Best natural dog chews for aggressive chewers

Chewing. Every dog’s favourite pastime. For some dogs, anything that fits in their mouth is considered food, but that doesn’t make it safe or healthy. Finding the best chew for dogs can offer a number of benefits to their health and well-being.

Many dogs are avid chewers, and finding a chew that will keep your dog busy for a long time and that he will love is almost impossible. These chews all serve important purposes: helping with dental health, keeping your dog busy chewing, supplying natural minerals for bone and joint health, and more.

Keep in mind that all chews could potentially be a choking or obstruction hazard, and pets should always be monitored while enjoying them.

Using natural safe dog chews to improve your pet’s health is easier than you might think. Learn which natural chews are appropriate for different dietary needs and life stages, and how dog chews sticks can prevent destructive behaviours. Stick around to learn which chews can support your pet.

What is a Natural Dog Chew?

Dogs need to chew, and offering them a natural and safe alternative to some of the more dangerous objects they choose to nibble on is highly recommended. Natural chews are typically animal in origin and almost always edible. Safe chew treats for dogs?

Many animal parts can be dehydrated, dried, or cooked, but a natural chew needs to be large or durable enough to keep your dog chewing fur for a while.

Your dog has unique needs and preferences, and you’ll need to figure out which chews will be right for your pet.

5 Health Benefits of Natural Safe Dog Chews

Finding the best chew for dogs depends on what you are trying to accomplish. If your goal is just to treat Fido, then most chews for dogs will work fine.

However, your dog's chews may also be benefiting your dog’s health in ways you didn’t even realize. Let’s go through the main benefits of natural chews for dogs:

1. Dental Care

Your dog’s natural desire to chew comes from their ancestors. Chewing is how wild dogs and wolves care for their teeth. Gnawing on bones, tendons, and raw meat helped to maintain their dental health.

For domesticated pets, diet, environment, and lifestyle all contribute to greater dental care needs. While hours of chewing has many dental benefits, caring for your dog's teeth is a bit more complicated, and they require a more human tooth care approach: Toothbrushing.

For more information about your pet's dental health needs, hop over to our Step by Step Guide to Brushing Your Dog's Teeth.

Although your pup’s teeth can't be cared for by chewing alone, offering safe, natural chews is an excellent complement to their existing dental routine.

Many dogs today are less than thrilled about their weekly toothbrushing sessions, which is why natural chews are a desirable option. Natural chews are flavourful and will always be welcomed by your dog.

Different types of natural chews will provide different levels of dental care, so it’s a good idea to offer a rotating variety of natural chews to your dog each week. This can also keep the chewing experience fun and exciting.

Softer chews will work best for reaching in between teeth and hard-to-reach places, while a harder chew will last longer and allow your dog to remove stuck-on bacteria build-up.

Not all chews are right for every dog, and some chews carry more risk than others. 

It's important to reiterate that offering your dog natural chews is not a replacement for regular toothbrushing and routine vet visits. Safest dog chews sticks can be given weekly to support dental health, while toothbrushing should be done more often, preferably every day.

2. Boredom

Idle paws, or in this case jaws, can lead to some destructive behaviours. Destroying furniture, digging, aggression, and poor eating habits can all be the result of an under-stimulated dog.

Natural chews are an excellent way to keep your dog occupied, satisfied, and safe.

Look for a long-lasting chew to entertain your dog while you are busy. The chew may not take up all of their spare time, but it should give them an activity to focus on for a short period of time.

It is important to remember that natural chews are not a replacement for regular exercise or one-on-one attention. They should only be used supplementally to help deter destructive behaviours.

Offer chews in between playtime. Rotate natural chews, puzzle toys, and chew toys to keep your dog engaged when you aren’t spending one-on-one time with them.

We recommend that your dog is always supervised when chewing to prevent the risk of choking. Even experienced chewers can make a mistake swallowing a chew whole.

Check out Bored Dogs: Symptoms & Solutions for Dog Boredom for more tips to prevent destructive behaviours and anxiety relating to boredom. 

3. Anxiety

Anxiety can also manifest in destructive behaviours. Separation anxiety is a very common type. This usually happens when a dog is anxious about being left alone.

Giving your dog a natural chew can provide a much-needed distraction from the routines that can trigger anxiety.

For some dogs, anxiety starts when they see signs of your departure. Putting on your shoes, looking for your keys, and packing a bag are actions that your dog associates with being left alone.

