Short answer: There is no fixed chewing time that is right for every dog. A common rule of thumb is a chewing session of about 10 to 30 minutes, once a day or every other day, always supervised. More important than the clock are three things: the chew counts towards the daily energy (all treats together about 10 percent), your dog chews calmly instead of cracking or gulping, and you take the chew away as soon as it is small enough to swallow.
Why chewing is good for your dog
Chewing is natural behaviour. Dogs chew to relax, to keep themselves busy and to let go of tension. A dog that has spent a while on a chew often settles down afterwards. That is why a chewing session works well after a busy walk, when you have visitors, or when your dog needs to calm down for a bit.
Chewing is also work for the jaws and the teeth. The rubbing along the teeth can contribute a little to dental care, but it does not replace brushing or the check-up at the vet. So think of a chew as relaxation and reward, not as a toothbrush.
How long should a chewing session last?
For most adult dogs a session of about 10 to 30 minutes is a good measure. Less than 10 minutes gives little relaxation; much longer than half an hour usually adds little and increases the chance that the chew becomes small and slippery. How long your dog takes over a chew depends on the chew and on your dog:
| Situation | Guideline | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Calm gnawer, tough chew (bully stick, head skin) | Up to about 30 minutes at a time | The chew gives way and gets smaller slowly |
| Eager chewer or gulper | Shorter sessions, 10 to 15 minutes, and hold the end | Tearing off and swallowing large pieces is the biggest risk |
| Hard chews (antler, horn, hooves) | Short sessions, only for calm gnawers with healthy teeth | Biting down on very hard material for a long time strains the molars |
| Puppy losing its milk teeth | A few minutes on something soft, in small pieces | The teeth are sensitive and changing |
| Older dog with sensitive teeth | Short sessions on softer chews | Worn or loose teeth do not tolerate hard chews |
Which chew suits which dog is explained in which chew is best for your dog. The full range is in chews.
How often per day or per week?
One chewing session a day is more than enough for most dogs, and every other day is fine too. Chews are nourishing: a large tendon or head skin roll delivers a fair amount of energy. So keep all treats together within about 10 percent of the daily energy and give a little less main food on a chewing day. For a dog that needs to lose weight, choose a lean chew and keep the sessions short. How to work that out is in how many treats can a dog have per day.
You do not have to let your dog finish a chew in one go. A long bully stick or a large head skin roll can easily last several sessions: after a quarter of an hour you take it away, store it dry and give it again the next day. For your dog that is just as much fun, and you keep the amount under control.
When is it enough?
While your dog is chewing, watch for these signs that it is time to stop:
- The chew gets small: as soon as your dog can take the whole piece into their mouth, take it away.
- The chew gets soft and slippery: especially with head skin and rawhide your dog can then pull off a large piece and swallow it.
- Your dog starts cracking instead of gnawing: with a hard chew that means stop and choose a tough chew instead.
- Your dog gets frustrated: growling at the chew, throwing it around or biting it with the front teeth. Then the chew is too hard or too big for this dog.
- Your dog leaves it: then they are done. Put the chew away, even if there is a lot left.
How do you take a chew away without a fuss?
Many dogs do not like it when you take a chew away, and some start guarding it. You prevent that by trading from an early age: you show a tasty piece, say "drop" or "trade", and give that piece the moment your dog lets go of the chew. Afterwards they often get the chew back, so they learn that giving it up is not a loss. Practise this with ordinary treats before you need it with a half-chewed tendon. Growling when you take something away is a signal to ask a dog trainer for help, not to pull harder.
What if your dog does not want to stop?
Some dogs keep going until the chew is finished. That is no reason to drop the clock. Choose a chew that fits their chewing style, give it in a quiet place without other dogs nearby, and take it away calmly after a quarter of an hour with a trade. If your dog gets more excited from chewing instead of calmer, the chew may be too challenging, or they are too tired or too worked up for a chewing session. Try it at another time of day.
Ingrid's tip: Set a kitchen timer to fifteen minutes when your dog gets a new chew. That way you watch consciously how they chew and how quickly the chew gets smaller, and next time you know exactly what a good session is for your dog.
Frequently asked questions
Can my dog have a chew every day?
Yes, as long as you count the chew in the daily energy and the sessions are supervised. Every other day is fine too; watch your dog's weight.
How long may a puppy chew?
Briefly, a few minutes, on something soft and in small pieces. While the milk teeth are changing you do not give hard chews.
Can I leave my dog alone with a chew?
Better not. The biggest risk, swallowing a piece in one go, happens precisely when nobody is there. Give chews when you are nearby.
Can I keep a half-chewed chew?
Yes, dry and sealed. Put it out again the next day. Throw it away when it is small enough to swallow or when it starts to smell different.
Does chewing calm my dog down?
Many dogs, yes: after a chewing session they often lie down. If your dog gets more excited instead, choose a different chew or a different moment.
Sources
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee, Global Nutrition Guidelines (treats at most about 10 percent of the daily energy)
- LICG, Gebitsverzorging bij de hond (chewing as a supplement to brushing, not a replacement)
- Dierenkliniek De Arker, Risico's van hondensnacks (choking, chews that are too hard, supervision)
About the author
Ingrid Kooijman is the founder of Canis Snacks. She selects natural single-protein dog treats, sells them online and at markets in Brabant, and answers dog owners' questions about food and chews every day. Questions about this article? Email info@canissnacks.com.
