are chews good for dogs

How to Pick Safe, Edible Dog Chews

If youve ever lost a shoe to your dogs teeth, you know how much dogs love to chew. It relieves the pain of puppy teething, exercises jaw muscles, andcleans your dogs teeth. Chewing is also great forbeating doggy boredomand can help your dogrelieve anxietyor frustration by giving them something enjoyable to focus on. Thankfully, there are all kinds ofchew toys on the market. Your dog may also love edible dog chews.

How do you know which dog chews are safe? This guide to choosing the perfect edible chew will help you sort through the options.

Know Your Dogs Style of Chewing

Every dog has their own chewing style. For example, aBoxeris more likely to be an aggressive chewer than aShih Tzu. And every dog has their own chewing preferences. Some dogs like a harder chew and others prefer softer chews. Plus, as your dog ages, their preferences can change. The tough chews your dog enjoys as an adolescent will probably be too hard when they become a senior dogwith dental issues.

Pick chews that suit your dogs personality, age, and chewing style. What is safe for one dog might not be a good choice for another. A dog treat may be edible, but that doesnt necessarily mean its safe. For example, if your dog breaks off large chunks and swallows them whole, that could lead to serious complications like choking or an obstructed bowel. Whenever you give your dog a new type of chew, always keep an eye on them to be sure its a safe choice.

What to Look for in an Edible Dog Chew

The following list will help you choose an appropriate chew:

• Hardness: Chews that are too hard can crack your dogs teeth or cut their gums.
• Durability: The chew should be strong enough to withstand vigorous chewing. If its too soft, your dog can break off chunks and swallow them whole, which is a health hazard.
• Long-lasting: Look for edible dog chews that will last. These options will keep your dog occupied for longer and provide more value.
• Size: Chews that are too small for your dog present a choking risk. Pick edible dog chews that are large enough so your dog cant get the entire thing in their mouth at once.
• Ingredients: Look for limited, natural ingredients. Avoid any flavorings or coatings that could upset your dogs stomach.

If you have any concerns about your choice of edible dog chews, consult your veterinarian.

Types of Edible Dog Chews

Here are some of the more common chews.

Rawhide

Rawhide, which is made from the inner layer of horse or cowhide, is a popular chew, but rawhide safety depends on the dog. Power chewers can break off large pieces. If your dog swallows these chunks, they can choke, or a piece can become lodged in their intestines.

Rawhide is also difficult to digest. Pieces will pass through the digestive system whole, which is why they pose an obstruction risk. If you choose to provide rawhide, prevent your dog from eating large pieces by removing any chunks as soon as your dog breaks them off. Once your dog has chewed the rawhide so that its small enough to swallow in one piece, take it away from your dog.

Bully Sticks

Unlike rawhide,bully sticks, sometimes known as pizzle sticks, are easily digestible. Single-ingredient chews made from beef muscle, bully sticks range in thicknesses and lengths. They also come braided and shaped for an extra-long chew. They do not splinter. Instead, the end of the stick becomes soft and acts like a toothbrush as your dog chews.

Most dogs simply gnaw the end of the stick. However, power chewers might bite straight through, producing large pieces that pose a choking risk, or swallow the entire stick whole. In that case, you can try placing the treat in a bully stick holder, which helps prevent your dog from breaking off too much at once. When your dog has chewed the stick down to a nub, take it away before they can swallow whats left.

Antlers

Antlers are all-natural chews that can come from a variety of animals, including deer or elk. Antlers for dogs come in a range of sizes and shapes and are incredibly long-lasting because they are so hard. However, their hardness can also make them a risky choice. Dogs can break their teeth on antlers, which is not only painful but expensive to treat. The hard surface can also cut your dogs gums.

But the greatest risk is from a shard of antler that splinters off. These shards can puncture or get stuck in your dogs mouth, throat, or intestines, leading to emergency surgery. Many veterinarians recommend avoiding antlers, but if you do provide them, always supervise your dog while they chew.

