Chew safety: choosing chews and chew toys for dogs

Chewing is normal dog behaviour. Puppies chew when teething, and many adult dogs chew to pass the time, explore or settle down. Giving your dog suitable chews can protect your shoes and furniture and give them a satisfying job. But not every chew is a good choice, and some cause real injuries.

This guide covers how to choose safer chews and chew toys, and how to supervise chewing. If your dog has dental problems, a sensitive stomach or a special diet, ask your vet what is suitable.

Size matters most

A chew must be too large for your dog to swallow whole or get stuck in their throat. Always choose based on your dog’s size and the maker’s size guide, and size up if you are between sizes or your dog is a strong chewer. Replace chews once they wear down to a size that could be swallowed.

Hardness

Very hard chews can damage teeth. A common rule of thumb used by many vets is that if you cannot make a dent in it with your thumbnail, or it would hurt if you tapped it on your knee, it may be too hard. Be especially careful with:

• Antlers and hooves. Very hard, and associated with broken teeth.
• Cooked bones. Never give cooked bones. They can splinter and cause serious injuries.
• Hard nylon chews for gentle chewers. These suit some strong chewers, but not every dog.

Edible chews

Edible chews, such as dental sticks and natural chews, can be a treat, but:

• Count them as part of your dog’s daily food intake.
• Choose a size that cannot be swallowed whole.
• Watch your dog. Some dogs try to swallow large pieces.
• Rawhide can be a choking and blockage risk if swallowed in large pieces. Many owners prefer alternatives.
• Check where natural chews are made and how they are processed, and buy from reputable sellers.

Durable chew toys

Rubber and nylon toys designed for chewing can last a long time. Examples include the KONG Extreme, the Nylabone Power Chew, the Benebone Wishbone and the West Paw Hurley. Each suits different chewers and sizes, so read the maker’s guidance. No toy is indestructible, whatever the packaging says.

Signs a chew or toy should go

• Pieces coming off, or deep cracks.
• Worn down to a size your dog could swallow.
• Sharp edges or splinters.
• Your dog is trying to swallow it, or eat it rather than chew it.

Supervision

Supervise chewing, especially with new chews, puppies and dogs who gulp. Take a chew away if your dog is trying to swallow large pieces. If your dog guards chews, give them in a quiet place away from other pets and children.

Signs of a problem

Speak to your vet urgently if your dog:

• Is choking, gagging or pawing at their mouth.
• Has repeated vomiting, a swollen belly, or is straining to toilet.
• Seems to be in pain, or stops eating.
• Has a broken or bleeding tooth.

Choosing chews for your dog

• Strong chewers: durable rubber or nylon toys, sized up.
• Gentle chewers: softer rubber toys or edible chews, supervised.
• Puppies: puppy-specific chews and toys. See enrichment for puppies.
• Older dogs: softer options. See enrichment for senior dogs.

Browse our chew and calm category, or search Amazon UK for durable dog chew toys (affiliate link, opens Amazon UK). Check the sizing and the live price in the listing before buying.

Chews are a treat and a pastime, not dental treatment. Ask your vet about dental care for your dog.