Distracting them with a natural chew can allow your pet to learn to be more comfortable when they are alone. This won’t cure separation anxiety, but it is a great first step to reducing destructive behaviours and getting your dog comfortable with their alone time.

Anxiety around strangers, storms, and other triggers can also benefit from the distracting powers of natural safest dog chews sticks.

When used with proper training and appropriate calming solutions, you can prevent the destructive and sometimes dangerous behaviours associated with anxiety.

4. Nutrition

Many chews offer vital nutrients like protein, fat, and minerals. Supplementing a diet with natural chews can be very healthy dog bones.

No chew will replace a complete and balanced diet, but many types of chews can provide additional nutrition to support your dog’s needs.

Natural chews are often high in protein and low in fat. They can add calories to your puppy's diet, or help your senior pet build and maintain muscle.

Other nutrients like calcium and phosphorus can be sourced from bones and marrow. As a long-lasting chew for dogs, bones are a pretty popular option even if you weren’t aware of the nutritional value.

Treats should not take up more than 10% of their diet, but even in small quantities can still complement a balanced diet and effectively support your dog’s health.

5. Hip and Joint Care

For older pets and even larger breeds, hip and joint issues are practically inevitable but they can be managed to prevent pain and mobility issues.

To reduce the severity and stave off age or size-related mobility problems, you can protect your dog’s joints and support connective tissues by feeding some natural chews.

Over time your dog’s natural collagen will begin to deteriorate or weaken. Collagen is the main structural component of tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, so feeding natural chews that are rich in collagen can help their body replenish vital connective tissues.

Collagen can’t repair damage to their joints, but it can be used preventatively. Feeding a collagen-rich chew at least once a week can help to support their hips and joints as they age and grow.

3 Things to Consider when Choosing a Dog Chew

There are many safe natural chew options available, but you need to find the one that is right for your pet. Here are 3 common issues that will impact the type of chew that you offer your pet:

1. Weight

Managing your pet’s weight can mean limiting calories to match their activity level and metabolism. When trying to care for an overweight dog, the first thing that usually gets cut from their routine is treats. Some natural chews are high in fat and calories which can further contribute to weight problems.

Cutting out treats and chews can help your pet reach their weight goals, but they will also be missing out on the many health benefits that come with feeding natural chews. Fortunately, some options allow your dog to have their chew and eat it too!

Most chews are made from animals, so carbs and sugars aren’t a huge concern. Instead, calories from fat and protein are the culprit with these treats. Look for leaner chews and count them as part of your dog’s daily calorie count.

If you offer your dog a natural chew, then you can balance out their calories by feeding a smaller meal. Or even better, take them out for an extra-long walk or a rigorous game of fetch to work off any extra calories they consumed.

You may not be able to feed natural chews as frequently as you used to, but that doesn’t mean you have to cut them out entirely. Look for lower-fat options when picking a dog chew.

Low-Fat Chews For Your Fat Dog:

• Antlers
• Himalayan Yak Chews
• Eldon's Beef Tendons

Low-fat chews can reduce the amount of unused energy being created during digestion. Low fat does not mean low calories, so make sure you are taking these extra calories into account when you are calculating your dog’s daily needs.

If you are implementing a weight loss plan for a dog that is severely overweight, then natural chews may have to be swapped for some calorie-free chew toys instead. At least until your dog reaches a weight that allows for increased activity.

2. Teething

If your puppy is teething, then you know how important it is to provide them with something to chew on. Natural chews provide a safe and nutritious alternative to letting your puppy chew on your furniture, your shoes, and you!

During the teething stage, which is typically between the ages of 4 weeks to 6 months, your puppy will want to chew. Chewing will help to relieve pain, loosen baby teeth, and work their adult teeth to the surface of the gums. Safe chews for dogs.

While chewing is an important part of teething, you must also consider that these teeth are more delicate. Avoid chews that are too hard or dense. Both baby teeth, and freshly surfaced adult teeth are at a higher risk for cracking or breaking.

The Best Natural Chews for Teething Puppies:

• Bully Sticks
• Trachea
• Angus Strips

Puppies need higher calories than adult dogs, so offering natural chew bones for dogs can contribute to some of their increased energy needs. Be cautious not to overfeed your puppy, though. Balance their long-lasting dog treats with their food.

Their daily calories will need to change as they grow. Feeding natural chews can help to meet fluctuating needs each week, but they should still be getting most of their calories from a complete and balanced diet.

3. Allergies

For dogs that suffer from allergies, finding the right treats can be hard. Some of the most widely available options for natural chews are also some of the most common protein allergies.

