Finding a dog chew that is tasty, easy to digest, and free from rawhide can be hard.
That is why I took a close look at the SmartBones Twist Sticks Rawhide-Free Dog Treats, Peanut Butter, 50 Count.
These chews are made for dogs that love to chew. They use peanut butter, chicken, and vegetables. They are also made without rawhide.
The 50-count pack is another big plus. It gives you many treats in one pack. That can be handy for homes with one dog or more than one dog.
But are these chews really worth buying?
In this SmartBones Twist Sticks Rawhide-Free Dog Treats, Peanut Butter, 50 Count reviews guide, I will cover the taste, texture, ingredients, size, chewing use, pros, cons, and more.
SmartBones Twist Sticks Peanut Butter Review
What Are SmartBones Twist Sticks?
SmartBones Twist Sticks are chew treats made for dogs.
They are designed to give dogs a chewing activity without using rawhide. The twist shape also gives the treat a fun look and feel.
The peanut butter flavor is one of the main reasons dogs may enjoy them. The recipe also contains chicken and vegetables.
SmartBones says the treats are made to be easy to digest. They are also enriched with vitamins and minerals.
For pet owners who want a rawhide-free chew, this makes the product worth a closer look.
My First Look at the Product
The first thing I like about this product is the simple purpose.
It is a chew, not a regular tiny training treat.
That means it can give a dog something to work on for a longer time. This may be useful when a dog wants to chew after a meal or during quiet time.
The twisted shape also gives the dog something to grip and chew.
The 50-count pack is another strong point. You get a large number of chews, so you do not need to buy a new pack after only a few treats.
Peanut Butter Flavor
Flavor matters a lot with dog treats.
A chew can have a good design, but a picky dog may still ignore it.
These SmartBones Twist Sticks use real peanut butter in the recipe. Chicken and vegetables are also included.
That gives the chew a flavor profile that should appeal to many dogs.
Of course, every dog is different. Some dogs will love peanut butter flavors. Others may prefer chicken or another type of treat.
Still, peanut butter is a popular flavor for many dogs, so this version makes sense for pet owners looking for something different.
Rawhide-Free Design
The biggest feature for me is the rawhide-free design.
SmartBones makes these chews without rawhide. That gives pet owners another option when they want to avoid traditional rawhide chews.
The product is made with other ingredients instead.
This does not mean every dog will react the same way to the treat. Dogs can have different food needs and sensitivities.
Still, a rawhide-free formula is a useful feature for shoppers who are looking for that type of chew.
Ingredients
The main ingredients include:
- Cornstarch
- Glycerin
- Sorbitol
- Peanut butter
- Chicken
- Fructose
- Maltodextrin
- Gelatin
- Barley malt syrup
- Salt
- Dried carrots
- Pea flour
- Dried sweet potatoes
- Vitamins and minerals
The recipe also contains flavoring, preservatives, and other processing ingredients.
One thing I would point out is that peanut butter is not the only major ingredient. Chicken and several plant-based ingredients are also part of the recipe.
So I would not think of this as a simple peanut butter-only treat.
It is better viewed as a flavored chew with peanut butter as one of its key ingredients.
Nutrition
The guaranteed analysis lists at least 4% crude protein and up to 2% crude fiber. Moisture is listed at up to 15%.
The product provides about 17 calories per chew according to the current product information.
That calorie count is fairly useful to know.
Treat calories can add up fast, especially when a dog gets several treats during the day.
I would include these calories when thinking about the dog’s full daily food intake.
Chewing Experience
The twist shape is made for chewing.
That can make these treats useful for dogs that enjoy having something to work on.
Chewing can also be a good way to keep a dog busy for a while.
However, I would not expect every dog to take the same amount of time to finish one.
A strong chewer may go through a chew much faster than a smaller or slower chewer.
For that reason, the actual chewing time can vary a lot from dog to dog.
Dental Use
SmartBones says chewing can help maintain healthy teeth.
That is a nice extra feature.
The twisting shape gives the dog something to chew instead of simply swallowing a small soft treat.
