PetsCareLab's Verdict: SmartBones PlayTime Chews are a clever, rawhide-free alternative featuring real chicken and peanut butter, designed specifically for small dogs looking for a 15-minute mental and dental workout.
If you’ve been looking for a way to keep your pup busy without the digestive risks of traditional rawhide, SmartBones DoubleTime Rolls might be the answer your pantry needs. At Petscarelab, our research consistently shows that pet parents are moving away from hard-to-digest hides, and these peanut butter-flavored treats offer a safer, more flavorful middle ground. They are perfect for small breeds and dogs of all life stages who enjoy a bit of auditory "rattle" with their snack.
Unpacking the Ingredients: What’s Really Inside?
When we look at the label for SmartBones Playtime Chews, the first thing we check is the protein source. While these aren't a 100% single-source meat treat, they do use real chicken and peanut butter as core flavor drivers. The base is primarily corn and chicken, blended with vegetables like sweet potatoes, peas, and carrots. Our team at Petscarelab noted that these are now manufactured in Vietnam in modern facilities that follow FDA standards.
While we usually prefer a shorter ingredient list, the addition of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E and B12 adds a nice nutritional boost that you don't get with standard chew toys. The "treat inside" surprise is a layer of dried chicken wrapped in the vegetable and peanut butter outer shell, providing a multi-textured experience.
Safety and Purity: A Rawhide-Free Relief
One of the biggest wins here is the total absence of rawhide. Traditional rawhide can be a nightmare for gastrointestinal blockages or dental fractures. These chews are designed to be highly digestible, breaking down much easier in your dog's stomach. We looked closely for any signs of chemical bleaching or sharp fragments. Because these are molded and baked rather than cured hide, they lack those jagged edges that can cut a pup's gums. There are preservatives like Potassium Sorbate to keep them fresh, but they avoid the heavy industrial chemicals often found in low-quality imported hides.
Sensory Appeal: The "Shake, Rattle, and Roll" Factor
Opening a bag of these treats reveals a strong, nutty aroma that most dogs find impossible to ignore. It doesn't have that "chemical" smell some processed treats carry; instead, it smells like a fresh jar of peanut butter. The coolest feature is the auditory appeal. The treats inside the chew actually rattle when the dog moves it. This triggers a dog’s natural curiosity and prey drive, making it more than just a snack—it’s a toy they can eventually eat. For a bored dog sitting at your feet while you work, that extra engagement is a lifesaver.
Chewing Durability and Functionality
How long will it last? That's the million-dollar question. In our experience, for a small breed like a Yorkie or a Beagle mix, you're looking at about 10 to 20 minutes of solid chewing. If you have a Power Chewer or a larger breed, this will likely disappear in under five minutes. As your dog works through the outer vegetable layer, the mechanical action helps scrub away soft plaque around the gum line. It’s not a replacement for a toothbrush, but it’s a great supplemental tool for maintaining dental hygiene between professional cleanings.
Nutritional and Digestive Performance
These chews are fairly calorie-dense due to ingredients like corn, fructose, and sorbitol. If your dog is on a strict weight-loss plan, you’ll want to account for these in their daily intake. On the digestive front, most dogs handle these beautifully. However, because of the vegetable and syrup content, we've seen some reports of loose stools if a dog isn't used to rich treats. We recommend starting with just one chew to see how your pup’s tummy reacts. For most, the high digestibility means no messy "rawhide leftovers" in the yard the next day.
