Are Greenies dog treat banned in Europe

The Great Greenies Debate: Unwrapping the Controversy

Welcome, fellow pet enthusiasts and curious minds! Today, were diving deep into the world of pet dental care, specifically focusing on one of the most debated products in the pet industry: Greenies. Youve probably heard of themthose green, toothbrush-shaped treats dogs and cats go wild for. But behind the enthusiastic crunching, theres a whirlwind of controversy were here to unpack.

Charting the Controversy

Dental Delight vs. Danger

Popularity Trends vs. Reported Incidents

The Meat of the Matter: Navigating the Debate

The Chewy Truth

Greenies are designed to combat plaque and tartar, promoting dental health. Many pet owners report significant improvements in their pets breath and dental hygiene. However, the size and chewing habits of your furry friend play a pivotal role in the effectiveness and safety of these treats.

A Bite-Sized Warning

Not all tails wag the same way, and similarly, not all pets can handle Greenies alike. Cases of gastrointestinal blockages have been reported, predominantly when pets have swallowed large pieces without proper chewing. This raises questions about suitability for all dog and cat breeds, sizes, and ages.

Ingredient Inspection

Made with natural ingredients and boasting a nutritious profile, Greenies seem like the perfect treat. Yet, for pets with specific allergies, they might be less of a treat and more of a threat. Its crucial to scrutinize the ingredient list for potential allergens to your pet.

The Enlightened Path: Tips for Pet Owners

Know Your Pet: Understand your pets chewing behavior and select the size and type of Greenie accordingly.

Supervision is Key: Always monitor your pet when theyre enjoying their treat to avoid any choking hazards.

Allergies Alert: Check the ingredients for anything your pet might be allergic to.

Balance is Best: Treats should not make up more than 10% of your pets daily calorie intake. Greenies are no exception.

Consult the Vet: When in doubt, your vet knows best. A quick consultation can save you a lot of worries.

Conclusion: To Chew or Not to Chew

In the great debate over Greenies, theres no one-size-fits-all answer. They can be both a boon and a bane, depending on individual circumstances. Armed with the right information and a keen eye on your pets reaction, you can make an informed decision. Remember, the ultimate goal is your pets health and happiness. So, chew over the information, consult your vet, and keep those tails wagging safely and healthily!

An Expert Dives Deep into the Greenies Dialogue

Interviewer: Welcome! Today, were peeling back the layers of the Greenies controversy. Weve got an expert with us whos ready to sink their teeth into the matter. Lets dive right in. First off, can you share your initial thoughts on Greenies?

Expert: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. Greenies sit at this fascinating intersection of innovative pet care and consumer caution. Initially designed as a dental health solution, theyve become a household name. However, like any product that gains rapid popularity, theyre scrutinized, and rightfully so. The first thing I think of is the balance they try to strike between being a treat and a health product.

Interviewer: Speaking of scrutiny, there have been reports of health incidents. How do you weigh the benefits against the potential risks?

Expert: Its a complex equation. On one side, we have numerous testimonials praising Greenies for transforming pets dental health, with visibly cleaner teeth and fresher breath. These are non-trivial benefits, given the commonality of dental issues in pets. However, the risk factor, primarily the potential for gastrointestinal blockages, cant be ignored. It emphasizes the importance of responsible pet ownershipknowing your pets chewing habits, supervising treat time, and choosing the right size of Greenie. The product isnt inherently risky; its the context of use that dictates safety.

Interviewer: Thats an insightful perspective. How significant is the role of ingredients in this debate?

Expert: Its pivotal. The ingredient list of Greenies is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it boasts natural ingredients, which is a big plus for pet owners seeking wholesome options. Yet, the inclusivity stops there. Pets with specific dietary restrictions or allergies could have adverse reactions. This isnt unique to Greenies but is a broader industry issuecreating a product that caters to every pets needs is challenging. Transparency and education around ingredients become crucial here.

Interviewer: With those points in mind, how should pet owners approach Greenies for their pets?

Expert: Thoughtfully and selectively. The key is not to get swayed by marketing or hearsay but to understand your pets health, dietary needs, and behaviors. No two pets are the same; whats a miracle treat for one might be less suitable for another. Always introduce any new treat, including Greenies, gradually, and observe your pets reaction. And, as always, keep your vet in the loop. They can provide tailored advice that neither the internet nor the back of a treat package can offer.

Interviewer: To wrap up, what future do you see for products like Greenies in the pet care market?

Expert: The trajectory for Greenies and similar products is promising but calls for innovation and adaptability. As we become more aware of our pets health needs and as our pets continue to be integral family members, the demand for high-quality, safe, and effective pet products will only grow. The future lies in research, refinement, and perhaps a move towards more personalized pet care solutions. Products like Greenies have opened doors and started conversations; its now about how we evolve those discussions into actions that prioritize pet health and safety above all.

Interviewer: Thank you for such a deep dive into the world of Greenies. Your insights certainly give our readers a lot to chew on.

Expert: It was my pleasure. Heres to making informed choices for the health and happiness of our furry friends!

HELP US PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE

Greenies Dog Chews

Claim: Greenies brand dental chews pose a general danger to dogs.

UNDETERMINED

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 November 2005, the above-quoted e-mail began circulating, warning readers that Greenies did not appear to be fully digestible. A 15 November 2005 consumer investigation by Seattle's KIRO-TV reported that Greenies and similar products could "pose a real danger to dogs." KIRO offered three accounts from dog owners whose pets had to undergo veterinary treatment for intestinal obstructions after being fed Greenies or other teeth-cleaning biscuits; two survived after surgery, and the third died. All in all, they found nine people who claimed their dogs had died after eating Greenie-like products.

S&M NuTec, the company that produces Greenies, furnished us a copy of the complete statement they sent to KIRO-TV, which touches on some of the cases discussed:

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 Lil' BitsT. Lil' BitsT are made from the same ingredients as Greenies; we simply chop them into smaller pieces for smaller dogs, puppies under six months, dogs with very poor teeth, or dogs that tend to gulp food or treats. Though injurious incidents with our product are rare, more often than not, the pet is not fed according to our feeding directions.

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 e-mail expressing our sorrow and offering to begin an investigation a few times, but our NOBR>e-mails were not answered. In early November we were able to get in touch with Mr. Wright via regular mail and have offered to start our investigation. He has asked us to hold off for now. Because we have not yet conducted an investigation, we can't comment on this specific incident. We do wish his family the very best.

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)