, smaller pets might find larger treats daunting or even hazardous. Additionally, pets with specific health issues, like diabetes, require treats that cater to their dietary needs. Tailoring your choice of dental treat to your pets unique requirements is not just beneficialits essential.
Q: How does a pets overall diet affect their dental health?
A: Diet plays a pivotal role in dental health, wielding the power to either defend against or contribute to dental issues. Dry food, often touted for its dental benefits due to its abrasive texture, can help reduce plaque buildup. However, its crucial to balance this with the nutritional completeness of your pets diet. Foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and specifically those that promote dental health, such as foods containing calcium and phosphorus, can strengthen teeth and bones. Conversely, a diet high in sugary treats or carbohydrates can foster an environment ripe for dental decay and gum disease. Integrating raw bones or special dental diets can also contribute positively to oral hygiene, provided they are used judiciously and under veterinary guidance.
Q: In light of ongoing concerns about certain dental treats, what final advice would you offer pet owners?
A: Vigilance and education are your best allies. While its easy to get swayed by trends or swamped by the sea of available information, returning to the basicsquality ingredients, appropriate sizing, and vet recommendationscan guide you through making safe choices for your pet. Engaging with a community of pet owners, whether through forums, social media, or local pet groups, can also offer real-world insights and support. Most importantly, never underestimate the value of regular veterinary check-ups. A professionals perspective can not only help tailor your pets dental care routine but also catch potential health issues before they escalate. In the realm of pet dental health, proactive, informed care is the beacon that guides the way to wellbeing.
HELP US PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE
Greenies Dog Chews
Claim: Greenies brand dental chews pose a general danger to dogs.
Example: [Collected on the Internet, 2005]
I have a warning to pass on with a story to tell of my own.....
On the way back from the Dobe National this year, I was walking one of the dogs at the airport waiting for the owner to return our rental car when the dog decided to throw up.... I was shocked to see a mass of green rubber-like material and immediately called the owner. The mass looked like something you would see in the pad under a carpet. I was assured the dog did not shred anything... and that the only thing the dog had been given to eat recently was a "Greenie"...one of those formed green dog treats that look like a toothbrush..... I couldn't believe one of those pressed dog treats would reconstitute into what looked like a mass of foam rubber pieces!
Well, after getting home my friend did an experiment....cut up one of those things and soaked it in water overnight... low and behold a mass of foam rubber crap! Certainly NOT digestible! We both made a note to never feed those things again... and then last night in the Seattle area the newscast did a piece on...you guessed it GREENIES! A whole story about how dogs are DYING from blockages after eating those stupid things! Here is a link to the article.... turns out they are NOT 100% digestible....DUH!
SO PLEASE pass this info on....permission to cross post!!
Origins: Greenies are a brand of green, toothbrush-shaped dog treats developed to keep dogs' teeth and gums healthy and control "doggie breath." Dogs have to do a lot of chewing to get through one of the biscuits, which helps to keep
their teeth clean and control tartar, and the ingredients are touted as providing better nutrition and bad breath control than other alternatives (such as rawhide chews).
In
S&M NuTec, the company that produces Greenies, furnished us a copy of the complete statement they sent to
Our Commitment to Healthy Pets
Our company was founded and is staffed by people who are deeply passionate about pets and their welfare. In fact, my wife, Judy, and I developed Greenies to solve our own dog Ivan's problem with bad breath. Ivan had kidney problems from birth and we did not want him subjected to anesthesia to have his teeth cleaned. Toothbrushing, as many dog owners will agree, was simply not a practical solution. Greenies not only cleaned his teeth, but freshened his breath as well. Since its introduction, Greenies have helped clean teeth and freshen breath for millions of dogs all over the world.
Doggie breath, along with many health problems in pets, can be avoided with proper dental care. Our product is proven to promote healthy teeth and gums. Also, Greenies reduces the need for teeth cleaning via sedation, which carries its own unique risks and is quite costly.
Greenies were the first dog treat in the world to earn the Veterinary Oral Health Council's Seal of Acceptance for both plaque and tartar reduction. The VOHC website states that the cause of gum disease is the same in dogs as it is in people. Gum disease is an infection resulting from build up of soft dental plaque on the surfaces of the teeth around the gums. If allowed to accumulate, the bacteria in plaque irritate the gum tissue which often leads to infection in the bone surrounding the teeth. Tartar (calculus) consists of calcium salts from saliva deposited on plaque. Tartar starts to form within a few days on a tooth surface that is not kept clean.
Untreated, the gums become irritated, leading to bleeding and oral pain. The roots may become so severely affected that some teeth become loose and fall out. Bacteria surrounding the roots gain access to the blood stream. Research studies have shown that dogs with severe periodontal disease have more severe microscopic damage in their kidneys, heart muscle and liver than do dogs with less severe periodontal disease.
VOHC.org also states that the key to management of gum disease is prevention of tartar and plaque build up that can result in gingivitis and periodontal disease. As long as the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned frequently, the gums will stay healthy. Excellent oral health is maintained by daily oral hygiene, whether by brushing or by chewing. Daily use of products that have been awarded the VOHC Seal such as Greenies will help to keep your pet's teeth clean and the gum tissues and bone around the roots healthy.
The digestibility testing that we have with Greenies show them to be about 85% digestible when adequately chewed more digestible than the average dry dog food. The primary ingredient in Greenies is wheat gluten, which is very digestible. If a dog swallows a large piece of Greenies, or a whole treat, the digestion process will be extended because of the decrease of treat surface area to digestive liquids and stomach action. This would be similar if a dog swallowed a large piece of meat or vegetable.
Our Priority to Educate Pet Owners About Smart Treating
It is very important for pet owners to read the labels on any food or treat they feed, and follow the feeding guidelines. We suggest that pet owners monitor their dogs when feeding any food or treat. Our feeding directions can be found on our packaging and on our web site. The directions instruct dog owners to provide the correct size Greenies for the weight category of their dog.
Greenies are not appropriate for all dogs. The feeding directions state that Greenies should not be fed to dogs less than six months old, dogs less than five pounds, and dogs who gulp food and treats. We offer an alternative called Greenies
Our Responsibility to our Customers
This summer we were concerned when we learned about Matthew Balkman's dog, Beau. We completed a thorough investigation, including having our technical services veterinarian review Beau's medical file and speak with his veterinarian. Unfortunately, Beau, a Bernese Mountain Dog, ingested a large chunk of our product without sufficiently chewing it. Beau's veterinarian successfully removed the piece and we hope Beau has recovered well from his surgery.
In September, we were extremely saddened to hear about the death of Gilbert Wright's dog. We replied to his
Millions of Greenies are sold, and enjoyed by dogs, every week, without incident. I personally feed Greenies to my dog, Max, every day. My children feed Greenies to their dogs. Our employees feed Greenies to their dogs. We receive testimonials from thousands of pet owners who love our product, and we receive story after story of how our product has saved their dogs' life by improving their oral health.
We are a responsible company, we love pets, and we continue to educate consumers on the benefits of treating your pets to smart products with healthy benefits, as well as the importance of feeding as directed.
Joe RoetheliCEO of S&M NuTec LLC (manufacturers of Greenies)
