Dog-owning Brits are treating their dogs to potentially life-threatening and dangerous chews, a new survey has revealed.

Rory Cowlam, who is a British veterinary surgeon and known as Rory the Vet on CBBC’s The Pets Factor, commented: “As a dog owner as well as a vet, I know how important it is to treat your pet to build that amazing bond, but as these shocking results show a large proportion of people are still feeding dangerous treats to their dogs!

“Dog owners need to stop feeding cooked bones – particularly chicken as these will often splinter and become very sharp leading to a risk of gut perforation and very serious issues. I generally avoid raw hide too – it’s really tricky to digest and can cause both gut and tooth issues.”

The survey was carried out by Pooch Snax, a natural pig ear shaped dog chew brand.

Pooch Snax has launched a new natural and safe dog treat – Porky Ears – that brings something a bit different to the dog treat market. Shaped like ears and produced from 100% British pork, Porky Ears are a natural, healthy and easily digestible treat for dogs to enjoy. Full of protein, they also act as a toothbrush.

A spokesperson for Pooch Snax said: “Treats, as part of an overall nutritious diet, are a great way to bond with your dog. They can help to keep teeth and gums healthy and provide a way to express normal chewing behaviour. However, it’s important that we give our dogs the right kind of treats to avoid unnecessary chewcastrophes.”

Rory continued: “Having been in clinic practice for seven years, I’ve regularly witnessed issues from dogs eating clothes, sofas, balls and all other sorts of things from around the house! Everyday items can be toxic to dogs so it’s incredibly important to be careful when leaving your dog around potential harmful items.

“Speaking as a dog owner and vet, I find it incredibly hard to find a long lasting, healthy, easily digestible chew for Nala and my clients. Porky Ears are a great option because they are made from natural ingredients and high meat content, which means they are healthy, and they are easily digestible because they have no cartilage or ligament ingredients.”

Pooch Snax will be showcasing Porky Ears at PATS Telford on 25-26 September, on stand K11.