Does your dog’s tail wag furiously the moment you reach for that special treat bag? For many dog owners, finding the perfect chew is a daily quest. We all want to keep our furry friends happy and our furniture safe from determined puppy teeth or boredom-induced chewing habits. But step into any pet store aisle, and the sheer volume of choices—rawhide, dental sticks, nylon bones, bully sticks—can quickly become overwhelming.
Choosing the wrong chew can lead to upset tummies, choking hazards, or simply a waste of money on something your dog ignores. You want durability, safety, and something that truly satisfies that natural urge to gnaw. It’s a balancing act between what’s entertaining and what’s healthy.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down the most popular types of dog chews available today, detailing their pros, cons, and which ones are best suited for different breeds and chewing styles. By the end of this post, you will feel confident selecting chews that keep your dog engaged, their teeth clean, and your peace of mind intact. Let’s dive into the world of satisfying chews!
Top Dog Chews Recommendations
- 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.
- HIGH PROTEIN CHICKEN RECIPE: High protein soft dog treats, soft & chewy dog treats made with real chicken, soft & chewy senior dog soft treats for mature dogs
- DIGESTIVE SUPPORT FOR SENIORS: Soft digestible dog treats support gentle digestive support for older dog treats, healthy soft treats for dogs and chewy healthy dog treats for sensitive stomachs
- EASY TO CHEW TEXTURE: Extra soft dog treats and soft chew dog treats, teeth friendly dog treats for senior dogs, soft senior dog treats ideal as soft senior training treats and rewards senior dogs
- TRAINING REWARDS FOR ALL SIZES: 48 count bag of soft dog treats for dogs of all sizes, soft & chewy treats for dogs double as chewy training snacks for dogs, everyday dog treat for senior dog rewards
- SENIOR-FOCUSED SOFT TRAINING TREATS: Soft dog treats for seniors, senior dog soft treats, high protein soft dog treats with real chicken give soft & healthy dog treats for daily training
- Long Lasting Dog Chews - Munchy Sticks are high protein, long lasting, & made from top quality oven-baked pork skin.
- Delicious Flavors Your Dog Will Love - Our Munchy Sticks come with 3 mouth watering flavors: Roasted Pork, Chicken, & Bacon.
- Available in 50 & 100 Count Options - Munchy Sticks come in generous quantities to keep your pup happy & satisfied. Remember, treats should always be larger than your dog's mouth to ensure safe chewing. Please feed responsibly.
- Perfect for Small, Medium & Big Dogs - Dogs of all sizes love our Pork Chomps. Supervise use. If your pet is unaccustomed to this product, serve in a limited quantity initially. Intended as a treat, not to replace food.
- Only the Best for Your Pet - Pork Chomps uses a patented process to remove 70% of the pork's fat to create a low-fat, cleaner and healthier dog chew.
- Triple Action: These dental treats for large dogs reduce tartar buildup, clean teeth, and freshen breath for complete dental care
- X-Shape Design: Pedigree Dentastix large dog dental chews have a unique X-shape and chewy texture that helps scrape away plaque while chewing to help clean hard-to-reach areas around teeth
- Large Breed Formula: Treat your large breed dog (40+ lbs.) to dental sticks for large dogs. 1 treat a day to brighten your furry friend's smile
- Delicious Flavors: This variety pack of dog dental treats has three delicious flavors to choose from including Original, Beef, and Fresh Flavors.
- No Added Sugar: Snacks for dogs made with no added sugar or fillers for quality dental care
- Greenies Dog Treats For Daily Dental Care: Greenies natural dog teeth cleaning treats are crafted to support the 4 areas veterinarians check most: plaque, tartar, gums, & breath and are made with natural ingredients plus vitamins, minerals & nutrients
- Veterinarian-Recommended Dog Dental Treats: Greenies Dog Treats are veterinarian-recommended dental dog chews that clean teeth and freshen dog breath
- Dental Chews For Dogs Fights Tartar: Including Greenies regular size dogs teeth cleaning treats into your daily dental care routine supports 47% less tartar accumulation and 40% less plaque accumulation in 28 days (Data on file)
- Clinically Proven Dog Teeth Cleaning Treat: These Greenies dental treats for dogs offer clinically proven dental care to help maintain your four-legged friend's oral hygiene
- Unique Texture For Dog Teeth Cleaning: Made for dogs (25 - 50 lbs.), Greenies dental treat for dogs have a unique design that cleans down to the gumline and positively balances the oral microbiome to help support whole-body health
- Delightful Dog Chew Sticks: Greenies Occupy Twists Natural Dog Treats are made with natural ingredients plus minerals and trace nutrients
- Dog Chew Treats Made With Real Chicken: Greenies Occupy Twists are chewy dog treats made with real chicken and formulated without artificial flavors or chicken by-product meal
- Rawhide Free Dog Chews Long Lasting: Treat with confidence knowing these chicken treats dog chew sticks are a highly-digestible, rawhide-free treat that your furry friend will enjoy until the last bite
- Long-Lasting Dog Chews: Greenies Occupy Twists healthy dog treats, with a twist shape, help promote calmness through chewing, providing long-lasting enjoyment and supporting mental wellness
- Dog Teeth Cleaning Chews: These Occupy Twists dog chew treats are made for dogs over 50 lbs. and have a chewy texture helps clean teeth and maintain healthy gum
- RAWHIDE-FREE DOG CHEWS: DreamBone chews have the benefits of a rawhide chew—without the rawhide!
