Bull root for dogs
Ox root is a popular dog treat made from the dried penis of a bull. Owners buy ox root for their dogs primarily to please their pets and ensure proper oral hygiene. Animals themselves love it for its moderate, long-lasting bite and distinctive aroma, reminiscent of spoiled meat. This product also has other, more beneficial properties, but it should be used in moderation and following a few simple guidelines.
Compound
At its core, bull root is a beef by-product, which is a clear indication of its natural composition. No colorings, flavorings, preservatives, or other chemicals are used in the production process of this delicacy, as there is no need for them. The raw material is simply dehydrated (dried), which significantly extends its shelf life and significantly enhances its nutritional, flavor, and aroma qualities.
The resulting dry product also differs from the raw product in that it has a higher concentration of all components. It includes:
- animal protein – 79%;
- beef fat – 7%;
- ash – 3-7%
- water – 7-12%.
This treat contains many substances that are beneficial for the dog’s body, including:
- animal protein fibers that support optimal condition of the gastrointestinal tract and dental apparatus;
- a large set of amino acids, microelements and vitamins that strengthen the immune system.
The product's energy value is also quite high – approximately 500-520 kcal/100 g, or 90 kcal per 15-cm piece. Accordingly, one such piece provides approximately 10% of the dietary needs for a dog weighing 20-25 kg and 30% for a small 5-kg dog.
When using bullroot for dogs, it's important to understand that it's only a treat and should not be used as a staple food. Its recommended share in a dog's diet shouldn't exceed 10-15%.
Beneficial properties
When used correctly, bullroot for dogs brings significant benefits to the pet and makes life much easier for its owner. This is due to the variety of functions this treat performs:
- Distraction. Animals enjoy gnawing on moderately tough meat, which distracts them from furniture, shoes, and other objects they'd previously damaged. The dog's durable texture and attractive scent keep it occupied for a long time without causing any trouble for its owner.
- Relieving teething itching in puppies. A small root is much more effective and safer than rubber toys. It contains no harmful chemicals, the stiff fibers massage the gums well, helping puppies relieve discomfort during teething, and the smell and taste are more appealing to babies than rubber.
- Saturates the body with beneficial nutrients. Due to its rich and all-natural composition, this product is recommended by veterinarians as a means of strengthening the immune system, supporting bones and joints, and normalizing gastrointestinal function, bowel movements, and metabolism.
But the greatest benefit of bull root for dogs is to the dental apparatus, providing:
- high-quality massage of jaws and gums;
- full training of the chewing muscles;
- cleaning teeth from plaque and tartar;
- prevention of periodontal disease, bleeding, and inflammation in the mouth.
The protein and animal fibers contained in the product gradually break down and act like dental floss, thoroughly cleaning interdental spaces and the surface of the teeth. Giving your pet this treat 2-3 times a week will help strengthen gums, whiten teeth, and eliminate bad breath.
Like any other treat, ox root is also an excellent way to reward your pet for correctly following commands during training or simply for good behavior. Moreover, dried ox root, which contains no additives, offers a significant advantage over other dog treats. It's virtually allergy-free and is enjoyed by dogs of all breeds and ages.
Terms of Use
It's important to note that a treat like bullroot isn't suitable for all dogs. Two points are important here:
- A quality product typically doesn't crumble, but rather is eaten, gradually shrinking in size. However, pieces that accidentally break off from the root pose a danger to small breeds, who may choke when swallowing them.
- Hard, dry treats are easily digested in the digestive tract of adult dogs. When given to puppies, whose digestive systems are not yet fully developed, such a product can, at best, be excreted unchanged in the stool, or, at worst, cause serious problems.
Therefore, for puppies and small dogs, choose small roots, or even better, cut into small pieces. According to veterinarians, puppies can be given treats starting at 2 months of age.
This product is not recommended for dogs:
- in old age with missing teeth;
- with dental problems;
- with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, esophagus and larynx.
In general, when using bull root for dogs, it is important to remember that the benefits or harm directly depend on the correct dosage and the prevention of the risks described above.
Product varieties
Bullroot dog treats are available in a wide variety, making it easy to find the perfect one for your pet. Roots come in stick, braid, and medallion shapes and come in the following sizes:
- XS – 50 g, 19-29 cm;
- S – 70 g, 30-40 cm;
- M – 135 g, 41-50 cm;
- L – 200 g, 51-59 cm;
- XL – 270 g, 60-69 cm;
- XXL – 400 g, 70 cm.
In addition to dried roots, dried ones are also available. They contain more moisture, making them somewhat softer, but have a shorter shelf life. If your pet prefers this product, you can soak the dried penis in water until it reaches the desired consistency.
Price
All of these varieties of dog treats are available at numerous pet stores or online for delivery. The price will depend on the weight and type of product. For example, a 100g stick-shaped treat costs an average of 400 rubles, while 1 kg of the same product costs around 3,800 rubles. Braids and medallions are slightly more expensive.
Raw bull root is not recommended for dogs, as it does not have all the properties described above for dried or cured products. Furthermore, raw offal may contain helminths and other parasites or pathogenic microorganisms. Pets are less likely to like this food, and drying it at home is nearly impossible due to its strong odor and unpleasant appearance.
But those who aren't intimidated by this process can prepare the roots themselves. To do this, wash them thoroughly, remove any film or excess fat, cut into pieces, and bake for 5-6 hours in the oven at 80°C with the door slightly ajar. It's recommended to ensure good ventilation or dry them outdoors.
Reviews
Igor Zakrevsky, veterinarian, St. Petersburg:
"I often recommend 'Bull Root' to dog owners, and I tell them right away what it is, because they need to understand that its high price is completely justified. It's not just a treat, but an all-natural and highly valuable therapeutic and preventative supplement to the dog's diet. It addresses several health and oral hygiene issues at once, while simultaneously saving the owner from damaging shoes, furniture, and other household items that dogs love to chew on.
"Furthermore, the only ingredients other than the by-product itself are the by-product itself, so it doesn't cause allergies, even in animals prone to them. However, don't overdo it. Giving your pet one root twice a week is sufficient to ensure proper hygiene, reliable prevention, and immune support."
Victoria, the Yorkie's owner:
"Of all the dog treats, I only give my little one beef roots, as he's allergic to all others, and he simply refuses many on his own. He really likes these sticks; he constantly asks for them and chews them with pleasure, thanks to which his teeth are now clean, white, and healthy, even though Yorkies are very susceptible to tartar buildup. Before using the roots, we even had to take him to the vet for professional plaque and tartar removal with a special device (an ultrasonic scaler) under general anesthesia. But now that's not necessary. The only thing that bothers me is the smell of the sticks. And he smells bad afterwards, too. But I tolerate it and am slowly getting used to it.
Sergey, Moscow:
"When my puppy was teething, the vet recommended bull's tongue root, saying it was much better than any rubber teether. I really liked the product. Most importantly, it's a natural product, and it not only helps with jaw itching but also benefits a growing dog's body. It was truly beneficial for both the puppy and me, as he stopped chewing on everything. Now that he's grown, these problems no longer bother him, but I still give him the root regularly to clean his teeth and simply treat him with treats."
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