Choosing the Best Dog Chews: A Practical Guide
Chewing is a natural and healthy behavior for dogs. It relieves boredom, eases teething discomfort in puppies, and helps keep teeth clean by reducing plaque and tartar. But not all chews are created equal—some are safer and more beneficial than others. Let’s break down what makes a great dog chew and how to pick the right one for your furry friend.
Why Dogs Need Chews
Puppies especially (between 3 and 8 months) chew to explore their world and soothe teething pain. Adult dogs chew for entertainment, stress relief, and dental health. All dogs benefit from appropriate chewing—but safety and digestibility matter most.
Types of Dog Chews: Pros, Cons, and Safety
- Raw Bones: Raw beef marrow or knuckle bones can help clean teeth and provide nutrients. However, lamb, pork, or poultry bones are softer, may break easily, and pose risks. Always supervise bone chewing and take away bones when they get small enough to swallow.
- Antlers: Deer or elk antlers last a long time but are very hard—they can break teeth or splinter. Some dogs love them more if you soak them in broth or rub on canned food. Supervision is essential.
- Bully Sticks: Made from dried bull penis (yes!), these single-ingredient treats are high-protein and digestible for most dogs. They don’t splinter but can be choking hazards if swallowed in large pieces; consider a holder or remove the last nub.
- Collagen & Beef Cheek Chews: These come from the lower collagen-rich layer of beef skin or cheeks—digestible alternatives to rawhide that support skin, coat, and joint health. Durable but safer than some other options.
- Tendons & Tracheas: Animal parts like tendons, tracheas, ears offer high protein with joint-friendly nutrients (chondroitin/glucosamine). Tendons/tracheas are softer than bones—less risk of tooth damage but still supervise for large pieces breaking off.
- Yak Cheese Chews: Hard cheese made from yak/cow milk—durable with limited ingredients. Most dogs find them tasty; remove small leftover bits to avoid choking.
- Dental & Edible Bones: Designed for oral health with digestible ingredients; choose the right size/shape for your dog to minimize choking risk.
- Pig/Cow Ears & Jerky: Cow ears (lower fat than pig ears), jerky strips—softer options suitable for puppies/seniors/gentle chewers. Still watch out for broken-off pieces.
General Safety Guidelines
- Supervise every chew session, especially with new chews or strong chewers.
- Select chews sized so they can’t be swallowed whole.
- If a chew gets too small—or if your dog tries to gulp it—take it away immediately.
- Softer chews work better for older dogs or those with dental issues; harder options suit aggressive chewers (but monitor closely).
The Role of Digestibility & Nutrition
The best chews use single natural ingredients without added chemicals or artificial flavors. Examples include bully sticks, beef cheeks, turkey tendons, yak cheese, tracheas, jerky strips—all offering varying degrees of durability and nutritional value. Collagen-based chews support joint health thanks to their cartilage-building nutrients.
Avoid highly processed/flavored chews with chemical coatings—they can upset digestion or cause problems if swallowed in chunks. Rawhide is less digestible than collagen rolls or tendons.
Treats vs. Chews: What’s the Difference?
Treats reward training behaviors; they’re usually small, soft, low-calorie bites given frequently during sessions. Dental treats target tartar reduction/fresh breath. Long-lasting chews satisfy natural urges while entertaining your dog longer—but treats/chews should make up no more than 10% of daily calories since they’re not nutritionally complete meals.
Your dog may prefer strong-smelling meaty treats (or soft textures), but preferences vary—try different types to see what excites your pup most!
Selecting Products: What Should You Look For?
- Bully sticks
- Naturally sourced bones (beef marrow/knuckle)
- Yak cheese chews
- Collagen rolls/beef cheeks
- Tendons/tracheas/esophagus/ears/jerky strips
- Biscuit/crunchy treats/dental sticks (for oral care)
Differentiators include protein source, digestibility level, flavor profile (plain vs smoked), grain-free/low-fat/limited ingredient status—and always check packaging guidelines before feeding anything new! If your dog has special dietary needs or sensitivities—or you’re just not sure what’s safe—ask your vet first.
The Bottom Line: Safe Chewing Habits
The best dog chews are those made from natural ingredients that won’t splinter easily or break into big chunks. Match the hardness/size to your individual pet’s chewing style; supervise every session; remove leftovers before they become dangerous; feed treats/chews in moderation alongside a balanced diet—and you’ll help keep your canine companion happy (and out of trouble).
