Dogs chew. No surprise there!
In fact, dogs are kind of infamous for chewing all sorts of things — shoes, backpacks, your dirty underwear that didn’t quite make it into the laundry hamper — you name it.
Rather than let your dog have at your household items, most owners opt to provide their pooches with more appropriate items to chew on, such as long-lasting dog chews. And we’re here to help you do exactly that.
Read on to see some of the best dog chews you can find, including artificial chews and natural product recommendations!
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The Basic Types of Dog Chews: Which One Is Best for YOUR Dog?
Some dogs definitely chew more than others, and it can be hard to keep up with these extra chompy canines and their heavy-duty chewing.
When your dog is a heavy chewer, it’s smart to keep a variety of chew toys at your disposal. Mixing it up with different toys can help maintain your dog’s interest in chew sessions, making him less likely to gnaw on your ottoman out of boredom!
Whether it’s the strength of your dog’s jaws, his chewing habits, or the speed at which he destroys toys, don’t worry — there’s a chew out there for your pup.
- Option 1: Rigid Chews. Many powerful chewers enjoy rigid chew toys, which are usually made from very hard rubber or flavored Nylon. Nylon varieties can splinter or damage teeth if chewed too hard, but rubber toys are unlikely to do either. Just make sure to inspect the Nylon toy frequently during and after chew sessions for splintering, especially if your pup is known for heavy chewing.
- Option 2: Floss Chews. Other dogs might prefer the softer material of a flossy chew toy for chew sessions or occasional tug or tossing around. Again, these toys can pose a serious risk of stomach problems if swallowed, so just keep an eye on your pooch (especially if he is a heavy-duty chewer).
- Option 3: Bouncy Treat Chews. Bouncy dog chew toys double as fetch toys and many hold treats, making them super versatile additions to your dog’s toybox. These are often the most exciting option available, but some dogs will destroy them quickly, as they’re not usually made for heavy chewing.
- Option 4: Natural Chews. Natural chew toys are perfect for dogs who like to eat their toys. Some, though not all, natural chew toys are actually made to be eaten to the delight of doggos but can be incompatible with sensitive systems. They range from softer options like pig ears to tough chews like yak chews and horns strong enough for heavy chewing.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to power chewers. What your dog loves today might be totally boring tomorrow. One dog’s indestructible toy may have a fatal flaw that another dog quickly learns to exploit. Popular chews may not be so popular with your pup, and your pooch might prefer natural options over man-made materials. Every dog has their own favorite chew-friendly shape, taste, or texture.
Don’t be afraid of experimenting to find your pooch’s holy grail of chew toys!
We’ll mention something called the “fingernail test” a few times below.
In a nutshell, the fingernail test is a method by which you can check to see if a toy is too hard for your pup’s chompers, whether he’s rocking puppy toofers or adult teeth. Too hard of a chew is a risk for tooth damage, particularly if your pup is known for heavy chewing.
To do the fingernail test, simply try to dent the surface of the toy with your fingernail.
If your fingernail makes an impression, the toy is unlikely to damage your pet’s teeth. But if you can’t dent the surface at all, you’ll want to be extra cautious about offering it to your four-footer, as it may be a risk for tooth breakage.
For example, a typical ball toy may be made from very tough rubber, yet you can easily make a mark in it with your fingernail, so it’s less of a risk for tooth damage.
By contrast, you’re probably not going to be able to dent an antler or bone with your fingernail. And this means you should think twice about offering it to your pet.
Broken teeth hurt!
Rigid Chew Toys
Hard chew toys are best for dogs that are dedicated chewers that dish out heavy-duty chewing. Some dogs might find these manmade chews a bit too tough and will give up, but rigid chews generally stand up best to dogs with serious jaws and are longer-lasting chews.
Many dogs can gnaw on a single hard chew toy for months at a time, but powerful chewers might go through them more quickly with heavy chewing.
