Dogs love to chew; it’s in their nature. Unfortunately, they are not very discerning about their choices and can endanger their lives if they gnaw on the wrong objects. Occupy them with dog chews to avoid injury and spare your shoes, furniture, and other belongings. Our experts have rounded up their favorite dog chews that you and your pups are sure to love.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are dog chews?
Dog chews are items for your pup to nibble, bite and tear. Some resemble stuffed toys or rubber balls, but the safest ones are edible chews, a natural alternative that your dog can consume. These treats may comprise dehydrated animal parts, large and tough enough for your doggies to gnaw at for a long while.
Chews keep canines entertained and prevent idle or aggressive behaviors, like digging and destroying property. They stay active and focused, and while the preoccupation will not last forever, it is enough stimulation to positively affect dogs’ behavior and reduce anxiety, especially when left at home alone.
Chews have nutritional value, with proteins, minerals, and fats contributing to bone health. Use them to add calories to a puppy’s diet and build muscle in seniors. Another health benefit is dental care, as chews help clean teeth and exercise jaws, encouraging saliva production that helps break down plaque and prevent gum disease.
Can my dog chew leftover bones instead?
Resist the temptation to feed your dog a cooked bone, even if it begs with those puppy dog eyes. Traditionally, families would clear their plates and feed their animals leftovers, but the bones are detrimental to doggy health. Cooked bones can easily splinter, and the shards can damage the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract. The small size of some bones is a choking hazard as well.
Raw bones are safer, but you must be cautious when offering them to your dog. If the bone is too hard, it can fracture teeth and require medical attention. You should take it away after 15 minutes of play to ensure your pup doesn’t ingest too much. You can refrigerate and reuse it for up to four days, but any longer can create harmful bacteria, which will cause intestinal problems.
Buying Guide: There are countless dog chews available on the market, but they vary in quality and safety. Consider this list of features before making your selection so you can find suitable, palatable chews for your furry friend.
- Ingredients: Consider your pet’s dietary concerns so you can hunt for or avoid particular ingredients. As a general rule, limit artificial ingredients as they stand a greater chance of upsetting the stomach. Ingredients like calcium, phosphorus, and collagen are healthy supplements to your dog’s diet, found in various chews.
- Size: If you have a small pup, big chews are difficult for them to maneuver, so medium-sized ones are best. Tiny chews are hazardous to all canines as they pose a choking hazard. Do not purchase chews that can fit entirely in your dog’s mouth; always opt for larger ones.
- Price: Consider how many chews are in each pack and calculate the individual cost. There are expensive chews that taste great but don’t last very long, so aim for quantity and value for money instead, especially if your dog is a power chewer. Save more expensive chews for special occasions and rewards.
- Longevity: Long-lasting chews keep animals engaged for extended periods and ultimately save you money, so look for chews that last days or weeks rather than minutes. Take into consideration whether your dog is a gentle or avid chewer as well.
- Hardness: Hard chews can hurt your dog’s teeth and gums, whereas soft ones easily break into chunks that can block their airway, so neither consistency is safe. Consider this before you purchase, regardless of your dog’s chewing style.
Wild Eats Water Buffalo Ear Dog Chews
Best Overall
Nutritious, Sustainable Dog Chew
These all-natural dog ears, sourced from free-range, grass-fed water buffalos, are void of gluten, grain, and chemicals and have no added hormones or antibiotics. Each chew contains significantly more protein and less fat than cow and pig ears and rawhides. They are easily digestible and low in cholesterol and calories.
Each dog chew is approximately six inches long, a safe size for large dogs, and there are 20 ears per pack. Its distinct shape and consistency clean teeth and gums without wearing down quickly.
Pros:
- Healthy and beneficial
- Sustainably sourced and manufactured
- Value pack
- Large size chew
Cons:
- Too big for small dogs
Nylabone Natural Healthy Edibles Dog Chew Treats
Most Natural
Tasty chew treat for dogs
These bone-shaped dog chews are natural bison, which is wholesome and highly digestible. They do not contain artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, and the natural flavor is delicious. Each chew is 4.5 inches long and 1.5 inches wide, with two pieces in every pack. They are suitable for medium breeds up to 35 pounds.
When you offer these dog chews, ensure that your pet has access to a lot of clean drinking water. For maximum freshness, it is best if your dog consumes both chews within a month of opening the pack.
Pros:
- Delicious flavor
- Great for medium breeds
- No artificial ingredients
Cons:
- Not long-lasting
Pet Craft Supply Co. Water Buffalo Ear Dog Chews
Puppies Choice
All-natural Chew for Small Dogs
This dog chew contains 100 percent natural water buffalo ear, free from chemicals, preservatives, additives, gluten, and grain. It is excellent for small breeds and teething puppies. Occupy power chewing canines for hours with the slow-roasted flavor, packed with protein and low in fat. Each value pack includes 16 long-lasting pieces.
You should always supervise your pet while it munches on these dog chews and if you notice sharp edges developing, take it away immediately to avoid injury. These ears are USDA-certified and manufactured in human-grade facilities with high production standards.
Pros:
- All-natural
- Slow-roasted flavor
- Great for small breeds and puppies
Cons:
- Chew size is inconsistent
Brazilian Pet Dog Chews
All-Rounder
Rawhide Chips for All Dog Breeds
This chip is 100 percent rawhide, cut from the premium upper layer of the hide. The slices are whole grain, thick, dense, and long-lasting. The livestock supply is free-range and grass-fed. This chew is suitable for all breed sizes and ideal for avid chewers; it will clean their teeth and occupy them for hours.
These handcrafted chew chips vary in thickness, length, and color. Air drying removes moisture and prevents contamination, ensuring your pet will receive the safest chews possible.
Pros:
- Cut from premium rawhide
- Suitable for all dogs
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- Too much size variation among chips
Amazing Dog Treats Beef Cheek Rolls
Good Choice
High-quality Dog Chews
This beef cheek roll is high in protein with little fat. The all-natural ingredients come from grass-fed, high-quality livestock and do not contain artificial preservatives or flavors. The texture of these chews is light and puffy. They are more digestible than traditional rawhide. Semi-aggressive chewers will get the most value from these rolls.
These dog treats are hand-inspected and packaged to ensure high-quality control. They are odorless, so pet parents can comfortably handle them without the risk of an upsetting smell.
Pros:
- 100 percent natural, sustainable ingredients
- Odorless
- Suitable for moderately aggressive chewers
Cons:
- Less suited to large breeds