Still, I would not treat these chews as a replacement for normal dental care.
Regular brushing and proper veterinary care are still important for a dog’s dental health.
So I see the dental feature as a bonus rather than the main reason to buy the product.
Size and Quantity
The 50-count pack is one of the best parts of this product.
Fifty chews can last a good amount of time, depending on how often they are given.
The pack can also be useful for homes with more than one dog.
Before giving a chew, it is important to choose a size that is suitable for the dog’s mouth.
SmartBones recommends selecting a chew that is slightly larger than the dog’s mouth.
That is an important safety point.
Is It Good for Small Dogs?
It can be an option for smaller dogs when the chew size is suitable.
But size alone is not enough.
You should also think about the dog’s chewing habits.
A small dog that chews very aggressively may handle a treat differently from a small dog that chews slowly.
I would also watch the dog while chewing.
Is It Good for Puppies?
The suitability of a chew for a puppy depends on the puppy’s age, size, chewing habits, and diet.
SmartBones products may have feeding guidance for puppies, but pet owners should still check the current package directions.
If a puppy has a sensitive stomach or special food needs, I would also ask a veterinarian before adding a new chew.
Is It Easy to Digest?
SmartBones markets these treats as easy to digest and rawhide-free.
That is useful for pet owners who want an alternative to traditional rawhide.
But “easy to digest” does not mean every dog will tolerate every ingredient.
A dog can still have a reaction to a particular food ingredient.
If your dog has food allergies or a sensitive stomach, read the full ingredient list before buying.
What I Like About the 50-Count Pack
The quantity makes this product practical.
Buying a large pack can be easier than buying small packs again and again.
It can also help if you give your dog chews on a regular basis.
The 50-count size is especially useful for multi-dog homes.
The main thing I would check is freshness and storage. Keep the treats stored as directed on the package and close the package well after opening.
SmartBones Twist Sticks Pros and Cons
Pros
- Rawhide-free formula
- Peanut butter flavor
- Made with real peanut butter
- Also contains chicken and vegetables
- Twist shape encourages chewing
- Can help keep dogs busy
- Vitamin and mineral enriched
- About 17 calories per chew
- Large 50-count pack
- Useful for regular treat routines
- Easy to store
- Good option for dogs that enjoy chew treats
Cons
- Not suitable for every dog
- Contains several ingredients beyond peanut butter
- Includes added flavors and preservatives
- Some dogs may finish the chew quickly
- Not a replacement for tooth brushing
- Dogs with food sensitivities need extra care
- Treat calories still count toward the daily diet
- Some dogs may not like the flavor
SmartBones Twist Sticks vs. Traditional Rawhide
The biggest difference is the ingredient base.
Traditional rawhide chews use rawhide. These SmartBones Twist Sticks are made without rawhide.
That may make them more appealing to pet owners who want a rawhide-free option.
The texture is also different.
SmartBones Twist Sticks are made from a different chew formula, so they do not feel exactly like traditional rawhide.
If your dog already enjoys rawhide but you want to try a different option, these can be worth considering.
Who Should Buy SmartBones Twist Sticks?
I think these chews make the most sense for dog owners who:
- Want a rawhide-free chew
- Have a dog that enjoys chewing
- Like peanut butter flavors
- Want a large pack
- Prefer treats with added vitamins and minerals
- Want a chew that can keep a dog busy
- Need a simple everyday chew option
They may not be the best choice for dogs with strict food allergies or special diets.
They may also not be ideal if your dog does not enjoy chew-style treats.
Who Should Skip Them?
I would be more careful if your dog has known food sensitivities.
The ingredient list is not short. It contains peanut butter, chicken, grains and starches, sweeteners, flavoring, preservatives, and other ingredients.
If your dog needs a limited-ingredient diet, this may not be the right choice.
I would also skip any chew that does not match your dog’s size or chewing style.
How to Give SmartBones Twist Sticks Safely
Always supervise your dog when giving a chew.
Choose a chew that is slightly larger than the dog’s mouth.
Make sure fresh drinking water is available.
