Which chew toys to choose for your dog? We compare natural, soft, plant-based, and dried hide chew toys and offer advice on how to match them to your dog's needs.

The best chew toy for a dog should be matched to its size, age, dental condition, jaw strength, and eating style. There is no one product suitable for all animals. Puppies or seniors usually need a gentler texture, while an adult dog with healthy teeth can handle a larger and denser chew toy.

The composition and origin of the product also matter. For a healthy dog, different types of meat can be gradually introduced, but with allergies, overweight, or sensitive digestive systems, the choice should be especially careful.

How does a chew toy differ from a dog treat?

A chew toy is a type of treat meant for longer chewing. It usually has a larger size and a denser structure than small training treats.

A small reward should be eaten quickly so the dog can return to the task. A chew toy serves a different purpose — it occupies the animal longer and allows it to satisfy the natural need to chew.

How to choose the best and healthiest chew toy for your dog?

The healthiest chew toy doesn’t have to be the hardest or keep the dog occupied the longest. It should primarily:

• have a simple and clear composition;
• come from a verifiable source;
• be suited to the size and condition of the dog's teeth;
• contain no unnecessary colors or flavors;
• maintain a predictable texture while chewing;
• be given in a portion accounted for in the diet.

Natural treats should not replace a complete diet. Chew toys and other snacks are supplements, so their calorie content should be included in the dog's daily balance.

What to look for when choosing a chew toy brand?

A good brand should clearly inform what the product is made of, where the raw material comes from, and how it was preserved. The word "natural" alone is not enough if the packaging lacks detailed information.

It's worth checking:

• full name of the raw material, e.g., beef hide or goat ear;
• percentage composition of the product;
• country of production or origin of the raw material;
• protein and fat content;
• presence of preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors;
• manufacturer data and batch number;
• expiration date and storage instructions.

Soft and gentle chew toys

Soft chews may be suitable for puppies, seniors, small dogs, and animals with missing teeth. These include among others. thin intestines , tracheas , delicate pieces of dried meat and small fish .

Such a product can be swallowed quickly, so despite its soft structure, it should be appropriately larger than the dog's mouth.

Do chews support a dog's oral hygiene?

Chews can reduce some soft plaque through mechanical teeth cleaning, increased saliva production, and gentle gum massage. However, they do not remove hardened tartar and do not replace brushing or dental treatment.

Accumulated plaque can become a breeding ground for bacteria and lead to dental and gum problems. Bad breath, bleeding, pain while chewing, or dropping food require veterinary check-up.

You should also be careful with hard chews. A long chewing time does not mean the product is safe for teeth.

Dried skin chews

Dried skin chews usually require longer chewing than intestines or tracheas. They may be suitable for adult dogs with healthy teeth who gently soften the product and do not try to tear off large pieces immediately.

It is worth distinguishing a simple piece of dried skin from a product formed from pressed skin, starch, or a mixture of ingredients. They may look similar but differ in production method and behavior during chewing.

A good dried skin chew should:

• should have a specified species origin;
• should not contain glues or bleaching agents;
• should gradually soften under the influence of saliva;
• should not crumble into sharp pieces;
• should be sized appropriately for the dog.

Pressed bones and chews

Not every bone-shaped product contains a real bone. Some chews are formed from pressed skin, meat, vegetables, starch, or several different ingredients.

Before purchase, check:

• main raw material;
• full product composition;
• degree of hardness;
• recommended dog size;
• the way the chew softens or crumbles.

Beef bones with tripe can be very attractive in smell but combine a hard bone with a strongly scented addition. A dog may try to break such a product violently, so it is not the best choice for a puppy, senior, or an animal with weakened teeth.

Tripe can be given separately as a dried snack. The method of portioning and introducing it into the diet is described in the article Beef tripe for dogs  

How to evaluate “salmon bone” type products?

The name “salmon bone” may mean a real bone, pressed skin with added fish, or a formed chew containing starch and a small amount of salmon.

With such a product, it is worth checking the main raw material, percentage of fish content, additives, and fat level. The term “with salmon” alone does not mean the chew is low-calorie, suitable for allergy sufferers, or mainly made of fish.

Plant-based and vegan chews

Plant-based and vegan chews are most often made from potato, rice, or pea starch, cellulose, and vegetables.

They may be considered for dogs that:

• must avoid certain animal proteins;
• need a product with predictable texture;
• do not tolerate traditional meat chews;
• use specialized dental products.