Itchy dogs need to chew too, so you’ll need to find a chew that won’t trigger your dog’s allergies. Look for alternative and exotic proteins to satisfy their chewing needs.

Exotic and Novel Protein Chews for Itchy Dogs:

• Icelandic+ Lamb Horn
• Get Wag Kangaroo Tail
• Puppy Love Bison Backstrap

Your options may be limited when it comes to exotic natural chews, so it’s a good idea to introduce a variety of proteins, one at a time. This way, you have multiple options for your dog.

For even more variety, look into some quicker chews, like rabbit ears or fish skins. They may not last long, but they can still be a rewarding treat and provide many of the benefits of a natural chew.

Treating a dog with food allergies is tough, so look for proteins that are unique and those that offer natural sources of omega fatty acids like fish skins, that can help to reduce inflammation and itchiness. 

How to Pick Safe Dog Chews

Some natural chews are regarded as safer than others. We typically judge the safety of a natural chew based on its hardness, digestibility, and size. Giving the right chew to your dog means choosing the safest chew. It also means choosing the safest way to feed natural chews.

Here are 6 tips to help you feel confident about your natural chew choices:

1. Tougher Doesn’t Always Mean Better

When looking for a long lasting chews dog, it’s easy to assume that the sturdiest option will be the best, but that may not be the case. The harder the chew, the higher the risk of tooth damage.

Bones, antlers, and cow hooves are very popular among tough chewers, but they are too hard for many dogs. If you’ve fed these natural chews without incident, that’s great, but just know that the risk is there.

Hard chews are not suitable for puppies, seniors, and dogs with compromised dental health. The risk of tooth damage is too high.

A good rule of thumb is to stick to chews that you can indent slightly with your nail. This doesn’t completely eliminate the risk of your dog damaging their teeth, but it does decrease the odds.

2. Digestibility

Some chews are easier for your dog’s body to break down than others. Rawhides have long been frowned upon for their poor digestibility. While rawhide does digest slower than animal chews that are less processed, the digestion risks actually lie in how your dog chews them.

As they chew, rawhide gets soggy and slimy, like a large flat piece of gum. The texture allows your dog to swallow larger pieces that digest poorly. This can lead to choking and intestinal blockages.

Connective tissues and cartilage will chew down safer and digest quicker, so the risk of digestive issues from chews like bully sticks or tendons is much lower.

Check out our top Rawhide Alternatives to find a safer and healthier chew option for dogs that love rawhide. 

3. Size Matters

There is one pretty simple rule to keep in mind when you pick all-natural dog chews: It’s very difficult to go too big and very easy to go too small. Offering your dog a chew that is too small is a recipe for a choking hazard or bowel obstruction.

Dogs get excited about their chews, and they don’t have the forethought to know that swallowing a big chunk of bone or yak cheese may not pass the way they thought it would. Stick to larger chews, and remove the chew when it becomes small enough to be a risk.

 4. Supervise Your Pet

We recommend that you monitor your pet whenever they are chewing on a toy or treat, no matter the type. Even the safest chews can be a choking risk if your dog tries to bite it the wrong way or swallow too quickly.

Even if you are comfortable with the way that your good chews for dogs that type of treatment, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Whenever you introduce a new treat, monitor to make sure that they are chewing safely.

Any dog can make a mistake and get a chew stuck somewhere, break a tooth, or swallow something they shouldn’t. Accidents happen, but if you choose appropriate treats for your dog and monitor their chewing habits, then you are reducing the risk of injury.

5. Wash Your Hands

Some chews look gross. They are greasy, slimy, and sometimes bloody. They immediately make you want to wash your hands, but not all chews look that unappealing. No matter what type of chew you offer your dog, wash your hands after you touch it.

Washing your hands is recommended after touching anything that goes into your dog’s mouth. Food, chews and even cookies have fat and bacteria present that can go rancid or make you sick. It’s not common, but it is possible.

Not all-natural chews are cooked. Many are smoked or baked, but chews that are freeze-dried or dehydrated could contain the same bacteria that you’d find on raw meat or bones.

This bacteria won’t harm your dog, but you and your family could be affected. As long as you are washing your hands and any surfaces that the natural chew touched, then the risk to you is slight.

6. Don’t Let Them Chew Just Anything

Most dogs are happy to chew on just about anything, but make sure you know the dangers of letting them chew on things that are not meant to be chewed or eaten. Sticks, rocks, and shoes are only a few examples of things that your dog shouldn’t be chewing on.

