{"id":3585,"date":"2023-03-13T17:51:17","date_gmt":"2023-03-13T17:51:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kipandtwiggys.com\/?p=3585"},"modified":"2023-04-21T16:43:09","modified_gmt":"2023-04-21T16:43:09","slug":"beef-tails-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kipandtwiggys.com\/beef-tails-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Beef Tails for Dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Beef tails for dogs are growing in popularity as a tasty snacks. They are high in protein, low in fat and very moreish according to our dogs. But what exactly are beef tails? Are they safe for our dogs? What are the pros and cons of feeding them? This article will aid you in deciding if they are the right snack for you and your dog. Read on to find out more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Key facts<\/span><\/h2>

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Beef tail chews are made by dehydrating the tail section of a cow. They are a natural product with no additives or preservatives.<\/p>

Beef tail chews are a useful way of encouraging healthy chewing habits for your dog. They may also help maintain good dental health.<\/p>

Beef tail chews are high in calories and therefore should only be used as a treat, not a routine part of your dog’s diet.<\/p>

Risks of feeding beef tail chews include bacterial contamination, digestive irritation, gastrointestinal blockages and choking.<\/p>

Some popular alternatives to beef tail chews are dental chews, bully sticks, animal hooves and deer or elk antlers.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/span><\/a>What Are Beef Tails?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beef tails are natural chews comprised of the cow’s tail, including the bone and cartilage and the surrounding skin. They are usually dehydrated or dried naturally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are a popular choice of chew for dogs as they usually are long-lasting, with a high protein, and low-fat ratio and are gluten and grain free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are typically 100% natural with no preservatives or additives however individual manufacturers will vary. They are usually sold in 6-inch lengths, although being a natural product, there are some variations in length and width.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tail contains bones of the vertebrae surrounded by connective tissue and skin. The outside has a tough texture and they are crunchy on the inside. They are best purchased for medium-sized dog breeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Provenance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Beef tails, as the name suggests, come from the tail of beef cattle. Beef tail is used widely in various different recipes, usually slow-cooked in soups or stews and is often described as a ‘forgotten cut’. The main producers of beef products in Europe are France, Germany, Italy and Spain<\/a>. There are other manufacturers from further afield including the USA and Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food safety standards will vary greatly depending on the country of origin so bear this in mind when choosing your product. Animal welfare practices will vary too. Look for products which have been approved by associations such as RSPCA Freedom Food Standards<\/a>, Red Tractor,<\/a> the Soil Association <\/a>and  Scottish Organic Producers Association. <\/a>When searching for a suitable product for your pet, it is best to try wherever possible, to source locally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Preparation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Beef tail chews are made from drying sections of the tail of a cow. They are usually dried out using a slow baking method or dehydrated in batches at low temperatures over a long period of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beef tail chews vary slightly in appearance depending on the method they have been dehydrated by and also which section of the tail has been used. Some will be a lot thicker in width if taken from higher up the tail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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RAW feeding<\/h3>

Did you know?<\/h4><\/div>

If your dog is on a raw diet, beef tail chews can be included as an addition to their normal meals. It is always advised to maintain excellent hygiene practices including washing hands after any contact and cleaning down surfaces with appropriate cleaning products.  This is due to the fact that, as with any raw feeding practices, there is always a risk of exposure to dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella<\/a>, E. Coli<\/a>, listeria<\/a> and campylobacter.<\/a> Your dog may not become unwell with exposure to any of these pathogens, however, there is a big risk of significant illness to any humans in the household. <\/a>Especially any who are immunocompromised, and any younger children or elderly individuals.  <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Benefits of Beef Tails for Dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Key benefits<\/h3><\/div>

Dental Health<\/strong>
It is thought that encouraging healthy chewing habits may aid in the removal of plaque and tartar.<\/p>

Mental Stimulation<\/strong>
Chewing keeps your dog occupied and may help to reduce boredom and stress.<\/p>

Nutritional Benefits<\/strong>
Beef tail chews are very nutritious with a high protein content and contain many vital vitamins and minerals required for good health.<\/p>

