What keeps your furry friend happily occupied for hours, saves your furniture from unwanted chewing, and supports healthy teeth? The answer, most likely, involves a good dog chew! But step into any pet store, and you’re instantly faced with a wall of choices: rawhide, nylon bones, dental sticks, bully sticks—it’s overwhelming.
Choosing the wrong chew can lead to choking hazards, digestive issues, or simply a bored dog minutes later. We all want the best for our companions, yet navigating the marketing hype to find a safe, durable, and satisfying option feels like a constant guessing game. You need clarity, not confusion, when deciding what goes into your dog’s mouth.
This guide cuts through the noise. We break down the different types of chews available, explain what makes a chew safe for your dog’s size and chewing style, and reveal the top-rated products experts recommend. By the end of this post, you will confidently select the perfect chew that delights your dog and eases your mind.
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.
- RAWHIDE-FREE: DreamBone Twist Sticks have all the benefits of a rawhide chew – without the rawhide!
- REAL CHICKEN: Made with real chicken and wholesome vegetables for a scrumptious taste dogs can’t resist.
- ENRICHED WITH VITAMINS AND MINERALS
- HELPS MAINTAIN HEALTHY TEETH: Chewing helps maintain healthy teeth and gums.
- TWIST SHAPE: Fun-shaped chews your dog will love!
- Perfect 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 Dental Dog Treats are veterinarian-recommended dental treats for dogs that clean teeth and freshen breath
- Dental Chews For Dogs Fights Tartar: Including Greenies teeth cleaning dog treats into your daily dog 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: This dog dental chew offers clinically proven dog dental care to help maintain your four-legged friend’s oral hygiene
- Unique Texture For Dog Teeth Cleaning: Made for a dog between 25-50 lbs., these Greenies dog treats have a unique design that cleans down to the gumline and positively balances the oral microbiome to help support whole-body health
- 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: Pedigree Dentastix Large Breed Dental Care Treats come with triple action which reduces tartar buildup, cleans teeth, and freshens breath
- X-Shape Design: Designed with a unique X-shape and chewy texture, these dental treats help scrape away plaque while chewing to help clean hard-to-reach teeth
- Feeding Guidelines: Treat your large breed dog (40+lbs.) one treat a day to bring a smile to your best friend
- Delicious Flavors: This variety pack comes with three flavors of dental treats, including Original, Beef Flavor, and Fresh, giving your dog tasty options and favorites to discover
- Quality Recipe: Pedigree Dentastix Large Breed Dental Care Treats are made with no added sugar or fillers
- Delicious Peanut Butter Filling - Filled dog bones feature a peanut butter flavored center furry friends crave
- Long Lasting Dog Chews - Natural dog bone stands up to aggressive chewers for a longer, engaging experience
- Supports Dog Dental Health - Chew bones help reduce tartar and plaque buildup cleaning teeth and gums as they chew
- Refillable - Continue to add spreadable treats to the center of the bone for longer-lasting enjoyment
- Inspected and Tested in the USA - All Cadet chews and treats undergo a rigorous inspection process to guarantee they meet our high standards
- Made with 100% Real Bully: Canine Naturals Beef & Bully Sticks are made from carefully sourced grass-fed, free-range cattle, making them collagen rich and a healthy chew for your dog.
- Single Protein Source: With only one protein source and made with no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, these chews are the healthy, safe and great tasting way to keep your dog occupied through chewing.
- Durable & Long Lasting: Beef & Bully Sticks are a healthy, durable chew best suited for heavy chewers and supports your dog's dental health by helping remove plaque and tartar through chewing.
- Odor-Free: Our Beef & Bully Sticks are odor-free, while maintaining great taste your dog will love.
- Size Options: Available in Medium and Large lengths, perfect for almost any dog!
The Ultimate Dog Chew Buying Guide
Choosing the right chew for your dog can be exciting! Chews keep your dog busy and help clean their teeth. This guide helps you pick the best one.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for dog chews, you need to check a few important things. These features make a big difference in safety and fun.
