Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. It can help with boredom, enrichment, stress relief, and dental health. But not every chew is right for every dog.

The safest chew depends on your dog’s size, chewing style, age, dental health, and how they use the chew.

Know Your Dog’s Chewing Style

Before choosing a chew, think about your dog’s habits.

Some dogs are gentle chewers who slowly enjoy a treat. Others are power chewers who try to break pieces off quickly. Some dogs gulp, swallow large pieces, or guard high-value chews.

Your dog’s chewing style matters more than the label on the package.

Choosing the Right Size

A chew should be large enough that your dog cannot easily swallow it whole. When in doubt, size up.

Small chews can become choking hazards, especially for dogs who chew aggressively or try to gulp food.

Supervision Is Important

Always supervise your pet with a new chew. Watch how they handle it and remove the chew if it becomes too small, sharp, splintered, or unsafe.

Even natural chews can carry risk if they are not a good match for the dog.

Common Chew Options

Popular chew options include:

• Bully sticks
• Collagen chews
• Tendons
• Cheek rolls
• Trachea
• Yak chews
• Antlers
• Bones
• Dental chews
• Long-lasting rubber chew toys

Each option has pros and cons. Some are softer and more digestible. Others are harder and longer lasting but may not be appropriate for all dogs.

Be Careful With Very Hard Chews

A good rule of thumb: if a chew is harder than your dog’s teeth, it may increase the risk of tooth damage.

Very hard chews like antlers, marrow bones, and some nylon chews may not be ideal for strong chewers or dogs with dental concerns.

Need Help Picking a Chew?

Tell us about your dog’s size, chewing style, and what you want the chew to accomplish. We can help you compare options and choose something more appropriate.

Stop by Treats on a Leash in Downtown Ames and we’ll help you find chews that fit your dog’s needs.