Choking, blockages, and internal and external damage are possible when your dog is chewing whatever they find lying around. Keep an eye out for these behaviours and make sure that you have a safe, natural chew option to offer instead.

Top 23 Best Safe Dog Chews Sticks: Natural, Long-Lasting, and More

1. Bully Sticks

You may not want to know what bully sticks are, but feel assured that they have a high protein content, are low-fat, and contain no carbohydrates or grains.

While bully sticks can be a healthy long lasting chew for your dog at 9-22 calories per inch (88kcal for an average chew), too much can still make your pet pack on the pounds. As with any treat, you should feed your dog a little bit less food, taking into account that treats add calories. Limit bully sticks to one per day, remembering also that all treats should never make up more than 10% of your dog's daily calories.

Bully sticks, or pizzle sticks, come in a variety of sizes, shapes, lengths, and thicknesses. Dogs go crazy over the natural flavour and taste. Plus, the texture makes them safe as best puppies chew, seniors, and dogs with fewer teeth than they should have. They are also great for dental cleaning because of the way they soften. This can help to remove any bacteria stuck in the back of the mouth and gum line.

Most bully sticks have a certain smell to them and can be messy, but there are many varieties you can buy – even stink-free!

We Recommend: Eldon's Free-Range Odourless Bully Sticks

2. Beef Tendons

Beef tendons are an excellent choice for your dog’s dental health. Similar to the way that we floss our teeth, the string-like texture of tendons allows your dog to floss too! As it softens, the tendon sinks between your dog’s chompers and helps reduce some of the plaque and tartar or bacteria hiding in the back of his mouth.

Some other factors that make tendons one of our highest vet recommended dog chews bones for dogs are that they are fully digestible and can be enjoyed by all dogs – puppies, seniors, and dogs with fewer teeth. Tendons aren’t limited to beef. There are other proteins as well, including beef, bison, kangaroo, and lamb.

Additionally, beef tendons are ideal for a longer chewing experience. They are long and hard, but will quickly soften and allow your dog or puppy to chew without breaking pieces off too fast.

We Recommend: Eldon's Beef Tendons

3. Rawhide

If you're looking for a rawhide that will last longer, pressed rawhide will be the toughest but also poses the biggest risk. Multiple paper-thin sheets of rawhide are pressed firmly together, and no matter how much your dog chews, the sheets will still expand in its stomach. This can cause digestive issues and even blockages if large pieces are swallowed.

The safest form of rawhide is puffed rawhide. This rawhide is pre-soaked to expand the rawhide and reduce the amount of moisture that the rawhide can absorb in your dog's stomach. These may not last as long, but wouldn’t you rather be safe than sorry? Another alternative is expanded pork skin. It is not pressed or chemically treated like rawhide and will digest much easier.

For your dog's safety and enjoyment, look for rawhides that are an appropriate size for your dog to chew. The entire chew should not be able to fit in your dog's mouth or be swallowed in its entirety.

Regardless of the type of rawhide you feed, there is always a risk of poor digestion of this type of chew. Always monitor your pet to ensure proper chewing, and remove the chew if they are trying to swallow large pieces that could cause an intestinal blockage.

We Recommend: Eldon's Free Range Rolled Rawhide

4. Lamb Horns

They can be found with marrow or with the marrow removed, allowing you to stuff the horn with dog-safe peanut butter and other treats. Marrow is high in fat, so if you are treating a dog with weight issues, avoid lamb horns with marrow. The horns themselves are very high in protein and can complement any meat-rich diet.

Dental health can be greatly improved with lamb horns. The fibres of the horn break down as your dog chews sticks and will act like floss, cleaning in between teeth and around the gum line.

Horns come in a variety of sizes, so always choose the size that is appropriate for your dog. Never leave your dog unattended with a natural chew, as there is always a risk of choking.

We Recommend: Icelandic Lamb Horns

5. Raw Bones

Raw bones can benefit your dog's dental health safely and provide essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus that their bodies need to maintain and support skeletal structure and organ function.

There are many options to choose from, but always pick an appropriately sized bone for your pet. Different animals produce different-sized and shaped bones, so the large bones of a cow may be suitable for a big dog, but a smaller breed may need to scale down to lamb bones.  

Different animal bones have different toughness too. That's why some bones are considered edible chews, and others are recreational. Edible chew bones include poultry necks and backs, while recreational bones, like most beef bones, are meant for chewing but not eating. Avoid dense weight-bearing bones, as they can damage our pet’s teeth.

