Short answer: Choose olive wood based on your dog's size and chewing style, not just their weight. It suits dogs who gnaw calmly, and is less suitable for dogs who bite off large chunks or chew obsessively. Give it under supervision, check the wood regularly and take it away as soon as it becomes too small or sharp.
What exactly is chew wood for dogs?
Chew wood is a piece of dried wood, olive wood in our case, that is meant for gnawing on. It is not food. As your dog chews, they mainly scrape off small fibres, most of which they spit back out. Olive wood is a natural product, so the shape, thickness and grain vary from piece to piece.
For many dogs it is an alternative to a stick from the woods or to an edible chew. If you are looking for something your dog can actually eat, take a look at the chews for dogs.
Which chew wood suits my dog?
The right size depends on two things: how big your dog's mouth is and how they chew. If you are torn between two sizes, go for the larger one. A piece that is too small can end up in the throat.
| Product | Weight | Suitable for | Please note |
|---|
| Canis Olijfhout S ( 60-100 gram ) | 60 to 100 grams | Small dogs who gnaw calmly | Not for medium-sized dogs, even if they look small |
| Canis Olijfhout M ( 101-220 gram ) | 101 to 220 grams | Medium-sized dogs | Strong chewers of a smaller breed can also have this size |
| Canis Olijfhout L ( 221-450 gram ) | 221 to 450 grams | Large dogs and obsessive chewers | Supervision is still needed with this size too |
As well as size, consider your dog's personality. Olive wood suits gnawers who will happily work on one piece for hours. Dogs who try to swallow their chew within a few minutes are better off with something edible, such as bully sticks.
Is chew wood safe for dogs?
Olive wood hardly splinters, but it is not entirely risk-free. Keep the following points in mind:
- Hardness: olive wood is hard. If you cannot make a small dent in it with your thumbnail, an obsessive chewer could break a tooth on it.
- Biting off pieces: if your dog bites off large chunks or swallows wood, take it away. In that case it is not a suitable chew for them.
- Supervision: do not leave your dog alone with chew wood, and make sure fresh water is available.
- Puppies: do not give hard chews while your puppy is teething, roughly from 3-4 to 6-7 months. Also read when a puppy can start having chews.
Chewing can give the teeth a bit of a workout, but chew wood is no substitute for brushing. If you are looking for other hard chews, compare with antlers and horn and read which chews are safe.
How often and for how long can you give chew wood?
Because your dog is not supposed to eat the wood, it does not count towards their diet. So you do not need to adjust their main food for it. If you also give edible treats alongside the wood, keep those together below roughly 10 percent of their daily energy intake. The calculation table for treats per day will help you with this.
There is no set duration. A chewing session of fifteen minutes to half an hour works well for many dogs; after that, put the wood away. That way it stays interesting and you can check its condition straight away.
Ingrid's tip: After every chewing session, run your fingers over the wood. If you feel a sharp point or a frayed edge, sand it smooth with fine sandpaper or throw the piece away. If the wood no longer comfortably spans the width of your dog's mouth, replace it with a new piece.
How do you store and look after chew wood?
Store olive wood somewhere dry, out of your dog's reach and away from direct sunlight or radiators. After use, you can rinse it with lukewarm water and let it dry thoroughly before putting it away. Wash your hands after handling the wood, just as you would with other treats.
Frequently asked questions
Can my dog swallow chew wood?
No, chew wood is for gnawing on, not for eating. Small fibres often come back out with saliva. If your dog swallows larger pieces, take the wood away and contact your vet if any symptoms appear.
Is olive wood better than a stick from the woods?
Olive wood is denser and splinters far less than most branches. An ordinary stick can produce sharp splinters that get stuck in the mouth or throat. Supervision remains necessary with both.
How long does a piece of olive wood last?
That depends a lot on your dog and the size you choose. Calm gnawers can make it last a long time, while obsessive chewers wear it down faster. Replace it as soon as it becomes too small or develops sharp edges.
Is chew wood suitable for dogs with a food allergy?
Olive wood contains no animal protein, so it is an option for many dogs with allergies. If your dog does react with symptoms, stop giving it and consult your vet.
Sources
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 these treats? Email info@canissnacks.com.
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