Dog owners are always on the lookout for healthy and safe treats that satisfy their pet’s chewing instincts while promoting good dental and overall health. Natural dog chews are a fantastic option, providing long-lasting enjoyment without artificial additives or preservatives.
Finding the best natural dog chews has been a mission of mine since getting a high energy dog. I have a Springador, which is a Labrador crossed with a Springer Spaniel. Especially as a puppy, Honey seemed to have an endless well of energy, even after long walks! Giving her something to chew on is a great way to keep her busy and decompress.
As someone who works from home, enrichment toys and great long-lasting chews can provide entertainment and help her to settle while I’m working. If you need a good schedule for working from home with a puppy, check out what worked for me here.
In this guide, I’ll explore the most popular types of natural dog chews, their benefits, and how to choose the best one for your furry friend.
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Why Choose Natural Dog Chews?
Natural dog chews offer a wealth of benefits compared to processed treats. Here’s why they’re a top choice for conscientious dog owners:
- Promote Dental Health: Chewing helps remove plaque and tartar, keeping your dog’s teeth and gums in top condition.
- Long-Lasting Enjoyment: Many natural dog chews last longer than traditional treats, providing hours of entertainment.
- High in Nutrients: Unlike synthetic chews, natural options are rich in proteins, minerals, and essential nutrients.
- No Harmful Additives: Free from artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives, making them a healthier option.
Top Types of Natural Dog Chews
1. Coffee Wood
Coffee wood chews are a sustainable and eco-friendly option, made from the branches of coffee trees. These chews are particularly durable and provide a safe way for dogs to satisfy their chewing instincts. If your dog loves chewing sticks in the garden or out on walks, they will love a coffee wood chew as a safer alternative. You can get these in most pet stores, and also from Amazon. They come in sizes from XXS to XL, in singles or multipacks.
Benefits:
- Extremely tough and long-lasting, ideal for power chewers.
- 100% natural with no artificial ingredients or additives.
- Does not splinter like traditional wood, reducing the risk of injury.
“This coffee wood dog chew is crafted from durable coffee wood, offering a natural and reliable option for your pet’s chewing needs. Unlike chemically processed products, this wood dog chew is free from additives, caffeine, and harmful chemicals. Suitable for dogs of all sizes, it provides an engaging toy that satisfies natural chewing instincts while discouraging destructive behaviour.”
2. Antlers
Deer or elk antlers are a durable and long-lasting chew option, perfect for aggressive chewers. These naturally shed antlers are packed with minerals like calcium and phosphorus. Now they might seem a little bit on the pricier side out of the options on this list, but in my experience they definitely last the longest and are worth the extra few pennies. Again, these are commonly available in pet stores, or you can easily get them from Amazon too.
Benefits:
- Extremely durable, making them ideal for power chewers.
- Odour-free and non-messy.
- Supports strong bones and teeth due to their high mineral content.
“An endless source of entertainment for your furry friend! The DOG GNAWS Large dog antlers are safe, nutritious, delicious, and almost invincible – the perfect challenge for your pooch. These decadent dog dental sticks are sustainable, and eco-friendly too!”
3. Yak Chews
Yak chews are made from a blend of yak and cow milk, creating a hard, cheesy chew that dogs love. Originally crafted by Himalayan farmers, these chews are 100% natural. When my dog was a puppy, these would last her for days! Now as an adult, I supervise her with them and take them away after a hour or so to make them last a bit longer – or she just won’t stop. When your dog has chewed a Yak down to a little stub, you can pop it in the microwave for 30-40 seconds and it puffs up into a delicious treat. This gives me peace of mind that she isn’t going to choke on the final small hard piece! These can be picked up in a variety of sizes and brands – I’ve included a link to the Yakers brand on Amazon.
Benefits:
- High in protein and low in fat.
- Long-lasting and suitable for aggressive chewers.
- Fully digestible and free from artificial ingredients.
- “Extra long lasting
- 100% Natural
- Preservative and gluten free
- Vegetarian
- Rich in protein and calcium”
4. Beef Trachea
Beef trachea chews are made from the windpipe of cattle, providing a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin—two key nutrients for joint health. Some dog owners may have an aversion to dried animal parts as they seem a bit macabre, but your dog will love them! Beef trachea is on the lower end of the cost spectrum, and usually comes in multipacks. They don’t last as long as some of the previous chews on this list, it takes my dog about 30-40 minutes to finish one. Again, widely available in pet stores, and on Amazon.
