A Guide to Choosing the Right Chew for Your Dog

By Rachael Wilcox

As most dog owners find, (at one point or another), dogs love to chew!  Whether it be on a bone, toy, or your shoe, it is an essential part of a dog’s natural behavior.  And while this behavior can be frustrating to us, it is important to be aware that it has plenty of benefits to our dogs. Chewing on things is instinct to your dog, and it is important to foster that and give it an appropriate outlet. In this blog, we will be discussing the many benefits of the chewing behavior for your dog, different chews, and how to choose the right chew!

Just like humans babies, puppies lose their teeth as they grow up, and they experience the 

same uncomfortable symptoms of teething. This also means that they have the same desire to chew or mouth objects to soothe their aching teeth and gums. This, mixed with the curiosity that puppies have about everything still new, we have to start teaching them what is appropriate to chew on, and what must be left alone! It is important to keep an eye on them at all times to prevent unwanted behavior. If you do find them chewing on something they shouldn’t be, redirect them onto something that is more appropriate to chew on. As your puppy grows into a dog and their adult teeth come in, you will notice that toys and chews that used to last hours may now only last minutes. Your dog’s teeth and jaws have grown in size and in strength! Your dog likely will also become (what I call) either an entertainment chewer, or a business chewer. An entertainment chewer is a dog who chews calmly, slowly, and leisurely. These dogs take a while to get through their chews, and it takes them longer to destroy their toys, if they do at all. A business chewer is a dog who wants to get it done. These dogs are hardcore, powerful chewers, whose goal is to finish the chew or destroy the toy as fast as possible. Choosing the right toys and chews to give your dog as they grow up will depend on their chewing style. But before getting into that, let’s talk about the benefits of chewing throughout your dog’s life!

Chewing is an instinctual behavior that is naturally soothing. This is because when dogs chew, endorphins such as serotonin and dopamine are released from your dog’s brain, causing them to feel happy and calm. Chewing is a great way to help relieve stress or anxiety that your dog may be feeling, while also providing a distraction from the stimulus. As your dog ages, chewing on different textures found in a variety of chew options will also aid in keeping their dental health in check. Chewing can help prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar on your dogs teeth, as well as providing stimulation to the gums which prevents gingivitis. If you’re incorporating natural chews such as collagen, there are also nutritional supplement benefits! Routinely giving your dog something to chew on brings a sense of comfort knowing they have a fun activity to look forward to, and will also provide you with a break to get things done! Giving your dog safe and appropriate things to chew on provides them with mental enrichment that otherwise, they may seek out on their own, which may end up being your shoe or couch! 

Now, let’s go over some safe chew and toy options for your furry friend! Since puppies have small and still fragile teeth, it is important not to give them anything too hard. Chew types such as hard nylabones, or natural butcher bones are a risk for broken teeth in all dogs, but especially in puppies. Some of the best options for puppies are going to be soft rubbery toys, fabric toys, and soft natural chews such as collagen bones, pig or cow ears, and bully sticks. Generally, if you can easily indent the chew with your fingernail, it is safe for your puppy to chew on. Another great option for teething puppies are toys that you can freeze, since the cold will numb some of the pain and discomfort of teething. Frozen carrot sticks are a great, natural option for your pup! 

Options for adult dogs are obviously broader, but still depend on your dog’s chewing style-  entertainment or business. If your dog is an entertainment chewer, congratulations; this makes it easier on you. Dogs who are calmer in their chewing habits have a larger range of options. Fabric toys are great options for these dogs, as they provide lots of fun textures, and they are easy to use in games that involve the human too like fetch or tug-of-war! They also can be something your dog uses for comfort if they like to snuggle or carry their toys around with them. If your dog is a gentle chewer, you can try giving them harder chews such as butcher bones, yak cheese chews, or antlers, because the gentle chewing is not likely to cause a broken tooth. You can also give them other natural chew types such as trachea, tendons, etc, and they will last a decent amount of time. 

Now, onto the business side! Business chewers, unfortunately, have a bit more limited options of chews and toys that they can safely consume or play with. Hard chew options such as butcher bones, yak chews, and antlers are not recommended for strong chewers as they are more at risk for broken teeth, or breaking off chunks of the chew and swallowing them. Natural chew options such as beef cheek rolls and coffee wood are a good option for these power chewers, as they last longer while still providing the mental stimulation and health benefits that chewing brings. These options are also far less likely to splinter under the pressure of hard chewing since the dog’s saliva softens the chew. Some of the lighter natural chews are still an option for heavy chewers, they just will not last as long. However, all of the other benefits still stand! Tough textured toys are your best bet for a heavy chewer, such as tough rubber, fabric, or rope. These are less likely to get punctured or torn as easily as some of the more plush type fabric toys, while still being an option for games with you as well. As your dog ages, their teeth may become weaker, in which case returning to the chew and toy options for puppies will be helpful. 

While chewing is a fun and highly beneficial activity for your dog, there are some key things we can do to keep the activity as safe as possible. Choose the size of the chew or toy carefully so that the dog is not likely to swallow it causing choking or a blockage. Also, supervise your dog during the activity to watch for if they are trying to eat a non-consumable toy. It is not uncommon for dogs to tear apart a toy and start eating the stuffing! For consumable chews, supervision is still necessary so they don’t eat any funky shaped bits. For bully stick or yak cheese type chews, a holder is a great tool, so that the dog cannot finish the last small piece of the chew, as these can pose choking hazards if a dog is too eager to finish it. Some chews to steer clear from are bones containing rawhide, as it is difficult to digest and can cause blockages. Cooked bones are also generally a no-go, as these bones are more likely to splinter. With consumable chews, it is best to limit their consumption so that they do not experience digestive problems, though it is not uncommon for a dog to have some digestive changes if it is their first time trying a new chew. So, it is best to give in moderation as they get used to it, and watch for any extreme reactions. 

In conclusion, chewing is a great activity for your dog for the entire span of their life. It provides excellent mental stimulation and enrichment, and is naturally soothing. It also has health benefits such as prevention of plaque on their teeth, and different chews can yield natural supplements of collagen, protein, and more. There are a plethora of chews to choose from, so it is best to pick depending on your dog’s preferences and chewing styles. If following proper precautions, giving your dog a variety of options will offer them so much entertainment, and if done routinely, something for you both to look forward to as well!