Yak Cheese Chews

A relatively new chew on the scene is the yak cheese chew. These hard blocks of dried cheese have just a few ingredients yaks milk (and sometimes cows milk), salt, and lime juice. The lactose content is low, so dogs generally digest them well, and they are hard enough to be long-lasting. Plus, they dont smell as bad as some other animal-based chews.

However, these edible dog chews still pose the same dangers. If your dog breaks off chunks, they can swallow the pieces and risk choking or bowel obstruction. Also, although these are cheese, they are quite hard and could lead to broken teeth. As with other chews, only give your dog a block large enough that they cant eat whole. Take away the yak chew as soon as it gets small enough to pose a hazard. Small pieces of yak cheese chews can be put into the microwave for short bursts of time until they puff and can be easily crunched up as a treat once cooled.

Tendons and Other Animal Parts

From beef trachea to pig ears, different animal parts are marketed as edible dog chews. Some are safer than others. Pig ears are often coated, which can upset your dogs stomach. Backstrap and other tendon chews are a safer choice, since theyre low in fat and high in protein and collagen.

Trachea is a softer chew that contains chondroitin and glucosamine, so it can be a good choice for a dog with joint issues. Finally, fish skin chews are shaped into bones or rolls. Although they smell fishy, they are a great source of omega three fatty acids.

Human-Made Edible Bones

There is a whole range of human-made edible bones available. Often called dental bones, these edible dog chews often help clean dog teeth. Look for a version that is highly digestible and has natural ingredients. And choose a bone size and shape appropriate for your dogs size.

15 Best Long-Lasting Chews for Dogs: Every Day Im Chompin!

Nothing is worse than buying your dog a new chew and watching him finish it in a flash before looking up at you with those big, sad eyes pleading for more.

And to think, you thought that chew would last him all day! Or at least a few hours

Worse, flimsy dog chews can be dangerous, risking the ingestion of broken chunks that can cause stomach upset, blockages, and painful potty problems.

With that in mind, weve gathered our favorite long-lasting chews that will keep your dog chewing happily (and safely!)

Check them out with us below.

• Long-lasting dog chews help keep your dog busy for a long time while stimulating his natural chewing instincts.
• Select a safe dog chew to reduce the risk of your dog injuring his mouth, choking, or suffering from an intestinal obstruction.
• Some of the safest chews include collagen chews, fish chews, tracheas / esophaguses, and yak cheese.

The Importance of Chewing

Chewing is as natural for your four-footer as wagging his tail is.

Its a positive, healthy energy outlet that you should encourage, (though you should put boundaries on chewing of course no one is saying you need to sacrifice your favorite shoes).

Offering dog-friendly chews helps fulfill this instinct and prevents canine boredom that can lead to more mischievous behaviors.

Chewing is also a fun and easy way to keep your dogs teeth and gums free of harmful buildup in addition to regular brushing with a quality dog toothpaste.

You can also incorporate specially-formulated dental chews into your dogs routine to keep his chompers clean.

Dog Chew Safety 101: Risks Involved

Chewing is important, but so is chewing safety. Some chews are safer than others, though all dog chews have inherent risks, including:

• Choking: Anytime your pupper chomps, theres a risk he may swallow (intentionally or accidentally) the entire chew or broken off pieces. Like CPR, learning the Heimlich for dogs is always a good idea for every pawrent.To avoid this, be sure to remove any pieces of chew that have been worn down to be less a few inches or whatever size poses a choking risk to your dog based on his size.
• Broken teeth: Too hard of a chew (or too eager of a chewer) can lead to tooth damage, including painful cracks or entire breaks. Broken teeth are not only painful for your pup, but youll have to spend a small fortune to fix them.
• Mouth injuries: Cuts on the tongue, gums, and lips are possible if the chew has sharpened edges or a rough surface. Remove or sand down any pointed edges that may develop from your dogs chomping over time.
• Obstructions: If swallowed, a chew could lead to a painful, costly, and potentially life-threatening intestinal blockage.
• Stomach upset: Ingested chews can cause tummy troubles, especially if your dog has food sensitivities or if the chew is oily. Even chews that your canine can digest may cause trouble if given in excessive quantities.
• Bacterial contamination: As your dog chews and slobbers on an item, bacteria spreads across it. Over time, the chew can become a potential bacterial bomb of trouble in the home for you and your pup. Not only is odor a concern here, but so is sickness. You can prevent bacteria from growing by cleaning off your dogs favorite chew now and then, or swapping it out for a new one if its been several months.

