How to Choose the Perfect Natural Chew for Your Dog
Every dog loves to chew; it's a natural instinct that starts in puppyhood and continues throughout their life. Chewing isn't just a fun way to pass the time; it also provides mental stimulation, helps relieve boredom, and gives dogs an appropriate outlet for their natural chewing behaviors.
With so many natural chews available, though, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your dog.
Whether you're shopping for your first chew or looking to try something new, here's what you should consider before making your choice.
Why Do Dogs Need to Chew?
Chewing is completely natural for dogs of all ages.
A good chew can help:
- Keep dogs mentally engaged
- Provide enrichment during quiet time
- Redirect unwanted chewing from shoes or furniture
- Reward good behavior
- Satisfy a dog's natural urge to chew
Giving your dog an appropriate chew can be a great way to help them stay busy while enjoying something they love.
Start With Your Dog's Size
One of the most important factors when choosing a chew is your dog's size.
A chew that's too small may not last very long and could increase the risk of your dog swallowing it whole. On the other hand, a chew that's too large may be difficult for a small dog to enjoy.
As a general guideline:
Small Dogs (Under 20 lbs)
Look for:
- Smaller bully sticks
- Tracheas
- Beef cheek rolls
- Collagen chews
- Small natural chews
Medium Dogs (20–50 lbs)
Most medium-sized dogs enjoy:
- Standard bully sticks
- Beef cheek rolls
- Collagen sticks
- Tracheas
- Pig ears
Large Dogs (Over 50 lbs)
Larger dogs often benefit from:
- Larger bully sticks
- Thick collagen chews
- Large beef cheeks
- Longer-lasting natural chews
Choosing the right size helps create a better chewing experience.
Consider Your Dog's Chewing Style
Not all dogs chew the same way.
Gentle Chewers
These dogs slowly enjoy their treats and tend to make chews last longer.
Almost any natural chew can be a great option.
Average Chewers
Most dogs fall into this category.
They enjoy chewing but aren't determined to finish every chew as quickly as possible.
Power Chewers
These dogs love to chew—and they're serious about it.
Power chewers usually do best with thicker, longer-lasting chews that provide more of a challenge.
Rotate Different Chews
Just like people enjoy variety, many dogs do too.
Rotating between different proteins and chew types can keep chew time exciting.
For example:
- Beef one week
- Duck another
- Fish-based chews the next
- Collagen or beef cheek for longer chewing sessions
Changing things up helps make every chew feel like a special reward.
Always Supervise Chew Time
No matter which natural chew you choose, it's important to supervise your dog while they enjoy it.
Every dog chews differently, and supervision helps ensure they're chewing safely.
If a chew becomes small enough that your dog could swallow it whole, it's time to remove it.
Fresh water should always be available during chew time.
Quality Matters
Not all chews are created equal.
When shopping for natural chews, look for products with:
✔ Simple ingredients
✔ Clearly identified protein sources
✔ Minimal processing
✔ No unnecessary artificial colors or flavors
Knowing what your dog is eating can help you make confident choices.
Our Favorite Natural Chews
At Ellie's Bark Bites, we love offering a variety of natural chews because every dog has different preferences.
Some favorites include:
- Bully Sticks
- Beef Cheek Rolls
- Collagen Chews
- Tracheas
- Pig Ears
- Cod Skin Rolls
- Salmon Skin Rolls
Whether your dog prefers a quick snack or a longer-lasting chew, there's a natural option they'll love.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the perfect natural chew doesn't have to be complicated.
Think about:
- Your dog's size
- Their chewing style
- The size of the chew
- The type of protein they enjoy
- Always supervising while they chew
Finding the right chew can make treat time more enjoyable while giving your dog a rewarding way to satisfy their natural instincts.
🐾 Ellie's Tip of the Week
Try keeping two or three different natural chews on hand and rotate them throughout the week. The variety keeps chew time exciting and lets your dog experience different textures and flavors without getting bored.
Thanks for visiting The Bark Bites Journal! We hope this guide helps you find the perfect natural chew for your four-legged best friend. Be sure to check back soon for more tips, treat education, and helpful advice to keep tails wagging.