Why chewing matters so much for your dog
Chews for dogs are much more than just a snack on the side. Chewing is a deeply rooted need: it keeps your dog occupied, reduces stress and provides satisfying mental and physical engagement, especially on days with little action. Many dogs visibly settle down and relax after a good chewing session.
There's also the dental care aspect: intensive gnawing on a natural chew can help mechanically rub off plaque and massage the gums. A chew bone for dogs doesn't replace a veterinary dental check, but it supports oral hygiene in a natural way.
For this to work, the chew needs to suit the dog. A puppy going through teething needs something completely different from a strong shepherd who tears through cowhide in minutes. That's exactly what this guide is about.
Natural chews compared: hardness, chewing time, calories and suitability
Here you'll find the most common natural chews compared directly. These figures are guide values: how long an item lasts and how rich it is depends on size, drying method and, of course, on your dog.
| Chew | Hardness | Chewing time | Calories | Especially suited for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pizzle stick | hard | long | rather high | strong, persistent chewers; not for puppies in teething |
| Cowhide (head skin) | medium to hard | medium to long | medium | most adult dogs, including powerful chewers |
| Cow ears | medium | medium | medium, lower in fat than pig ears | adult dogs, often well tolerated even by sensitive stomachs |
| Rabbit ears with fur | soft | short | low | puppies, seniors, sensitive stomachs; the fur can act as natural digestive support |
| Tripe (dried) | soft to medium | short | medium | chewing beginners, seniors, sensitive dogs; the smell is intense |
| Buffalo skin | hard | long | rather low | strong chewers and dogs that need to watch their weight |
| Horse tendons | medium to hard | medium to long | low, very lean | food-sensitive dogs and allergy sufferers (single-protein horse) |
| Goat feet | very hard (with bone content) | long | medium | experienced, strong chewers; not suitable for puppies or dogs that gulp food |
Rule of thumb: the harder and bigger the item, the longer it keeps your dog occupied, but the more chewing experience and bite strength your dog needs. And the fattier a chew is, the more sparingly you should offer it.
Which chew suits which dog?
Puppy: During teething (roughly up to the 6th or 7th month of life) the teeth are sensitive. Choose soft, short chews such as rabbit ears with fur or soft dried tripe. We save hard items like pizzle sticks or goat feet for later, as they could strain the still-loose teeth.
Senior: Older dogs often have more sensitive teeth or already have tartar. Soft to medium hardness is ideal, such as rabbit ears, tripe or thin cowhide. If there are known dental issues, it's best to discuss the choice with your vet.
Sensitive stomach: Two things matter here: few ingredients and little fat. Single-protein chews such as horse tendons or rabbit ears are a good choice. Always introduce something new on its own and in small amounts, so you can immediately see what your dog tolerates well.
Strong chewer: Powerful, persistent chewers need resistance, otherwise the fun is over after two minutes. Pizzle sticks, buffalo skin or goat feet last noticeably longer. Make sure the size is large enough that your dog can't swallow it whole.
How to recognise good natural chews
With chews it pays to look closely at quality, because the differences are huge. You can recognise good natural chews by these points:
- One ingredient, nothing else: A pizzle stick consists of pizzle. No additives, no sugar, no flavourings, no preservatives.
- Gently air-dried: Slow drying preserves the natural structure and makes the item shelf-stable, entirely without chemical treatment.
- Clear origin: Reputable suppliers tell you where the meat comes from and how it was processed.
- Natural smell: Natural chews smell like animal, which is normal. A sharp, chemical smell or noticeably bleached goods, on the other hand, are warning signs.
- Suitable size: The item should be clearly larger than what your dog could swallow whole.
Chewing safely: the most important rules
Natural chews are safe if you follow a few basic rules:
- Supervision: Stay nearby, especially with new items and with dogs that tend to gulp.
- Collect leftover pieces: If the final piece gets small enough that it could be swallowed whole, take it away and swap it for a small treat.
- Provide water: Chewing makes dogs thirsty, so fresh water should always be available.
- Factor it into the daily ration: Chews contain calories. Dogs that chew regularly should get correspondingly less in their bowl.
- Increase slowly: Test new varieties in small portions first, so digestion stays settled.
- When in doubt, ask the vet: In case of dental problems, frequent vomiting or if your dog has swallowed a large piece, it's better to check once too often.
Natural chews for every dog
From pizzle sticks to cowhide to rabbit ears: all natural, grain-free and free from additives.
Frequently asked questions
How often can my dog have a chew?
For most dogs, 2 to 4 chewing sessions per week are a good guideline, and low-calorie items like rabbit ears can be given more often. What matters is factoring the calories into the daily ration and introducing new varieties slowly.
From what age can a puppy have chews?
As soon as the puppy eats solid food, soft chews such as rabbit ears with fur are possible in small amounts. Hard items such as pizzle sticks or goat feet should wait until after teething, so roughly from the 7th month of life.
What's better: natural chews or pressed chew bones?
Natural chews consist of a single animal ingredient and contain no additives. Pressed chew bones made from rawhide are often processed more heavily and sometimes bleached. For sensitive dogs and anyone who values clear ingredients, natural chews are the more transparent choice.
My dog gets diarrhoea from chews. What can I do?
Usually the amount is too large or the item too fatty for a first try. Start with small, lean pieces such as horse tendons or rabbit ears and increase slowly. If the diarrhoea persists or keeps coming back, talk to your vet.
How do I store chews correctly?
Dry, airy and dark, for example in a paper bag or a linen pouch. Airtight plastic boxes are unsuitable, because residual moisture can encourage mould there. This way, dried chews stay good for many months.
