Clients often ask veterinarians whether chew treats are good for their dog, and the answer is neither yes nor no. Chew treats can be beneficial as well as harmful. Benefits include behavioral and environmental enrichment and improved dental health. Risks include oral/dental trauma, airway or gastrointestinal obstruction, additional calories, ingredient intolerance, and pathogen introduction. Veterinarians should weigh the risks and benefits for each individual patient and advise clients to purchase chew treats for dogs from reputable companies only.
Veterinarians are frequently asked about chew treats for dogs. Clients want to provide chewing items for numerous reasons, such as to address oral/dental health, satisfy normal chewing behavior, and provide enrichment and entertainment, which may help alleviate anxiety, stress, or other behavioral issues. Some canine chew treats even have manufacturer claims that they enhance nutrition and health. Veterinary practitioners need to know if those chew treats are safe and if they really provide positive health benefits. This article reviews the potential benefits and risks of offering chew treats to dogs.
It is difficult to evaluate chews because they are poorly defined in the literature. For this article, the authors suggest the following classification for canine chew treats:
Have you ever wondered if those yummy-looking chewies might be causing more harm than good for your furry friend? As pet parents, we all want to give our dogs treats they’ll love but sometimes what seems harmless can actually pose serious risks. I’ve spent countless hours researching this topic because my own pup Bella had a scary incident with a chew treat last year and I wanted to share what I’ve learned with all of you.
The Truth About Dog Chews: Not All Are Created Equal
Dogs have a natural desire and need to chew. It’s how they explore their world! For puppies who are teething, chewing helps relieve pain (just like human babies). Older dogs chew to keep their jaws strong and teeth clean. Some dogs just enjoy the simple fun of chewing, while others use it to relieve anxiety, frustration, or boredom.
But here’s the catch – dogs aren’t always great at picking the safest things to chew on That’s where we come in as responsible pet owners
Common Types of Dog Chews and Their Risks
Let’s break down the most popular dog chews and their potential dangers:
Bones
Despite being seen as “natural” chew options, bones (whether cooked, uncooked, solid, or hollow) can cause serious problems:
- They splinter – Creating sharp pieces that can pierce your dog’s mouth, throat, or intestines
- Can cause constipation – Bone fragments may collect in the colon
- Choking hazards – Pieces can lodge in the esophagus or throat
- Tooth damage – Hard enough to crack or break teeth
Even the FDA has issued warnings about giving bones to dogs! I know my neighbor’s German Shepherd needed emergency surgery after a bone splinter pierced his intestinal wall. Scary stuff!
Hard Cheese Chews & Yak Chews
These trendy treats might seem safer than bones, but they’re often too hard for regular chewing and can lead to broken teeth. In testing, many yak cheese chews didn’t pass the “thumbnail test” (a good chew should give when pressed with your thumbnail).
If you want to give cheese treats, stick to small amounts of real cheese like string cheese or try freeze-dried cheese treats instead.
Cow Hooves
Once super popular, these pose similar dangers to bones – broken teeth and splintering risks. They can also get looped around a dog’s lower jaw, causing panic and requiring veterinary sedation to remove. Not worth it!
Elk or Deer Antlers
These natural-looking chews are super popular but dangerously hard. Think about it – antlers are hard enough to withstand the force of buck fights! That means they’re definitely hard enough to break your dog’s teeth.
A veterinarian I spoke with said she sees multiple cases of slab fractures (broken teeth) every month from dogs chewing on antlers. Ouch!
Nylabones & Hard Plastic Chews
Like other hard chews, these can damage teeth. Additionally, pieces can break off and be swallowed, potentially causing blockages or even pancreatitis as the body tries to break them down. If you can’t dent it with your fingernail, it’s too hard for your dog’s teeth.
Pig Ears
While popular, pig ears come with several concerns:
- High in fat – Can lead to obesity and pancreatitis
- Bacterial contamination – May harbor salmonella and other bacteria
- Choking hazard – Dogs might tear off and swallow large chunks
- Possible chemical treatments – Some may be processed with harsh chemicals
Plus, they leave greasy residue all over your house. No thanks!
