Dogs need to chew! It’s been scientifically proven that chewing is an affective way of dealing with stress. Under stressful conditions, chewing reduces increased hormones such as cortisol and adrenalin. Chewing also offers offer benefits such as realising feel-good endorphins in the brain are are brilliant for keeping your dog occupied when you need to get on with your daily to-do-list. There are so many dog chew options out there, but not all of them are healthy or safe. Below is a list of my favourite 10 healthy dog chews that will keep your dog busy for hours. In my online puppy school course and online good manners class I talk a lot about how important natural chews are and I give my students at step bu step guide on how they can use them to help with biting and mouthing.
Rawhide is not safe
Rawhide chews often are a popular chew that dog owner like to buy their dogs. However rawhide is one of the worst dog chew you can give your dog! Rawhides are made with lots of toxic chemicals known to be contaminated with salmonella and E.coli. In order to make the rawhide look like bones or other fun shaped objects they are often made with glue and are submerged in bleach! Rawhide is difficult for dogs to digest which causes digestive issues and intestinal blockages.
Below is video on how Rawhide chews are made.
Safety first!
No dog chew is entirely safe. They could break up into smaller pieces and become a chocking hazard. I would always recommend supervision while your dog has their chew. Some raw bones are safe such as marrow bones or chicken wings, but NEVER give your dog cooked bones as they easily splinter, causing damage to the mouth and intestines.
Bully Sticks
Bully sticks are my #1 go to chew as they are great for all ages. Wether you have a young puppy or older dog as they are all natural and easy to digest with is great for sensitive tummies. They don't splinter so are safe from any possible injuries in the dogs mouth or throat. The bully sticks are made out of beef which is a great source of amino acids, which helps your dogs brain, muscle and coat.
They are made out of dried bulls penis! which is pretty off putting And they can have a strong oder, especially when they become wet while being chewed! However they really are a big hit with all dogs and most importantly they are all natural so no nasty chemicals plus think of all the goodness they will be doing to your dogs brain, muscle, coat and skin health.
Olivewood Chew
Olivewood Chew are 100% wood but they do not splinter and are a long lasting natural dog chew. The root chews are full of nutrients and come from a sustainable source, making them eco friendly. They help to satisfy the natural urge to chew and are great for scrubbing plaque and tartar. This low in fat chew is a great alternative to your puppy chewing the coffee table!
Braided Lamb
Braided Lamb Chew is made from just one single ingredient- top quality lamb. No additives, no preservatives nothing! Grain Free - Gluten Free - Wheat Free.
Smoked Bone
Leeway smoked bones are 100% natural and ideal to help keep your puppies teeth clean and also a great source of added calcium and nutrition. We recommend supervising your dog when giving them any treat
Goats ears
Goats ears are a low fat alternative to pig or cow ears they are also naturally hypoallergenic. They don't smell half as bad as other natural dog treats and they are not greasy. They are better for smaller dogs or puppies as they are a fairly small, so please do supervise incase the dog tries to swallow it whole.
Rolled Venison Skin
Rolled Venison Skin is 100% natural and 100% fresh meat…that’s it! Simply the best cuts of human grade meat air dried. Healthy source of protein and iron, easy to digest, gluein free and excellent quality of omega 3.
Bull Cow Tail
Bull cow tails Aids with dental Hygiene & Helps to keep teeth clean and healthy & strong. They are hypoallergenic, gluten & grain free, no preservatives or additives and 100% Natural.
Beef trachea
Beef trachea is a dried wind pipe of a cow. They are 100% natural air dried and are known for promoting healthy joints and as they have a crunchy texture they are great for cleaning your dogs teeth. They can be quite smelly! But we know that is what makes our dogs love them even more!
They are quite big which is a bonus as they should last at least 15 minutes for for big dogs and a few hours for smaller dogs but please do make sure you supervise your dog while chewing, and remove any small or sharps broken bits.
Cow Ears with Hair
Cow ears with fur are heavier and tougher than the standard cow ear chew witch makes them a great long lasting chew. They are 100% natural, 100% beef and low on fat. They make look a bit too animalistic but the fur actually acts as a natural de-wormer! ( although I would still recommend giving your dog de-worming tablets.)
Fallow Deer Antlers
Fallow Antlers come from deer or elk. They’re packed full of beneficial nutrients and minerals such as protein, fibre and calcium. Best thing about them is they last a very long time (even for extreme chewers) they don't smell and don't splinter or break off into smaller pieces. Your dog will be chewing on this for hours trying to get to the middle of the antler where the bone marrow is, which is the best part.
I hope that you have been inspired by the amount of safe, natural and long-lasting dog chews that are out there. Happy chewing!!