Single Protein Source<\/strong>
If your dog suffers from allergies, you can ensure they are only being exposed to beef protein with these chews as they only contain one single source of protein.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Oral and dental health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Beef tail chews are thought to aid in keeping a dog’s teeth clean naturally. The tough, hard bone and cartilage provide a durable, crunchy texture that is thought to mechanically debride plaque and tartar from the teeth. There isn’t currently any research to prove that beef tail chews are effective at keeping teeth clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The benefits will also largely depend on how long it takes your dog to consume the chew, if this occurs rapidly, the benefits will be short-lived or non-existent. No chews or food products should ever replace the usual recommended dental care – regular brushing of the teeth and frequent checkups with your vet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Mental stimulation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Recreational chewing <\/a>is normal healthy behaviour for our dogs and it is an important part of their scavenging process when they are hunting for food. It is instinctive for our dogs, therefore if we encourage it in a safe way that does not damage their mouths or our property  – everyone is a winner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chewing keeps our dogs occupied and reduces boredom and relieves stress. It also exercises their jaw muscles and keeps them strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Nutritional Benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Beef is a brilliant option for our dogs. It is extremely nutritious and easy to digest. Beef contains important minerals such as zinc, phosphorus, selenium and iron. Beef is also known to contain B vitamins such as B12, B6 and B3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Single Protein source<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some dogs are allergic to certain animal proteins that are found in their food. It can be difficult to know what to feed dogs with allergies as some foods may contain small or trace amounts of proteins they are allergic to. If you know that your dog isn’t allergic to beef, beef tail chews are a really good option as you can guarantee they don’t contain any traces of other proteins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Nutritional Information for Beef Tail Chews<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Nutrients<\/h3><\/div>
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Protein<\/div><\/div>
69%-71%<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Ash<\/div><\/div>
6%-15%<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Fat<\/div><\/div>
8%-9%<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Moisture<\/div><\/div>
6%-16%<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Note: composition will vary depending on the manufacturer, mode of dehydration, and each batch.<\/em> Find out more about how we calculate nutritional information >><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Protein<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Beef tail chews contain a high amount of protein. Protein is vital for the healthy growth and development of your dog. It provides essential amino acids which contribute to muscle development, tissue repair and healthy skin and coat amongst other things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most dogs thrive on a high-protein diet although it is always best to consult your vet before giving high-protein treats. Some conditions such as kidney or liver disease may be exacerbated by a high-protein diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Fat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Beef tail chews are usually popular as they boast low amounts of fat. The issue is that the fat content isn’t particularly consistent so depending on the brand and the method of dehydrating, the fat content varies. It’s important to do your own research and check the label of the product you are looking to purchase to ensure low-fat content. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your dog is obese or suffering from diabetes or prone to pancreatitis flare-ups, beef tail chews may not be suitable – always check with your vet before introducing new treats if your dog has an underlying health condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vitamins, Minerals and Compounds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Vitamins and Minerals<\/h3><\/div>
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Iron<\/div><\/div>
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Zinc<\/div><\/div>
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Phosphorous<\/div><\/div>
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Selenium<\/div><\/div>
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Vitamin B12<\/div><\/div>
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Vitamin B3<\/div><\/div>
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Vitamin B6<\/div><\/div>
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Iron is important for transporting oxygen in the haemoglobin of red blood cells to all the muscles and vital organs in your dog’s body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zinc plays an important role in the function of enzymes, hormones and proteins. Zinc is vital for a healthy immune system and a zinc deficiency may result in your dog’s immune response being compromised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phosphorus is a vital mineral that is required for the maintenance of healthy bones, teeth and a healthy metabolism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Selenium is a microelement which is important for a healthy functioning metabolism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vitamin B12 is important for the correct functioning of a healthy nervous system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vitamin B3 is important for the maintenance of healthy skin and nerves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vitamin B6 is needed for the generation of glucose, correct functioning of the nervous system and hormone regulation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

All these nutrients are important and very useful, however, there are no current studies to confirm that beef tail chews are a reliable source of these nutrients or indeed could be used as a supplement to ensure your dog is getting the recommended amount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no research to confirm if there is a high enough concentration to have a positive impact on your dog’s health. It is always best to consult your vet if you feel your dog is lacking in any nutrients. It is also important to ensure your dog is getting a balanced diet as that is the best way to ensure they are receiving the correct nutrition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Do Not Overfeed<\/h3>

Beef tail chews are relatively high in calories. Calorie content will vary depending on the size of the treat. This means each chew contains approximately 204 kcal\/treat. This could end up being a large percentage of your dog’s calorie intake – for a practical example, a 10 kg dog would require between 560 – 750 kcal\/day. Be careful not to overfeed your dog with chews.  <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Feeding Guide<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Beef tail chews should always be viewed as an additional extra to your dog’s diet, not as a replacement for their usual dog food. Beef tail chews are recommended as a treat, not a daily part of your dog’s diet. This is due to the fact they contain a high amount of calories. One chew 1 to 2 times a week would be enough for a small breed dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your dog is overweight or suffers from conditions such as diabetes or pancreatitis, it is best to avoid them completely or consult with your vet before considering them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Downsides & Risks of Beef Tails for Dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Awareness Required<\/h3>

The main risks for beef tail chews that owners need to be aware of are bacterial contamination, digestive irritation, choking hazard and gastrointestinal obstruction.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Beef tail chews are not without risks. Most are minimal and uncommon however they can still be serious. It is important for owners to be aware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Bacterial Contamination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Beef tail chews and indeed any raw meat product comes with a risk of contamination with dangerous bacteria. These include E. coli, Listeria and Salmonella. Most dogs won’t be severely affected by these pathogens, however all of these can cause significant disease in humans. In particular young infants, elderly people and anyone immunosuppressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steer clear of beef tail chews and seek out an alternative dog treat if –<\/p>\n\n\n\n