Manuela’s Must-Have Dog Chews
Every dog deserves something to chew on that's not only fun but also safe and healthy. Chewing is a natural behavior that supports your dog's dental hygiene, relieves stress, and prevents boredom. In this blog, I'll share my list of Must-Have Dog Chews—a curated selection of safe, satisfying options for dogs of all sizes and chew strengths.
Why Chewing Matters
Chewing keeps dogs mentally stimulated and physically engaged. It reduces anxiety, helps clean teeth, and discourages destructive habits like chewing furniture or shoes. However, not all chews are created equal. Some can be unsafe or indigestible. Choosing the right Must-Have Dog Chews ensures both enjoyment and safety.
Edible Dog Chews You Can Trust
Edible chews are a tasty way to engage your dog's instincts while promoting better dental and digestive health. Below are my trusted picks for Must-Have Dog Chews that are natural, safe, and dog-approved.
Knucklebones, Deer & Elk Antlers, Bison & Bull Horns: Long-lasting and rich in minerals. Supervise to prevent splintering.
Chew Hooves: Suitable for light chewers. Discard if cracked or sharp.
Bully Sticks: Digestible, protein-rich, and safer than rawhide.
Pork Pizzles: Flavorful and great for long chewing sessions.
Salmon Skin (Rolled): Gentle on stomachs and rich in omega-3s.
Himalayan Chews: Hardened cheese that can be microwaved for reuse.
Baked Sweet Potatoes: Healthy, low-fat vegetarian option with fiber.
Pig, Cow, and Lamb Ears: Single-ingredient treats. Lamb and cow ears are lower in fat.
For dogs that love a natural chew, RAW frozen marrow bones or Primal Raw Bones (available in most pet stores) are excellent choices.
Safety Tips:
Never feed cooked, smoked, grilled, or broiled bones. They can splinter and cause serious injuries.
Feed raw bones outdoors and always monitor for any signs of stomach upset.
Avoid rawhide. It's indigestible and potentially dangerous.
Safe and Durable Rubber Dog Chews
Rubber chews are perfect for dogs that prefer non-edible toys. They’re long-lasting, easy to clean, and great for dental health. You can even stuff them with treats or freeze them for added enrichment.
The KONG collection offers the perfect match for every dog:
KONG Puppy (Blue & Pink): Soft rubber for teething pups.
KONG Senior (Purple): Gentle on older dogs’ gums.
KONG Classic (Red): Durable for most adult dogs.
KONG Extreme (Black): Built for power chewers.
Discover creative filling ideas and enrichment recipes at KongCompany.com.
Safe Toy Chews and Playtime Picks
Toys are essential for satisfying your dog’s instincts and promoting healthy play. Here are Manuela’s top picks for fun and safe playtime. Here are my top picks for fun and safe playtime:
Chuck It! Balls: Perfect for fetch lovers. The glow-in-the-dark version is extra tough.
Nylabones & Benebones: Durable options for heavy chewers. Just monitor for signs of wear.
Daily Chew Safety Checklist
My golden rule: Check your dog's chews and toys daily.
Use this checklist to keep chew time fun and worry-free:
Pick the right chew size for your dog’s breed and bite strength.
If the chew extends past both sides of your dog’s nose, size up.
Supervise multiple dogs to prevent resource guarding.
Discard chews that show cracks, sharp edges, or splintering.
Remember, even the best Must-Have Dog Chews require responsible supervision. For additional expert tips on safe chew choices, visit PetMD’s guide to picking the right puppy teething toys
Choosing the right chew isn’t just about fun—it’s about safety, health, and happiness. Whether you prefer Baked Sweet Potatoes, Pork Pizzles, Bully Sticks, or RAW Frozen Marrow Bones, every item in this Must-Have Dog Chews list is selected with care and experience.
Always supervise your dog, inspect chews daily, and replace worn items promptly. With mindful selection, chew time can become bonding time, a key part of your dog’s healthy lifestyle.
Ready to improve your dog’s behavior and enrichment? View my private dog training packages and discover how to create a balanced, happy, and well-behaved dog.
