What Is the Healthiest Thing for a Dog to Chew?

Dogs love to chew. Chewing is fun for them and helps keep their teeth clean.

But not all chews are good for your dog. In this article, we will learn about the healthiest thing for a dog to chew, how to pick the best one, and how to keep your dog safe while they enjoy their chew. Let’s get started!

Why Do Dogs Love to Chew?

Dogs chew for many reasons. Chewing is in their nature. Dogs do this from the time they are puppies until they are old. Here are some simple reasons why:

• It Feels Good: Chewing can make a dog feel happy. When they chew, it can clean their teeth and massage their gums.

• It Relieves Stress: Chewing can help a dog feel calm and relaxed.

• It Keeps Them Busy: When dogs chew, they do not get bored and they are less likely to chew on your shoes!

Fun Fact: Dogs are born to chew. It is a natural behavior that helps them learn about the world around them.

What Makes a Chew Healthy?

Not every chew is good for your dog. The healthiest chews have some common things:

Choose dog chews made from natural, easily digestible ingredients, like bully sticks. Ensure they are tough but not too hard to prevent tooth damage. Select the appropriate size for your dog to avoid choking hazards. Always supervise your dog while they chew, and remove any chews that break into large pieces to ensure their safety.

Popular Healthy Chew Options

There are many healthy chews for dogs. Here are some popular ones:

Bully Sticks

Bully sticks are long, thin chews made from dried bull muscles. They are natural and easy to digest. Many dogs love bully sticks because they taste good and help clean their teeth by scraping off plaque.

• Pros:

• Made from one ingredient

• Helps clean teeth

• Good for most dogs, even those who are strong chewers

• Cons:

• They can smell strong

• They add calories to your dog’s diet

Learn More: Check out Miss Nelly’s Chicken Jerky for Dogs for more natural treat ideas!

Yak Cheese Chews

Yak cheese chews are hard chews made from yak and sometimes cow milk. They last a long time and are good for dogs who chew a lot. They are made in a natural way and do not have many extra ingredients.

• Pros:

• They last a long time

• They are made with simple, natural ingredients

• They do not smell as strong as meat chews

• Cons:

• They are very hard, so sometimes they can be too tough on a dog’s teeth

• Large pieces might break off, which can be a choking hazard

Tip: Always take away any small pieces if you see them breaking off

More Info: Read about the safety of hard chews on the American Kennel Club website.

Raw Bones

Raw bones can be natural chews. Dogs in the wild chew on bones.

However, raw bones are not always safe. They can be too hard and might break a tooth. They can also carry bacteria that might make your dog sick.

• Pros:

• They feel natural for dogs

• They can help scrape teeth clean

• Cons:

• They can break a dog’s tooth

• They may splinter into sharp pieces

• There is a risk of bacteria like Salmonella

Safety First: Never give your dog cooked bones. They break easily and can harm your dog.

Read More: Check ASPCA’s guidelines on bones for more details.

Antlers and Hard Chews

Antlers, usually from deer or elk, are another option. They are very hard and last a long time. Some dogs enjoy them, but there is a risk that they can break a tooth if chewed too hard. They are typically natural dog chews and are also long lasting dog chews.

• Pros:

• They last a very long time

• They have natural minerals

• Cons:

• They can be too hard for some dogs

• Small, sharp pieces can break off

Watch Out: If you choose an antler, be sure to watch your dog carefully.

Learn More: Find more on safe chew choices at Whole Dog Journal.

Other Natural Chews

Other options include chews made from beef tendons, trachea, pig ears, and fish skin. These natural chews are tasty and can be good for your dog. However, some pig ears might have extra fat or seasonings that can upset a dog’s stomach.

• Pros:

• They are natural and have few ingredients

• They are usually tasty for dogs

• They help with healthy chewing and sometimes clean the teeth

• Cons:

• Quality can vary

• Some may be high in fat

• Always check for extra additives

Dental Chews and Chew Toys

Dental chews are treats that help clean your dog’s teeth. Manufacturers often create them to help reduce plaque and tartar buildups. Dogs do not eat chew toys at all. Rubber or nylon makes them, and they can help keep a strong chewer busy without adding calories.

• Pros of Dental Chews:

• Help keep teeth clean

• Are tasty treats for dogs

• Often have a special design for dental health

• Cons of Dental Chews:

• They might not last very long

• They add some calories to the diet

• Pros of Chew Toys:

• They do not add calories

• They last a long time

• They can be very fun for a dog

• Cons of Chew Toys:

• Pieces might break off and cause choking

• Must be the right size for your dog

Quick Tip: Look for dental chews with a VOHC seal. This means that veterinarians have approved them for cleaning teeth.

Explore More: Visit Miss Nelly’s Beef Jerky Dog Treats for more healthy options.

How to Choose the Right Chew for Your Dog

Choose the right chew by matching it to your dog’s chewing style and size. If your pup is a heavy or aggressive chewer, opt for a durable chew, while softer options work better for small or older dogs. Make sure the chew is the right size—not so small that it can be swallowed whole, and always supervise your dog while they chew to remove any small, broken pieces. Look for natural, high-quality ingredients with minimal additives, and ask your vet if you’re unsure.

The Benefits of Healthy Chewing

When your dog chews on the right things, it can help in many ways:

Better Dental Health

Healthy chews can help scrape off plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth. This is good for dental health and can make your dog’s breath smell fresher. While nothing replaces brushing, a good chew helps keep teeth clean.

Mental Stimulation and Stress Relief

Chewing can help reduce stress and give your dog something fun to do. A dog that is busy chewing is less likely to get bored or destructive. It is like giving them a little puzzle that they solve by chewing!

Satisfaction of Natural Urges

Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. When you choose the right chew, you let your dog do what comes naturally in a safe and healthy way. This makes your pet feel happy and calm.

Quick Chew Safety Tips

Here is a simple list of do’s and don’ts to keep your dog safe while chewing:

• Always Supervise: Watch your dog closely when they are chewing.

• Right Size: Make sure the chew is not too small. If it fits in your dog’s mouth, it is too small.

• Check Often: Look for pieces that break off and take them away.

• Go Natural: Choose chews with few ingredients and no extra chemicals.

• Ask Your Vet: If you are not sure, ask your veterinarian which chews are best.

Final Thoughts on the Healthiest Thing for a Dog to Chew

Finding the healthiest chew for your dog isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each dog—especially power chewers—has unique needs based on size, chewing style, and health. Natural options like bully sticks, yak cheese chews, and dental treats can work well if used properly.

Always supervise your dog and remove any small pieces to avoid choking, and choose chews made from simple, natural, and easily digestible ingredients. Ready to treat your dog? Visit Miss Nelly’s Shop for all-natural options that will keep your pup happy and healthy!

Learn More

For more tips on dog care, you can visit these trusted sources:

• American Kennel Club: Learn about healthy dog chews

• ASPCA: Why dogs chew naturally

• Whole Dog Journal: Tips on choosing the best chews

• PetMD: Dental health for dogs

Thank you for reading! We hope you now feel confident in choosing the healthiest chew for your furry friend. Stay safe and have fun with your pup!