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A Complete Guide to Safe Dog Chews - How to Choose Healthy, Long-Lasting Chews for Your Dog.

Choosing safe dog chews is one of the most important decisions you can make for your dog’s health and wellbeing. Chews provide mental stimulation, help maintain dental hygiene, and satisfy your dog’s natural urge to chew — but not all dog chews are created equal.

Some chews can pose serious risks, including choking hazards, digestive blockages and tooth damage. This complete guide explains everything you need to know about safe dog chews, including which chews to choose, which to avoid, and how to select the best option for your dog’s age, size, and chewing style.

What Are Safe Dog Chews?

Safe dog chews are made from natural, digestible ingredients that are carefully processed to ensure they are tough enough to provide long-lasting chewing enjoyment without being dangerously hard or difficult to digest.

High-quality safe dog chews should:

• Be made from natural ingredients

• Be easily digestible

• Contain no artificial additives or preservatives

• Be appropriately sized for your dog

• Break down safely when chewed

Safe chews support both your dog’s physical health and mental wellbeing, making them an essential part of a balanced routine.

Why Chewing Is Important for Dogs

Chewing is a completely natural and instinctive behaviour for dogs. In the wild, chewing helps keep teeth clean, jaws strong, and minds stimulated.

Key Benefits of Chewing

Dental Health
Chewing helps scrape plaque and tartar from teeth, reducing the risk of gum disease, bad breath, and tooth decay.

Mental Stimulation & Stress Relief
Chewing releases endorphins, helping dogs relax and reducing anxiety, boredom, and destructive behaviour.

Jaw Strength & Muscle Development
Regular chewing strengthens jaw muscles and supports healthy bite development.

Enrichment & Behaviour Management
Long-lasting chews provide entertainment, prevent boredom, and discourage unwanted chewing of furniture and household items.

Types of Safe Dog Chews

There are many types of safe dog chews available, each offering different benefits depending on your dog’s needs.

Collagen Chews

Collagen chews are one of the safest and most beneficial long-lasting chews available. They are naturally digestible and support:

• Joint health and mobility

• Skin and coat condition

• Dental hygiene

Buffalo collagen rolls and braided collagen chews are excellent options for dogs who enjoy long-lasting chewing.

Natural Skin Chews

Natural skin chews include:

• Goat skin chews

• Lamb skin plates

• Braided skin chews

These chews are high in protein, naturally digestible, and ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.

Tendons & Muscle Chews

Beef Tendons and similar muscle-based chews are tough, flavourful, and long-lasting. They are excellent for:

• Dental health

• Mental stimulation

• Strong chewers

Fish Skin Chews

Fish Skin Chews are naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, supporting:

• Skin health

• Coat condition

• Joint function

They are also highly digestible and suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Yak Chews

Yak Chews provide extremely long-lasting chewing and are best suited for moderate to strong chewers. These should always be fed under supervision and chosen in appropriate sizes.

Dog Chews to Avoid

Some dog chews can pose serious health risks and should be avoided entirely.

Rawhide

Rawhide is one of the most controversial dog chews. It is:

• Poorly digestible

• Chemically processed

• A leading cause of choking and intestinal blockages

Cooked Bones

Cooked bones can splinter easily, leading to:

• Mouth injuries

• Internal punctures

• Life-threatening blockages

Plastic, Nylon & Synthetic Chews

Hard synthetic chews may fracture teeth and provide no nutritional value.

How to Choose the Best Safe Chew for Your Dog

Every dog is different, so choosing the right chew depends on several key factors.

By Dog Size

• Small dogs: thinner, softer chews

• Medium dogs: moderate-density chews

• Large dogs: thick, durable chews

By Chewing Strength

• Gentle chewers: skin chews, fish skin, soft collagen

• Moderate chewers: beef tendons, braided skin

• Aggressive chewers: thick collagen rolls, buffalo rings

By Age

• Puppies: soft chews, thin collagen sticks, training treats

• Adult dogs: most natural chews

• Senior dogs: softer, easily digestible chews

Are Safe Dog Chews Good for Puppies?

Yes — when chosen carefully, safe dog chews provide excellent enrichment for puppies. Puppies benefit from chewing during teething and development, but chews should be:

• Softer in texture

• Appropriate in size

• Fed under close supervision

Good puppy-friendly options include:

• Thin collagen sticks

• Soft natural training treats

• Gentle skin chews

Avoid extremely hard chews until adult teeth are fully developed.

How Often Should Dogs Have Chews?

Chews should be fed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

General Guidelines

• Small dogs: 2–3 chews per week

• Medium dogs: 3–4 chews per week

• Large dogs: 4–5 chews per week

Always supervise chewing sessions and ensure fresh drinking water is available.

Safety Tips When Giving Dog Chews

To keep your dog safe, always follow these simple guidelines:

• Choose chews appropriate for your dog’s size and chewing strength

• Supervise chewing sessions

• Remove small fragments to prevent choking

• Store chews in a cool, dry place

• Replace chews when they become small or heavily worn

FAQs About Safe Dog Chews

Are natural dog chews safe?

Yes — natural dog chews made from digestible ingredients are safe when fed appropriately and under supervision.

Are collagen chews better than rawhide?

Yes — collagen chews are far safer, more digestible, and offer additional health benefits.

Can puppies have long-lasting chews?

Yes, but choose softer chews designed for young dogs and always supervise chewing.

What are the safest long-lasting chews?

Collagen rolls, beef tendons, goat skin chews, and braided skin chews are among the safest long-lasting options.

Shop Safe Dog Chews at PetBuddy

At PetBuddy, we carefully select high-quality, natural dog chews designed to support dental health, digestion, and enrichment. Our range includes collagen chews, beef tendons, goat skin chews, lamb skin plates, fish skin treats, and more.

Explore our full collection of safe, natural dog chews and give your dog the healthy chewing experience they deserve.