Again, nylon varieties may be a tiny bit more durable than super-hard rubber ones and among the cheapest long-lasting chews, but they’re also more likely to splinter or damage teeth. So, caution and discretion are obviously warranted when using them. Never use them for toss or tug. The risk for tooth breakage is too great.
However, just remember that all chew toys can be broken and ingested (becoming obstruction hazards!), so keep an eye on your heavy-duty chewer if you’re concerned about him mowing down on a hard chew.
While many dogs like rigid chews, some dislike the taste, smell, and texture, while others prefer or require a softer material. Usually, this is the case with casual chewers or senior pups.
1. Goughnuts MAXX Pro 50 Ring
A heavy-duty ring-style chew toy made from Goughnuts' toughest rubber.
You want a super-durable chew that’s also pretty darn safe for heavy-duty chewing? Well, you got it in the Goughnuts MAXX Pro 50 Ring.
Made of incredibly durable rubber, this toy is designed to take all the chompin’ your canine can dish out. But — and here’s the cool thing — it’s still soft enough that it passes the fingernail test and doesn’t present the same hardness risks as most strong dog chews. It is also unlikely to cause damage to your dog’s digestive tract if he does manage to swallow small pieces.
Add all that to the fact that it’s made in the USA and backed by the manufacturer’s lifetime guarantee, and this chew toy is hard to beat, particularly with a heavy-duty chewer around.
Pros
- Easily one of the most durable dog chews on the market (even for powerful chewers!)
- Despite being tough, it is soft enough not to be a risk for tooth breakage
- The lifetime warranty allows you to purchase with confidence
- It’s a made-in-the-USA toy, which is always nice to see
Cons
- It’s a pretty heavy toy that doesn’t suit petite pooches
- It’s not crazy expensive, but it will cost you a bit more than many other options
Goughnuts actually offers a complete line of chews, including not only the MAXX Pro 50 Ring but softer, lighter-duty options as well that may better suit petite pooches. Just keep this in mind if your dog is a moderate chewer rather than a true crocodile-like canine.
2. Benebone Flavored Wishbone
A taste-bud-tempting chew flavored with your choice of bacon, chicken, or peanut.
Made from hard nylon, the Benebone Wishbone is a supremely durable chew toy for dogs and is among the cheapest long-lasting chews.
This wishbone-shaped hard chew toy is great for dogs that like to hold onto their chews with their paws because they can hold onto one “leg” of the toy and chew on the other. The y-shaped design allows dogs to really “get their chew on” during chew sessions.
What’s really cool about the Benebone Wishbone is that it’s flavored! In fact, these tasty non-edible chews come in three flavors: bacon, chicken, and peanut butter. Just remember that since they’re mostly made of nylon, dogs should not be allowed to swallow pieces of them.
Pros
- Tough chews are very durable and will last quite a while even with heavy chewing
- The flavoring is a hit with doggos
- It’s easy for dogs to hold
- It’s made in the USA
Cons
- The nylon material can cause intestinal damage if swallowed
- It’s hard enough to be a risk for tooth breakage (it doesn’t pass the fingernail test)
3. Nylabone
A US-made, easy-to-grip, nylon plaything with a tasty chicken flavor.
This is one of the most popular chews on the market. Made of just nylon and flavoring, Nylabones have been helping dog owners get through puppy teething and heavy chewing for over 60 years!
Nylabone makes a wide variety of non-edible chews that have different textures and sizes suiting the biggest of barkers to the most petite pooches. Some versions have bristles or wedges to help clean your pup’s teeth, but most versions are just bone-shaped tough chews. Just remember that — like all nylon-based dog toys — it’s important to monitor your pooch and watch out for tooth damage or swallowed pieces that can become obstruction hazards.
Pros
- Super affordable dog chews that last a long time
- They tend to work well for dogs and are easy to hold
- The flavoring is an added bonus
- They’re some of the most popular non-edible chews around
Cons
- They won’t pass the fingernail test, so their hardness risks tooth damage
- Like other rigid nylon chews, they can present risk of stomach injury if swallowed
Flossy Chew Toys
Some dogs don’t love ultra-hard chew toys. We can’t ask our pups why, but it’s probably just that chomping on something that hard doesn’t feel great.
