# TLDR Review: SmartBones SmartSticks Peanut Butter Dog Chews

*Published: 2025-05-26 | Updated: 2025-07-18 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/smartbones-smartsticks-peanut-butter-dog-chews*

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## Verdict

SmartBones SmartSticks are a hit with many dogs due to their enticing peanut butter scent and gentle nature, making them great for light chewers. However, pet owners should be cautious of potential digestive issues from Xanthan Gum and heed concerns over unnecessary dyes. Due to recent changes in formulation that some dogs dislike and negative experiences with the manufacturer's customer service, exploring healthier alternatives with no dyes might be wise for discerning pet parents.

**Top pro:** Dogs love the flavor, especially the peanut butter scent.
**Top con:** Contains Xanthan Gum, which may cause digestive issues in some dogs.

## Product: SmartBones SmartSticks Peanut Butter Dog Chews
**Brand:** SmartBones
[Compare prices and price history on ShopSavvy](https://shopsavvy.com/products/smartbones-smartsticks-peanut-butter-dog-chews)

## Pros
- Dogs love the flavor, especially the peanut butter scent.
- These chews provide a comfortable experience for dogs in new environments.
- Convenient for indoor feeding as they don't create a mess.
- Suitable for various ages and chewing abilities due to their gentle nature.
- Considered a good rawhide alternative, appealing to dogs with different chewing needs.
- Small pieces after chewing pose minimal choking hazards.

## Cons
- Contains Xanthan Gum, which may cause digestive issues in some dogs.
- Presence of food dye, which is unnecessary and may cause concerns about behavior.
- Not suitable for aggressive chewers; treats do not last very long.
- Reports of recent changes in formulation have led to some dogs refusing the treats.
- Unresponsive customer service with refund difficulties through the manufacturer.
- Some users experienced negative reactions like runny stool or blood.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Dogs love the flavor, especially the peanut butter scent. | Contains Xanthan Gum, which may cause digestive issues in some dogs. |
| These chews provide a comfortable experience for dogs in new environments. | Presence of food dye, which is unnecessary and may cause concerns about behavior. |
| Convenient for indoor feeding as they don't create a mess. | Not suitable for aggressive chewers; treats do not last very long. |
| Suitable for various ages and chewing abilities due to their gentle nature. | Reports of recent changes in formulation have led to some dogs refusing the treats. |
| Considered a good rawhide alternative, appealing to dogs with different chewing needs. | Unresponsive customer service with refund difficulties through the manufacturer. |
| Small pieces after chewing pose minimal choking hazards. | Some users experienced negative reactions like runny stool or blood. |

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