17 Best Natural Dog Chews for Safe and Happy Chewing
We know firsthand the joys and challenges of raising a puppy with a serious chewing habit. Riggie, our beloved boy with a genetic predisposition for heavy muscling and a penchant for heavy chewing, loves to sink his teeth into tough, long-lasting chews. Finding natural, safe, and satisfying chews has been crucial for enriching him mentally and physically.
Natural chews are derived from animal parts, such as bones, tendons, tracheas, skin, and hooves. These animal products satisfy a dog’s innate hunting instincts and fulfill their natural desire to chew their prey.
This guide will explore the best natural dog chews, detailing their benefits, risks, durability, and taste. Whether you’re a new puppy parent or an experienced dog owner, we’ve got you covered with the ultimate guide to natural dog chews. Let’s take a look!
Why Choose Natural Dog Chews?
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs that provides physical and mental stimulation. It helps to keep their teeth clean, relieves stress, and can even prevent destructive behavior. For more insights into the importance of chewing and other enrichment activities, check out our detailed Canine Enrichment Guide: 54 Ideas for a Happier and More Well-balanced Dog.
Also, choosing the right dog chews isn’t just about keeping your pup occupied but also about their safety and well-being. Natural dog chews are free from harmful chemicals and artificial additives, making them a healthier option than synthetic chews. Chews made in the USA often adhere to higher safety and quality standards, ensuring peace of mind for pet parents.
Our Criteria for a Safe and Natural Dog Chew
When selecting the best safe and natural dog chews, we focused on three main criteria:
- Safety: Chews should be fully digestible, free from harmful substances, and pose minimal risk of choking or intestinal blockages.
- Durability: This is especially important for aggressive chewers. The chew should last long enough to provide value and chewing satisfaction.
- Taste: The chew should engage your dog’s natural hunting instincts and be enticing enough to maintain your dog’s interest.
Natural Dog Chew Safety Tips
Safety is of utmost importance with any dog toy, whether natural or synthetic. Here are 5 safety tips for natural dog chews:
- Always choose an appropriately sized chew for your dog to prevent choking hazards.
- Always supervise your pet during chewing and inspect the chews regularly for splintering, cracks, and sharp edges.
- Use a secure chew holder, if applicable.
- Always ensure fresh water is available during chew sessions.
- Never give hard chews to young puppies, older dogs with weakened teeth, or dogs with poor dental health.
17 Safe & Natural Dog Chews
Beef Cheek Rolls
Beef Cheek Rolls are Riggie’s absolute favorite! They are made from cow’s cheek meat, making them a highly digestible and protein-rich option for dogs. They are tougher than traditional rawhide and safer since they are fully digestible. Ideal for heavy chewers, these rolls help clean teeth and massage gums, promoting overall dental health.
Beef Cheek Rolls are not only tasty but also highly durable. They are offered in different thicknesses, and one 10″ mega roll provides Riggie 3-4 30-minute chew sessions. Take the roll away before it gets too small and becomes a choking hazard.
Collagen Rolls
Collagen rolls are derived from the inner layer of beef skin, offering a natural source of collagen, which supports joint and skin health. These rolls are slightly softer than other chews like bully sticks but still provide a satisfying chew session for dogs and are highly desirable.
Additionally, they are fully digestible and can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on your dog’s teeth. Always use a holder to prevent choking.
Bully Sticks
Made from the pizzle (penis) of a bull, bully sticks are a high-protein, low-fat chew that is highly digestible and safe for dogs of all sizes. Bully sticks also help maintain dental hygiene by scraping away plaque and tartar.
Bully sticks are available in various sizes, shapes, and thicknesses to suit different breeds and chewing styles. Due to their toughness, full-thickness bully sticks are great for aggressive chewers, yet thin or split bully sticks are gentle enough for puppies and older dogs. Always use a holder to secure the stick and prevent choking.
Bully Stick Holder
This device securely holds bully sticks and other narrow chews, such as collagen rolls and beef esophagus. It prevents a dog from choking on the last small piece and acts as an anchor, making the stick easier to chew.
Beef Tracheas
Beef tracheas are hollow tubes made from cow’s windpipes. They provide a crunchy and satisfying texture that dogs love. They are an excellent source of natural glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint health.
Tracheas are fully digestible and can be filled with wet dog food or moistened kibble and then frozen for added enrichment at meal times.
Marrow Bones
Marrow bones are dense, hard bones filled with delicious, nutrient-rich marrow. Ensuring they are raw bones (never cooked or smoked!) is essential to avoid dangerous splintering. Marrow bones support dental health by scraping away plaque and tartar as your dog gnaws.
Buffalo Cheek Rolls
Made from the cheeks of water buffalo that has been dried and lightly processed, these rolls contain high-quality protein. They are lower in fat than beef cheek rolls, making them a healthy option for dogs.
They offer a challenging, long-lasting chew that is ideal for aggressive chewers. Be sure to take the roll away when it gets small enough to become a choking hazard.
Camel Sticks
Camel sticks are an excellent alternative for dogs who are allergic to beef or buffalo. They are made from the hide of camels, providing a unique and exotic chew experience for dogs.
These exotic chews are becoming more popular due to their durability and distinctive taste. They are highly durable and suitable for aggressive chewers, rich in protein, and fully digestible, offering a safe and healthy alternative to traditional chews.
