Does your furry friend spend hours happily gnawing away at something, or do they look at you with confused eyes when you offer them a new chew? For many dog owners, the quest for the perfect dog chew can feel like a treasure hunt with no map. You want to give your dog something they’ll love, something that keeps them occupied, and, most importantly, something that’s safe and healthy for them. But with aisles overflowing with rawhides, dental sticks, bully sticks, and more, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to even begin.
Choosing the right chew isn’t just about keeping your dog entertained; it’s about promoting good dental health, preventing destructive chewing habits, and ensuring their overall well-being. The wrong chew could splinter, pose a choking hazard, or even contain ingredients that aren’t good for your pup. That’s why understanding the differences and benefits of various chews is so important. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for, what to avoid, and how to pick a chew that will have your dog wagging their tail in delight.
Let’s dive in and discover how to become a pro at selecting the best dog chews for your canine companion!
Top Dog Chews Recommendations
- Country Kitchen Rawhide Free Ring Dog Chews: Our 100% rawhide free chews are made with real beef and are easy to digest
- Delicious Flavor & Texture: Our rawhide free rings have a chewy, airy texture and a mouthwatering meaty coating dogs love
- Highly Digestible: Plus, these treats are made with no gluten, wheat, or soy
- Feeding Instructions: Feed as a treat for your dog; Always provide fresh drinking water
- Country Kitchen Made With Real Meat Treats: Try our full line of delicious dog and cat treats including high protein jerky, rawhide free chews, stuffed shin bones, meaty sticks & serrano ham bones
- Chicken First: Pur Luv dog chicken jerky treats are made with only whole proteins, featuring 100% Real Chicken as the very first ingredient
- Satisfying Treat: The chicken dog treats help to satisfy your dog’s natural instinct to chew
- Limited Ingredients: Pur Luv chicken treats for dogs feature limited ingredient decks so you know exactly what you’re feeding your dog
- Healthy Snack: The Pur Luv Chicken Jerky for dogs is a high protein and low fat snack with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Pur Luv Chicken dog jerky treats satisfy your dog’s craving for real chicken and their natural desire to chew; dogs love chicken jerky treats and the flavor that comes from the real whole protein chicken breast, which makes Pur Luv treats so special
- DELICIOUS BEEF HIDE CHEW: Good ‘n’ Fun Triple Flavor Kabobs are made from premium beef hide, savory chicken, delicious pork hide, wholesome duck and hearty chicken liver.
- GREAT SOURCE OF PROTEIN: Wrapped with premium cuts of real chicken.
- KABOB SHAPE: Treat your pup to a fun ‘n’ flavorful chew time with this kabob-shaped chew.
- SATISFIES YOUR DOG’S NATURAL URGE TO CHEW: The natural chewing action helps reduce tartar buildup and remove plaque.
- SNACK FOR ALL DOGS: Your dog is sure to love this truly delightful, long-lasting treat.
- HIGHLY DIGESTABLE, HYDROLYZED - We Use Water to Break Down the Dermis Layer which Increases the Digestibly to 99%, Resulting in Less G.I. Distress
- HIGH PROTEIN & LOW CALORIE - A Guit Free Long Lasting Dog Chew!
- 5-1 PROTECTION - Beef Gelatin Base Supports, Dental, Glossy Coat, Soft Skin, Strong Joints, Muscles, and Nails
- LIKE A BULLY STICK WITHOUT THE JUNK: No Artificial Colors or Preservatives & Rawhide-Free
- TRANSPARENT LABEL: We Actually Show Our Back Panel with Ingredient Lists and Guaranteed Analysis, No Hiding
- Perfect for Power Chewers: These extra-hard yak chews are designed for aggressive chewers who need a durable, long-lasting chew to stay occupied and happy! Great for mental enrichment!
- Just 3 All-Natural Ingredients: Made with only yak milk, salt, and lime juice. 100% natural, fully digestible, grain-free, gluten-free, lactose-free, and odor-free.
- High in Protein, No Guilt: Each stick is packed with 68g of protein—great for muscle and bone health without added fillers, or preservatives.
- Hand Crafted in the Himalayas by Dairy Farmers: Crafted using traditional methods in Nepal and hand inspected in the USA for quality and safety you can trust.
- Information for Safe Chewing: Always supervise your dogs' chewing. Avoid allowing your dog to consume sizable chunks. Remove end pieces or sizable chunks, & microwave them into cheese puffs for a safe treat your dog will love. Instructions on package.
- DURABLE, LONG-LASTING – Super chewer? Bring it on. Benebones are tougher than real bones and last for weeks.
- REAL BACON! – We use only 100% REAL BACON for flavor. Trust us, dogs can tell the difference.
- EASY TO PICK UP AND CHEW – The Wishbone is curved for a paw-friendly grip so your pup can quickly grab it and get a good chew going. Think about it: dogs don’t have thumbs.
- MADE TOUGH IN AMERICA – You need it tough, right? We get it. It's made and sourced in the USA.
- HAPPINESS, GUARANTEED – Have an issue? Want to chat? Reach out to us directly and you’ll get a real person whose sole job is to make you and your pup happy.
- All Natural, 100% Beef: Our single-ingredient dog treats are free from artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, or unhealthy additives making them a natural and nutritious chew that your dogs will love. A great alternative to unhealthy rawhides!
- Perfect for Power Chewers: Our bully sticks 12 inch and 6" bully sticks for medium dogs, large dogs and small breeds are perfect for redirecting chewing from your couch, shoes and socks, to a long lasting, tasty protein rich treat!
- Keeps Your Dog Busy: This boredom busting treat will keep dogs busy during meetings, work or when you leave the house. Its also great at calming hyperactive dogs or nervous pets.