Its important to remember that every doggo and situation is different. A dog may be fine with one treat for years and suddenly have an issue, while another pup may experience problems with nearly every chew he has.

When selecting a chew, its important to consider key things regarding your dog, such as:

• Chewing habits: Some dogs are more voracious of chewers than others, so you need to select a chew that suits his chewing style. If hes overly eager to bite down hard rather than more gentle gnawing ultra-hard chews may not be the best idea, as you dont want to risk tooth damage. Similarly, too soft of a chew can make it easy for your pup to bite off large pieces or create splinters, creating a choking hazard.
• Size: Always choose a chew appropriate for your dogs build. Treats that are too largecan be hard to chew, while those that are too small create an obvious risk for choking and bowel obstruction if swallowed. Your dog should never be able to fit the entire chew in his mouth.
• Health: Keep your doggos overall well-being in mind. If he has known allergies or dental issues, certain chews are no-gos. Similarly, a dog with a history of stomach blockages shouldnt be trusted with a chew at all. If youre unsure about your dogs dental health or risks, check with your vet.
• Age: Older dogs tend to be savvier in the chewing department, whereas puppies may be more prone to swallowing things they shouldnt and chomping too hard, risking tooth and mouth injury. Also, senior pups with failing teeth require softer chews (or none at all) if their teeth are damaged.

With dog chews, the most important steps you can take toward keeping your dog safe are:

• Monitor your dog: There are no exceptions here. Accidents happen, even if your mature chomper has chewed the same treat since he was a puppy. As with babies, choking happens in the blink of an eye.
• Know your pups limits: A more destructive chewer may tolerate hardier chews, while a casual chewer should ideally receive softer varieties.
• Test chew hardness: Do the thumbnail test on a prospective chew. If you press your nail into an items surface and it doesnt leave an impression, it may be too hard for your pupper and poses a higher risk of causing tooth damage.
• Examine chews preparation: Not all chews are created equal. American-made products are generally preferred due to their superior safety and quality standards. Always check what processes and checks are in place during manufacturing. Some all natural chews arent so natural, either. For instance, some rawhide may contain trace amounts of toxic chemicals used in manufacturing, like formaldehyde.
• Scrutinize ingredient lists: Look for any potential allergens, as some chews are flavored with proteins like chicken or reinforced with grains, such as potato starch. Smoking and flavor coatings can also introduce additional additives that can cause stomach upset, particularly if your dog ingests a lot at once.

Safety First

No chew is 100% risk-free, and you should always monitor your dog when hes enjoying one.

Types of Dog Chews

Many dog chews exist today, making finding the right long-lasting one for your doggo quite the feat. The most common are:

1. Antlers

About: These harvested antlers from elk, deer, or moose are some of the closest to all-natural dog chews you can find.

Theyre shed naturally by the animal yearly, limiting their overall environmental footprint.

Antlers typically dont stain or stink, making them ideal for in-house chewing. They are on the pricier side, however.

PROS

Antlers are one of the hardest dog chews on the market and generally last a long time. This makes them ideal for aggressive chewers. They also contain pup-pleasing minerals, like calcium and phosphorus.

CONS

Because antlers are so hard, theres a serious risk of tooth and mouth injuries. They can also splinter, leading to possible stomach or backdoor damage if swallowed. They arent the tastiest option either not all dogs are a fan.

Recommended Reading

Check out our antler review article to learn more and see a few of the best options on the market.

2. Beef Knee Caps / Knuckles

About:These cartilage-heavy bones are typically meaty and intriguing to most dogs thanks to their smoked nature.

Theyre larger and sturdier than other beef body parts like bully sticks, and their size is less risky for choking than ears or hooves.

