Sterilizing edible chews?

[chattiesmom]

The only chews my dogs will crunch down on are Himalayan Dog Chew and bully sticks. After each chew session I pick up the chews and let them air dry before they get them again. I would like some ideas about how to clean them between chewing sessions to help eliminate the risk of salmonella and/or other food poisoning bacteria.

[Nancy1999]

I put mine in the microwave for about 30 seconds, let cool. For Bully sticks I boil an inch of water and after it starts to boil I place the tip of the stick in the boiling water and microwave for another 30 seconds. Joey likes his tips softened and I think this will lesson the chance of broken teeth. It's my understanding, these bacteria are much worse for the human, than the dog.

[chattiesmom]

Thank you for your reply, Nancy. You microwave for 30 seconds, cool, then put the bully in boiling water and microwave the bully in the water for another 30 seconds?

I'll give that a try. I microwaved a bully for one minute (I kinda go into overkill with the microwave ). The bully shrunk to less than 1/2 its size and really looked vulgar. Not just disgusting, but really truly vulgar. That one went in the trash .

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by chattiesmom

Thank you for your reply, Nancy. You microwave for 30 seconds, cool, then put the bully in boiling water and microwave the bully in the water for another 30 seconds?

I'll give that a try. I microwaved a bully for one minute (I kinda go into overkill with the microwave ). The bully shrunk to less than 1/2 its size and really looked vulgar. Not just disgusting, but really truly vulgar. That one went in the trash .

No, I meant for other dog treats I microwave for 30 seconds, (like chicken jerky). Just for the bully sticks, I microwave in boiling water because I'm actually trying to soften the tip.

[chattiesmom]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

No, I meant for other dog treats I microwave for 30 seconds, (like chicken jerky). Just for the bully sticks, I microwave in boiling water because I'm actually trying to soften the tip.

Got it!

[mimimomo]

From the Himalayan Chews FAQ's page, as long as it's kept dry, it's deemed safe for up to 4 years. Himalayan Dog Chew

When mine had Bully's, I cut off the part they chewed on & stored them in the freezer in a zip lock bag. IDK if that's practical, but I always bought the long 12" ones, so they lasted awhile even tho I cut them off a few inches after every chewing frenzy session.

[chattiesmom]

Originally Posted by mimimomo

From the Himalayan Chews FAQ's page, as long as it's kept dry, it's deemed safe for up to 4 years. Himalayan Dog Chew

When mine had Bully's, I cut off the part they chewed on & stored them in the freezer in a zip lock bag. IDK if that's practical, but I always bought the long 12" ones, so they lasted awhile even tho I cut them off a few inches after every chewing frenzy session.

Thanks for the head's up about the Himalayan Chews. I Like your idea about cutting off the chewed part of the bully's.

[yorkiemini]

I really don't know if this is a viable solution - but... I, too, cutoff the chewed up end of the bully stick then put it in the freezer for a while. I keep two of them cycling through thawing and being frozen.

My vet tells me that when they have been chewed on the saliva sets up a perfect medium for bacteria to grow. Guess that is why I started freezing them.

[chattiesmom]

Originally Posted by yorkiemini

I really don't know if this is a viable solution - but... I, too, cutoff the chewed up end of the bully stick then put it in the freezer for a while. I keep two of them cycling through thawing and being frozen.

My vet tells me that when they have been chewed on the saliva sets up a perfect medium for bacteria to grow. Guess that is why I started freezing them.

Thanks! Overkill here - cut off the gooey part, boil them in the microwave for 30 seconds then it's into the freezer they go.

[ladyjane]

OMG if you all could read this thread the way that I just did. I must be getting sicker in my old age, but it tickled the heck out of me.

Chewing on them, softening the tip...vulgar...oh my!

And then, the Lorena Bobbit move... ROFL

[Teresiana]

Originally Posted by mimimomo

From the Himalayan Chews FAQ's page, as long as it's kept dry, it's deemed safe for up to 4 years. Himalayan Dog Chew

When mine had Bully's, I cut off the part they chewed on & stored them in the freezer in a zip lock bag. IDK if that's practical, but I always bought the long 12" ones, so they lasted awhile even tho I cut them off a few inches after every chewing frenzy session.

I put mine in the freezer too...thinking that will freeze any germs out. Do you think that works? Maybe I should microwave them first. So glad I saw this thread! I've been wondering for YEARS how to clean/store bullies!!

[Teresiana]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

No, I meant for other dog treats I microwave for 30 seconds, (like chicken jerky). Just for the bully sticks, I microwave in boiling water because I'm actually trying to soften the tip.

Sorry if I'm sounding dumb, but would you mind explaining how you microwave the bullies in boiling water? Do you boil the water first, then put the bully in the water & microwave? How long do you leave them in the microwave?

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Teresiana

I put mine in the freezer too...thinking that will freeze any germs out. Do you think that works? Maybe I should microwave them first. So glad I saw this thread! I've been wondering for YEARS how to clean/store bullies!!

Freezing does not get rid of salmonella. I am not sure that microwaving does...

[ladyjane]

Information about freezing to kill germs:

6 Common Myths About Freezing Foods (Page 4) | Eating Well


IDPH - Food Safety Myths

[Teresiana]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Information about freezing to kill germs:

6 Common Myths About Freezing Foods (Page 4) | Eating Well


IDPH - Food Safety Myths

Thanks for this.