What are the best natural dog chews for teeth?

Quick takeaways about the best dog chews for teeth

• Dogs chew instinctively for enjoyment and comfort.
• Chews can help with separation anxiety and help keep your dog’s teeth clean.
• Natural chews include raw bones, raw chunks, animal tendons – and yes, bull penises.

 

As anyone who has lost a slipper to their dog knows, dogs love to chew. Your pooch chews for enjoyment and comfort – it relieves stress and helps to stave off boredom.

Dog chews can reduce separation anxiety, boredom and stress. Chews can also be good for your dog’s dental hygiene, especially if brushing their teeth is challenging.

There are many natural dog chews and dental sticks on the market designed to help keep your dog’s teeth clean. Here’s how to choose the best ones for your dog.

 

Why do dogs love to chew?

Chewing is instinctual for dogs. In the wild, they’d gnaw on bones and wood – a comforting act, chewing releases feel-good endorphins.

Dogs will often chew when they feel anxious or bored, too.

According to research published in the science journal, Animals, chewing long-lasting dog chews can help with separation anxiety and improve a dog’s sense of wellbeing when away from their humans or pack.

 

Can chews help with teeth cleaning and removing plaque?

If your dog doesn’t like to have their teeth brushed, dog chews can help with teeth cleaning and dental hygiene.

Most natural chews are textured and knobbly. As your dog chews on them, their uneven surface scrapes away plaque.

Textured natural chews can dislodge food remnants while chewing.

They can also encourage your dog to produce more saliva to help flush out stray bits of food and bacteria. This means that dog chews can help you manage bad breath and lower your dog’s risk of halitosis.

 

What is a natural chew?

Natural dog chews are made from ingredients like raw bone, vegetables or meat, cartilage, offal or fish, and even bull penis (these are called pizzles).

They’re a digestible, teeth-cleaning alternative to chew toys and less likely to be strewn across your living room floor.

Natural chews are hard to eat, requiring your dog to chew on them for some time.

Make sure that edible chews are part of your dog's balanced diet. Treats should only make up about 10% of their daily calorie intake.

 

What ingredients should I look for?

Natural chews can contain vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Chews made from fish skin contain Omega-3, while tendon chews are high in collagen and protein.

Whichever chew you go with, look for a short ingredients list made from familiar items. This way, you’ll know the chew contains few additives, is free from chemicals and is made from natural, whole ingredients.

 

Is rawhide a good dog chew?

Rawhide is animal skin that’s a by-product of the leather industry. It can be hard to digest, and large pieces could pose a choking risk as they could get lodged in your pet’s digestive system.

There are much safer, healthier alternatives to look out for.

 

Are there natural dog chew ingredients to avoid?

Some natural chews, like pig’s ears, can be high in fat and calories, so try to limit them to an occasional treat.

 

What are the best natural dog chews for teeth?

Here are some of the best and most popular types for cleaning teeth. And remember to always check the advice on the pack before giving to your dog.

 

1. Raw bones or chunks

From chicken wings to beef trachea and duck necks, raw bones can be an excellent option for your dog, and they contain plenty of healthy nutrients, too. Check out our range of raw chews and treats.

 

2. Deer antlers

Deer antlers are robust and long-lasting, a good choice for big dogs. They contain zinc, iron, calcium, and potassium and are low in fat.

 

3. Pizzles

Also known as bully sticks, pizzles are made from bull penis. High in protein and low in fat, pizzles are digestible despite their toughness.

 

4. Veggie toothbrushes

These chews are made from compounded vegetables bound with potato, sweet potato, and pea starches. They can be high in fibre, and their shape helps to clean the teeth and gums.

 

5. Dental sticks

This is the umbrella term for chew treats like beef tail, braided tendons, meats and fish skins. Their texture removes plaque and stimulates gums.

 

Dog chews for teeth – FAQs

What exactly is a natural chew?

Natural chews are dog treats designed to help your dog’s dental care. They’re made from natural ingredients like meat, bone, antlers, and vegetables.

 

What is the best bone for dogs' teeth?

Raw bones are best for your dog’s teeth. Never feed your dog smoked or cooked bones, as they can splinter once digested.

Lamb, goat, chicken and beef bones are all good choices. Chicken and duck bones are good for small dogs, while bigger dogs can gnaw on larger chews like beef ribs, trachea and lamb trotters.

 

Are bones good for dogs’ teeth?

Bones can be good for dogs’ teeth. Always supervise your dog while they’re chewing.

Make sure to give your dog raw bones that are too big to swallow and remove any pieces that become small enough to gobble. Never feed your dog cooked bones.

 

Are dental sticks worth it?

Dental sticks are good for dogs who don’t like having their teeth brushed. They help clean teeth, stimulate gums, and generate saliva.

Just make sure you buy sticks made of natural ingredients. These will be nutritious and free from preservatives. Some can be surprisingly high in sugar and chemicals!

 

How can I clean my dog’s teeth manually?

Check out our guide to brushing your dog’s teeth – according to a veterinary nurse

 
Try a personalised meal plan with quality, natural, raw ingredients to help keep your dog healthy and happy.