- Lower Odor Than Other Sticks: While our bully sticks are now lower odor they still may have a natural scent. Dogs experience so much of their environment from smell and will go nuts for these pizzle sticks for dogs!
- Family Owned and Operated in USA: At Mighty Paw we are dog people, like you. We are a family owned and operated company based in the USA! We know as a pet parent you won't to settle for anything but the best for your pup… and neither will we
- Dental chews for dogs scientifically proven to reduce tartar buildup by an average of 57 percent
- Chewy texture and eight distinct ridges help clean hard-to-reach teeth down to the gumline and help give your dog fresh breath
- Dental dog chews featuring a tasty chicken flavor with no artificial flavors or colors
- Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care dental chews for large dogs are satisfaction guaranteed (see packaging for details)
- Purina Dentalife dog treats are VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) Accepted products designed for large-sized (40+ lbs.) adult dogs and proudly produced in Purina-owned USA facilities
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Happy Chewing for Your Furry Friend
Choosing the right chew for your dog is important. A good chew keeps your dog happy and healthy. It can also help clean their teeth. This guide will help you pick the best chew for your canine companion.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for dog chews, keep these important things in mind.
- Durability: How long does the chew last? You want a chew that won’t disappear in five minutes. Tougher chews are better for dogs who love to gnaw.
- Size: The chew should be the right size for your dog. Too small, and they could swallow it whole. Too big, and they might get frustrated.
- Safety: Is the chew safe for your dog? Look for chews that don’t break into small, sharp pieces. Avoid chews with choking hazards.
- Digestibility: Can your dog easily digest the chew? Some chews are harder for dogs to break down. This can cause tummy troubles.
- Dental Benefits: Does the chew help clean your dog’s teeth? Many chews help remove plaque and tartar. This is good for their oral health.
- Ingredients: What is the chew made of? Natural ingredients are often best. Avoid artificial colors and flavors.
Important Materials
The materials used in a dog chew affect its quality and safety.
- Natural Ingredients: Many great chews use natural items.
- Dental Chews: These often have ingredients that help clean teeth. They might contain enzymes or abrasive textures.
- Bully Sticks: These are made from beef pizzle. They are a popular choice for many dogs.
- Yak Cheese Chews: These are made from hardened yak milk. They are very hard and last a long time.
- Rawhide: This is dried animal hide. It can be a good chew but needs careful supervision.
- Synthetic Materials: Some chews are made from safer, synthetic materials. These are often designed for durability and specific dental benefits. Always check the packaging for details.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a dog chew better or worse.
- What Makes Chews Better:
- High-Quality Ingredients: Chews made with fewer, natural ingredients are usually higher quality.
- Good Manufacturing Practices: Companies that follow strict safety rules make better chews.
- Positive Reviews: What do other dog owners say? Good reviews mean a good chew.
- Veterinarian Recommended: Some chews get a nod from vets, which is a great sign.
- What Makes Chews Worse:
- Artificial Additives: Colors, flavors, and preservatives can be bad for your dog.
- Splintering: Chews that break into sharp pieces are dangerous.
- Choking Hazards: Small parts or pieces that break off easily can cause choking.
- Digestive Issues: Chews that are too hard to digest can upset your dog’s stomach.
User Experience and Use Cases
How dogs use chews and what owners experience tells us a lot.
- For Boredom: A good chew can keep a dog busy when they are bored. This is especially helpful for dogs left alone for periods.
- For Dental Health: Many owners use chews to help keep their dog’s teeth clean. They notice less bad breath.
- For Training: Some chews can be used as rewards during training. This makes training more fun.
- For Anxious Dogs: Chewing can be calming for dogs who feel anxious. A good chew can help them relax.
- For Puppies: Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Safe, puppy-specific chews help with teething.
- Supervision is Key: Owners should always watch their dogs when they have a chew. This helps prevent accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Chews
Q: What is the most important thing to consider when buying a dog chew?
A: The most important thing is your dog’s safety. Make sure the chew is the right size and won’t break into dangerous pieces.
Q: Are rawhide chews safe for dogs?
A: Rawhide can be safe if supervised. However, some dogs have trouble digesting it. It can also be a choking hazard if large pieces are swallowed. Always watch your dog closely.
Q: How often should I give my dog a chew?
A: This depends on the chew and your dog. Some chews are for daily use, while others are for occasional treats. Always follow the product’s recommendations.
Q: What are the best chews for heavy chewers?
A: For dogs who chew a lot, look for durable chews like Nylabones, hard rubber toys, or certain natural chews like bully sticks or yak cheese chews.
Q: Can I give my dog human food as a chew?
A: It is generally not recommended. Many human foods are not safe for dogs or can cause digestive problems. Stick to chews made specifically for dogs.
Q: How do I know if a chew is too hard for my dog?
A: If a chew is so hard that it could break your dog’s teeth, it’s too hard. If you can’t indent it with your fingernail, it might be too hard for many dogs.
Q: What are the benefits of dental chews?
A: Dental chews help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on your dog’s teeth. They also help freshen your dog’s breath.
Q: My dog swallowed a piece of his chew. What should I do?
A: If your dog swallowed a piece of a chew, especially a large one, contact your veterinarian immediately. They can advise you on the best course of action.
Q: Are there any chews that are bad for dogs?
A: Yes, some chews can be dangerous. These include cooked bones, very hard objects that can break teeth, and chews with small parts that can be swallowed and cause choking.
Q: How do I store dog chews?
A: Most dog chews should be stored in a cool, dry place. Some, like certain jerky treats, may need to be refrigerated after opening.