Dog Chewing – Health Benefits and Importance

Why is Chewing Important and Beneficial for Dogs?

We all know that chewing is a completely natural activity of dogs throughout their lives. Most of us can relate to those little land-sharks (aka puppies) trying to ease their teething pain by chomping on our furniture, leather shoes or our hands. Most dog-owners buy several toys and chews to help their fur-babies through this less than pleasant stage, which lasts a couple of months. However, encouraging your dog to chew shouldn’t be limited to the teething phase only as regular chewing has plenty of benefits.

Health Benefits of Regular Dog Chewing

• Relieves teething pain
• Reduces boredom
• Reduces anxiety & frustration
• Provides mental stimulation
• Prevents destructive behaviour
• Removes plaques and tartar from the teeth
• Keeps jaws strong & healthy preventing gum disease
• Keeps away bad breath
• Burns excess energy
• Helps puppies explore the world

Chewing is often regarded as a negative behaviour due to its potentially destructive nature. However, as the list above shows it’s everything but negative! The important thing to bear in mind is to re-direct that behaviour to safe and enjoyable chews.

Select your chews wisely

Before purchasing any chews (be it natural edible chews or toys), it is important that you consider the size of your dog, his chewing habits, bite strength and of course what he/she likes to chomp on. You want to get something safe and enjoyable for your dog.

Please also bear in mind the points below:

• Any chews or even toys can cause choking or blockages, therefore it is essential to always supervise your dog, whilst she/he is having a good old chomp
• Please also remember that no dog toy is indestructible and if you have a vigorous chewer on your hand, you might be better off keeping away from toys and opt for natural chews instead
• Don’t give fresh bones too often as they can cause constipation (in some dogs it can cause diarrhoea too)
• When it comes to bones, choose raw or air-dried and not cooked or roasted as those can splinter puncturing the oesophagus, stomach or intestines. Beef knuckle or shin bones are often roasted!

Safe dog chews

• Chomper boxes – choose from Puppy; Power; Adult; Mighty; Easy; Sensitive; Chubby and Ultimate
• Buffalo skin –  long lasting and low-odour chew, full of natural protein, with no preservatives (suitable from 12 weeks+)
• Pizzles – long-lasting, excellent dental chews which are loved by even the fussiest dogs (suitable from 12 weeks+)
• Buffalo horn – Long-lasting chew which can be used as natural KONGs. Ours have an open end at both end preventing potential suffocation and keeping it more hygienic (suitable from 12 weeks+)
• Ostrich bones – highly nutritious and a super safe delicacy. A gently air dried, non-splintering bone, providing a single source of protein. It is the perfect way to entertain your dog in the house or garden whilst also keeping your dog’s chompers clean. A fantastic, less messy alternative to raw bone options. The bonus is that ostrich bone is otally odourless as well. (suitable from 12 weeks +)
• Large Deer Leg (there is a small one in the Mighty Chomper Box). Deer legs are excellent, long-lasting chews for dogs. Deer legs are suitable for dogs with sensitivities or allergies as they are hypoallergenic treats.
• Beef tails – we have the whole range (normal, Jumbo; Supersized; Meaty) and all of them are excellent dental chews
• Antlers and split antlers – Naturally shed antlers make fantastic dog chews because they are totally natural, sustainable, long lasting, provide good minerals and are odourless to humans (suitable from 8 weeks+)
• XL pig ears – All dogs love pig ears and these big boys will keep your dog entertained for a while. The Porky Delights is a good alternative if you want smaller ears and your dog is a fan of pork snouts and pork bites (show me a dog who isn’t)

Toys for chewing

There are many toys on the market claiming to be indestructible but there is no such thing! There are many, which are made to last and withstand powerful chomping but if you do have a dog that destroys all toys, I’d advise you to save your money and focus on the edible chews instead. However, if your dog loves toys and can be trusted with them, the toys below are firm favourites:

• Duraspikes toys – these are quite sturdy and made from natural canvas
• Hugglehounds toys – sturdy and very cute toys
• Gigwi tug-of-war duck or crocodile
• Polar bear
• Chew Tuff bone
• Jelly Bone
• Breathe right stick

How often should I give my dog chews?

You can give your dog chews daily or every other day and you should give some hard, dental chews at least twice a week so that any tartar can be removed and the jaws and gums get some good exercise. How often you give your dog chews really depends on the circumstances but as noted above giving some every day or other day is great and if your pup looks bored, you can get his/her mind stimulated by some chewing or doing some scent work whereby you hide some treats or chews in the house and your pooch has to sniff it out.

If you think you have given your dog too many in a day, please reduce his/her food intake to compensate for it.

Chews or treats are also essential for rewarding good behaviour, whether it’s teaching your pooch to sit, stay, lie down, etc., albeit for frequent rewards, it’s better to use little treats like our Training Treats.

If you need some step-by-step guide to help your training, please read the last chapter of our Ultimate Guide for First Time Dog Owners.