The Amazing Benefits of Furry Dog Treats: Natural Deworming and Gut Health
You may have noticed that we have a few different furry dog treats available—in fact, they have their own Collection Here — and wondered why anyone would feed their dog something covered in hair.
Now, we know that these furry chews might not look the most appetizing to us humans, but did you know that these treats actually come with some amazing, scientifically-backed health benefits? They mimic what canines eat in the wild, providing superior digestive and dental hygiene.
Natural Deworming & Digestive Benefits of Furry Dog Treats
Furry treats are fantastic for your dog's digestion because the hair on the treats doesn't break down in your dog's stomach. Instead, as it moves through their digestive system, it acts like a natural scrub brush or a fibre-based pipe cleaner.
This brushing action helps to physically collect and clear out any built-up, undigested food and residue from the intestinal tract. This cleansing action allows for better nutrient absorption, meaning your pup can get more from their regular food, leading to a healthier and happier dog.
This internal scrubbing also acts as a natural digestive aid against intestinal parasites. As the fur sweeps the digestive tract, it can help collect and remove worm eggs or larvae that might be present in your dog's system. For a novel protein with this added benefit, try our Rabbit Ears with Fur.
Finally, by improving the digestive tract, overall immune system health is also improved —a healthy gut is strongly linked to a strong immune system in dogs, just as it is in humans.
While the abrasive action of fur helps flush out eggs and larvae, furry treats are considered a digestive and parasite-prevention aid, not a chemical dewormer. Always consult your vet for a proper worming diagnosis and schedule.
Dental Health: A Natural Tooth Floss
Furry treats are nature's chewable toothbrush and floss! The hair fibres on the treats work to gently scrape away surface plaque from your dog's teeth and gums. This mechanical action works into the gaps between their teeth to remove excess food, providing a level of natural dental hygiene that soft chews cannot match.
We know that dental health impacts on general health. Inflammation and infections in the mouth caused by poor dental hygiene can have a huge impact on your dog's quality of life. Simply giving a furry treat once or twice a week can really make a significant difference in maintaining their pearly whites.
Excellent Source of Fibre & Anal Gland Support
Furry treats are an excellent source of indigestible fibre, which is often missing from modern dog diets. This roughage is vital for two key functions:
- It helps bulk up stools to the correct consistency.
- This firm stool volume aids in naturally expressing anal glands as the stool passes.
Since many dogs struggle to naturally express their glands, leading to discomfort and costly vet visits, this bulking action alone is an excellent reason to add furry treats (such as our popular Goat Ears with Fur) into your dog's weekly diet.
Manganese Powerhouse
Furry treats are a unique source of Manganese, an essential trace element often overlooked in dog diets. Manganese is necessary for normal **brain and nerve function**, and it plays a major role in metabolism, blood sugar regulation, and calcium absorption.
Did you know? Fur/wool naturally contains up to 10 times the Manganese found in muscle protein and organs! Adding a furry chew to your dog's routine is an excellent way of ensuring that your dog is getting enough of this critical mineral for strong bones and overall vitality.
Fun, Stimulating, and Instinctual Chew
Furry treats are also a fun and stimulating chew for your dog. Dogs love tearing and chewing at the fibrous fur, providing a much more enriching experience than a standard chew toy. Even the fussiest dogs tend to love them—it’s like their primal instincts kicking in!
So, the next time you come across a furry treat, don't turn your nose up at it. It might not look great to us, but for your dog, it is a delicious and healthy snack that comes with a ton of benefits.
From natural deworming and better digestion to dental cleaning and an excellent source of Manganese, there are plenty of reasons why you should consider adding some furry treats to your dog's diet. Just be prepared for some furry poops at the other end!
Furry Dog Treats FAQ
We answer the most common questions our customers ask about feeding treats with fur.
How often should I feed my dog treats with fur?
Most vets and nutritionists recommend feeding one furry treat (like a rabbit ear or goat ear) 1–3 times per week to receive the maximum digestive and deworming benefits. We suggest starting with one per week and increasing if desired.
Are furry dog treats safe for puppies?
Yes, furry treats are generally safe for most puppies from 12 weeks onwards as the fur is fully digestible fibre. Always ensure the treat is appropriately sized for your puppy's mouth and supervise them during chew time.
Can furry treats replace my dog's chemical dewormer?
No. Furry treats are a natural digestive aid that helps *flush* out worms and larvae, but they do not kill them. They should be used *in conjunction* with a veterinarian-prescribed worming schedule and regular fecal examinations. Use them as a preventive measure, not a cure.
Ready to experience the benefits?
Browse our full collection of natural, 100% Australian furry dog treats and chews
