Why were Greenies recalled
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 Treats Review 2024: Pros & Cons
Our Final Verdict
We give Greenies Dog Treats a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Greenies are some of the most popular dog treats available. Every time I go searching for a new treat for my Poodles, theyre either stacked on the shelves or the first brand to be recommended in a browser sidebar. The name is a dog owners household word for three good reasons: One, their treats are proven to fight tartar buildup, used to help get pesky pills down the throats of pups, and, possibly most importantly, theyre one of the treats that can help make puppy breath a little more bearable.
I knew that Greenies offers treats for dogs of every size, but what Im excited to learn is that their formulas are fantastic for many dog diet plans: Grain-free, weight management, and age-care? Count me in! And an even bigger bonus, they make sure to cater to the taste buds of all pups. You can give Fido his favorite chicken and Missy pumpkin spice.
Overall, these treats appear to be a great go-to when toothbrushing or medicine day is a struggle, but lets take a deeper look into how my two pups, Zeta and Blanche took to them.
At a Glance: The Best Greenies Dog Treats
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our Favorite | | Greenies Fresh Dental Dog Treat | Check Price | |
| | Greenies Anytime Bites Original Flavor | Check Price | ||
| | Greenies Pill Pockets Peanut Butter Flavor | Check Price |
Greenies Dog Treats Reviewed
My Poodles are always up for a new treat, and they sniffed out these from the moment the box landed on our doorstep. So, of course, opening the package, they were ready to dig in, and I was ready to give them a taste. These are treats I wouldnt mind giving Blanche daily for both health reasons and rewards for positive behavior. That being said, there are a few minor drawbacks that would prevent me from giving it to my other dog, Zeta.
Who Makes Greenies Dog Treats and Where Is It Produced?
Greenies dental treats are made in Kansas City. The company was founded by devoted pet parents Joe and Judy Roetheli who wanted to make puppy breath a positive phrase in their home. So, they developed a healthier way to freshen their dogs kisses. The duo didnt stop there. The brand has since branched out into creating more health-conscious treats, making it easier to give pets medication and supplements.
In 2006, Mars Petcare acquired the Greenies brand while keeping headquarters and manufacturing in Kansas City. Each recipe is made in the USA from ingredients sourced from around the world, and even though its not clear where these ingredients are sourced, the brand says that all ingredients are quality checked, and are never paired with artificial preservatives or fillers.
Which Dog Breeds Is Greenies Dog Treats Best Suited For?
Greenies are a fantastic option for most dogs. Since they come in four different portion sizes, there isnt a breed too big or too small to handle them. Theyre soft enough for puppies as well as seniors, so youll never have to worry about damaging teeth while trying to clean them.
If your dog is like my Blanche, their breath can go downhill easily. Knowing that these treats have the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal of approval, allows me to rest easy giving them to my pup so she doesnt smell like whatever mystery mush she picked up in the backyard.
Which Type of Dog Might Do Better With a Different Brand?
If your dog has any sensitivities to chicken like my Zeta, you might need to be careful. Most Greenies treats have some form of chicken in them, even if their flavor isnt a protein flavor. The same goes for grain and gluten as ingredients. While Greenies does offer some grain-free options, pet owners will still need to be careful as to which bag they pick up and if its right for their pups diet.
If your dog tends to inhale treats without barely getting a taste, please offer these with caution. If your pup swallows one of these treats whole, it could get stuck in their throat due to the design. Owners of fast-eating dogs might want to consider OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews. These are smaller and break down a little easier, making them less of a choking hazard.
For a final caution: If you have a dog with a preexisting dental or oral condition, please consult your vet before offering Greenies up as dental care.
Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)
Greenies prides itself on building formulas using all-natural ingredients without fillers. Please note though that the term natural isnt exactly regulated by the FDA, so there is no true definition for what natural means in this case.
However, Greenies does not use artificial or synthetic ingredients and every formula is based on the AAFCO guidelines. This means you can be sure youre giving your pet pure ingredients with health benefits, including the prevention of tatar regrowth.
The Good:
- Oats are a healthy source of fiber and nutrients
- Lecithin is usually found in soybeans or eggs and is used to protect the delicious flavors of Greenies treats.
- Dried Apple Pomace is made up of all the unwanted pieces of apples (pulp, peels, etc) and acts as roughage to help scrape off tartar on dogs teeth.
- Choline Chloride is an important nutrient to help with brain development and liver health. However, it should not be given to dogs with liver or kidney disease.
- Fruit Juice Color to give Greenies their natural colorants.
- Turmeric is another natural colorant.
- Vitamins: Vitamin E, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B5, Niacin, Vitamin A, Vitamin B2, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B1, Folic Acid.
- Minerals: Dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, magnesium amino acid chelate, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, selenium, potassium iodide.
The Questionable:
- Wheat Flour is a common ingredient in Greenies treats and is safe for dogs who are able to digest it.
- Wheat Gluten is used to glue together the treats, making them a perfect chewy texture
- Glycerin is a sweet sugar alcohol found in many treats and is perfectly safe for pets in moderation.
- Gelatin is an important anti-inflammatory to help with joint health and repairing cartilage
- Natural Poultry Flavor. The word Natural isnt regulated by the FDA, so its hard to say what Natural poultry flavor really is.
