Dogs need to chew, and you want to ensure they have something safe and healthy. Beef cheek rolls are a great option and offer many benefits for your dog. Read on to find out everything you need to know about these yummy chews your dog will love.
Beef cheek rolls have become a popular treat for dogs in recent years. Their tough, long-lasting texture provides hours of chewing entertainment. And dogs go crazy for the beefy flavor!
But with any pet treat or chew, pet parents naturally have questions about safety. Are beef cheek rolls safe for dogs to eat? Or will they cause choking or digestion issues?
This guide covers everything you need to know about beef cheek rolls for dogs. We’ll look at the pros and cons, health benefits safety tips, and best cheek roll products for your pup. Let’s dive in!
What Are Beef Cheek Rolls?
Beef cheek rolls are made from strips of beef cheek meat that are rolled up and baked The cheek meat comes from the muscular cheeks of a cow This area tends to be tough and sinewy.
When dried and rolled up, beef cheek becomes a sturdy natural chew treat. It doesn’t crumble easily like some chews. This makes it last a long time as dogs work to unroll and nibble away at the treat.
Benefits of Beef Cheek Rolls
There are several benefits that make beef cheek rolls a great choice for dogs
-
Long-lasting – Beef cheek rolls can occupy dogs for hours with their durable chewability and irresistible meaty flavor. This helps prevent boredom and anxiety.
-
Promotes dental health – The firm texture scrapes away plaque and tartar as dogs chew. This helps reduce bacteria and risk of dental disease.
-
Highly digestible – Beef cheek meat contains collagen and fat that breaks down as dogs chew. So it becomes soft and digestible, unlike rawhides.
-
Nutritious ingredients – Beef cheeks provide protein for building muscle along with iron, zinc, vitamins B and C. These support immune health.
-
Low calories – With mostly protein and minimal fat, beef cheek rolls offer a low calorie chewing option.
Are Beef Cheek Rolls Safe For Dogs?
When used properly under supervision, beef cheek rolls are considered a safe treat option for most dogs. The risks are low compared to artificial bones and rawhides.
However, there are a few precautions to take when feeding cheek rolls:
-
Supervise chewing – Check on your dog frequently to ensure they are not breaking off and swallowing large chunks that could choke them. Take away small pieces.
-
Avoid gulping – Eating beef cheek rolls too quickly without adequate chewing can cause gagging or vomiting. Go slowly.
-
Allergies – Dogs with beef allergies should avoid cheek rolls made from beef. Try rolls made with other proteins instead.
-
GI issues – Some sensitive dogs may get temporary diarrhea or constipation from high protein treats. Reduce frequency if this occurs.
Overall beef cheek rolls are safer and more digestible than many other chews when used properly under supervision. Their high meat content and lack of harsh chemicals makes them a good choice.
Picking the Right Size Beef Cheek Roll
Beef cheek rolls come in a range of sizes based on your dog’s weight:
- Mini – For dogs under 15 lbs
- Small – For dogs 15-35 lbs
- Medium – For dogs 35-65 lbs
- Large – For dogs over 65 lbs
Choosing the right size for your dog’s weight helps reduce choking risks. Mini rolls can be a hazard for large breed dogs. And jumbo rolls present a challenge for small dogs.
Pick rolls that your dog can’t swallow whole. Optimal size allows them to enjoy chewing over a long period as the roll unravels little by little.
Ingredients To Look For
When choosing a beef cheek roll brand, look for all-natural treats made from a single ingredient – beef cheek meat.
Avoid rolls with artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives which are unnecessary and unhealthy. Brands that smoke or flavor the rolls may contain other ingredients or MSG.
Top choices use only 100% beef cheek meat without any extra processing or additions. This provides the safest and most nutritious option.
How Often Can Dogs Have Beef Cheek Rolls?
Veterinarians recommend limiting any high protein treat to no more than one or two times per week.
Beef cheek rolls are perfectly fine as an occasional chewing treat. But don’t make them a daily habit. Too much rich protein can cause digestive upset in some dogs.
