Learn to be Chewsy
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Recognize safe (and avoid dangerous) chew toys and treats
Dogs have a natural instinct to chew. As dog owners, we are constantly challenged to find safe,
healthy, entertaining things to satisfy that need. Dogs chew for many reasons, ranging from
teething and entertainment to stress relief. If we fail to provide proper toys for them, they will
select their own “chew toy,” however inappropriate it may be.
Chewing technique and intensity varies widely from dog to dog. There is no one toy or chew treat
that is safe for all dogs. The vast array of chew toys on the market today is staggering. Some toys
are just not safe for some dogs. Owners must pay attention to their dog’s chewing habits to select
safe toys. Regardless of the type of dog, there are guidelines to help owners determine which chew
toys are appropriate for their dogs.
THE INCREDIBLE EDIBLE CHEW TOY
A chew toy is to be gnawed at for the purpose of reducing plaque on teeth, fighting boredom, and
expending energy. It is to be consumed slowly over a period of time, not gulped down like a treat.
Rule of thumb, ingesting big chunks usually causes big health problems. Some of these edible chew
toys are discussed in the following sections.
Rawhides
Rawhides are probably the most popular chew treat for dogs. Rawhide, essentially cured cow skin,
comes in many varieties, sizes and shapes. When purchasing a rawhide treat, you want to select a
brand made in the United States. The chemicals (including arsenic-based products) used in
preserving the rawhides in other countries are undesirable, and probably harmful, for your pet to
consume. Rawhide should only be considered a “snack food,” and must not be given excessively. It
tends to digest very slowly, causing vomiting or diarrhea in some dogs who swallow it in large pieces
or are unaccustomed to this kind of treat.
Different forms of rawhide are suitable for different types of chewers. The basic rawhide strip or
knotted bone is normally safe for dogs who are patient chewers, those who diligently work at
loosening small bits of the bone before consuming them. The dogs who get in trouble with rawhides
are typically those who chew powerfully, ripping off large chunks and chewing them just enough to
get them soft, and swallow them. At this point, the rawhide poses a life-threatening choking hazard
or is a gastrointestinal blockage waiting to happen.
Pressed rawhide products are layers of rawhide compressed tightly together and bound with a
gelatin based product. These tend to last longer than rawhide strips but have similar safety
concerns. Granulated rawhide products are essentially ground up rawhide formed into shapes.
These are great alternatives for small dogs that don’t chew through a typical rawhide and for dogs
that tend to swallow large, mushy strips from regular rawhide bones. Avoid any of these products
that are artificially colored.
The “Cadillac” of rawhide chews is the Roar-Hide ® by Nylabone ®. Because it is composed of
granulated rawhide and pressure molded at very high temperatures, these bones are long-lasting
and release granule-sized bits of rawhide when chewed. Roar-Hide is likely safe for all but the
strongest chewers, who might break off large pieces of the bone and swallow them without chewing.
Other Animal Products
Pig ears and snouts, lamb ears, cow tails… they’re gross, so dogs (of course) love them. Many of the
same precautionary statements that apply to rawhide products apply to these as well. They are
chemically processed to keep them preserved, so again, purchasing American-made varieties is a
good idea. Look for a consistency and toughness that allows your dog to have a satisfying chewing
experience but does not result in swallowing large pieces. These are junk food, not to be given too
often, and the day’s food ration might be reduced slightly on days when these treats are given.
Cow hooves are seldom appropriate chew treats for any dog. Only the most patient and gentle
chewer will slowly soften the outer surface and scrape away the hoof. Most dogs tend to chew off
jagged pieces, which may result in vomiting or injury to the throat, stomach, or intestine. They also
have a strong ammonia smell when chewed, so most owners don’t appreciate the smell in their
homes!
THEM CRAZY BONES
Bones are a controversial topic. Years ago, it was considered normal to give leftover bones to a
dog. Then it became a taboo treat, especially chicken bones. We’ve all heard “they’ll splinter, and
the dog will choke.” But with the rise in popularity of the raw food diets, more dog lovers are
reevaluating bones and the role they play in their dogs’ diets. The fact is that cooked bones
splinter, while raw bones do not.
Raw Bones
Raw bones are, quite simply, the best possible thing for a dog’s teeth and nutrition. It is what they are
made to eat. A raw bone is just that; it hasn’t been cooked or processed and can be purchased at
your local grocery store or butcher shop. There are many sizes and shapes of bones from just about
any sort of food animal, and some time will need to be spent considering your dog’s chewing habits
and determining which type is best. Some are harder or softer, some tend to be completely
consumed, while others last a long time. One that is popular with (and safe for) most dogs is a
shank bone (shin), which is tubular and usually sold in 4-8 inch segments. The center still has the
rich marrow inside.