Many dogs start out loving ultra-hard chew toys but slowly grow out of them as they mature. Flossy chew toys give your dog the benefit of some light teeth cleaning while really letting them sink their teeth into the woven fibers while offering more give than hard chews. The softer material poses less risk of mouth injury but can still withstand some gnawing.
Many flossy chew toys can double as tug toys as well, making them work double duty for playtime. The array of shapes includes rings, knotted ropes, animals, and more. The strings from a flossy chew toy can be dangerous if swallowed, so keep an eye on dogs that like dissecting toys.
4. Mammoth Flossy Chews
A durable knotted rope toy that's great for chompin' or games of tug.
Full confession, the Mammoth Flossy Chew Rope is my dog’s absolute favorite toy. This extra-long flossy rope is great for tug of war. You can get the full flossing benefits of a chew toy for your pup, even if he’s not a big chewer. Many dogs also enjoy flopping down to gnaw on the knots in the rope.
Pros
- Works as a tug or chew toy, providing great value
- Available in a variety of sizes
- Can help clean teeth
- Very affordable
Cons
- Swallowed rope fibers can become digestive obstructions
- Some dogs swing these around, leading to household chaos
5. GOCooper Dog Toy
Perfect for teething pups that don’t shred items apart, these cute animal toys are soft yet sturdy. You can purchase the toy in a variety of shapes and colors, letting you go all out customizing an entire cute zoo for your pet or pragmatically select a single toy that’s best suited to your dog’s desires.
Pros
- Owners report that it is more durable than expected
- Works for chewing, fetch, or light tug games
- It’s just adorable, which owners love
Cons
- Didn’t hold up very long for aggressive chewers
- The lack of durability risks potential obstruction issues
6. Kole Imports Figure 8 Dog Toy
A figure-8-shaped rope toy that'll work for chewing, fetch, or tug games with your dog.
Dogs that love to chew and tug will love this figure-8-shaped chew toy. This toy’s shape makes it easier for humans to hold onto during puppy playtime and keeps fingers safe while engaging in tug-of-war sessions.
Many heavy chewers enjoy chewing on the tough, stiff rope of this toy. However, you’ll still want to keep an eye on aggressive chewers to ensure they don’t gnaw on the plastic parts of this toy, as these are strictly non-edible chews.
Pros
- Owners love the versatility of this toy
- It provides a great way to keep your fingers out of chompin’ range while tugging
- Stiffer than most other rope toys
Cons
- You don’t want your dog to chew on the plastic piece (hardness risks tooth injury or cuts if gnawed down)
- Didn’t hold up very long to heavy chewing
Bouncy Dog Chew Toys
Toys that bounce make playtime much more exciting for many dogs. Some of these toys squeak or can hold treats, making them even more interesting than other manmade chews – even for dogs that aren’t chew-obsessed. They come in a cool array of shapes, too, ranging from the traditional ball to bulbous bouncers for a wild game of chase!
7. Busy Buddy Barnacle
A treat-dispensing chew toy to keep your dog's chompers and brain busy.
This ultra-fun bouncy chew toy has grooves, nodes, and holes for inserting treats that bounce out when the toy moves. The grooves provide some flossing and teeth-cleaning, while the nodes are great for chomping.
The rubber has some give, making it more enticing as an easy victim for your pup’s chompers. It’s still very sturdy, though, reducing the likelihood of your pup swallowing pieces. The rubber is also scented, helping tempt your pup to chew on this instead of your shoes!
Pros
- The treat-dispensing capabilities help keep your dog’s attention
- You can use a variety of things inside from wet food to kibble to treats
- Can be frozen for extra fun
- The scented rubber helps entice dogs
Cons
- Can cause low-level messes
- Some owners felt it was too easy for dogs to access the treats (should be more challenging)
The West Paw Designs Tux is similar to the Busy Buddy Barnacle but also floats, making it a water-loving woof’s best friend.