Some types of poultry bones, raw food or cooked, can easily splinter and should always be avoided. While poultry bones are highest in calcium, only bones that are cartilaginous should ever be fed to your pet. Only raw necks, backs, feet, and wingtips are safe.

6. Beef Ribs

The flat thin shape of rib bones makes them more likely to crack or splinter than the rounder, thicker cooked bones will. These are not the best chews for puppies with very powerful jaws like boxers, mastiffs and bully breeds.

Always size your dog's chew appropriately. A chew that is too small can be swallowed, choked on, and do severe digestive damage. Rib bones should be too large to fit the whole chew in their mouth. The chew can always be taken away and given back another day, so you're safer to offer a bone that is too big than one that is too small.

We Recommend: ValuePack Beef Ribs

7. Elk Antlers

Chock-full of natural minerals, these renewable chews (elk naturally shed them every year) are a top choice for tough chewers. The chondroitin sulphate found in elk antler is particularly beneficial for your dog's bone and joint health and is often an important component of joint health supplements. While it’s not the most flavourful chew, elk antlers won't stain or smell like other natural chews, and they are generally more interesting to dogs than synthetic chews.

While the marrow in elk antlers can be higher in calories, your dog won't be eating the whole chew in one sitting, so there should be no cause for concern.

When you are choosing elk antler, quality does matter. Cheaper elk antlers can splinter easily and split, which makes it hazardous to your dog. As with any chew, take it away from your dog when it gets to be small enough to swallow.

Because of how tough this chew is, there is a risk that your dog can damage their teeth as they chew. Avoid feeding elk antlers to puppies, seniors, and dogs with compromised dental health.

We Recommend: Puppy Love Elk Antler

8.  Beef Hooves

Hooves do have sharp edges, and although that will be the first part your long lasting dog chews off, there is still a risk. You can file down the edges if you are uncomfortable with feeding this chew.

The biggest challenge with beef hooves is the smell. To say they reek is an understatement, and the smell gets worse as your dog starts to slobber all over it. This is one chew that is best to feed outside!

We Recommend: ValuePack Beef Hooves

9. Tripe Twist Sticks

As your dog chews on a tripe twist stick, it softens easily, making it one of the best dog bones for puppies or senior dogs. This is a great alternative to rawhide, as it is much easier to chew and digest.

Although a tripe twist stick isn’t the longest-lasting chew on this list, it is a huge hit because of its flavour! They’re also low-fat and great for dogs that need their weight monitored. Don’t be worried if your dog starts chomping away on this one! Tripe twists do not expand in your dog’s stomach – so they are safe to consume.

What to learn more about tripe for dogs? Check out What are the Benefits of Tripe.

We Recommend: Eldon’s Tripe Twist Sticks

10. Beef Strips

We Recommend: Eldon’s Angus Beef Strips

11. Chomper Sticks

Chompers are highly digestible, so you can feel good knowing that you are offering your pup a safe and tasty natural chew. They are available in two sizes 6" and 12", so always choose the size that best suits your dog.

Although not as dense as tendons, Chompers, made from beef esophagus, are both fun to chew and easy to digest. Chompers come in a few styles, designed to accommodate different sizes of puppies.

For daintier chewers and small breeds, Chomper strips and sticks are the perfect snacks, while bigger, tougher breeds may prefer a braided chomper.

We Recommend: Eldon’s Beef Chomper Sticks

12. Tartar Bones

Unlike many other recreational bones, kneecaps are less likely to splinter and are a safer alternative for tough chewers. They are a smaller bone, so they may not be suitable for large and giant breeds. Always supervise your dog to prevent choking or swallowing larger chunks.

While kneecaps are safer than traditionally cooked bones, there is still a risk in feeding any type of cooked bones. When bone is cooked, it becomes brittle, and the risk of splintering, however small, is still there. Avoid feeding cooked bones to puppies, seniors, or dogs that have difficulty chewing or other dental issues.

Monitor your dog at all times and remove the bone if large or sharp pieces are coming off of it. Dogs with sensitive digestion should avoid cooked bones, as even small pieces can cause irritation.

These tasty chews can also be super messy, so you might want to feed them to your dog outside or on a washable surface. Also, as with other natural chews, beef kneecaps can get smelly.

We Recommend: ValuePack Tartar Bones

13. Pig and Beef Ears

Our pig ears for dogs are made from North American ingredients right here in Canada, conveniently packed and priced with your best bones for dogs' value in mind. Our Pig Ears are smoked, leaving them crunchy and irresistible to dogs.