Some people find raw bones messy and worry about germs and bacteria, salmonella and e. coli. A
dog’s digestive system is completely different from ours, and unless a dog has other medical
conditions coming into play and suppressing their immune systems, it should be able to handle
anything found on a raw bone. Think about it. Wild canines (and stray domestic dogs) eat just
about anything, including that ripe rabbit carcass it finds along the road. If germs are still a concern
to you, simply store the bones in the refrigerator or freezer between chew-sessions. Some people
prefer to bake or boil a bone slightly, but be aware that in doing so, the bone is much more likely to
splinter, potentially causing injuries. And why add that risk, while at the same time destroying much
of the natural nutrition that your dog needs, by cooking the bones at all? That warning we’ve all
heard, “Don’t give your dog bones! They’ll splinter, and he’ll choke!” is nonsense. Raw bones, even
raw chicken parts, are highly unlikely to cause any sort of injury or digestive problem. Cooked bones
are the problem. Raw bones are probably safer than the majority of “dog-safe” toys on the market,
and are much better for them.
Sterilized Bones
Other bones commonly given as treats are sterilized bones that are widely available at pet stores.
These bones are very hard (and usually an unnatural “white” color!). Although this does greatly
reduce the likelihood of splintering or breaking, they are simply too hard for most dogs’ teeth. Any
hard toy or bone may present a dental hazard, especially for a dog that chews aggressively. To
make a sterilized bone more appealing, the hollow center of a beef shank is a handy place to stuff
treats, peanut butter, or cheese. Round steak bones (the little doughnut shaped rings) should
NEVER be given, due to their tendency to wedge around the lower jaw behind the canine teeth, and
they pose a choking hazard for larger dogs.
“NATURAL” CHEW TOYS
There seems to be a proliferation of cornstarch or other so-called “natural” edible chew treats.
Booda Velvets ® are approximately 40% cornstarch and 40% vinyl alcohol copolymer, which is a
plastic. The manufacturer, Aspen Pet, claims they are edible and safe. They are really only
appropriate for the gentle chewer (if you want to feed your dog plastic at all), who will scrape off bits
at a time, rather than a more powerful chewer, who will quickly break the treat into large chunks and
swallow them. Healthy Edibles ® by Nylabone are similar to Booda Velvets, without the plastic.
They come in a variety of fruit and vegetable flavors, and are also appropriate for the gentle
chewer. Greenies ® by Harvest Moon Health Foods is a protein-based treat that contains
chlorophyll, which is supposed to freshen dog breath and is cleverly molded into the shape of a
toothbrush. There have been reports that dogs chewing Greenies ® have had problems with
breaking the “toothbrush” into chunks that result in intestinal obstructions, so you must monitor
your dog’s chewing habits closely if you choose to give these, or any of the other “edible” chew
treats. Also ask yourself, “What is natural about feeding my dog plastic?”
PLUSH AND SQUEAKY TOYS
Many dogs, particularly the “retriever” breeds, adore their soft toys, known in some circles as
“woobies.” The goal for most dogs, however, is to un-stuff them as quickly as possible and chew up
the hidden squeaker. If your dog loves stuffed toys (or un-stuffing them), immediately pick up any
stuffing, squeakers, or loose bits of toy that are torn loose. Ingesting polyfil, plush, or the squeaker
can cause digestive upset or blockage. Avoid or alter any toys that aren’t “dog-proof” by removing
ribbons, strings, eyes, or other parts that could be ingested.
An alternative to stuffed toys is the “donkey tail,” which is made of long strips of fleece or lambs
wool fabric braided tightly into a rope. These satisfy the need for a soft, plush toy without the
stuffing. If you are a “crafty” person, you can go to the fabric store and buy several yards of woolly
fabric, cut it into strips, and braid it or tie it in a macramé-knot rope. As with other stuffed toys, pick
up bits of the fleece that are torn off before they are ingested. Several small bits of fabric can lead
to one large wad in the digestive tract!
Vinyl squeaky toys are seldom appropriate for any dog. Only the most gentle, delicate chewer can
play with them safely. Most dogs make short work of these toys, chew them to bits, and ingest as
many of those bits as possible. Vinyl and plastic toys also have the added concern of being a source
of allergic reaction in some dogs, causing redness, sores or hair loss around the mouth and eyes.
