Short answer: The right chew depends on three things: your dog's size, how hard they chew and how sensitive their stomach is. For most adult dogs, a tough chew such as beef scalp or a bully stick is a good place to start. Very hard chews like antlers and horn are best suited to gentle chewers. Always choose a piece that is too large to swallow in one go, stay with your dog and put out fresh water.
What types of chews are there and how do they differ?
The chews in this collection vary considerably in hardness and chewing time. The table gives a first impression. How long a chew actually lasts depends very much on your dog. You'll find a detailed comparison of each type in which chew is best for your dog: 15 types compared.
| Type | Hardness | Chewing time | Suitable for |
|---|
| Antlers, buffalo horn, hooves | Very hard | Long | Gentle adult chewers with healthy teeth |
| Chew wood (olive wood) | Hard, woody | Long | Dogs that love to gnaw, not for dogs that bite off chunks |
| Beef scalp, rawhide, pressed bone, dried hide | Tough, softens as it's chewed | Medium to long | Many adult dogs, including power chewers |
| Bully sticks | Firm but chewable | Medium | Most adult dogs |
| Ears, trachea, snouts, fish skin | Crunchy | Short | Smaller dogs and dogs that chew less vigorously |
| Feet and necks (with small bones) | Crunchy | Short to medium | Adult dogs, only under supervision |
Which chew is right for my dog?
- Size: the chew should be larger than anything your dog can swallow in one go. For chews that come in sizes, such as the Canis Geperst Bot 6 inch (15CM) up to 12 inch, go for the larger size if in doubt.
- Chewing style: a gentle nibbler can cope perfectly well with hard material. A power chewer who tries to crack everything will get more out of a tough chew that has some give, such as a beef scalp roll or a bully stick.
- Age: give puppies softer chews in small pieces. Don't give them very hard chews while they're teething, roughly from 3–4 to 6–7 months. Older dogs with sensitive teeth also benefit from softer types.
- Stomach and allergies: if your dog reacts to beef or chicken, choose a different protein source, such as horse or rabbit. Think of the Canis Paardenkophuid-rollen or the Canis Konijnenoren met haar. Always try one protein source at a time.
Is a chew safe for your dog?
Natural chews are fine for most dogs, as long as you stick to a few basic rules:
- Only let your dog chew when you're around. Take away the last small piece before they swallow it.
- If you can't make a dent in the chew with your thumbnail, it's hard. Power chewers can break a molar on antlers and horn.
- If beef scalp or rawhide has gone soft and your dog has chewed a large piece loose, take that piece away.
- Never give cooked bones, as they splinter. Only give chews containing small bones under supervision and in a suitable size.
Chewing can help keep teeth clean, but it's no substitute for brushing.
How many chews can you give?
All treats combined should make up no more than about 10 per cent of your dog's daily energy requirement. Chews are often high in protein and some types are also high in fat, so a large chew counts for quite a lot. The energy content of a chew varies from batch to batch, so always go by the label. If you give lots of chews or large ones, reduce the main meals slightly. You'll find a calculation table in how many treats can a dog have per day.
How should you store chews?
Store chews in a dry, sealed container out of direct sunlight. Let a partly chewed chew dry out thoroughly before putting it away. Throw it away if it shows mould, smells unusual or has sharp edges. Wash your hands after handing out chews.
Ingrid's tip: Try a new type with a small pack or a single piece first, and watch how your dog chews. If they bite off big chunks straight away, choose a tougher type or a larger size.
Frequently asked questions
Are antlers or horn suitable for every dog?
No. Antlers and horn are very hard, which makes them best suited to gentle adult chewers. For puppies, older dogs with sensitive teeth and power chewers, a tough chew is a wiser choice.
Can my puppy have chews?
Yes, but choose softer types in small pieces and stay with them. Don't give very hard chews while they're teething.
How long does it take a dog to finish a chew?
That varies greatly depending on the dog and the type of chew. Crunchy chews are often gone quickly, while tough and hard types last longer.
What should I do if my dog swallows a large piece?
Keep a close eye on them. Call your vet straight away if they gag, have difficulty breathing, vomit or refuse food.
Why does one chew smell stronger than another?
That's down to the type of tissue and the drying method. Beef tripe is known for its strong smell. You can read more about it in is dried beef tripe good for your dog.
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.
Not sure which treat suits your dog? Try the treat guide →