Cow Hooves
Cow hooves are tough, natural chews made from cattle hooves. Due to their hardness and durability, they are ideal for aggressive chewers.
Hooves can be filled with other treats for added interest. However, they should be monitored during chewing to prevent cracking or splintering. Due to their smaller size, they may not be suitable for large or giant breeds.
Himalayan Yak Chews
Himalayan yak chews are made from a blend of yak and cow milk, salt, and lime juice, creating a hard cheese chew that is highly nutritious and long-lasting. These chews are great for aggressive chewers but can be softened in water for smaller dogs or puppies. They provide essential nutrients and help maintain dental health.
Unlike other chews, every bit can be used, even when it gets small. When the remaining small piece of chew is left, soak it in water for 5-10 minutes to soften it, then microwave it for about 45-60 seconds and let it cool completely. It will puff up into a crunchy cheese puff treat your dog will thoroughly enjoy.
Himalayan Yak Chew Holder
This choking protection device is specifically designed for use with Himalayan Yak Chews. It holds the chew firmly in place, preventing a dog from being able to swallow large pieces.
Antlers
Deer, elk, moose, reindeer, etc., shed antlers naturally, making them a sustainable and eco-friendly chew option. Antlers are extremely durable and provide a source of essential minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.
Antlers do not splinter, making them a safe option for strong chewers. However, their hardness can cause fractured teeth, so proceed with caution if your dog is a very aggressive chewer.
Water Buffalo Horns
Water buffalo horns are the keratin sheath covering the horn’s bone component. They are highly durable and can keep even the most aggressive chewers busy for a long time. They are high in protein, low in fat, rich in minerals, and fully digestible.
Since they have a hollow center, they can be filled with treats and dog-safe peanut butter. These horns are an excellent choice for dogs that need a long-lasting and challenging chew.
Coffee & Olive Wood Sticks
Coffee and Olive Wood sticks are harvested from sustainably sourced coffee and olive trees and are free from harmful chemicals. As your dog chews, the stick will break up into small, soft pieces that are safe to be ingested.
Coffee and olive wood sticks provide a natural, eco-friendly, allergen-free chew option for dogs. They are also durable and provide a unique texture and taste that dogs enjoy.
Fish Skins
Cleaned, dried, and processed fish skins are a crunchy, chewy, and nutritious option for dogs and are ideal for dogs with sensitivities to other protein sources. They are high in anti-inflammatory Omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health and are easily digested.
Never give your dog raw fish skins due to the risk of parasites and bacteria.
Beef Esophagus
Beef esophagus chews are hollow tubes made from cows’ esophagus. These fully digestible chews are high in protein, low in fat, and rich in natural glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint health. They are softer than some other options, making them suitable for dogs of all ages and sizes.
Pork Chomps
Pork chomps are made from baked pork skin and are a safer and more digestible alternative to rawhide. In a study, they were found to be 99% digestible compared to rawhide, which was only 50-85% digestible. Also, pork chomps are specifically made for dogs to consume, versus rawhide, a byproduct of the leather industry.
They come in various shapes and sizes to suit different breeds and chewing styles. Pork chomps are highly palatable and help maintain dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup.
Beef Tendons
Tendons are tough, fibrous tissues that provide dogs with a natural and satisfying chew. They are high in protein and collagen and low in fat, making them a healthy option.
Tendons are fully digestible and help clean teeth and massage gums as dogs chew on them. Since they are not as durable as other natural chews, they are best for medium chewers and teething puppies.
Pig Ears
Pig ears are a classic, natural chew made from the whole ear of a pig. They are a tasty and easily digestible treat that most dogs find irresistible. Pig ears are high in fat, so they should be given in moderation, especially to dogs prone to weight gain.
These chews help clean teeth and massage gums, promoting good dental health. However, they are softer and can be consumed relatively quickly, making them more suitable for light to moderate chewers. Always supervise your dog when chewing pig ears, as they can become a choking hazard if broken into smaller pieces.
Why We Exclude Rawhide
Rawhide chews are widely available, but they pose significant health risks. They can cause choking and intestinal blockages and are often treated with harmful chemicals.
According to the American Kennel Club, rawhide can lead to digestive distress and, in severe cases, require surgical removal from the digestive tract. It’s best to avoid rawhide and opt for safer, natural alternatives.
Selecting the right natural dog chew can significantly enhance your dog’s dental health and provide physical and mental satisfaction for their innate chewing instincts. Prioritizing natural, digestible, and durable chews ensures your dog enjoys their treats without the risks of rawhide and synthetic alternatives.
From Riggie’s beloved beef cheek rolls to the nutrient-packed fish skins, these 17 natural dog chews offer safe and engaging options for every chewer, breed, and size. To find the perfect chew for your best friend, visit our Amazon storefront, where we’ve curated a list of the best safe and natural dog chews. Before purchasing any chew, ensure you buy the appropriate size for your dog.
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Katie Vincent is a dog lover, world traveler, and passionate creative who left a successful career in medical device sales to become a digital marketer, content creator, and writer. She has owned large-breed dogs for over 30 years, traveled to 42 countries, and taken 57 online courses. She now writes about all three at Riggie the Berner, Travel Planner Katie, and Creator Katie.