Our beef ears are baked and dried for a lower-calorie option. Our beef ears are sourced from free-range, grass-fed cattle from Argentina. Beef Ears are another great dental care option, as they are thinner than pig ears and can work hard to reach places in your dog's mouth.

We Recommend: Red Bard Puffed Sow Ears

14. Turkey Necks

Feeding bones to a puppy is risky unless you stick to soft, hollow bones and cartilage, like what you’ll find in raw poultry necks, backs, or feet. Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Turkey Necks are an easy way to feed your puppy raw bone without the mess or hassle of fresh raw.

We Recommend: Vital Essentials Turkey Necks

15. Stuffed Beef Strips

They don't last forever, but they are easy on the tummy and packed with flavour that no puppy can resist. They are only offered in one size, so they may not be suitable for every dog. Large dogs may be inclined to gulp the tasty treat, while extra small breeds simply don’t need that many calories in one sitting.

We Recommend: Eldon's Angus Stuffers

16. Pork Skin

These best chews for dogs are not dehydrated after cooking, so they will not absorb moisture or expand in your pup’s tummy. This makes them a deliciously chewy treat that is more digestible than rawhide. They are fattier, though, so prepare for a greasy chew.

We Recommend: ValuePack Pork Rollers

17. Kangaroo Sticks or Tails

For a satisfying crunchy chew, these Australian-sourced Kangaroo Tails are perfect. They are made from 100% free-range kangaroo tail that has been slowly air-dried, not cooked. They are far from the longest-lasting best dog chews bones on our list, but they are still a fan favourite.

Kangaroo is an exotic protein, so these chews are preferred for dogs that suffer from allergies and sensitive digestion. They are very lean and are less likely to cause reactions than some of the standard proteins commonly used for natural chews. 

Homes Alive Recommends: Get WAG Kangaroo Tail

18. Bladder Chews

They may seem like an odd animal part to chew on, but bladder sticks are cooked, long sticks made of a cow’s bladder. They aren't the most pleasant smelling chew either, so they are best fed outdoors, in kennels, or just away from people who can't handle the stink.

The bladder is made of muscle and connective tissues, similar to a tendon or ligament. They are firm when cooked and dried but soften as your recommended dog chews. Similar to a tendon, Bladder Sticks are great for dental health and provide a healthy dog chew source of collagen to your pet.

We Recommend: Eldon’s Bladder Sticks

19. Cod Sticks

Icelandic+ focuses on sustainability and environmental impact, so all of their products are free-range, grass-fed, or wild-caught from the clean landscapes and waters of Iceland.

Additionally, fish skins are often recommended for dogs with little to no teeth. The strips of fish skin are thin enough for your dog to gum. It's a great jaw workout, and as the skins soften, small pieces can be safely mashed and swallowed with their tongue and gums. 

Homes Alive Recommends: Icelandic+ Cod Sticks

20. Rubber Chews

If you're looking for natural, look for unique, sustainable sources of natural rubber, like rice husk rubber.

Kong, one of the top brands for natural rubber dog toys, has a wide variety of dog-tested chews, even Kong Extreme, for the toughest chewers. Kong also has special treats, consumable chews, and stuffing that can be used with their chew toys, making them more enticing for dogs. A new flavour can be just what it takes to revive an old toy into a favourite again.

The downside to rubber chews is that some dogs just don't like them. Rubber has a strong smell and a different texture, so if your dog is picky, he just may not pick it up.

Try out some of these fun tricks in 13 Ways to Use a Kong to get your dog interested in a plain old rubber toy.

We Recommend: Kong Dog Toys

21. Nylon Chews

Scented, yummy-tasting varieties keep your dog interested longer than plain nylon. Tasty Bone infuses natural flavours throughout the entire toy, unlike most brands that just coat the nylon toy. This will keep your dog interested for longer.

Like any chew toy, they are not edible. Very small pieces can be swallowed and passed safely, but these toys should never be consumed. Never leave your dog unattended with a nylon chew, and inspect the toy regularly for damage.

We Recommend: Tastybone

22. Yak Cheese (Himalayan Cheese)

As with any natural chew, always monitor your pet with it and remove it if the chew is small enough that your pet could swallow it whole. Also, watch how much yak cheese you give your dog. While yak cheese is low in fat, it is high in calories.

If the yak cheese chew gets too small for your pet to safely chew on, you can microwave it on high power for 45 – 75 seconds, let it cool for 2 minutes and give it to your dog as a crunchy, puffy cheese treat.