Rotate cheek rolls with other safer chews to keep your dog’s oral health and chewing muscles in great shape. Variety also prevents boredom.
Other Long-Lasting Chew Options
While beef cheek rolls are a great choice, there are other long-lasting chews to rotate in for dental health and mental stimulation:
- Beef trachea or gullet
- Pork chomps
- Bully sticks
- Antlers or horns
- Himalayan yak chews
- Dental chew toys
Avoid any chew that splinters or breaks off in chunks that can lodge in your dog’s throat. Supervise all chewing activity and take away any loose pieces.
Beef Cheek Roll Brands We Recommend
If you’re ready to try beef cheek rolls for your energetic pup, here are some top-rated all-natural brands to check out:
Loving Pets Barksters – Made in the USA from free-range grass-fed beef. No added flavors, chemicals, or preservatives.
Pet King Brands Z-Bones – Single-ingredient beef cheek rolls. Oven baked with no added smoke flavoring.
Legend Zen Chews – Handmade artisan beef cheek rolls. Air dried for easy digestion.
Dentley’s – Natural beef cheek rolls sustainably sourced from free-range cows.
Boss Bones – Long-lasting cheek rolls crafted from grass-fed beef. Perfect boredom buster.
Check your local pet specialty shop or chewy.com for these and other natural beef cheek roll options. Look for good quality brands with simple beef-only ingredients.
The Verdict: Yes, Beef Cheek Rolls Are Safe!
Beef cheek rolls offer dogs a tasty, mentally stimulating, and highly digestible chewing experience. Their rich beef flavor and unraveling texture keeps dogs entertained for hours. These natural treats promote better dental and gum health compared to artificial bones and rawhides.
When properly sized and consumed under supervision, beef cheek rolls are perfectly safe for most dogs. Take precautions with excessive speed eating or gulping. And limit cheek rolls to an occasional treat, not a daily habit.
Beef cheek rolls give dogs a long-lasting, nutritious chewing outlet without the dangers of artificial or chemically processed alternatives. They are a unique treat to add variety to your dog’s chewing routine.
What is A Beef Cheek Roll?
A beef cheek roll is a type of dog chew made from the meat of a cow’s cheek. They are usually long and cylindrical, and giving them to dogs to chew on is a great way to keep their minds active.
What Are Beef Cheek Rolls Made of?
Beef cheek rolls are made from specifically the cheek meat from free-range cows. Barking Buddha uses top-quality grass-fed sources to make their beef cheeks. They are then slow-roasted and dried without chemicals to produce a sturdy rolled chew.
BRUTALLY Honest Review of Popular Dog Chews! Plus, 3 to AVOID ⚠️
FAQ
Are beef cheek rolls digestible for dogs?
Are beef cheek rolls the same as rawhide?
Is Beefhide the same as rawhide?
Can dogs eat cooked beef cheeks?
Are beef cheek rolls safe for dogs?
My preferred chews only use beef cheek. Are Beef Cheek Rolls Safe? Yes, beef cheek rolls are generally safe for dogs and are far safer than common rawhide. As a dog chews, the rolls become soft and digestible, so with appropriate supervision and access to water, beef cheek rolls are very safe for dogs.
What are cheek rolls for dogs?
Cheek rolls for dogs are sturdy chews made from dried beef cheek that has been rolled up. They typically come in two sizes to ensure your dog gets the size appropriate for them. Because the chew is rolled up beef cheek, as a dog chews it unrolls for more fun and entertainment.
Are beef cheek rolls durable?
Durable Unlike many other types of chews, beef cheek rolls do not easily break apart or crumble. They are also made with a thick single piece of beef cheek making them more durable because my dog has to chew through a thicker treat (they’re comparable in durability to Himalayan Yak Chews!
How much should a dog eat beef cheek rolls?
As a general guideline, beef cheek rolls are treats and should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Your vet can provide specific guidance based on your dog’s individual needs. Do beef cheek rolls have an odor?