Not every plant-based chew will be suitable for a dog with allergies. The product may contain pea, soy, wheat protein, or animal-derived flavor additives.

The term “vegan” does not mean the chew is low-calorie. Starch and other carbohydrates also provide energy.

Can vegetables replace a chew?

Some vegetables can be given as small natural snacks but usually do not replace a durable chew.

In small portions, you can consider:

• carrot;
• cucumber;
• zucchini;
• cooked pumpkin;
• green beans without seasoning.

Carrot can provide a short crunch but should not be considered a product that removes tartar.

Fiber found in vegetables and plant-based chews can affect the volume and consistency of stool. However, excess fiber may cause gas, more frequent bowel movements, or looser stools.

Types of natural dog chews

Individual chews differ not only in protein source but also in texture, fat content, smell, and expected chewing time.

Beef chews

Beef chews can have a very different texture — from light intestine to denser trachea or dried skin.

Tripe has an intense smell and often works well for picky dogs. Beef intestine is usually more delicate and eaten faster, so it serves as a short snack. The trachea is more compact but also needs to be matched to the dog's size and chewing style.

Poultry chews

This group includes m.in. duck necks, chicken wings, goose leg, and goose esophagus.

Goose esophagus  has a more delicate texture and may be suitable for a small dog or senior. Necks and wings contain bone elements, so they require particularly careful selection.

The term "poultry" does not automatically mean the product is easily digestible or suitable for allergy sufferers. If a dog reacts to a given protein source, a poultry chew can disrupt an elimination diet.

Pork chews

Pork intestine  is light and easy to portion. Dried stomach has an intense aroma and may be attractive to picky animals. Pig ear  allow for longer chewing but may provide relatively high fat and calories.

Lamb, goat, rabbit, and game chews

Alternative protein sources are sometimes chosen for dogs that do not tolerate more common meats. However, they should not be unconditionally called hypoallergenic, as any protein can trigger a reaction in a specific animal.

Even a small snack from an inappropriate type of meat can disrupt an elimination trial. Therefore, food allergy in dogs must be considered when choosing all chews.

Fish chews

Dried fish and fish skins have an intense smell. Sprats are small and usually serve as a quick snack. Cod skin can provide longer chewing, depending on its thickness and the size of the dog.

Fish is not automatically a low-calorie product. Before serving, check the fat content in the specific chew.

How long does a dog chew last?

The duration of a chew depends on its size, texture, and the dog's chewing style. The same product can be eaten by one animal in a few minutes, while another may take several tens of minutes or even hours.

• Chews for quick crunching: thin intestines, esophagi, small fish, and tender meat.
• Chew toys for several or dozens of minutes: larger tripe, tracheas, ears, and thicker pieces of skin.
• Chew toys for longer use: appropriately large beef skin or products intended for multiple uses.

Beef trachea has a more compact structure than intestines, but due to its attractive taste, some dogs eat it relatively quickly. Greasier beef trachea may not be the best choice for a dog with overweight or a sensitive digestive tract.

The term "chew toy for several days" does not mean the product should constantly lie with the dog. Its condition should be regularly checked and taken away when it becomes too small, damaged, or dirty.

It is not worth providing an exact usage time because it also depends on the jaw strength and chewing style of the specific dog.

Do protrusions and uneven texture prolong chewing?

Small protrusions, uneven texture, and crevices can increase the chew toy's contact with teeth but do not guarantee longer chewing. A dog with strong jaws may still quickly break down the product.

Bacteria can accumulate in the crevices of reusable chew toys. Such products should be cleaned and thoroughly dried according to the manufacturer's instructions.

A natural chew toy should not be washed and reused unless the manufacturer recommends it. A product that is heavily softened, dirty, or has an unpleasant smell should be discarded.

How to match a chew toy to a dog's needs?

Choosing a chew toy should start with the dog's age, dental condition, chewing style, and individual nutritional needs.

Chew toy for a puppy

For a puppy, it is best to choose a soft and delicate chew that is larger than its muzzle. The product should be easy to gradually break down and suitable for developing teeth.

Bones, antlers, and very hard products that can overly strain young teeth should be avoided.

Chew toy for seniors

Older dogs usually do better with thin intestines, esophagi, or soft dried meat. Such products are easier to chew and do not require much force.

Hard bones and stiff skin are not recommended, especially when the dog has worn, weakened, or missing teeth.

Chew toy for a small dog

A small dog needs a delicate texture, but the chew itself cannot be too small. It should be sized so that the dog cannot easily swallow it whole.

It is better to avoid very small pieces that can be swallowed without thorough chewing.