We Recommend: Himalayan Safe Dog Chews

23. Rope Chews

For teething puppy chews, rope toys can be soaked and frozen to help relieve some of the pain and discomfort from their teeth moving. This can, of course, get messy, so this is a great option for when your dog is in their kennel, outside, or on an easy-to-clean surface.

Thread from rope toys can shed as they chew. Small pieces won't harm your pet, but do your best to avoid letting your dog eat the rope toy. This can do damage to their intestinal tract.

Homes Alive Recommends: Flossy

10 Things You Should Never Let Your Dog Chew

Many of these dangerous “chews” can often be found in your house, your yard, and at the park. Be aware of the dangers around you. You know your dog better than anyone, so scan your environment to remove threats and keep your dog close to avoid the temptation of picking up objects that could be harmful

Here are 10 dangerous things that dogs love to chew but really shouldn’t:

1. Sticks

For some, it’s a fun toy; for others, it could be a tasty snack, but both can pose a serious threat if you are not careful. The risk of dry splintered wood puncturing or cutting your dog’s mouth is high.

Dead wood becomes dry and brittle, so any dog crunching on it is likely to break off small sharp spears that can damage their gums or worse - their esophagus, stomach, or intestines if swallowed.

Instead of sticks, offer your dog a Tripe Twist. These natural chews will have a similar mouth feel, but will chew down safer and be much easier to digest. They won't last as long, but they can help to curb your dog's dangerous stick obsession. 

Even in a game of fetch, a stick caught the wrong way can get lodged in the mouth, break teeth, or damage eyes if they fumble the catch badly enough. Of course, you can’t account for every freak accident, but you can choose safer fetch toys like tennis balls or frisbees.

2. Rocks

For dogs that play with rocks, especially those that chew them, their dental health is at risk. Rocks of any size can break or crack their teeth, causing your dog severe pain and sticking you with a hefty vet bill.

If swallowed, larger rocks can be a choking hazard or potential blockage. Even smaller rocks can build up to create obstructions in the intestines or damage the soft tissues of the digestive tract.

Instead of rocks, give your dog some Yak Cheese. These tasty chews will have a satisfying hard crunch with significantly less risk to your dogs dental health. 

If you suspect that your dog has swallowed rocks, contact your vet immediately. The rocks may pass, but you need to know what to look for over the next 48 hours.

3. Cooked Bones

While chewing is vital to your dog's dental health, cooked bones get brittle and hard. This could lead to cracked or damaged teeth. The bone can easily splinter, creating sharp pieces that can cut your dog’s gums.

Pieces that are swallowed could cause blockages or puncture their stomach or intestines. While this doesn’t happen to every dog, the risk is very real, so use caution when feeding any type of cooked bone.

Raw Bones are a safer alternative to cooked or smoked bones. Though they are still a long-lasting chew, raw bones have much less risk of splintering.

Some dogs have been eating cooked bones for years with no problems, and I’d say they are lucky. If you do choose to feed cooked bones, I recommend monitoring your dog at all times. You may be able to prevent disaster if you are able to take away a bone or a piece of a bone that looks dangerous.

4. Plastic Bottles

It’s quite common to use plastic bottles as part of a DIY toy or treat dispenser. As long as they are not chewing the bottle with the intent to destroy it, then using them in this way is safe.

If your dog is an aggressive chewer, then using a tougher toy meant to withstand their bite will be safer.

Plastic is not edible, and as your dog chews it, sharp pieces and ridges can form and could cut your dog’s mouth and irritate its esophagus. Thin plastic bottles are easy enough to destroy, so breaking off larger chunks can lead to choking or blockages.

Dogs that love chewing plastic will likely enjoy a durable dog chew toy. Try to find toys that are tough enough that your dog can't destroy them, and always supervise your dog's chewing sessions. 

Make sure that your recycling is safely stored away from your dog. If it’s within reach, your dog is likely to be seduced into sneaking a quick chomp of the makeshift toy.

5. Ice Treats

Safe chews for puppies, seniors, and dogs with dental issues should avoid chewing on ice. The risk to their teeth is even greater.

If your dog is an ice cube fiend or you want to help cool them down in the summer, try freezing shallow ice cubes. They will be easier to chew and will melt quicker in their mouth.

Freezing ice inside rubber toys is another great way to offer a refreshing treat. The toy itself provides a protective barrier, and the ice will begin to melt into smaller pieces before they can get it out.

For dogs that love a frozen treat, try one of our favourite frozen dog treat recipes. These chilled snacks will keep your dog cool and will satisfy his icy cravings. Plus you can load your frozen dogsicles up with tons of nutritious ingredients.