The bouncy nature and odd shape of the West Paw chew keep your dog on his toes during rounds of fetch, while the puzzle center is perfect for stuffing with goodies.
The West Paw Hurley is another water-safe option, though it comes in a stick-form for fetching and chewing.
Both West Paw products come with a Love-It Guarantee from the manufacturer.
8. SodaPup’s Crazy Bounce
An oddly shaped chew toy that bounces in wildly unpredictable fashion for your dog.
Dogs that love chasing and chewing will love the SodaPup Crazy Bounce. This multi-lobed toy does not hold treats but is very sturdy and can bounce all around the house. Dogs can even play fetch with this toy until they decide it’s time to flop down and chew. The toy’s rubber has just the right amount of give to keep your dog interested.
Pros
- It’s made in the USA
- Owners report that it is surprisingly durable
- Odd shape makes it fun for dogs and owners alike
Cons
- The large size doesn’t bounce as well as the smaller size
- Some owners found that it was too hard to bounce very well on all surfaces
Stuffable chews like KONGs are perfect for capturing and holding your dog’s attention when filled with enticing treats. Even picky pooches will give them a sniff to see what’s hiding inside, whether it’s dog-friendly peanut butter, frozen wet food, or pieces of kibble.
Check out our list of stuffed KONG recipes for pup-approved options that’ll keep your canine coming back for more.
9. PetSafe Busy Buddy Bouncy Bone Dog Toy
An interesting ball-bone hybrid toy that can be used with or without tasty treats.
If you want a treat-dispensing toy that also has a ball and bone-style component, the PetSafe Bouncy Bone is it. This mish-mash toy is great at covering several chewing bases for your dog.
The Busy Buddy Bouncy Bone is designed to hold ring-shaped treats on a dumbbell-shaped holder.
Pros
- Really great versatility — it can be used in several different ways
- Many dogs seem to love this toy
- Very affordably priced and provides great value
Cons
- The treats didn’t stay on long enough for some dogs
- It requires specific treats you’ll have to purchase from PetSafe
Natural Dog Chews
Natural dog chews are my hands-down favorite option when it comes to keeping a chompy dog amused. Why? Most of them are digestible, meaning that they aren’t likely (no chew is completely risk-free) to harm your pooch’s digestive tract.
These consumable chews can, however, be pretty pricey. Further, dogs often love, love, love a good all-natural chew more than manmade chews, even picky pooches! My dog would eat 20 bully sticks per day if I just kept handing him a new one.
We’ll discuss a few of the most popular natural dog chews below!
10. Bully Sticks
These premium bully sticks are ultra-tasty treats that will keep a dog chomping and occupied all day.
Perhaps THE best natural chew around, bully sticks are great chews for doggos. They’re pretty easy to digest yet still last a long time, and most dogs love the way they taste — both of which make them a great alternative to rawhide. They also feature a single animal protein: beef!
The only downsides to bully sticks include the odor (which isn’t present in some of the best ones on the market) and the cost — they’re pretty pricey.
Pros
- Most dogs absolutely love these tasty chews, including picky pooches
- They don’t create as much of a mess as some other chews
- They’re digestible and therefore safer than some other chews
- They come in a variety of sizes
Cons
- They’re very pricey
- They’re made from bull penis, which grosses out some pup parents
Some dogs gnaw through bully sticks fast, but you can slow your chew-happy hound down with a bully stick holder like the Benebone Pawplexer.
These nifty holders help you get the best bang for your buck with every treat, plus up the enrichment ante, as many wobble as your pup tries to chew and give him a challenge.
Another great option is to purchase braided varieties, like these braided bully sticks from Natural Farm. Braided varieties feature three pizzles in one in a tightly woven pattern, keeping your canine occupied for longer than single sticks.
11. Pig Ears
Natural, premium, hand-selected pig ears processed in a way to reduce surface grease.
These slow-roasted pig’s ears have lots of flavor and tend to be a bit softer than bully sticks, making them a great choice for picky pooches. They’re preservative-free, made in the USA, and come in a large pack.