Benefits:
- Supports joint health, making them ideal for senior dogs.
- Easily digestible and packed with protein.
- Naturally hollow, allowing them to be stuffed with treats for added fun.
“These chews contain no nasty chemical ingredients of any kind and we’re proud to say that all our beef products are from grass fed hormone free cattle. These are the perfect treats for your furry friend and the kind of product they would consume if they had the choice, this is a treat and should be fed as part of a healthy diet and in moderation.”
5. Cow Hooves
Beef hooves are a budget-friendly and long-lasting chew that can be stuffed with peanut butter or other treats for added enjoyment. I pick these up from my local pet store, already filled. They last a good few hours for my dog to finish them, which I break up over a few days. I will warn you, I have found these to be the smelliest option on the list… so maybe don’t let your dog chew this on the sofa or bed so the smell doesn’t linger! Another one of the cheaper options on the list, these also come in larger multipacks when you order them.
Benefits:
- Extremely durable for heavy chewers.
- Help clean teeth and provide mental stimulation.
- A cost-effective option for frequent chewers.
- 100% Natural Dog Treats: Perfect for strong chewers, offering durable a long lasting dog chew
- Hypoallergenic Treats: Great jerky for dogs with zero additives for sensitive stomachs.
- Dental Health Benefits: Helps in cleaning teeth, a natural alternative to raw hides for dogs
- Eco-Friendly: Ensure nothing is wasted with these hoofs for dogs, the whole animal gets used.
- Durable Chews: Ideal as long lasting dog chews for large dogs, keeping them entertained for hours
6. Chicken or Duck Feet
Chicken or duck feet are a natural, crunchy chew packed with glucosamine and chondroitin, making them particularly beneficial for joint health. Although these are fantastically nutritious, they aren’t a long lasting chew – more of a quick tasty bite. Your dog will love them! Pick them up in bulk from Amazon.
Benefits:
- Excellent for supporting joint and mobility health.
- Fully digestible and a great source of natural collagen.
- Provides a crunchy texture that dogs love.
“All of our dog treats are kept in their entirely natural form, with absolutely no added colours, flavours or preservatives that might not be so good for your dog’s digestion. They are all air-dried from raw to retain their vital nutrients and, most importantly for your dog, their delicious smells and flavours too!”
7. Fish Chews (Cod Skins, Fish Jerky)
Fish-based chews, such as dried cod skins or fish jerky, are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which promote skin and coat health. Chewing dried fish skins is also great for cleaning your dog’s teeth. These chews are made using leftover fish skins from fish being prepared for supermarkets, which would otherwise be wasted. One man’s trash is another dogs treasure
Benefits:
- Supports a shiny coat and healthy skin.
- Easily digestible and low in fat.
- A great option for dogs with food sensitivities.
“Skipper brings you fish skin twists that are puppy dental sticks featuring dried fish skins. The dog dental chews contain no artificial colors, or flavors, just fish skin for dogs. The fish dog treats are perfect for the teeth, skin, and joints of your dog.”
How to Choose the Right Natural Dog Chew
Selecting the best natural dog chew depends on your dog’s size, chewing habits, and dietary needs. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Chewing Strength: Power chewers need durable chews like antlers or yak chews, while lighter chewers may prefer softer options like fish skins or chicken feet.
- Dietary Needs: If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, choose single-ingredient chews to avoid unwanted reactions.
- Safety: Always supervise your dog while they chew, and choose appropriately sized chews to prevent choking hazards.
- Longevity: If your dog goes through chews quickly, opt for longer-lasting options such as hooves, antlers, or yak chews.
Conclusion
Natural dog chews are a fantastic addition to your pup’s diet, providing entertainment, dental benefits, and nutritional support. From durable antlers to crunchy chicken feet, there’s a natural chew to suit every dog’s preference and chewing style. By selecting high-quality, natural options, you can ensure your furry friend enjoys a safe and healthy treat while satisfying their instinct to chew.
Whether you opt for coffee wood, beef trachea, or fish jerky, incorporating natural dog chews into your pet’s routine can enhance their overall well-being and provide much needed entertainment! Always choose reputable brands, supervise chewing sessions, and provide plenty of fresh water to keep your pup happy and healthy!