Do not let your dog chew on a treat that has become too small to handle safely.
Remove leftover pieces or fragments when needed.
Also remember that treats should be part of a balanced diet, not a replacement for normal dog food.
If your dog has a health problem, food allergy, or special diet, check with your veterinarian before adding a new chew.
Are SmartBones Twist Sticks Worth It?
For the right dog, I think they can be a useful chew option.
The rawhide-free design is the biggest reason to consider them.
The peanut butter flavor is another strong point.
I also like the 50-count pack because it gives you a lot of treats in one package.
The product is not perfect, though.
The ingredient list is fairly long. It also contains more than peanut butter. Dogs with food sensitivities may need a simpler option.
So I would not call this a perfect chew for every dog.
Instead, I would call it a practical option for dogs that enjoy chewing and can handle the ingredients.
SmartBones Twist Sticks Rawhide-Free Dog Treats, Peanut Butter, 50 Count Reviews: FAQ
Are SmartBones Twist Sticks rawhide-free?
Yes. SmartBones Twist Sticks are made without rawhide.
Do SmartBones Twist Sticks contain peanut butter?
Yes. The peanut butter version contains peanut butter and is made with real peanut butter.
How many treats are in the pack?
This package contains 50 twist stick chews.
How many calories are in one SmartBones Twist Stick?
The current product information lists about 17 calories per chew.
Are SmartBones Twist Sticks good for dogs?
They can be a good choice for dogs that enjoy chewing and can tolerate the ingredients. Every dog is different, so watch your dog when introducing any new treat.
Can puppies eat SmartBones Twist Sticks?
Check the package feeding directions for your dog’s age and size. If you are unsure, ask your veterinarian before giving a new chew to a puppy.
Do SmartBones Twist Sticks help clean teeth?
Chewing may help maintain healthy teeth, according to the product information. However, these treats should not replace brushing or regular dental care.
Are these treats made with real peanut butter?
Yes. Real peanut butter is included in the ingredient list.
Do SmartBones Twist Sticks contain chicken?
Yes. Chicken is included in the peanut butter recipe.
Are SmartBones Twist Sticks easy to digest?
SmartBones describes them as easy to digest. Still, individual dogs can react differently to food ingredients.
Can dogs with sensitive stomachs eat them?
It depends on the dog. The recipe contains many ingredients, so I would check the ingredient list carefully and ask a veterinarian if your dog has a sensitive stomach or food issue.
How should I store SmartBones Twist Sticks?
Follow the storage directions on the package. Keep the treats protected from moisture and close the package after use.
How long does one chew last?
There is no single answer. It depends on the dog’s size and chewing habits. A strong chewer may finish one much faster than a slow chewer.
Should I supervise my dog with these treats?
Yes. Dogs should be supervised while chewing. Select a chew that is slightly larger than the dog’s mouth and remove leftover pieces or fragments when needed.
Final Verdict
The SmartBones Twist Sticks Rawhide-Free Dog Treats, Peanut Butter, 50 Count are a solid option for dog owners looking for a rawhide-free chew.
The peanut butter flavor gives the treat a tasty angle. The twist shape gives dogs something to chew. The 50-count pack also offers plenty of treats for regular use.
I especially like the rawhide-free design and the large quantity.
However, the ingredient list is not simple. It includes peanut butter, chicken, starches, sweeteners, flavoring, preservatives, and other ingredients.
That means I would check the ingredients first if my dog had food sensitivities.
Overall, these treats make the most sense for dogs that enjoy chewing and can handle the recipe. If that sounds like your dog, SmartBones Twist Sticks can be a convenient rawhide-free treat to keep in the treat box.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Best For: Dogs that enjoy peanut butter-flavored chew treats
Main Highlight: Rawhide-free twist chew
Pack Size: 50 Count
Flavor: Peanut Butter
Calories: About 17 calories per chew
Bottom Line: A convenient rawhide-free chew with a peanut butter flavor and a large 50-count pack, but the ingredient list should be checked carefully for dogs with food sensitivities.