Like bully sticks, the taste of ear chews drives dogs bonkers. And owners appreciate that they don’t stink (too much).
Pig ears are relatively soft, but if you’re looking for an even softer chew, pig snouts are a good option as well! These affordable dog chews are excellent for senior sniffers.
Pros
- Lots of dogs lose their minds over the taste of ear chews
- They’re digestible and unlikely to cause internal problems (aside from stomach upset with sensitive systems)
- They’re pretty cheap relative to other natural chews
Cons
- They don’t last very long, particularly for a mega chomper
- They can be greasy or messy
12. Beef Esophagus
All-natural, single-ingredient dog chews made from cow esophagus and available in multiple sizes.
These beef esophagi are some of my favorite natural chew toys because they’re a tad more affordable than other options out there.
Many dogs will enjoy chewing on the whole, hollow esophagi, but some owners find the sight of them disgusting. It’s up to you (and your stomach)! You can also purchase beef esophagus in a jerky shape, which tends to be the most budget-friendly option.
Pros
- Most dogs seem to love the taste
- One of the most affordable dog chews from natural sources
- Ideal for dogs with allergies, as they feature a single animal protein
- Usually available in several sizes, with many suiting petite pooches
Cons
- Some owners feel they smell worse than some other natural chews
- They don’t last as long as some other chews, especially for powerful chewers
13. Beef Trachea
All-natural, 6-inch-long, smoked beef trachea treats that are made in the USA.
Beef tracheas are very similar to beef esophagi, and they are derived from neighboring parts of a cow’s body — the esophagus is the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach, while the trachea connects the mouth to the lungs.
Tracheas are completely digestible and don’t present many serious health risks. They’re also pretty affordable and can be stuffed to hold your dog’s interest, making them a great all-natural chew option to consider. They’re a solid pick for most chewers, though, like all chews, a mega chomper might gnaw through them faster.
Pros
- One of the cheapest long-lasting chews available
- Single animal protein ideal for dogs with allergies
- Excellent natural source of protein, glucosamine, and chondroitin
Cons
- Risk of stomach upset in dogs with sensitive tummies
- Some dogs aren’t a fan of the taste and texture
Tons of beefy chews are available today, including beef collagen chews.
These single-ingredient goodies come from the collagen layer beneath a cow’s hide and are easier to digest than rawhide, reducing risk of obstruction if your dog swallows small bits.
They’re tough chews that can withstand some chomping, and beef collagen is an incredible natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, supporting your dog’s joints while he gnaws away.
Beef tendons are another awesome choice.
Like beef collagen chews, beef tendons are typically from a single source: a cow’s connective tissue. It sounds gross, but since beef tendons are dried, they aren’t too stomach-churning.
They’re not the hardest dog chews, but they’re moderately long-lasting for most pups and aren’t a huge risk for tooth damage.
14. Water Buffalo Horn
Another one of my favorites, water buffalo horns can double as puzzle toys and natural chews. Many dogs will have a ball gnawing on the flavorful horn on its own. However, dogs will enjoy the toy even more if their pup parents stuff it full of enticing treats like dog-friendly peanut butter!
Water buffalo horn is the only natural puzzle toy that I know of that can also hold treats inside — pretty nifty.
Pros
- They last a long time even with heavy-duty chewing, thereby providing great value
- They rarely smell as bad as some other all-natural products
- They can be stuffed with dog-safe peanut butter or other yummies
Cons
- Water buffalo horns definitely don’t pass the fingernail test and can be a risk for tooth damage
- Some dogs won’t be interested unless they’re stuffed with something tasty
15. Himalayan Yak Chew
Essentially just hardened milk, these simple, all-natural dog chews are often a favorite of dogs.
For another edible chew, check out Himalayan yak chews. These treats are essentially made of compressed milk, salt, and lime juice and are a great pick for a heavy chewer. Yak chews are some of the hardest dog chews, but you can soften them in the microwave for easier eats.
Do be aware that lactose-intolerant dogs may experience some minor intestinal upset or gas after consuming these, but others digest them without issue.