Vinyl chew toys, though cute and inexpensive, are more of a health hazard than they are worth.
POPULAR ALTERNATIVES
Tennis balls are usually safe, except for the dogs who have discovered the joy of “skinning” them by
removing the felt covering. Obviously, the felt covering is not intended to be consumed.
Treat dispensing toys like the Buster Cube ® and the Rolling Treat Ball ® are a lot of fun for a busy
dog who enjoys the activity and mental stimulation of pushing the toy around and gobbling up the
treats as they fall out of the hollow center. These should only be given under supervision, however,
as the dog could roll the toy into an unsafe area. Some dogs have even managed to get a tooth
caught inside the opening.
Rope toys are great for dogs that enjoy playing tug of war, and these have a soft chewing texture.
Due to the “flossing” action, rope toys are often promoted as good dental hygiene for dogs.
However, some dogs learn the trick of tugging the ends to dislodge loose threads, and then
consume these piles of strands. This is a major risk for choking or intestinal blockage, so if you catch
your dog doing this, take the toy away.
Nylabone has a line of dog chews specific to a dog’s level of chewing strength. Gumabone ® is a
flexible thermoplastic polymer chew for the less aggressive chewer. Next is the original Nylabone
hard nylon chew, followed by their super-tough Galileo ®, which is made of DuPont ® nylon and is
just about as durable as they come. For all three varieties, the manufacturer considers the chewed-
off shavings to be safe for canine consumption. You must, however, throw away the toy and any
chunks that become small enough to be swallowed… as well as decide if you want your dog
intentionally consuming any non-food material.
One of the safest and most versatile toys around is the Kong ® toy, made by the Kong Company. It
is a hollow rubber cone with holes in both ends. Kongs come in a wide range of sizes and types of
material for dogs of different sizes and chewing strength. Kongs can be stuffed with any number of
things to entertain a dog and hold its interest. Favorites include peanut butter and kibble, any type
of biscuit or chunks of cheese. For a special treat in the summer, try freezing it with a mixture of
yogurt, banana and peanut butter. Kong also makes a full line of other safe, durable chew toys.
There is a seemingly endless variety of chew toys on the market today. As dog owners wander the
aisle in search of the perfect toy, it is important to remember the number-one rule: Know Your
Dog!!! Very few toys are safe to leave down for unsupervised play. Until you are absolutely sure
that a new toy or treat is safe for your dog, don’t take any chances. Be familiar with the differences
among chew toys and understand your dog’s chewing and playing habits. Only then will you be able
to make a smart and safe choice for your canine companion.
Dogs have a natural instinct to chew. As dog owners, we are constantly challenged to find safe,
healthy, entertaining things to satisfy that need. Dogs chew for many reasons, ranging from
teething and entertainment to stress relief. If we fail to provide proper toys for them, they will
select their own “chew toy,” however inappropriate it may be.
Chewing technique and intensity varies widely from dog to dog. There is no one toy or chew treat
that is safe for all dogs. The vast array of chew toys on the market today is staggering. Some toys
are just not safe for some dogs. Owners must pay attention to their dog’s chewing habits to select
safe toys. Regardless of the type of dog, there are guidelines to help owners determine which chew
toys are appropriate for their dogs.
THE INCREDIBLE EDIBLE CHEW TOY
A chew toy is to be gnawed at for the purpose of reducing plaque on teeth, fighting boredom, and
expending energy. It is to be consumed slowly over a period of time, not gulped down like a treat.
Rule of thumb, ingesting big chunks usually causes big health problems. Some of these edible chew
toys are discussed in the following sections.
Rawhides
Rawhides are probably the most popular chew treat for dogs. Rawhide, essentially cured cow skin,
comes in many varieties, sizes and shapes. When purchasing a rawhide treat, you want to select a
brand made in the United States. The chemicals (including arsenic-based products) used in
preserving the rawhides in other countries are undesirable, and probably harmful, for your pet to
consume. Rawhide should only be considered a “snack food,” and must not be given excessively. It
tends to digest very slowly, causing vomiting or diarrhea in some dogs who swallow it in large pieces
or are unaccustomed to this kind of treat.
Different forms of rawhide are suitable for different types of chewers. The basic rawhide strip or
knotted bone is normally safe for dogs who are patient chewers, those who diligently work at
loosening small bits of the bone before consuming them. The dogs who get in trouble with rawhides
are typically those who chew powerfully, ripping off large chunks and chewing them just enough to
get them soft, and swallow them. At this point, the rawhide poses a life-threatening choking hazard
or is a gastrointestinal blockage waiting to happen.
