Chewing is just something that dogs do – it’s one of their most natural, instinctive needs. Chewing actually has a whole host of benefits for dogs, from keeping them mentally stimulated and reducing anxiety, to keeping their teeth in a healthy condition. And if you don’t provide them with a chew that they like, they’re going to find their own, whether it’s your favourite pair of shoes, the couch cushions or that wooden leg at the dining table.
When you’re shopping for something for your pet to chew on its tempting to just grab the first thing that catches your eye on the supermarket shelf, but don’t. Many traditional dog chews are made with a cocktail of hidden chemicals and preservatives that are probably not what you want for your pet. Here’s the lowdown so you can make the best choice for your dog.
What are Natural Chews?
Natural chews are just simple, straightforward treats made from either animal bits or natural plant materials. They haven’t been factory-made into tiny bits with chemicals and stuff; they’ve been made the old-fashioned way, using simple techniques like air-drying or baking to preserve them and stop them going off. That way you know natural dog chews are full of goodness that your dog can benefit from.
So, what kind of chews fall into this category? Well, dried animal bits like yak cheese are good as well as beef pizzle, rabbit ears or deer antlers and even olivewood or those crispy pig snouts.
What are Non-Natural Chews?
Non-natural chews, often called synthetic or heavily processed chews, are the opposite of natural dog chews. They’ve been factory-made from bits and pieces of animals and turned into something uniform and boring to look at. Products like rawhide, plastic chew toys and all that jazz come into this category.
To get them looking right, tasting right and lasting on the shelf for ages, they get really heavily processed – indeed they are sometimes bleached, then treated with preservatives, and even get stuck together with artificial goo and fake flavourings. These chews are often hard for your dog to digest – they can get swollen up in their tummies, or cause a blockage in there. And then there are the really hard plastic toys that can split your dog’s teeth if they chew on them too hard.
Why a Dog Loves A Good Natural Chew
When you’re picking out a canine chew, the difference between natural and synthetic chews can be really eye-opening. It’s not just about a few ingredients here and there. Switching to natural chews brings noticeable benefits that’ll improve your dog’s overall health, daily vibes, and long-term peace of mind.
What Happens When You Switch to Natural?
One of the best reasons for choosing natural chews is how kind they are to your dog’s tummy. They’re made from real animal protein or plant fibres, so you’ve got options like dried yak cheese, beef hide or olivewood – all of which are totally safe for your dog to digest. And if your dog does swallow a small piece, don’t worry, their natural stomach acids will just break it down.
Rawhide chews or synthetic toys, on the other hand, can be super dodgy. Rawhide is particularly bad; it swells up inside your dog’s tummy when it meets liquid, and that can cause some serious problems that might even need surgery. Synthetic chews don’t break down at all, so if your dog swallows a bit, it can get stuck inside them and become a sharp hazard. Natural chews get rid of that worry by just dissolving safely in the tummy.
How Clean Are Your Dog’s Chews?
A lot of the mass-produced synthetic chews rely on a ton of nasty chemicals to get that smooth finish. Rawhide, for instance, is often treated with bleach and peroxide to get rid of any natural texture, and they’ll even use artificial glues, dyes and flavourings to make them more appealing to your pet.
Natural chews are different, though – they are preserved through old-fashioned drying, baking or dehydration, so they still taste and smell like the real thing. You get to know exactly what your dog is eating, and that reduces the risk of an allergic reaction or tummy upset from a mysterious ingredient.
Chewing for Good Dental Care
Chewing is one of the natural things dogs do to keep their teeth clean. But what they’re chewing on is important. Hard toys can cause tiny cracks in the teeth or even break the enamel – that can get expensive and painful.
Natural chews are just right. They’re hard enough to give your dog something to chew on, but also soft enough that it won’t hurt their teeth or gums. The fibrous texture is great at removing all that yucky plaque and tartar, but it also softens up as your dog chews to protect their sensitive mouth.
Natural Chews Have Nutrients Too
And it’s not just for fun – natural chews contain real nutrients. Depending on what they’re made from, they’ll have minerals like calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, plus proteins like collagen, which helps joint health and shiny coats. All synthetic chews have are empty calories at best.
Safe Anxiety Relief and Mental Stimulation for Your Dog
Chewing triggers the release of endorphins and dopamine in a dog’s brain, helping to calm them down, keep boredom at bay, and stop all that pesky destructive behaviour in its tracks. And because the smell and taste of natural chews are just like real food, dogs get totally absorbed in them for longer periods of time. And let’s be honest, that beats synthetic rubber any day.
Common Types of Dog Chews
We get it, there are so many different types of natural chews out there, it can be a bit overwhelming to choose the right one for your dog. The key is figuring out what your individual dog needs, rather than trying to find a one-size-fits-all solution. Here are some of the most popular types of natural chews and who they suit best.
Bully Pizzle Sticks and Beef Head Skin – For the Power Chewers
These ones are perfect for dogs that really, really like to chew – medium to large breeds or any dog that needs something that’ll keep them occupied for hours on end. They’re high in protein, tough and dense, and air-dried to perfection. They’re long-lasting, durable options that keep even the most determined chewers happy and strengthen those jaw muscles at the same time.
Classic Pig Ears and Beef Ears – Moderate Chewers Welcome
A great choice for anyone who’s not a hardcore chewer, but still wants a tasty bit of fun to munch on. Pig ears are a favourite with dogs – they’re semi-durable and full of flavour, while beef ears offer a lower-fat option that still has that great crunch and chewiness.
Beef Tripe and Beef Lung – Softer Options for Softer Chompers
If you have a puppy, a senior dog or a light chewer, these are the ones to go for. They’re easier to break down, gentle on delicate teeth and won’t put too much strain on the digestive system. And don’t worry, they still pack a big punch when it comes to natural flavour.
Rabbit Ears – Great For Small Breeds and Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs
These are a winner with small breeds, dogs that have sensitive tummies, or those that need a bit of natural help getting things moving through the digestive tract. They’re light, easy to digest and full of protein. Plus, the options with fur have the added benefit of a natural dietary fibre that passes straight through the gut, sweeping out all the old stuff in its wake.
Dental Vital Chew and Beef Sticks – For a Healthy Smile and More
These chews are designed to be a part of your dog’s daily oral hygiene – they’re a natural way to keep the plaque under control and get those teeth shining. The unique textures and grooves of these chews work to scrape away all the old plaque, stimulate that saliva and get the collagen flowing to support your dog’s joint and coat health.