Pros
- These are pretty safe, 100% digestible treats with a short ingredient list of dog-friendly ingredients (yak’s milk, salt, and lime juice)
- They don’t have an odor like many other natural dog treats
- Most dogs seem to go ga-ga over them
- Chew-friendly shape a hit with pups
Cons
- They’re pretty expensive to offer frequently
- Once they’re small, you’ll need to take them away to prevent your dog from swallowing them
Many natural chews are relatively safe and work well for dogs, but there are a few things to consider:
- Natural does not always mean safe. Plenty of natural chews, including raw bones, cooked bones, and cow tails can lead to broken teeth, choking, or intestinal obstructions. So, you’ll typically want to stick to softer natural chews, which are digestible and unlikely to cause tooth damage.
- Some natural chews can cause stomach upset. Many natural chews are greasy or full of fat. This can cause intestinal issues for dogs with sensitive systems.
- Many natural chews are smelly. This isn’t a problem for your dog (in fact, dogs tend to love stinky treats), but it is something to consider if you have a sensitive nose.
- Natural chews typically cost more than artificial chews over time. Even long-lasting chews like yak cheese will eventually wither away to nothing, so you’ll need to replace natural chews regularly. By contrast, super-durable artificial chews, such as some KONGs or Goughnuts toys, will sometimes last for your dog’s entire life, making them some of the most affordable dog chews.
- Natural chews can pack on extra pounds. While your dog won’t mind the extra snacks, it’s important not to give your dog too many edible chews. The calories per chew add up quickly and can add too much padding to your floof’s frame if eaten too often. Calories per chew vary significantly, with 6-inch beef collagen chews and bully sticks having about 100 calories per chew, while lean beef tendons of the same length may have less than 50 calories per chew.
- Bacteria is a concern. Improper storage can lead to bacterial growth, so keep your dog’s natural chews in a cool, dry place. Foodborne illness is also a risk, more so with raw bones that may contain bacteria, including salmonella and E. coli, potentially sickening you or your dog. Skip raw bones entirely to keep everyone safe, and replace natural chews as needed.
Best Dog Chews: FAQ
Still have some questions about the best dog chews? Our editorial team has put together some answers to a few of the most common chew-toy questions below!
What are the healthiest dog chews?
Determining which chews are healthiest for your dog will require you to think about your dog’s specific health and nutritional needs.
If, for example, your dog suffers from joint issues, dog chews that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, chondroitin, or glucosamine may be the best option, like beef collagen chews or fish chews.
On the other hand, dogs with plaque-covered teeth may need something fairly abrasive, such as buffalo horns or rope toys, to help clean their teeth. A dog with a sensitive system may require natural chews from a single source like beef tendons or non-edible chews entirely, like porkier pups needing to be mindful of calories per chew.
And, of course, since mental health is health, some dogs may benefit most from long-lasting chews that offer brain stimulation or those loaded with enticing treats to keep them gnawing and pawing away for more.
If your dog has any special concerns, such as frail teeth, past obstruction issues, or other issues, ask your vet for product recommendations to suit his unique chewing needs.
What do vets recommend for dogs to chew?
Vets aren’t a monolithic group, so as a whole, they recommend a wide range of chews for dogs.
Some feel like tooth damage is the biggest risk presented by chews and focus on recommending toys that pass the fingernail test. Others find obstructions and intestinal issues to be the biggest concern and recommend chews that are completely digestible. Most aren’t fans of raw bones, either, due to concerns about bacteria, and cooked bones are a universal no due to splintering.
The bottom line is that you’ll need to ask YOUR vet for product recommendations pertaining to your pooch.
What are the best dog bones that don’t splinter?
Any bone can splinter, especially cooked bones. Accordingly, it’s generally best to opt for a safer alternative, such as the chews discussed above.
Many dog owners give bones to their pet without issue, but it only takes one occasion in which a bone splinters to end up at the vet’s staring down a several-thousand-dollar bill. It’s not worth the money or potential pupper pain.