Pressed rawhide products are layers of rawhide compressed tightly together and bound with a
gelatin based product. These tend to last longer than rawhide strips but have similar safety
concerns. Granulated rawhide products are essentially ground up rawhide formed into shapes.
These are great alternatives for small dogs that don’t chew through a typical rawhide and for dogs
that tend to swallow large, mushy strips from regular rawhide bones. Avoid any of these products
that are artificially colored.
The “Cadillac” of rawhide chews is the Roar-Hide ® by Nylabone ®. Because it is composed of
granulated rawhide and pressure molded at very high temperatures, these bones are long-lasting
and release granule-sized bits of rawhide when chewed. Roar-Hide is likely safe for all but the
strongest chewers, who might break off large pieces of the bone and swallow them without chewing.
Other Animal Products
Pig ears and snouts, lamb ears, cow tails… they’re gross, so dogs (of course) love them. Many of the
same precautionary statements that apply to rawhide products apply to these as well. They are
chemically processed to keep them preserved, so again, purchasing American-made varieties is a
good idea. Look for a consistency and toughness that allows your dog to have a satisfying chewing
experience but does not result in swallowing large pieces. These are junk food, not to be given too
often, and the day’s food ration might be reduced slightly on days when these treats are given.
Cow hooves are seldom appropriate chew treats for any dog. Only the most patient and gentle
chewer will slowly soften the outer surface and scrape away the hoof. Most dogs tend to chew off
jagged pieces, which may result in vomiting or injury to the throat, stomach, or intestine. They also
have a strong ammonia smell when chewed, so most owners don’t appreciate the smell in their
homes!
THEM CRAZY BONES
Bones are a controversial topic. Years ago, it was considered normal to give leftover bones to a
dog. Then it became a taboo treat, especially chicken bones. We’ve all heard “they’ll splinter, and
the dog will choke.” But with the rise in popularity of the raw food diets, more dog lovers are
reevaluating bones and the role they play in their dogs’ diets. The fact is that cooked bones
splinter, while raw bones do not.
Raw Bones
Raw bones are, quite simply, the best possible thing for a dog’s teeth and nutrition. It is what they are
made to eat. A raw bone is just that; it hasn’t been cooked or processed and can be purchased at
your local grocery store or butcher shop. There are many sizes and shapes of bones from just about
any sort of food animal, and some time will need to be spent considering your dog’s chewing habits
and determining which type is best. Some are harder or softer, some tend to be completely
consumed, while others last a long time. One that is popular with (and safe for) most dogs is a
shank bone (shin), which is tubular and usually sold in 4-8 inch segments. The center still has the
rich marrow inside.
Some people find raw bones messy and worry about germs and bacteria, salmonella and e. coli. A
dog’s digestive system is completely different from ours, and unless a dog has other medical
conditions coming into play and suppressing their immune systems, it should be able to handle
anything found on a raw bone. Think about it. Wild canines (and stray domestic dogs) eat just
about anything, including that ripe rabbit carcass it finds along the road. If germs are still a concern
to you, simply store the bones in the refrigerator or freezer between chew-sessions. Some people
prefer to bake or boil a bone slightly, but be aware that in doing so, the bone is much more likely to
splinter, potentially causing injuries. And why add that risk, while at the same time destroying much
of the natural nutrition that your dog needs, by cooking the bones at all? That warning we’ve all
heard, “Don’t give your dog bones! They’ll splinter, and he’ll choke!” is nonsense. Raw bones, even
raw chicken parts, are highly unlikely to cause any sort of injury or digestive problem. Cooked bones
are the problem. Raw bones are probably safer than the majority of “dog-safe” toys on the market,
and are much better for them.
Sterilized Bones
Other bones commonly given as treats are sterilized bones that are widely available at pet stores.
These bones are very hard (and usually an unnatural “white” color!). Although this does greatly
reduce the likelihood of splintering or breaking, they are simply too hard for most dogs’ teeth. Any
hard toy or bone may present a dental hazard, especially for a dog that chews aggressively. To
make a sterilized bone more appealing, the hollow center of a beef shank is a handy place to stuff
treats, peanut butter, or cheese. Round steak bones (the little doughnut shaped rings) should
NEVER be given, due to their tendency to wedge around the lower jaw behind the canine teeth, and
they pose a choking hazard for larger dogs.
“NATURAL” CHEW TOYS
There seems to be a proliferation of cornstarch or other so-called “natural” edible chew treats.
