Cheek Chew Braised Beef Treat
Verified Jun 4, 2026
This is a high-protein, hard beef cheek chew designed as a long-lasting treat for dogs, including teething puppies. It’s made primarily from beef cheek skin and beef, with a bit of rice flour and vegetable glycerin to help with texture and palatability. The firm consistency can encourage chewing, which may help mechanically clean teeth while keeping dogs occupied.
Nutritionally, this is a simple, high-protein chew based mainly on beef tissues, intended as an occasional treat or chew rather than a balanced diet. It’s suitable for most healthy dogs that tolerate beef, and the hard texture can be helpful for dogs who enjoy vigorous chewing. Because it’s quite calorie-dense per piece, it should be given in moderation and factored into your dog’s daily calorie intake.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high protein content for a chew (minimum 75%), coming largely from beef cheek skin and beef.
- Limited, straightforward ingredient list with a simple carbohydrate source (rice flour) and no added colors or flavorings noted.
- Hard, durable texture that can help satisfy chewing needs and may support dental cleanliness through mechanical abrasion.
- Formulated as a single main animal protein (beef), which can be useful if you’re trying to keep treats consistent with a beef-based diet.
Considerations
- Beef is a common food allergen for some dogs, so this chew is not appropriate if your dog has a known beef sensitivity.
- Each treat is relatively high in calories (about 246 kcal per chew), so overfeeding could contribute to weight gain if not adjusted for in the overall diet.
- This is a treat/chew only and not a complete and balanced diet, so it should make up only a small portion of your dog’s daily calories.
- Hard chews always carry some risk of tooth fracture or choking, especially in very aggressive chewers or if pieces are swallowed whole; supervision is important.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Beef Cheek Skin
Beef cheek skin is an animal-derived ingredient often used as a protein-rich component or chew/treat material that provides collagen, gelatin and concentrated animal flavor for palatability and texture. It can contribute animal protein and collagenous amino acids that may support skin, coat and joint tissues, but can be fairly high in fat and calories, may trigger beef allergies in sensitive pets, and can pose choking or digestive blockage risks if not properly processed or sized.
02
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.
03
Rice Flour
Rice flour is a finely milled carbohydrate ingredient commonly used in pet foods as a digestible energy source and as a binder or thickener in kibble, treats, and wet food formulations. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and cats and low in fat, but offers limited protein and essential amino acids (so it should complement animal protein sources), can increase dietary glycemic load which may be relevant for diabetic or weight‑management pets, and may carry low levels of inorganic arsenic depending on sourcing and processing.
04
Potassium Sorbate
Potassium sorbate is a widely used preservative in pet foods and treats that inhibits mold and yeast growth to extend shelf life while contributing no nutritional value. It is generally recognized as safe for dogs and cats when used at approved levels, though rare sensitivities or very high concentrations can cause mild gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation, so manufacturers follow regulatory limits and good manufacturing practices.
05
Vegetable Glycerin
Vegetable glycerin is a plant-derived humectant and sweet-tasting solvent commonly used in pet foods and treats to retain moisture, improve texture, dissolve flavorings or vitamins, and enhance palatability. It provides usable calories, is generally regarded as safe for dogs and cats in typical amounts, but excessive intake can cause digestive upset and may be a consideration for diabetic pets or those needing calorie-restricted diets.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
Brand
Health Extension is the flagship brand of Health Extension Pet Care, offering holistic dog and cat foods made with premium proteins and whole-food ingredients. The brand targets pet owners seeking natural, grain-inclusive, and grain-free options without artificial additives.
Visit Health ExtensionManufacturer
Health Extension Pet Care oversees manufacturing in facilities that comply with FDA and AAFCO standards. Each batch undergoes quality assurance and safety checks, and foods are made in the USA using high-quality ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Health Extension Cheek Chew Braised Beef Treat has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Health Extension ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Health Extension. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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