If your dog’s ga-ga over the shape, opt for bone-shaped chews or dental bones. If he’s interested in the flavor of cooked bones, fill his chew with frozen, dog-safe bone broth or soak a carrot in it and freeze for a savory chew treat with all the bone flavor without the risk.
What chews are safe to leave with dogs?
No chew is completely safe, and it is always wise to monitor your pet when he’s enjoying a chew, particularly if it’s a new type or you have a known mega chomper.
That said, chews can help keep your pup occupied when you’re not around. And because under-stimulated dogs occasionally decide to chew things that are definitely dangerous, some toys are certainly safer alternatives to nothing.
We generally think KONGs and some Goughnuts toys are among the safest options on the market for unattended puppers, as they’re large enough not to be swallowed and risk choking or digestive obstructions and pretty tough. But just remember that no chew toy is completely risk-free.
Do vets recommend bully sticks?
Again, vets differ in regard to the chews they recommend. However, most vets appear to find bully sticks to be relatively safe (and most dogs certainly enjoy them!). Sticking them in a bully stick holder can make the chew last a bit longer too.
Are pig ears good for dogs?
Pig ears certainly can be good for dogs. Most pups love the taste of ear chews and happily gnaw away at them. They aren’t the hardest dog chews either, reducing the risk of mouth injury.
Just make sure that you purchase them from a reliable source — in the past, some pig ears have been contaminated with bacteria or toxic chemicals.
Also, be sure to monitor your dog while he’s enjoying them. Pig ears are pretty digestible, but they can cause choking if your dog doesn’t chew them thoroughly.
Finally, don’t forget to account for the calories pig ears contain, as well as the fact that they may cause stomach upset in dogs with sensitive systems.
What is a safe alternative to rawhide?
Rawhides were incredibly popular years ago as a “natural” alternative to cooked bones and other chews, but they’ve fallen out of favor in recent decades thanks to the safety issues they can present. While many dogs have enjoyed them without issue, rawhides can lead to digestive obstructions and stomach upset. Others have been found to be treated with toxic chemicals.
Accordingly, it is wiser for pet parents to opt for safer alternatives. Most of the chews discussed above — ranging from bully sticks to KONGs — are relatively safe and will scratch your dog’s chewing itch. Collagen chews mimic rawhides the most and are easier for your pup’s body to break down, reducing the risk of obstruction issues. They’re one of the more protein-rich treats, too.
As a bonus, most of the chews discussed above are longer-lasting chews than rawhides anyway.
Are dental chews good for dogs?
Dental chews can be wonderful for dogs! They can not only keep your dog’s teeth clean and stave off dental issues, but they can also help freshen up that doggy breath (which most pet parents will appreciate).
However, dental chews don’t typically last very long, so they don’t provide a lot of mental stimulation or satisfy your dog’s chewing instincts. They also present the risk of stomach upset if given in excess.
In other words, you should absolutely consider giving your dog dental chews (with your vet’s blessing), but he’ll still need some longer-lasting dog chews like those discussed above.
Why is it important to give your dog chews?
There is a litany of reasons you should give your dog a safe chew toy or consumable chew.
For starters, dogs need to have safe and appropriate things to chew for their mental health. Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, which helps to soothe them, provide mental stimulation, and stave off boredom. In fact, it can help prevent destructive chewing and some other behavioral challenges, particularly with barkers with curious baby teeth.
Pup parents will also be pleased to learn that some dog chews can provide a wealth of dental benefits. They primarily do so by scraping the plaque and food residue that may build up on your dog’s teeth.
Are plastic bottles safe for dogs to chew?
While many dogs certainly love the crunch of plastic bottles, most owners tend to avoid them.
Plastic can contain a host of chemicals not meant for ingestion, putting your pup at risk. In addition, they can be choking hazards or a risk of mouth injury due to sharp edges as your pup gnaws. Swallowed pieces are also a serious risk of obstruction issues or injury.
If you are going to offer your dog a plastic bottle chew, you’ll want to cover it with something to keep it safer.