PROS

Because theyre relatively hard and long-lasting, beefy joint bones are ideal for heavy chewers. Taste is usually a high point with pups, and they often feature little bits of tasty meat, helping to keep your doggo engaged.

CONS

The hardness of these joints comes with a risk of tooth fracture. They can also splinter and possibly cut your puppers mouth or cause digestive obstructions and perforations if swallowed. Since theyre smoked and meaty, theyre also messy, so you may want to only offer these outdoors.

3. Nylon Chews

About: Nylon chews like Nylabones and Benebones are crafted into a chew-friendly shape for your pup.

These artificial chews can withstand heavy-duty chewing and added flavoring makes them extra appealing to pups. They also come in many sizes and thicknesses, allowing you to find the best size for your dogs safety and needs.

We generally consider nylon chews like Benebones and Nylabones safe for most dogs, but due to the hardness of these chews, they can be somewhat controversial, with some dogs breaking their teeth on them.

PROS

Nylon chews are strong and typically last a long time. Because they last so long, theyre more wallet-friendly than short-lived treats like pig ears. Theyre easy to wipe clean as needed too, eliminating bacterial growth.

CONS

While nylon bones are long lasting, they are hard, which risks dental cracks if your dog is a mega chomper. These arent truly edible, either, and can be split by powerful chewers, which can create dangerous splinters. Some dogs may refuse to chew them too, simply failing to see the appeal of a hunk of plastic.

4. Rawhide

About: Made of untanned cowhide, rawhides are rolled or knotted into a chew-friendly form for your dog.

Rawhide comes in many varieties, with some much harder than others. This makes in-person examination a must to ensure you get the hardness that works best for your pooch.

You should also pay close attention to the country of origin and manufacturing processes used, as rawhides can undergo toxic treatments overseas with deadly chemicals like arsenic used. This can make rawhides especially dangerous when swallowed by dogs.

Where to buy

Since many cheaper rawhide vendors commonly use toxic chemicals when treating rawhide, be sure to opt for a trusted vendor that sells natural rawhide thats been minimally treated. Pawstruck rawhide is a great choice!

PROS

Rawhides are one of the most affordable dog chews, and theyre easy to find too. Doggos usually love the taste, and the softer material is less of a risk for tooth breakage or mouth injuries. They can be long lasting too, depending on your pups chewing habits.

CONS

Rawhide comes with significant risks if ingested. The material may not break down in the stomach and instead expand, causing a painful and potentially deadly obstruction. Choking is another concern, along with cleanliness, as a chewed rawhides surface is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to you and/or your pupper getting ill if handled.

Recommended Reading

Interested in learning more about rawhides or seeing some product recommendations? Check out our rawhide review article!

5. Pig / Cow Ears

About: Ear chews are some of the most popular dog chews out there with pooches and their parents alike.

Natural and inexpensive, theyre widely available in stores and come in several varieties, including smoked.

Cow ears are larger and typically last longer, while pig ears are smaller, softer, and higher in fat.

PROS

Most dogs go gaga over the taste of ear chews. Theyre softer than other natural chews and pose less of a risk for tooth or mouth injuries. They can be purchased in bulk too, making them an ideal choice for multi-dog households.

CONS

Aggressive chewers may gnaw right through an ear chew quickly or swallow large pieces, potentially causing choking, stomach upset, or obstruction. Pig ears can be greasy too, adding to the risk of tummy trouble.

Recommended Reading

Check out our cow ear review article to learn more about these chews and see a few of our favorites. You may also want to consider beef cheek rolls!

6. Collagen Chews

About: Collagen chews are some of the safest chomper treats out there.

Made using protein-rich beef collagen, these tasty chews come in an array of shapes and sizes, letting you pick what works best for your pooch.

Theyre hard, but not overly so, making them ideal for most dogs to enjoy without too much of a risk of tooth or mouth injury. Theyre best suited for low-to-moderate chewers.

PROS

Collagen is easily broken down in the belly, unlike manufactured compounds or hardened natural products, like hooves and rawhide. In some ways, this makes them less likely to cause an obstruction. These can be flavored too, enticing picky dogs to give them a try.

