Hooves?

[Serendipity]

Do you guys recommend cow hooves as dog chews? I saw some from Merrick at a pet supply store, but I wasn't so sure about them. I currently give my dog elk antlers and non-edible Nylabones to chew on. Should cow hooves be avoided like all cooked bones on the market? Or are they okay?

[catahoulamom]

Some people will say they are perfectly fine, and I used to give them to my dogs all the time, but for very strong chewers, they can splinter. My coworker's dog got a wicked infection from having a piece stuck in-between her teeth. I stay away from them because I have big dogs and they can break pieces off of the hooves. I'm not sure if they would be safer for a small dog or not. Antlers are a great substitute. :) Better be safe than sorry.

[CavePaws]

Like Julie said, I think they would be a more appropriate chew for a really small dog who has a delicate chewing style. My dogs who are very labby are pretty powerful chewers, I don't think a cow hoof would last long at all. I agree the antlers are a much better option and I'm thinking about ordering some now that you've reminded me. If it's for your golden in the avatar, I'd probably avoid them.

[naturalfeddogs]

Mine get hoof clippings from our horses when they get their feet trimmed and they love them. I have never given cow hooves, but I would think they would last and dogs would love them.

[Mia]

Nope, I do deer hooves mostly because they are easier to get for me. But cow, I'd be concerned.

[RustyStickers]

I bought antlers for my 2 Bassets. I got them from a reputable vendor at a dog show. They were quite $$ and my dogs loved them the first day and then never looked at them again. I gave them to a friend for her German Shepherd. He didn't like them either?

[beaglesmom]

I occasionally buy cow hooves for my beagles - they all love them - and they last a long time. They seem to get the "chewing" exercise they need and last a lot longer than some of the other "chewies" I've bought for the kids. The "baby", Lily, especially enjoys them - and will carry them around and play with them. Our local Grange carries them.

[Lisa_j]

I use to give them but my mastiffs have swallowed them whole before, and then throw them up. My smaller dogs would love them but I don't chance it because the large breed will eventually get a hold of them.

[Maxy24]

We got Tucker one that he loved but it smelled so terrible we had to throw it out.

[ArnelJones]

Well it can be used as a good diet and i have seen many people have been using it for the dogs diet.