Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs and serves multiple purposes, including dental health, mental stimulation, and stress relief. Natural chews provide a safe and satisfying outlet for your dog’s chewing instincts. In this guide, we’ll explore various natural chews that are not only enjoyable for your furry friend but also promote dental hygiene and overall well-being. Let’s dive into the world of natural chews and discover the perfect options for your dog!
Understanding the Benefits of Natural Chews:
- Dental Health: Chewing on natural chews helps remove plaque and tartar buildup, promoting healthy gums and preventing dental issues such as periodontal disease.
- Mental Stimulation: Gnawing on a chew provides mental stimulation, alleviating boredom and reducing anxiety or destructive behaviours.
- Stress Relief: Chewing can be a soothing and calming activity for dogs, helping them release excess energy and relax.
Types of Natural Chews:
Here’s an overview of types of natural chews for dogs:
Antlers:
Antlers are long-lasting chews sourced from naturally shed deer or elk antlers and are pretty popular. They are rich in minerals, durable, and often assumed to be safe for most dogs. Note: I personally do NOT feed antlers! They are imo too hard (one of my boys broke one of his teeth on it!). Choose antlers of appropriate size and hardness to match your dog’s chewing preferences and consider removing them once they become small enough to swallow.
- Pros: Long-lasting, high in minerals, low in fat.
- Cons: Can be hard on teeth, may splinter, some dogs don’t find them palatable.
Bully Sticks:
Another super popular chew for dogs are Bully Sticks. Bully sticks, made from dried beef pizzle, are highly palatable and a favourite among many dogs. They offer a long-lasting chewing experience and come in various sizes to suit different breeds. Opt for natural, odour-free bully sticks from reputable sources to ensure quality and safety. To avoid your dog swallowing too large pieces, use a bully stick holder.
- Pros: High in protein, single-ingredient, digestible.
- Cons: Can be messy, may cause bad breath, potential for choking hazard if not properly sized.
Dried Fish Skins:
- Pros: Low-fat, good source of omega-3 fatty acids, can help with dental health.
- Cons: Strong odour, may not be suitable for all dogs (allergies).
Raw Bones
Raw bones, such as beef or lamb marrow bones, provide an excellent source of natural chewing pleasure. Ensure the bones are raw and appropriately sized for your dog’s breed and size. Raw bones should always be supervised to prevent any potential risks or choking hazards. You can find more information on feeding bones in this blog post.
Yak Chews:
- Pros: Long-lasting, low-fat, helps with dental cleaning.
- Cons: Can be expensive, may stain teeth.
Chew Roots
Chew roots for dogs are actually one of our absolute favourites! All of mine love them and they last forever. And they don’t splinter as coffee wood would. We filmed also a video about our fave chews, which you can see below.
Vegetables (make sure they’re dog safe and some are better fed cooked!)
- Pros: Healthy, low-calorie, can help with dental health (e.g., carrots, celery).
- Cons: May not be as durable as other chews.
Pig Ears:
- Pros: High in protein, relatively inexpensive.
- Cons: Can be messy, potential for choking hazard if not properly sized.
Some more Popular, Single Protein Source-Based Chews:
Here are some additional natural chews that are single-protein sources:
Goat Ears:
- Similar to pig ears, but often a good alternative for dogs with pork sensitivities.
- They provide a good chewing experience.
- Can be high in fat, so moderate use is advised.
Beef Barks/Scalps:
- Dried beef skin, offering a tougher chew.
- High in protein.
- Can be a good option for aggressive chewers. Beef barks last us the longest. However, not every dog might be keen on hairy chews | take sime time to get used to it.
- For smaller dogs, I’d recommend pieces | stripes of venison skin – Panda loves them! And it’s a better size for her than a large beef bark.
Beef Tendons:
- A very tough and long-lasting chew.
- Great for strong chewers – not much of a match for a bully breed dog tho. But mine love them anyways
- High in protein.
