Beef cheek rolls have become an extremely popular dog chew treat in recent years. Their affordability enticing smell and long-lasting nature make them very appealing to pet parents. However, there are some important safety considerations when it comes to beef cheek rolls that every dog owner should understand before feeding them. In this comprehensive article we’ll cover everything you need to know about beef cheek rolls for dogs – from what they’re made of, to sourcing, safety, proper use and more.
What Exactly Are Beef Cheek Rolls?
First let’s clarify exactly what beef cheek rolls are. Beef cheek refers to the cheek muscle of a cow. This muscle is naturally tough and fibrous making it an ideal candidate for a long-lasting dog chew.
Beef cheek rolls are made from these beef cheek muscles. The muscles are cleaned, removing any hair or external skin/tissue. Then the cheek meat is rolled and dried or dehydrated to create a hardened chew.
This final product resembles a raw leather chew in texture and appearance. However, the key difference between rawhide and beef cheek rolls is the sourcing of the material.
How Beef Cheek Rolls Differ from Rawhide
Rawhide is created from the inner layer of cattle hide, a byproduct of the leather industry. To prepare the hides for leather, they undergo an extensive tanning process involving harsh chemicals like sodium sulphide, formaldehyde and bleach.
These chemicals are toxic and can remain in the finished rawhide chew treats. This makes rawhide very hazardous for dogs to ingest.
On the other hand, beef cheek muscles are never exposed to the tanning process. They are simply the trimmed cheek meat of the cow, cleaned and dried. This means beef cheek rolls avoid the chemical residues found in rawhide.
However, the distinction between beef cheek rolls and rawhide isn’t always clear. Some brands misleadingly market their rawhide or chemically-treated hides as “beef cheek rolls.” Carefully checking the ingredients is key.
Are Beef Cheek Rolls Digestible and Safe?
The collagen-rich nature of beef cheek muscle makes it quite digestible compared to rawhide. However, any large pieces swallowed pose a choking risk. Supervision is still required.
When sourced responsibly and from cheek muscle only, beef cheek rolls are considered one of the safest and more digestible raw hide chew options. However, as we’ll explore next, quality can vary greatly between brands.
Evaluating Beef Cheek Roll Ingredients
There are major differences between beef cheek roll products in terms of ingredients and processing. Here are some things to look for:
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Avoid products listing “rawhide” or “beef hide” as ingredients. This indicates the use of lower quality hides rather than cheek muscle.
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Seek out “beef cheek meat” or “beef cheek” as the only ingredient. No hides, skin or other tissues should be present.
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Avoid any added flavors, colors or preservatives. Seek treats with only a single, natural ingredient – beef cheek meat.
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Select North American-sourced options. China has less stringent processing standards.
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Avoid brands that use irradiation to sterilize. This damages nutrients.
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Contact companies if in doubt. Ask direct questions about their sourcing and process. Transparency is a good sign.
As long as the brand checks the boxes above, beef cheek rolls made from pure beef cheek meat are considered quite safe and digestible for dogs. However, proper use is still essential.
Using Beef Cheek Rolls Safely
While quality beef cheek rolls avoid many of the hazards of rawhide, they are not completely without risk. Here are some tips for safe use:
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Always supervise your dog when chewing any treat, including beef cheek rolls. Don’t allow unsupervised access.
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Avoid giving cheek rolls to aggressive chewers who bite off and swallow large chunks. Use caution with power chewers.
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Select a cheek roll size appropriate for your dog. Opt for rolls with a diameter slightly larger than your dog’s mouth opening.
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Take away the chew once it becomes small enough to bite off and swallow.
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Never give cooked beef cheek meat, only dried, hardened rolls. Cooking makes the meat soft and easily swallowed.
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Avoid letting dogs fight over cheek rolls. This can lead to rushed gulping and choking.
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Monitor your dog’s stools for signs of difficulty digesting. Discontinue use if you notice any issues.
Following the tips above will help ensure a safe and enjoyable chewing experience. Additionally, always check with your veterinarian before introducing any new treat or chew.
Beef Cheek Roll FAQs
Do beef cheek rolls clean dog’s teeth?
Yes, the abrasive nature of beef cheek rolls helps scrape plaque and tartar off teeth as dogs chew. However, they do not replace proper toothbrushing.
How long do beef cheek rolls last compared to other chews?
High quality beef cheek rolls can last hours or even days for an average chewer. They tend to last longer than softer chews like bully sticks but not as long as weight-bearing bones.
Is one beef cheek roll brand safer or better than others?
Open Range, Puppy Love and Pet Neil are a few reputable beef