Chews Wisely: What to Know Before Buying Dog Chews and Treats
Let’s talk about something most dog parents have experienced at least once: standing in the pet aisle, staring at 100 different options, wondering what the heck the difference is between a chew, a treat, a bone, and whatever that stick-shaped thing is claiming to clean teeth.
We get it.
Not all chews or treats are created equal. When your dog is basically family, it makes sense to be picky.
At Buff Cake Barkery, our baked treats have always focused on simple, all-natural ingredients. These are the kind you can feel good about giving every day. But some dogs crave more than just a cookie. That’s why we’re introducing The Wild Side by BCB this month. It’s a small but intentional extension of our brand that includes one single-ingredient protein and one natural chew (in multiple sizes). Both are designed to support instinctual chewing and enrichment, while holding true to the same standards you already trust us for.
Before we get there, let’s break down a few things every dog parent should know before buying their next chew or treat.
What’s the Difference Between a Treat and a Chew?
Treats are usually smaller, softer, or crunchier items that you give for training, rewards, or just-because-I-love-you moments.
Chews are typically longer lasting and meant to be gnawed on. Think antlers or bully sticks.
Both have their place, but it’s important to understand the purpose behind what you’re offering.
The Problem with “Too Much of a Good Thing”
We love a crunchy cookie as much as the next pup, but even the healthiest treat can be too much if it’s used like a chew, and vice versa. Long-lasting chews help with boredom, dental health, and mental stimulation, but should always be supervised. Treats, on the other hand, are more about variety, reinforcement, and joy.
When you rotate between the two, using chews for downtime and treats for active moments, you help create a more balanced experience for your dog.
Safety First: What to Look For in a Good Chew
Some common questions we hear:
Are antlers safe for dogs?
Is jerky too tough for puppies?
What chews are good for seniors?
The answer depends on the dog and the quality of the chew. Not all chews are the same, which is why we’re so intentional about the products we choose to carry. That is especially true for our upcoming Wild Side offerings.
When we introduce our elk antler chews, they will be:
• Sourced from naturally shed antlers collected humanely
• Free from additives, artificial colors, flavorings, preservatives, plastics, and petrochemicals
• Allergen free, odor free, and mess free
• Durable and long lasting without splintering like traditional bones or breaking like artificial chews
• Cut, sanded, and packaged in the USA using premium grade, eco friendly materials
• Not a slaughter byproduct. We do not use bully sticks, hooves, or tripe based chews
Elk antlers are an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, glucosamine, and chondroitin. These nutrients are beneficial for your dog’s teeth, gums, coat, and bones. Whether you’re shopping for a power chewer or a pup with special dietary sensitivities, these are the kind of chews we’d proudly give Zane. That’s our gold standard.
Final Bite: Know What You’re Feeding
At the end of the day, you know your dog better than anyone. Some dogs go wild for crunchy cookies. Others live for a good chew session. Most will happily take one of each.
Whatever your pup prefers, just know we will never offer something we wouldn’t give Zane. That’s the promise we built Buff Cake on, and it’s the promise we are carrying forward into this next chapter.
More details on The Wild Side by BCB coming soon.
Until then, keep chewing wisely. 🐾