Rabbit Ears:
- These can be a gentler option, and are often very palatable.
- Good for dogs with sensitivities.
Deer or Elk ears:
- These are other good options for single protein chews.
Important Key Considerations for All Chews:
- Size and Breed: Choose chews appropriate for your dog’s size and breed.
- Supervision: Always supervise your dog while they are chewing.
- Dental Health: Look for chews that promote dental health by helping to remove plaque and tartar.
- Allergies: Be aware of potential allergies and choose chews accordingly.
- Monitor your dog for any signs of digestive upset.
- Quality: Look for high-quality, humanely sourced chews.
- When in doubt, consult your veterinarian.
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best chews for your specific dog.
An important note on Rawhide Chews for Dogs
Rawhide chews are widely available and very affordable. Whilst this seems tempting to feed, it’s important to be very aware of the potential dangers of rawhide chews for dogs. Here’s a more detailed look:
Rawhide Chews – How They’re Made:
- Rawhide chews are typically made from the inner layer of cow or horse hides.
- The hides undergo a complex process involving:
- Chemical treatments to remove hair and fat.
- Soaking in chemicals to preserve them.
- Pressing or shaping the hides into various forms.
- Sometimes, artificial flavours and colours are added.
- Because of the nature of the manufacturing process, there is a risk of chemical residue remaining on the final product.
Why They’re Dangerous:
- Choking Hazards: Rawhide can become soft and gummy when wet, allowing dogs to tear off large pieces that can become lodged in their throat.
- Intestinal Blockages: If swallowed, large pieces of rawhide can cause obstructions in the digestive tract, requiring costly and potentially life-threatening surgery. Rawhide does not easily dissolve in the stomach.
- Digestive Issues: Some dogs have difficulty digesting rawhide, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.
- Chemical Contamination: The chemicals used in processing rawhide can pose health risks.
- Bacterial Contamination: Rawhide can be contaminated with bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli.
- Recommendation:
- Due to these risks, many veterinarians and animal welfare organisations advise against giving dogs rawhide chews. If you choose to give rawhide, careful supervision is extremely important.
Rawhide Alternatives
Traditional rawhide chews can pose potential choking or digestion hazards. Instead, consider safer alternatives such as compressed vegetable-based chews, rubber chews, or dental chews made with natural ingredients. Always read the labels and choose products without artificial additives or preservatives.
Treat Dispensers as an Alternative
Engage your dog’s problem-solving skills by providing natural treat dispensers, such as stuffed Kongs or puzzle toys. Fill them with healthy treats or moistened kibble, creating a challenging and rewarding chewing experience.
Safety Considerations:
Always supervise your dog while they chew to ensure they are not breaking off large pieces or attempting to swallow parts of the chew.
- Size Matters: Choose chews appropriate for your dog’s size to prevent choking hazards.
- Introduce Gradually: Introduce new chews gradually, especially if your dog is unfamiliar with them. Observe their chewing habits and ensure they are comfortable with the chew.
- Monitor Wear and Tear: Regularly inspect the chew for signs of wear or small, sharp edges that may pose a risk to your dog’s mouth.
- Allergies and Sensitivities: Consider any dietary restrictions, allergies, or sensitivities your dog may have before introducing a new chew. Consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Rotating and Replacing Chews
To keep chewing exciting and avoid monotony, rotate different types of chews to provide a variety of textures and tastes. Replace chews when they become small enough to swallow or pose a choking hazard.
Letting your dog choose their favourite chew is a great way to also add some agency into your dogs life!
Natural chews are a wonderful way to promote dental health, mental stimulation, and stress relief for your dog. Understanding the benefits of natural chews and selecting the appropriate options will ensure a safe and enjoyable chewing experience. Remember to prioritise your dog’s safety, supervise their chewing sessions, and introduce new chews gradually. By incorporating natural chews into your dog’s routine, you’ll be pr
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