Long-lasting dog chews are one of the simplest ways to keep dogs happy, mentally stimulated and out of trouble at home. Whether you’re dealing with a bored puppy, an anxious rescue or a determined power chewer, the right natural chew can make a noticeable difference to your dog’s daily routine.
Chewing is a completely natural behaviour for dogs. It helps relieve boredom, supports dental hygiene and provides a healthy outlet for excess energy. However, not all chews are created equal — and choosing the wrong type can lead to frustration, mess or even safety concerns.
In this expert UK guide, we’ll explain how long-lasting dog chews work, how to choose the safest option for your dog, and which types tend to last the longest for different chewing styles.
Why Long-Lasting Dog Chews Matter
Mental stimulation and boredom relief
Dogs need regular mental enrichment, especially modern pets who spend more time indoors. Long-lasting chews give dogs a focused activity that keeps their brains engaged and helps prevent destructive behaviours like furniture chewing or excessive barking.
For high-energy breeds and young dogs in particular, a durable chew can be an excellent way to encourage calm, settled behaviour at home.
See our Extra Long Lasting Chews here.
Supporting dental health naturally
Many natural dog chews help support dental hygiene through mechanical chewing action. As dogs chew, the abrasive texture can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on teeth.
While chews don’t replace proper dental care, they can be a helpful part of a broader oral health routine — especially for dogs that dislike tooth brushing.
Helping anxious or high-energy dogs
Chewing can be naturally calming for many dogs. The repetitive action releases endorphins that help dogs relax and self-soothe.
Long-lasting chews are particularly useful for:
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dogs who struggle to settle
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dogs left alone for short periods
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excitable or over-stimulated dogs
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dogs adjusting to new environments
Encouraging healthy chewing behaviour
Providing appropriate chews helps teach dogs what they should chew, reducing the risk of them targeting shoes, furniture or household items.
Choosing the right durability level is key — which brings us to the next section.
How to Choose the Right Long-Lasting Chew
Match chew strength to your dog
One of the most important factors is your dog’s chewing style.
Light chewers
→ Softer natural chews may be sufficient
Moderate chewers
→ Medium-lasting chews usually work well
Power chewers
→ Extra tough dog chews are often necessary
If your dog regularly destroys standard treats quickly, it’s worth exploring more durable options such as those in our extra tough dog chews collection.
Consider your dog’s size and breed
Always choose a chew that is appropriately sized for your dog. Larger breeds and strong-jawed dogs typically need thicker, denser chews that provide longer engagement.
Smaller dogs may prefer thinner chews that are easier to grip and work through safely.
Natural vs processed chews
Natural dog chews made from single ingredients (such as air-dried meat or skin) are increasingly popular with UK dog owners who want simpler, more transparent nutrition.
Benefits of natural chews often include:
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fewer additives
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simpler ingredient lists
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high protein content
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strong natural flavour
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better suitability for sensitive dogs
You can explore our full range of natural dog treats to see the different options available.
Single-protein options for sensitive dogs
Dogs with food sensitivities often do better with single-protein chews such as beef, lamb, venison or fish.
Single-protein treats make it easier to:
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identify intolerances
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manage elimination diets
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avoid unnecessary fillers
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support sensitive stomachs
Safety considerations (always important)
No chew is completely risk-free, so sensible supervision is always recommended.
Safe chewing tips:
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Always supervise your dog while chewing
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Choose the correct size for your dog
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Remove very small remaining pieces
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Provide fresh drinking water
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Introduce new chews gradually
Best Types of Long-Lasting Dog Chews
Natural air-dried chews
Air-dried chews are popular because they retain natural flavour while offering good durability. These are often a great everyday option for moderate chewers.
Collagen chews
Collagen chews have become increasingly popular due to their firm texture and digestibility. Many dogs find them highly palatable while still getting a reasonably long chew time.
Yak chews
Yak chews are known for their hardness and are often chosen for determined chewers. They can provide extended chewing sessions for many dogs when appropriately sized.
Skin and offal chews
Natural skin chews and offal treats can offer a satisfying chewing experience while also providing high protein content. Durability varies depending on thickness and processing method.
Extra tough chews for power chewers
For dogs that power through standard treats quickly, specialist extra tough dog chews are usually the best option.
These are typically denser, thicker and designed specifically for strong jaws and persistent chewers.
Long-Lasting Chews for Different Dog Needs
Best for aggressive chewers
Look for:
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dense texture
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thicker shapes
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air-dried natural chews
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specifically labelled “extra tough”
Power chewers usually need more robust options to stay engaged.
Best for puppies
Puppies benefit from appropriately sized chews that are firm but not excessively hard. Always supervise young dogs closely and introduce new chews gradually.
Best for anxious dogs
Dogs who struggle to settle often benefit from longer-lasting options that encourage calm, focused chewing. Pairing chews with enrichment routines can be especially effective.
See our amazing range of Enrichment Toys.
Best for sensitive stomachs
For sensitive dogs, prioritise:
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single-protein chews
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grain-free options
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minimal ingredient products
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clearly labelled natural treats
Best for large breeds
Large and powerful dogs typically need thicker, denser chews to avoid quick consumption. Choosing the correct size is especially important for safety and longevity.
Safety Tips for Giving Dog Chews
To keep chew time safe and enjoyable:
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supervise chewing sessions
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match chew size to your dog
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remove small leftover pieces
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store chews in a cool, dry place
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introduce new proteins gradually
If your dog is new to longer-lasting chews, starting with a moderate option before moving to extra tough varieties can help you gauge their chewing style.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a dog chew last?
This depends on your dog’s chewing strength, size and the type of chew. Power chewers may work through softer chews quickly, while extra tough options can last significantly longer.
Are natural dog chews safe?
When appropriately sized and given under supervision, natural dog chews are widely used by UK dog owners. Always choose high-quality products and monitor your dog while chewing.
What are the longest lasting dog chews?
Extra tough chews designed for aggressive chewers generally last the longest, especially dense air-dried or specialist hard chews.
How often should dogs have chews?
This varies by dog, but many owners offer chews a few times per week as part of a balanced routine alongside regular meals and enrichment.
Can puppies have long-lasting chews?
Yes — but always choose puppy-appropriate sizes and textures, and supervise closely.
Final Thoughts
The right long-lasting dog chew can make a huge difference to your dog’s daily routine — helping to reduce boredom, support dental health and encourage calm, natural chewing behaviour.
If you’re looking for high-quality options, explore PetBuddy’s carefully selected ranges of natural long-lasting dog chews, including specialist options for power chewers and sensitive dogs.
👉 Browse our long-lasting chews
👉 Explore extra tough chews for strong chewers
👉 Discover enrichment toys to keep your dog mentally stimulated