Or, to mimic the crunch of plastic bottles without the risk, try all-natural products like beef tracheas or fish chews. These offer a taste most dogs go wild over, especially if you stuff the beef trachea with dog-friendly peanut butter or other enticing treats.
Are fish skin chews good for dogs?
Yes! Fish chews are great, protein-rich treats that double as good gnaw nubs for light to moderate chewers with their chew-friendly shape and tasty nature. Made with a single animal protein (usually cod or salmon,) fish chews are also a top-notch choice for dogs with food sensitivities.
Another bonus feature of fish chews is that they’re natural sources of omega fatty acids that support skin, coat, and joint health. Just watch the calories per chew. Cod fish chews tend to have the lowest, around 50 calories per chew, while fattier fish like salmon can pack upwards of 130 calories per chew or more, depending on the size.
Fish chews aren’t the hardest dog chews, so they’ll be short-lived treats with a heavy-duty chewer. The smell can also be off-putting, so you may want to serve fish chews to your dog outdoors. Still, with their softer nature, fish chews don’t pose as much risk of mouth injury as other options, making them a solid choice among all-natural products. The softer form of fish chews is also ideal for senior sniffers and puppies.
Are synthetic chew toys safe for dogs?
Maybe. Manmade chews come in an array of shapes, sizes, and constructions, with some certainly safer than others. If you select the right size and style for your dog and monitor him as he chews, synthetic chew toys are among the cheapest long-lasting chews that dogs can enjoy safely for years on end.
Unfortunately, artificial chews pose a risk for digestive obstructions, as their man-made materials aren’t easily broken down by your dog’s body if swallowed. Like any chew, they can also be choking hazards. Many don’t pass the fingernail test, either, and their hardness risks serious damage to your dog’s teeth.
Most notable is the fact that synthetic chew toys may include chemicals that aren’t safe for chewing or consumption, which makes purchasing them from a reputable manufacturer a must. Some owners prefer to stick to all-natural products like bully sticks and horns to avoid such risks, though they still should come from trusted brands.
Why is my dog not interested in chew toys?
If your dog isn’t digging the chews in his collection, you may be offering him the wrong kind for his preferred chew style. Some dogs dislike the smell and texture of man-made materials like rubber or nylon, for instance.
Try tasty chews, like fish chews, bully sticks, or other naturally protein-rich treats packed with flavors and scents to tempt his taste buds. Variety is key here. Picky pups often like the taste of ear chews, but yours might prefer the savory nature of beef tendons. Stuffable chews are another great idea, as you can encourage your pup to give them a try by filling them with dog-friendly peanut butter, cheese, or other yumminess.
It’s also important to offer toys in an array of shapes, as some dogs prefer the more chew-friendly shape of a bone or stick versus a round ring. Your dog’s chew toys might be too hard for him as well, with those made for a mega chomper often too tough for casual chewers. Try a softer material and see how your pup reacts.
There you have it — 15 of our favorite dog chews.
But what about YOU, pup parents?
What’s your favorite dog chew toy? Does your dog like one type of chew toy more than others, or does he like a variety? What are your dog’s chewing habits like? Have you found any long-lasting dog chews that hold up for plenty of chompin’ fun? Any product recommendations for other pups?
We want to know!
3 Comments
November 23, 2018
Have you had the chance to review the Gorilla Chew made of Java wood?
Personally I find it hands-down the best dog chew for aggressive chewers. Natural, ingestable (in small doses) and long lasting. My Bull Terrier X loves this toy and its outlasted both Benebone & Kong.
October 10, 2018
My Jack Russell’s absolute favorite chew toy is a nylon or plastic gray horn resembling a rhinoceros horn… someone donated it, and I don’t know who makes them or where to find them, and I really wish I did! It has lasted a long time, but they are about to finish it off and I really need another one! To fill in, I have bought her a water buffalo natural horn, which she enjoys almost as much.
October 10, 2018
Glad that the water buffalo horn is working out! Our dogs love them, too.