Durability and Size
- Chew Time: How long does the chew last? A quick chewer needs a tougher toy. A gentle chewer can enjoy softer options.
- Size Matters: Always match the chew size to your dog’s size. A chew too small becomes a choking hazard. A chew too big might be hard for small dogs to hold.
Safety and Digestibility
- No Sharp Edges: Look for chews that break down into small, soft pieces, not sharp shards.
- Easy to Digest: If your dog swallows small pieces, those pieces should break down easily in their stomach.
Important Chew Materials
The material of the chew determines how safe and appealing it is. Different materials suit different chewing styles.
Natural Options
- Rawhide Alternatives: Many owners prefer alternatives to traditional rawhide. Look for chews made from ingredients like sweet potato, beef tendons, or collagen.
- Dental Chews: These often contain ingredients like chlorophyll or special fibers that scrub teeth as the dog chews.
Synthetic and Durable Materials
- Rubber and Nylon: Very tough chews are often made from durable rubber or nylon. These are great for power chewers who destroy everything quickly. Ensure these materials are food-grade and non-toxic.
- Wood Chews: Some chews use specially treated woods that soften slightly when chewed, preventing splintering.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all chews are made equal. A few simple checks can tell you if you are getting a high-quality product.
Quality Indicators (Good Signs)
- Clear Labeling: Good companies clearly state where their ingredients come from and what processing they use.
- Limited Ingredients: Fewer ingredients often mean fewer potential allergens for your dog.
Warning Signs (Things to Avoid)
- Strong Chemical Smells: If a chew smells heavily of bleach or strong chemicals, put it back. Quality chews smell like their main ingredient (like dried meat or sweet potato).
- Excessive Artificial Additives: Avoid chews packed with artificial colors or preservatives. These offer no benefit to your dog.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about why you are buying the chew. Different situations call for different chews.
Keeping Them Occupied
- Long-Lasting Chews: Use these when you need your dog calm for a long time, like during a car ride or when guests visit.
- Stuffable Toys: Toys you can fill with peanut butter or dog food are perfect for slow feeding and mental stimulation.
Dental Health
- Daily or Weekly Use: Specialized dental chews work best when used regularly, as directed by the package. These actively help scrape away plaque.
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Chews
Q: How often should I give my dog a chew?
A: This depends on the type. Dental chews can often be given daily. Very rich or long-lasting chews should be given less often, maybe a few times a week, so they don’t spoil the dog’s dinner.
Q: What is the safest chew for a puppy?
A: Puppies need softer chews. Look for teething rings or soft rubber toys. Avoid very hard items until their adult teeth come in fully, around six months old.
Q: Can rawhide hurt my dog?
A: Some dogs struggle to digest large pieces of rawhide. If swallowed, it can cause blockages. Many vets recommend alternatives due to this risk.
Q: How do I know if a chew is the right size?
A: Your dog should be able to hold the chew comfortably between their paws without having to tilt their head back too far. It should not fit entirely into their mouth.
Q: Should I supervise my dog while they chew?
A: Yes, supervision is always best, especially with new chews. Watch how your dog interacts with it. If they start breaking off large chunks, take the chew away.
Q: What if my dog stops chewing and just swallows the piece?
A: If this happens, the chew is too small or your dog is too fast. Immediately remove the chew and choose a larger or tougher option next time.
Q: Are flavored chews better than plain ones?
A: Flavor helps attract the dog, but quality matters more than flavor intensity. A lightly chicken-flavored, high-quality chew is better than a heavily artificial-flavored one.
Q: How should I store uneaten chews?
A: Keep them in a cool, dry place, like an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents mold growth, especially natural chews.
Q: What are “edible” chews versus “durable” chews?
A: Edible chews are meant to be fully consumed over time (like bully sticks). Durable chews are made of hard rubber or nylon and are meant to be chewed on, not eaten.
Q: Can a chew help with anxiety?
A: Yes! The repetitive action of chewing releases calming endorphins in dogs. A long-lasting, high-value chew is a great tool for mild anxiety.