Mental health is just as important as physical health. They go hand in hand.  We agree that chew sticks are a rare but favorite around our house!  Kind of like candy…if you have it everyday all the time, it doesn’t seem like a treat anymore. 
Go Henry!

Dear sweet Henry.  You struggle and struggle, but keep on truckin.  I agree with Minnie, Mack and Mario.  Mental health is important and can lead to more physical problems if not addressed. 

This should have been an “Ask OBP” question.  What is in the chew sticks that diminish the protein? 

Henry is a fighter and a very good boy.  ♥

I have tummy issues myself…always have…and for me having my head in a better place is a BIG deal. How many chewy sticks does Henry get per week…maybe decrease on night…or maybe keep the same number of nights but only give him half of the chewy stick instead???

Hi Sue VDB—I will try to explain Henry’s protein issues the best I can.  (Our vet explains it very well but sadly I cannot turn that information right around and repeat the way he does.)  Because Henry’s colon/lower intestine is chronically inflamed in some areas and the lining is thickened (like a callus) in other areas, as food digests the proteins are not absorbed in an easy fashion.  So, it is not so much about what is in the chewy that is counter productive, per se but it is kind of everything though, sine it is anything that is not “easily digestible”.  He is on prescription dog kibble (which is formulated for IDB and is considered easy to digest) and salmon and sweet potato (which have anti-inflammatory properties to help ease the area where he has inflammation in his colon/intestine.  His favorite chewy sticks are primarily rawhide which is notoriously hard to digest. 
So, we are still finding the best balance for mind and body.

Christie—Sorry for your tummy troubles.  And yes, we agree having a good head is sometimes more important that a strong tummy.  The most chewies Henry would be permitted would be 3 a week so far.  We will probably drop that to 1-2 (or none depending on the next go round of blood work).  I don’t think he’d go for a have a chew….once he’s chewing he knows if there is more left.  LOL

Henry really keeps you on your toes. Poor little boy, one thing makes him feel good but tears something else up. I know how that goes with some of my arthritis meds.

I’m very glad Henry can be described as “more well”.  It seems to me that you do a really good job of balancing what’s best for Henry’s big picture, and it certainly matters a lot for him to have mental health!!  It’s kind of like you have to walk a tightrope with everything, but you do it so well!

Here’s to that number creeping back toward 6!

#WishThereWerePrescriptionChews

I forgot to mention, you do a really good job of explaining things!  And I do think Henry’s peeps are the world’s foremost authorities on the subject of Henry!

Bless Henry’s little heart (and intestines)!

Is there such a thing as a protein drink for dogs that would be easier for Henry’s tummy to absorb?

Also, have you tried a “favored” Nyla bone?  Maybe that could satisfy Henry’s need to chew for a longer time.

Good luck sweet Henry, we are all pulling for you!

#HENRYSTRONG #PROTEINGETINTOHENRYSBELLY!

oh Henry! tummy troubles are not good.  Echoing what has been said, healthy mind and body go hand in hand