Rawhide: A Complicated Case
Rawhide chews require special consideration. Their safety depends largely on:
- Your dog’s chewing style – Power chewers who break off large chunks are at high risk for choking or blockages
- Source and manufacturing – USA-made rawhides tend to be safer than imported ones
- Digestibility issues – Rawhide isn’t easily digested, so swallowed pieces can cause problems
Most rawhides come from the leather industry and undergo extensive chemical processing. Many are manufactured in China, taking weeks or months to reach tanneries. During this time, they’re preserved in high-salt brines that delay but don’t prevent decay.
If you do choose rawhide, select thicker, high-quality USA-made options, always supervise, and take away pieces before your dog swallows them.
How to Test If a Chew Is Safe for Your Dog
Before giving your dog any chew, consider these safety tests:
- Hardness test: Press your thumbnail into it – if it doesn’t “give” a little, it’s too hard
- Durability check: Make sure it won’t break into swallowable chunks too easily
- Coating inspection: Avoid chews with flavorings that could cause digestive upset
- Size appropriateness: Should be big enough to prevent choking but not so big it strains their jaw
- Washability: Ideally, you should be able to clean it periodically
- Your dog’s chewing style: Know if your dog is a gentle nibbler or an aggressive “destroyer”
Safer Alternatives for Your Canine Companion
Now for the good news – there ARE safer options! Here are some vet-recommended alternatives:
The Toppl by West Paw
This non-toxic, durable puzzle toy is great for stuffing with treats or meals. It’s dishwasher safe and comes in various sizes. Since it has a larger opening than a Kong, it’s perfect for puppies or dogs who get frustrated with more challenging toys.
The Qwizl (Also by West Paw)
Ideal for inserting treats like bully sticks or healthy snacks like apple slices, the Qwizl extends chew time and engages your dog’s brain. It’s another durable, non-toxic option that many dogs love.
KONG Toys
KONG makes various rubber chew toys that undergo rigorous independent testing. The Classic KONG can be filled with food and even frozen to extend playtime. They come in different strengths:
- KONG Classic – For moderate chewers
- KONG Extreme – For powerful chewers
- Senior KONG – Gentler for older dogs with sensitive teeth
- Puppy KONG – Soft rubber for teething puppies
Just remember to choose the right size – small Kongs can be a choking hazard for larger dogs!
Rawhide Alternatives
If your dog loves rawhide-type chews, try these safer options:
- Water Buffalo Cheek Chips (great for smaller dogs)
- Earth Animal No-Hide Chews (more digestible than traditional rawhide)
Dental Chews
Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews contain an enzyme called glucose oxidase that helps protect teeth by breaking down sugars that bacteria feed on. You can buy these online or from your vet.
Tips for Safe Chewing
Whatever chew you choose, follow these safety guidelines:
- Always supervise your dog with any chew
- Remove small pieces before they can be swallowed
- Know your dog’s chewing style and choose appropriate chews
- Regularly inspect chews for damage
- Keep chews clean and discard when worn
- Consider calories – treats shouldn’t exceed 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake
- Create a chewing schedule to give your dog’s gums a break
- Consider your dog’s health – some chews aren’t appropriate for dogs with certain conditions
My Personal Experience
I learned this lesson the hard way when my Lab mix Bella needed emergency surgery after swallowing a large chunk of a bone treat. It cost me over $3,000 in vet bills and a ton of worry! Now I’m super careful about what I let her chew on, and we stick to Kongs and other safer options.
The Bottom Line
Not all chewies are bad for dogs, but many popular options carry significant risks. Every dog is different, and what works safely for one may be dangerous for another. Understanding your dog’s chewing habits, selecting appropriate chews, and always supervising chew time are key to keeping your furry friend safe.
Remember – when it comes to our pets’ safety, it’s better to be cautious than to face a preventable emergency. Your dog will be just as happy with a safer chew option, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re protecting those precious teeth and digestive system!
What kind of chews do you give your dog? Have you had any scary experiences with certain types of chews? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!
FAQs About Dog Chews
Are bully sticks safe for dogs?