CONS

Aggressive chewers may wear down a collagen chew quickly, upping the risk of stomach upset if too much is ingested at once. If your dog is a heavy-duty chewer, wed limit how much he can have at once to keep his tummy happy. Gnawed off bits pose a choking risk, so always keep a close eye on your pooch as he chews his new treat.

7. Dogwood

About: Dogwood is a processed material made to mimic the sticks that some doggos cant get enough of.

Using wood and polypropylene, the chews can be used for chewing only or mouth-friendly games of fetch too.

Offered in multiple lengths, they can be purchased for dogs of any size and work best for moderate chewers.

PROS

These are a safer alternative for dogs who cant get enough of chewing sticks in the backyard. They arent prone to shattering, either, like some chews. Added flavoring can make them irresistible to most doggies too, even picky pooches.

CONS

Dogwood chews might be too hard for some dogs to enjoy safely. If theyre chewed into a sharp point, they risk painful mouth injuries. Smaller pieces can become choking or obstruction hazards too. These also arent natural chews or truly edible, although this rarely seems to cause issues for doggos.

8. Hooves

About:Cow hooves are a tough chew durable enough to stand up to powerful jaws, and even aggressive chewers will see these last a bit.

Theyre natural too, lacking the heavy treatment seen in other chews, like rawhides.

PROS

Hooves are one of the cheapest long-lasting chews available. Dogs also usually enjoy the flavor more than other options. They feature an inner groove that you can load with dog-friendly peanut butter or cheese spread for a fun surprise, too.

CONS

A hoofs edges can get sharp, risking mouth injuries or tummy trouble if ingested. The tapered shape is easier to break down than other chews, potentially leading to choking or obstruction issues if your dog swallows too large of a piece. The smell can also be off-putting, depending on the variety.

9. Horns

About: Typically coming from a sheep or a water buffalo, horns are tough chews that can weather heavy chewing. You can also stuff them with goodies like peanut butter to keep your doggo interested in them longer.

PROS

Like hooves, horns are relatively inexpensive compared to antlers and other natural chews. Strength is another upside, making them one of the longer-lasting chews available.

CONS

A horns hardness risks teeth damage, and the ends can be sharp, putting your pups mouth, gums, and tongue at risk for scrapes and punctures. Some dogs may be able to chew off large pieces that can cause choking or obstructions, too. Others may dislike the taste.

10. Bully Sticks

About: Bully sticks are an all-natural chew made of dried bull penis. Another more pleasant name for the penile product is a pizzle.

Offered in single sticks and braided varieties, bully sticks are solid but not as hard or risky for teeth as bones or horns.

Since theyre sourced from a single animal protein, theyre also ideal for puppers with sensitive systems.

Where to buy

You can get quality bully sticks from either Pawstruck or Chewy!

PROS

Bully sticks are a good, durable treat for ongoing light to moderate chewing. Theyre entirely edible and break down in the belly, making them safer than other chew options. They wont shatter, either, reducing the risk of mouth injury.

CONS

While tasty, bully sticks arent as long-lasting as other chews. Some dogs simply eat them rather than gnaw at them, eliminating potential tooth-cleaning benefits. They can be smelly too, and since they arent very durable, it can get expensive replacing them.

Recommended Reading

Weve taken a deep dive into these chews in our bully sticks review article. Check it out and see a few of our favorites!

11. Bones

About: Bones are a serious hit and miss area for dog chews. The safest ones are those that are raw as theyre softer and more pliable.

Raw beef bones are the best variety for chewing since theyre larger. Cooked bones are dangerous and should never be given to your pooch.

Cooking breaks bones down and leaves them brittle, risking shattering that will cause serious mouth and internal injuries.

Where to buy

You can get quality, safe beef bones from either Pawstruck or Chewy!

PROS

Raw beef bones are as natural as it comes, and you dont have to worry about strange additives or food sensitivity issues. Small pieces can be safely chewed off and eaten, which provide minerals for your pupper. Theyre relatively cheap, too.