Design
Personally, I feel like someone in the Greenies design department deserves a pat on the back. Not only are the traditional dental treats in the shape of an adorable toothbrush, but the flexibility and grooves aid in scrubbing and dislodging tartar, right up to the gum line.
The pill pocket treats are just as convenient. Blanche is currently winding down on her dosage of medication. And while its about a 50/50 chance that she will either eat it inside a slab of lunch meat or pick it out, there was no problem giving it to her with a pill pocket. The pill slipped easily inside, and a quick pinch to close to top kept it hidden from her taste buds.
Preventative Care
Besides dental care, Greenies addresses some of the most common issues in dog health. Joint issues, immune issues, and digestive problems can sometimes be prevented with the right supplements. Now, I cant say for sure how well they might prevent such things with my one-year-old Poodles, I have confidence they will based on the ingredient list.
Oats are a great source of fiber. Gelatin holds anti-inflammatory properties, helping with joint pain. And the roughage and dried apple pomace both help with gut issues and to scrape teeth clean.
Holistic Treat
Obviously, these are treats. Theyre not supposed to be used as a nutrition staple for your dog. But when comparing the ingredients to other dog treats, I have to say, these are a fantastic, healthier option. I feel confident giving my pups the natural ingredients, knowing that Im rewarding them with something that is going to improve their quality of life.
What I Wish Greenies Would Include
Since I have one dog who can safely eat almost anything under the sun, and one dog who is sensitive to proteins, I wish Greenies included some limited protein formulas in their treats. I know Zeta would scarf them down pretty happily if I allowed her.
A Quick Look at Greenies Dog Treats
- All natural formula
- Designed to easily aid dogs health
- Added vitamins and nutrients
- Contains wheat products
- No limited protein options
- Can get stuck in your dogs throat
Recall History
There was a recall in 2006 for Greenies not being easily digestible. Since then, Greenies has changed their formula to be more protein based, making it easier for dogs to digest.
Greenies Dog Treats Reviews
Greenies makes several different formulas in their different treat varieties. Take a look at three of my personal favorites below:
1. Greenies Fresh Dental Dog Treat
As far as dental treats go, these are probably my dogs favorite. They do a great job at keeping her teeth clean, she snacks them down happily, and the fresh mint scent keeps her breath odor free.
This reasonably priced treat is something Im glad to have on hand to keep her oral health in check.
- Natural ingredients
- Vet Recommended
- Noticeably freshens breath
- Mint is strong (may be a turn-off for some dogs)
- More for freshening breath than for cleaning teeth
2. Greenies Anytime Bites (Original Flavor)
These are a great treat to keep around for consistently removing plaque from your dogs teeth. Ive noticed, even after a few treats, less tartar on my pups pearly whites.
- Natural ingredients
- Flexible treats that are easy to break down
- Designed to prevent tatar build up
- Only come in small size
- Can get caught in dogs throats
3. Greenies Pill Pockets (Peanut Butter Flavor)
This is the canine equivalent to a spoonful of sugarminus the sugar! Pill pockets are the perfect treat for fooling your dog into taking the bitter medication they can easily sniff out of meat, cheese, bread, or any other food you can try to hide it in.
- 11 different flavor options
- Fool-proof medication delivery
- Natural ingredients
- Not meant for everyday treats
- Lacks the nutrition of other Greenies treats
Our Experience With Greenies Dog Treats
The Greenies shipment arrived at my doorstep and my dogs knew it was for them. Their noses twitched and their eyes begged for me to open it. The moment I did, they both dropped into an automatic sit position.
While I couldnt give Zeta any to eat, the smell alone got her to listen to simple commands. (Yes, I treated her with Zeta-safe treats.) This became the perfect opportunity to show Blanche, who is a little more nervous at the sound of new packaging, that these treats are worth listening to every command.
We started with the pill pockets, which were the most pungent of the three. Likely, that also meant the most exciting. Blanche took her medicine like a pro. She didnt even bat an eye at me putting the pill inside. Next, we moved on to the anytime bites. She was a little reluctant to try this at first, but a single taste and she came around. Note: after a few days of these, I have noticed a difference on her teeth. The few that are normally a little discolored have almost cleared up completely.
Lastly, I offered up the fresh dental treats. These freshened up her breath immediately, and even though theyre on the larger side of treats, it didnt stop her from coming back and begging for more.
Note that none of these irritated her stomach. She hasnt had any problems digesting them or keeping them down. They do, however, leave a slight green tint on her white fur. And now that she knows these exist in our treat bin, shes asking to grab just one more taste.
All in all, these are Zeta-wanted, and Blanche-approved.
Conclusion
Greenies may have started with a simple idea: making dental hygiene for your dogs, easy. But they have grown to include a variety of products to make holistic canine care simple. With natural ingredients and an eye for nutrition, its no wonder Greenies have become a staple in many pet homes. Theyre attractive to dogs, have their health in mind, and make caring for pups a little easier.
The only concerns Id warn about are to watch the ingredients if your dog has any allergies, and be cautious if youve got a speed eater on your hands. But other than that, were giving them four and a half paws up in our household.
So, if you have pups like my Poodles who are happiest with an extra snack and could use some breath freshener once in a while, Greenies are a great option to add to your treat arsenal.
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