- MADE WITH REAL VEGETABLES & CHICKEN: These 100% delicious chews are made with real vegetables and chicken for a scrumptious taste dogs can’t resist.
- THE HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE TO RAWHIDE: These rawhide-free chews are easy to digest and vitamin- and mineral-enriched.
- CHEWING HELPS MAINTAIN HEALTHY TEETH: Satisfie your dog’s natural urge to chew.
- QUANTITY: 50 sticks per package.
The Ultimate Dog Chew Buying Guide
Choosing the right chew for your dog can feel like a big task. Chews keep your dog busy, clean their teeth, and satisfy their natural urge to chew. This guide will help you pick the best option for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, look closely at a few important things. These features tell you a lot about the chew’s safety and fun factor.
Durability and Size
- Chew Time: How long does the chew last? A power chewer needs a very tough chew. A gentle chewer might enjoy something softer.
- Right Size: Always pick a size appropriate for your dog. A chew too small becomes a choking hazard. A chew too big might be frustrating for a small dog.
Safety and Digestibility
- No Sharp Edges: Make sure the chew does not break into sharp, dangerous pieces.
- Swallowing Risk: Watch for parts that easily break off. If your dog tries to eat large chunks, it might cause stomach issues.
Important Materials Matter
The material used determines how safe and satisfying the chew is. Different materials suit different dogs.
Natural Options
- Rawhide Alternatives: Many owners look for alternatives to traditional rawhide. Good options include bully sticks (made from beef muscle) or natural dental chews.
- Wood Chews: Certain woods, like coffee wood, are safe if they splinter minimally. Always check the wood type carefully.
Synthetic and Rubber Chews
- Durable Rubber: Toys made from tough, non-toxic rubber are excellent for aggressive chewers. Check that the rubber is food-grade.
- Edible Chews: These are meant to be consumed slowly. Ingredients like rice flour, starches, or natural fibers make up these items.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality is not just about the price tag. How a chew is made greatly affects its value.
Quality Boosters
- Limited Ingredients: Chews with fewer, recognizable ingredients are often higher quality. This is best for dogs with allergies.
- Added Benefits: Some chews include breath-freshening herbs or plaque-fighting textures. These features improve the overall experience.
Quality Reducers (What to Avoid)
- Artificial Additives: Dyes, artificial flavors, and chemical preservatives often reduce the quality. Dogs do not need these extras.
- Inconsistent Hardness: If a chew feels too soft when new, it will disappear too fast. If it seems rock-hard, it might damage teeth.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about why you are buying the chew. Different situations call for different chews.
For Teething Puppies
Puppies need something gentle to soothe sore gums. Freezing a soft rubber chew or a specific puppy dental stick works well.
For Boredom Busting
If your dog chews furniture when you leave, you need a long-lasting item. A very hard nylon bone or a stuffed puzzle toy keeps them occupied for a long time.
For Dental Health
Look for chews specifically designed with grooves or ridges. These physically scrape away plaque as your dog chews.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Chews
Q: How often should I give my dog a chew?
A: Most dogs enjoy a chew a few times a week. Always supervise your dog, especially with edible chews, to ensure they eat them slowly.
Q: Are all rawhide chews safe?
A: No. Traditional rawhide can sometimes swell and cause blockages if swallowed in large pieces. Many vets suggest safer alternatives.
Q: Can a chew break my dog’s teeth?
A: Yes, especially if the chew is too hard, like a bone that cannot be dented at all. If you can’t make a dent with your fingernail, the chew might be too hard for your dog’s teeth.
Q: What is the best chew for a heavy chewer?
A: Heavy chewers need extreme durability. Look for hard, non-edible nylon chews or very thick, high-quality bully sticks.
Q: Should I give my dog chews right after a meal?
A: It is often best to give chews when you need distraction, like during quiet time or when you are busy. It is less important what time of day it is.
Q: What should I do if my dog swallows a big piece?
A: If the piece is small and your dog seems fine, watch them closely. If the piece is large or your dog starts vomiting or acting lethargic, call your veterinarian immediately.
Q: Are flavored chews better than plain ones?
A: Flavoring makes the chew more appealing. However, check the ingredients to make sure the flavor comes from natural sources, not artificial chemicals.
Q: How do I clean rubber chew toys?
A: You clean them easily! Most durable rubber toys can be washed with warm, soapy water or placed on the top rack of the dishwasher.
Q: Are bones cooked with meat safe?
A: Cooked bones (like chicken bones) are dangerous because they splinter easily. Raw, meaty bones (if recommended by your vet) are different, but supervision is always necessary.
Q: When should I throw an old chew away?
A: Throw away any chew that becomes small enough to be swallowed whole. Also, discard any chew that has sharp edges or looks moldy.