Chew toy for a picky dog

In the case of a picky dog, it is worth starting with more aromatic products, such as tripe, fish, or dried offal. Their intense smell may increase interest in chewing.

Before the first try, it is better to buy a small package instead of immediately choosing a large stock of a product that the dog may not accept.

Chew toy for a dog with allergies

For a dog with allergies, it is best to choose single-ingredient products that comply with the established diet and have a clearly described source of protein.

Avoid flavor mixes, incomplete compositions, and products where the name on the packaging does not match the full list of ingredients.

Chew toy for an overweight dog

An overweight dog should receive a small portion of a product with known fat and calorie content. The chew toy must be included in the daily energy balance.

It is better to limit fatty ears, large portions of skin, and products given without quantity control.

Chew toy for a dog that chews for a long time

For a dog that chews calmly and for a long time, you can choose a larger piece of dried skin, matched to its teeth and jaw strength.

However, this does not mean it should receive very hard bones. Long chewing time must not come at the expense of dental safety.

Chew toy for a greedy dog

A greedy dog needs a large product that it cannot swallow whole immediately. The chew toy should have a predictable texture and be given only under supervision.

Avoid thin products that easily break off in large pieces.

Chew toy for a dog on a meat-free diet

In such cases, it is worth choosing a trusted plant-based chew toy with a clear composition and appropriate texture.

You need to carefully check the label because some products described as vegetable-based may contain hidden animal-derived ingredients.

Why are biting and chewing important for a dog?

Biting and chewing are natural dog behaviors. They can help occupy boredom, support calming after activity, and facilitate rest in a calm, safe space. A properly chosen chew toy can also be part of a daily routine and support dog training, e.g., by redirecting attention from furniture or objects to an allowed chewing item.

However, a chew toy is not a standalone therapy for behavioral problems. It will not solve separation anxiety, chronic stress, or strong resource guarding. In such situations, it should only be part of a broader effort to work on the dog's behavior.

More about how to use chewing to teach relaxation, distract from stimuli, and build a relaxation routine is explained in the article chew toys as support for upbringing, calming, and working with dog behavior. 

Where to buy reliable chew toys?

It is best to choose products from the manufacturer's store or a trusted pet store, where you can find information about the composition, manufacturer, batch, and storage method.

Chew toys sold loose without information about origin, expiration date, and storage conditions require caution.

In the BULT shop  Both single natural chew treats and sets of various flavors are available. A set can help discover a healthy dog's preferences but is not suitable during an elimination diet because it contains several protein sources.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best chew treats for dogs?

The best chew treat is matched to the dog's age, size, dental condition, diet, and chewing style. It should have a clear composition and a size that makes swallowing whole difficult.

Can a chew treat help a dog calm down?

Yes, for some dogs, calm chewing can support relaxation and reduce arousal, especially after a walk or activity. However, a chew treat does not replace work on the cause of chronic stress, separation problems, or object destruction.

What chew treat for a small dog?

It can be a gentle intestine, esophagus, or thin dried skin. The product should not be so small that the dog can swallow it without chewing.

What chew treat for a large dog?

A large dog usually needs a bigger and firmer product, e.g., thicker skin or a large trachea. However, this does not mean it should receive a very hard bone.

What chew treat for an overweight dog?

The best option is a small portion of a product with known fat and calorie content. Large ears and other fatty snacks should be limited.

Are plant-based chew treats good for dogs?

They can be suitable if they have a clear composition. However, not every plant-based product is low-calorie or suitable for an allergy sufferer.

Is dried skin a good chew treat?

It may work for an adult dog with healthy teeth that chews calmly. Its origin, production method, structure, and size are important.

Can several types of chew treats be given?

Various products can be gradually introduced to a healthy dog. During an elimination diet, protein sources should not be mixed.

Summary

A good chew treat should have a simple composition, appropriate structure, and size suited to the specific dog. Puppies or seniors do better with gentle products, while an adult dog with healthy teeth may need a larger and firmer chew.

In allergies, the protein source is most important, while in overweight cases — fat content, caloric value, and portion size matter. Terms like “natural,” “vegan,” or “with salmon” should not replace a full ingredient analysis.

The method of feeding also matters, so the safety of chew treats for dogs depends on their size, structure, the animal's behavior, and the caregiver's supervision.

 

Elżbieta Górnik – dog and cat nutrition specialist at BULT.
Co-creates expert articles and guides for caregivers, combining nutritional knowledge with the daily care practice of dogs and cats.