Bully sticks can be safer options for many dogs, but they still require supervision. They’re high in protein (and calories!), and some dogs may try to swallow the last inch or two whole. Consider using a bully stick holder to prevent choking on the end pieces.
What’s the safest chew for a puppy?
Puppies do best with softer chews like Puppy Kongs, puppy-specific dental chews, or specially designed teething toys. Avoid hard chews that could damage their developing teeth.
How do I know if my dog is a “power chewer”?
If your dog can destroy toys quickly, breaks off large chunks when chewing, or has a strong jaw breed (like pit bulls, German shepherds, or labs), they’re likely a power chewer and need extremely durable or specialized chews.
Are dental chews effective for cleaning teeth?
Some dental chews have been proven to reduce plaque and tartar, especially those with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval. However, nothing replaces regular tooth brushing for optimal dental health.
Can I give my dog sticks from the yard to chew?
Absolutely not! Sticks are extremely dangerous and can cause puncture wounds in the mouth, eyes, abdomen, and even the heart. Despite being free and readily available, they should never be used as chew toys.
Animal-Derived Products That Have Undergone Extensive Processing
Extensively processed animal-derived canine chew products are made from animal-origin materials that are not intended for human consumption and are classified as animal by-products, which include meat and bone meals, fish meals, blood meals, blood products, animal fats, and other dog foods. Animal by-products as well as non–animal-derived products can be further processed for use in chew production. Processing usually includes 1 or more treatments, transformations, or processing steps to form the final product.
Among products classified as extensively processed animal-derived chews are rawhides (BOX 1). Rawhide chews are made from the chemically processed inner hide layer, most commonly from cows but also other animal species (e.g., pigs, sheep, even water buffalo). The digestibility of rawhide chews is often unknown or suspected to be poor, and rawhide chews are not considered a “food.” To produce a rawhide chew, the hide may be processed in brine (salt), degreasers, detergents, sodium bicarbonate, hydrogen peroxide, lime, or other chemicals needed to remove hair or fat, kill pathogens, and improve the appearance. Cheaper ingredients or scrap rawhide may be used to add weight to the product. Artificial colors and flavors are often added to make the final product more palatable, and additives (e.g., glues to hold shape) may be used. Ingesting rawhides exposes the dog to these processing chemicals and other ingredients. Processing and storage standards may differ by country of origin (i.e., United States, China, Mexico, or South America). Rawhide products have been recalled due to the use of unapproved compounds (e.g., quaternary ammonium chloride in rawhide chews from other countries).BOX 1 Resources for Information on Rawhide Chews
- Purina — Rawhide for Dogs bit.ly/3R7MxqK
- WebMD — Rawhide: Good or Bad for Your Dog? bit.ly/3uoB2lL
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — No Bones About It: Bones Are Unsafe for Your Dog bit.ly/47NwST7
- Petfood Industry — Rawhide Recall Expanded to Private Label Dog Chews bit.ly/49GnzWR
- Petfood Industry — FDA: Don’t Give Bones to Dogs bit.ly/47joudX
- Petfood Industry — FDA Warns That Bone Treats Related to 90 Dogs’ Illnesses bit.ly/3sJ7COL
Other Extensively Processed Chews Including Non–Animal-Derived Products
Other than rawhides, other extensively processed canine chews may be made from non–animal-derived ingredients (typically plant-based foods) and may be consumable or nonconsumable. These may be marketed as “rawhide free,” but selecting a quality product is difficult because these chews are poorly regulated. A recent study used routine morphologic-based histologic staining techniques to compare chew products to labeling claims.1 Of the 10 products tested, 2 contained skin layers (consistent with rawhides) and were therefore deemed inconsistent with their labeling. The study also reported that 4 products contained bacterial and fungal organisms.1
Another study that analyzed the nutrient composition of treats, including various rawhides, chewable sticks, and dental care sticks, found variable nutritional content in terms of dry matter, crude protein, ash, hydroxyproline content, simple sugars, and starch.2 Study results suggest that treat labeling should include more information about the ingredients used and that the varying nutrient and caloric density of treats should be considered when deciding if appropriate for a particular dog.
Share this Today’s Veterinary Nurse article on treat nutrition with your team members