CONS

Bones can crack teeth or injure your dogs mouth if chewed into a point or splintered. They also come with a risk of choking and stomach obstruction. Raw bones also risk bacterial growth and odor, so always offer them to your pooch outside or in a place that can be easily cleaned. With that in mind, theyre best for onetime use to avoid food-borne illness.

12. Beef Trachea

About: Beef tracheais a good option for low-to-moderate chewers. The tube-like shape is easy for most doggos to handle, though the width can be a bit large for small breeds.

For petite pooches, esophagus strips may be a better option.

Where to buy

You can get beef tracheas from either Chewy or Amazon!

PROS

Tracheas are a good source of chondroitin and glucosamine, ingredients commonly found in joint supplements. They arent as firm as other chews and are less of a risk for tooth damage or mouth injuries. Tracheas are also relatively cheap, leaving plenty of room in the budget for more doggone goodies.

CONS

Not every dog likes the taste of tracheas. They can be smelly and oily too, making them less than ideal for use indoors. Theyre also not the hardiest chew and may not last long.

13. Yak Cheese

About: Also known as yak chews, yak cheese is a product made by combining yak milk, salt, and lime juice and smoking or drying the mixture over an extended period.

The result is a compressed hunk of hard yak cheese. The formula may also include smoke flavoring or color and is typically low-odor compared to some other chews.

Where to buy

You can order natural yak cheese chews from Chewy!

PROS

Yak cheese is one of the rare manmade chews that is entirely edible. Really big yak chews are often a great option for aggressive chewers, as they are hardy and long lasting. Most dogs enjoy the flavor too.

CONS

Some forms may be too hard and risk damaging your pups teeth. Others may be too soft and not last long enough. The product can also be pricey too, with most authentic varieties being imported from the Himalayas. You also want to make sure your dog doesnt eat too much yak cheese at once to avoid belly issues.

14. Fish Chews

About: Made of dehydrated fish, fish chews are protein-rich treats that are best for light to moderate chewers.

These arent as risky for dental or oral injuries, and most dogs go crazy over the taste. Since theyre from a single source, they also are friendly for floofs with sensitive systems.

Where to buy

You can get fish chews from either Chewy or Amazon!

PROS

Fish chews are softer than other natural chews, making them some of the safest chewing options available, particularly for puppies or older dogs. Since they come in packs, youll get a few chew sessions with every purchase, but make sure you dont give them too often, as they can pack on the pounds if youre not careful.

CONS

While they are safer than other options, fish chews are not very durable and do not last long. Since theyre fish, they obviously have a fish smell too, which is less than friendly on the nose, so you may want to give these outdoors. Wed also wait a little bit for puppy smooches afterward to avoid a fishy French kiss.

15. Non-Edibles

About: Consisting of popular chews like rope toys and KONGs, non-edibles come in varying strengths for you to choose from.

Pricing, size, and shape varies, allowing you to cater the chew to your budget and pupper needs.

These chews are crafted with man-made materials, however, so theyre not the all-natural products that some pup parents seek.

PROS

Ropes can clean teeth and gums as your dog nibbles the strands. Non-edibles like KONGs are also a hit because they can be stuffed with enticing treats like peanut butter, and the brands Extreme line is strong enough to withstand heavy chewing without harming your pups mouth.

CONS

Since these arent truly edible, theres an inherent risk if ingested. Theyre foreign bodies and wont break down in the stomach like organic materials. Some non-edibles are stronger than others, with ropes especially easily shredded by heavy chewers.

Long-Lasting Dog Chews

Quick Reference Chart

Theres a lot to take in when you start trying to pick the best long-lasting chew for your pooch.

So, weve put together the table below so you can see how these chews stack up against each other at a glance.

We briefly describe the pros and cons of each style below, and provide our own overall safety rating. Chews that have a score of 1 are the riskiest options, while those with a 3 are the safest. Those that earn a 2 are somewhere in between the two extremes.

Just remember to monitor your dog closely even those that we rank the safest can cause problems for some pooches.

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Have you tried any of these chews with your pup? What chew lasts the longest for your four-footer? Let us know in the comments!