6. Furniture

The materials in your furniture can be toxic if swallowed, so make sure that you are quickly breaking this habit to keep your dog safe.

Couches and other fabrics may look like a really big stuffed toy to your dog, but the stuffing, foam, and fabrics inside are dangerous. They can lead to intestinal blockages, constipation, or choking. Beyond that, you have no idea if the fabrics have been treated with flame-retardant chemicals or other substances that can be toxic if your pet ingests it.

Wood furniture like tables, chairs, and even baseboards may be another target for a puppy throwing a tantrum. These are not only a splintering risk but are typically finished with a stain, varnish, or paint that could be toxic to your dog.

When your dog nibbles on the couch, offer a fun Plush Dog Toy instead. They can be pulled out quickly to distract and redirect your dog's destructive behaviours.

If your dog has this unhealthy anxiety habit, then you should look into ways to calm anxiety, distract them, or consider kennel training your dog when they are unsupervised.

7. Metal

Chain link fences, chicken wire fencing, and the bars of a crate or kennel may get chewed if your dog is anxious about being confined. They are likely to break teeth, wear away protective enamel, and irritate their gums to the point of bleeding.

They may even bend or break bars or links in an attempt to escape. This raises the potential for severe cuts and injury. In cases of extreme anxiety, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional trainer that can equip you with the tools and methods to ease your dog’s stress.

Your dog needs a distraction; try a Beef Trachea to occupy him. Offering him a safe and edible natural chew can offer a safe and fun distraction during downtime. 

8. Cardboard

If your dog has ingested cardboard, keep an eye out for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and lethargy. Also, monitor bowel movements to make sure that the cardboard is passed correctly over the next day or two.

Replace that cardboard with an Angus Strip. These thin chews will be much more appetizing than plain old cardboard and are a great chew for helping break this unsafe habit. 

9. String, Ribbons, and Wire

The biggest risk is that the string can become tangled in the digestive tract causing a blockage, constricting blood flow, and damaging sensitive tissues in the digestive system.

If it’s floss your dog is craving, then give him a Beef Tendon. These chews soften as they chew and slide between the teeth pulling out bacteria and food debris that contribute to bad dog breath. 

If you ever see a string hanging from your dog’s mouth that has been partially swallowed, or peeking out of your dog’s behind, do not pull it out. It could be stuck on something. Trying to force it can do more damage than good. Instead, call your vet immediately. They will advise you as to whether it is safe to remove.

10. Shoes

Many of the materials used in shoes can be a hazard for a curious pup. The dye and materials could be toxic if ingested. As we went over in the previous section, letting your dog chew on a shoestring could be a choking or ingestion hazard.

Bully Sticks are a great treat to make your dog forget about your shoes. They will last much longer and taste way better. 

Any of us would be devastated if our favourite pair of kicks got demolished, but the biggest offenders are often the cheapest: flip-flops. Everyone has a pair, or seven, of cheap foamy flip-flops that get tossed in the car for road trips and visits to the lake. The material of these shoes is a particularly appealing texture to dogs.

They are easy to destroy, but the pieces that are swallowed are not going to digest easily. In fact, it might not digest at all. Intestinal blockages are more likely with spongy materials like these.

Keep shoes, no matter how replaceable, out of reach.

Don’t Settle on Just One

If your dog will eat just about anything, then whatever you give them is probably their favourite thing. You may not be thinking of the possibility that your dog could get bored of having the same old chew over and over again.

Many dogs will have no problem eating the same boring chew day in and day out, but offering them some variety is about more than just preference.

Each natural chew will have a different shape, texture, and nutritional value. Rotating different types of chews each week will provide your dog with a fuller spectrum of the benefits of natural chews.

If you are using chews to improve your dog’s dental health, then offering some long-lasting chews will help to scrape at the plaque and tartar build-up on their teeth, but a softer chew will massage the gums and floss their teeth.

Another reason to rotate is that dogs are good at learning the weak spots of their favourite chews. They use these tricks to crush the chew faster and faster each time you offer it.

If you are offering different types of chews, then each chew will be a new experience. This can make chews last longer and work different parts of their mouth and jaw.

Lastly, new is always more fun. Using chews to help with boredom and anxiety is more effective when your dog is excited about the chew. It has to be more appealing than the destructive behaviour that you are trying to prevent.

Now that you know what to look for, start trying out some chews and find out which natural chews are right for your dog!

Does your dog have a favourite? Let us know the go-to natural dog chew at your house in the comments below!

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