Sneaky Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Chews
Choosing the right chew for your dog isn’t just about size or flavour - it’s about safety, digestibility, and clean ingredients. Unfortunately, many commercial chews on the market are still packed with hidden additives and low-quality components that could harm your dog’s health over time. If you’re shopping for long-lasting dog chews, bully stick subscriptions, or natural chews in Canada, here’s what you need to watch for.
1. Rawhide Treated with Harsh Chemicals
Rawhide might be a staple on big box store shelves, but it’s one of the riskiest chew options out there. Often processed using bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or other harsh chemicals to preserve and whiten the hide, these chews pose a serious choking hazard and are notorious for digestive blockages. Dogs can swallow large chunks whole - especially aggressive chewers - leading to costly emergency vet visits.
2. Artificial Preservatives: BHA, BHT, TBHQ & Ethoxyquin
Many commercial chews rely on synthetic preservatives to extend shelf life - but these compounds are increasingly under scrutiny. BHA, BHT, TBHQ, and Ethoxyquin have been linked to inflammation, organ toxicity, and even cancer in long-term studies. When choosing dog chews online in Canada, always look for preservative-free or naturally preserved options.
3. Sugar, Sweeteners and Glycerin
Yes, even dog chews can have added sugar, corn syrup, or glycerin to boost taste and moisture. While these might sound harmless, they can cause weight gain, dental problems, and hyperactive behaviour - especially in smaller breeds or senior dogs. Plus, excess sugar feeds the bad bacteria in the mouth, leading to plaque and bad breath.
4. Animal By-Products & Vague Ingredients
Watch out for generic terms like “meat meal,” “animal digest,” or “animal by-product” - they usually signal a lack of transparency. These ingredients are typically rendered scraps from unspecified sources, meaning the protein quality is poor, inconsistent, and harder for dogs to digest. For pet parents in Canada who want clean protein chews, this is a major red flag.
5. Artificial Dyes & Unnecessary Additives
If your dog’s chew is bright red, orange, or blue... it’s not natural. Artificial dyes like Red 40 or Yellow 5 are used solely for human appeal - not your dog’s benefit. These additives can cause allergic reactions, hyperactivity, and contribute nothing nutritionally. The best chews don’t need flashy colours to get your dog excited - they rely on real flavour and clean sourcing.
Why These Ingredients Are Problematic
When it comes to dog chews, what’s inside matters just as much as how long they last. Some of the most common ingredients found in low-quality dog chews can do more harm than good - especially for long-term health. Here's why those “sneaky” ingredients we just covered are cause for concern:
Poor Digestibility = Painful Vet Visits
Ingredients like rawhide and glycerin-heavy chews are hard on your dog’s digestive system. Poorly digested chews can result in:
- Intestinal blockages
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Costly emergency vet visits
This is especially risky for puppies, senior dogs, or small breeds who can't handle hard-to-break-down materials.
Toxic Ingredients Can Contribute to Serious Health Risks
Preservatives like BHA, BHT, TBHQ, and Ethoxyquin may help shelf life - but at what cost? These chemical additives have been linked to:
- Increased risk of cancer
- Aggravated allergy symptoms
- Liver and kidney strain over time
- Sugar and artificial sweeteners (like sorbitol or xylitol) can also spike energy levels, damage teeth, and contribute to obesity and diabetes.
Inconsistent Sourcing = Unknown Risks
Terms like “meat meal” or “animal by-product” don’t just sound vague - they often are. These can come from:
- Rendered waste materials
- Inconsistent nutritional value
- Non-identifiable animal sources
This lack of transparency makes it difficult for pet parents to feel confident about what they’re feeding their dogs - and may lead to digestive issues or allergic reactions.
What to Choose Instead - Cleaner, Safer Choices
If you're looking to ditch the dangerous ingredients in conventional chews, there are safer, natural alternatives that dogs love and Canadian pet parents can trust. At Brindle Pet Supplies, we’ve curated a lineup of all-natural, long-lasting dog chews that are free from fillers, artificial preservatives, and sketchy sourcing.
Purely Paws Favourites
- Purely Paws Beef Bully Sticks 6" – A perfect single-ingredient chew for small to medium dogs. No additives, just grass-fed Brazilian beef.
- Purely Paws Beef Bully Sticks 12" – For big chewers or longer-lasting satisfaction. Great for aggressive chewers.
- Purely Paws Collagen Sticks – 12" – A joint-supporting alternative to bully sticks made from beef hide without harsh chemicals.
- Purely Paws Esophagus Sticks – Naturally high in glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joint health, with a crunchy, satisfying texture.
RedBarn Top Picks
- RedBarn Collagen Stick – Large – Long-lasting and rich in collagen, this is a premium chew for dogs who love to gnaw.
- RedBarn Glazed Beef Cheek Roll – Large – Coated in a beefy glaze and easier to digest than rawhide, but still super durable.
- RedBarn Braided Bully Stick – Braided for extra toughness, this chew provides mental stimulation and dental benefits.
These chews are all:
- Single-ingredient or limited-ingredient
- Free from artificial additives or colours
- Sourced from trusted North American suppliers
- Designed to be highly digestible and long-lasting
With fast, free Canadian shipping and a convenient dog chew subscription option, it’s never been easier to keep your dog safely chewing.
How to Shop Smart in Canada
Canadian pet parents deserve chews they can trust - without the mystery ingredients or shipping delays. Here's how to find better options:
Shop Dog Chews Online in Canada
When searching for buy dog chews online in Canada, always check for full ingredient transparency. Look for labels that are free from artificial preservatives, chemical dyes, or vague terms like “animal by-products.” Prioritize chews made from single-ingredient, all-natural sources like beef bully sticks and collagen sticks.
Choose a Dog Chew Subscription Service
Running out of chews = a bored (and possibly destructive) dog. Keep things consistent with a dog chew subscription or bully stick subscription that ships directly to your door. Subscriptions help ensure your pup always has access to long-lasting, healthy chews - without last-minute store runs.
Support Canadian Retailers You Can Trust
The best bully sticks in Canada don’t come from big-box chains or mystery importers. They come from trusted, local pet suppliers like Brindle Pet Supplies, who specialize in all-natural dog chews and prioritize Canadian-friendly shipping.
Confirm Chews Meet Canadian Standards
Imported chews may not meet Canadian pet health standards or proper food safety regulations. Buying from Canadian-based retailers helps avoid customs delays, surprise fees, and product recalls - while keeping your pet safe.
Final Thoughts: Long-Lasting Treats, Healthy Pets
Dog chews should do more than just occupy your pet - they should support their wellness.
- Avoid risk-prone ingredients that could harm your dog’s digestive system or long-term health.
- Choose simpler, high-quality options made from single proteins or clean, natural sources.
- Set up a subscription plan so you never run out of your dog’s favourite chew - while saving time and money.
Whether you’re managing allergies, looking for cleaner chews, or upgrading from questionable treats, better ingredients = better health outcomes.
Shop Smarter for Dog Chews Online in Canada
Explore Brindle Pet Supplies for trusted bully sticks, collagen sticks, and long-lasting dog chews that are:
- All-natural and minimally processed
- Sourced from high-quality proteins
- Available on flexible subscription plans
Subscribe, save, and shop worry-free - delivered fast across Canada.