Booda Velvets ® are approximately 40% cornstarch and 40% vinyl alcohol copolymer, which is a
plastic. The manufacturer, Aspen Pet, claims they are edible and safe. They are really only
appropriate for the gentle chewer (if you want to feed your dog plastic at all), who will scrape off bits
at a time, rather than a more powerful chewer, who will quickly break the treat into large chunks and
swallow them. Healthy Edibles ® by Nylabone are similar to Booda Velvets, without the plastic.
They come in a variety of fruit and vegetable flavors, and are also appropriate for the gentle
chewer. Greenies ® by Harvest Moon Health Foods is a protein-based treat that contains
chlorophyll, which is supposed to freshen dog breath and is cleverly molded into the shape of a
toothbrush. There have been reports that dogs chewing Greenies ® have had problems with
breaking the “toothbrush” into chunks that result in intestinal obstructions, so you must monitor
your dog’s chewing habits closely if you choose to give these, or any of the other “edible” chew
treats. Also ask yourself, “What is natural about feeding my dog plastic?”
PLUSH AND SQUEAKY TOYS
Many dogs, particularly the “retriever” breeds, adore their soft toys, known in some circles as
“woobies.” The goal for most dogs, however, is to un-stuff them as quickly as possible and chew up
the hidden squeaker. If your dog loves stuffed toys (or un-stuffing them), immediately pick up any
stuffing, squeakers, or loose bits of toy that are torn loose. Ingesting polyfil, plush, or the squeaker
can cause digestive upset or blockage. Avoid or alter any toys that aren’t “dog-proof” by removing
ribbons, strings, eyes, or other parts that could be ingested.
An alternative to stuffed toys is the “donkey tail,” which is made of long strips of fleece or lambs
wool fabric braided tightly into a rope. These satisfy the need for a soft, plush toy without the
stuffing. If you are a “crafty” person, you can go to the fabric store and buy several yards of woolly
fabric, cut it into strips, and braid it or tie it in a macramé-knot rope. As with other stuffed toys, pick
up bits of the fleece that are torn off before they are ingested. Several small bits of fabric can lead
to one large wad in the digestive tract!
Vinyl squeaky toys are seldom appropriate for any dog. Only the most gentle, delicate chewer can
play with them safely. Most dogs make short work of these toys, chew them to bits, and ingest as
many of those bits as possible. Vinyl and plastic toys also have the added concern of being a source
of allergic reaction in some dogs, causing redness, sores or hair loss around the mouth and eyes.
Vinyl chew toys, though cute and inexpensive, are more of a health hazard than they are worth.
POPULAR ALTERNATIVES
Tennis balls are usually safe, except for the dogs who have discovered the joy of “skinning” them by
removing the felt covering. Obviously, the felt covering is not intended to be consumed.
Treat dispensing toys like the Buster Cube ® and the Rolling Treat Ball ® are a lot of fun for a busy
dog who enjoys the activity and mental stimulation of pushing the toy around and gobbling up the
treats as they fall out of the hollow center. These should only be given under supervision, however,
as the dog could roll the toy into an unsafe area. Some dogs have even managed to get a tooth
caught inside the opening.
Rope toys are great for dogs that enjoy playing tug of war, and these have a soft chewing texture.
Due to the “flossing” action, rope toys are often promoted as good dental hygiene for dogs.
However, some dogs learn the trick of tugging the ends to dislodge loose threads, and then
consume these piles of strands. This is a major risk for choking or intestinal blockage, so if you catch
your dog doing this, take the toy away.
Nylabone has a line of dog chews specific to a dog’s level of chewing strength. Gumabone ® is a
flexible thermoplastic polymer chew for the less aggressive chewer. Next is the original Nylabone
hard nylon chew, followed by their super-tough Galileo ®, which is made of DuPont ® nylon and is
just about as durable as they come. For all three varieties, the manufacturer considers the chewed-
off shavings to be safe for canine consumption. You must, however, throw away the toy and any
chunks that become small enough to be swallowed… as well as decide if you want your dog
intentionally consuming any non-food material.
One of the safest and most versatile toys around is the Kong ® toy, made by the Kong Company. It
is a hollow rubber cone with holes in both ends. Kongs come in a wide range of sizes and types of
material for dogs of different sizes and chewing strength. Kongs can be stuffed with any number of
things to entertain a dog and hold its interest. Favorites include peanut butter and kibble, any type
of biscuit or chunks of cheese. For a special treat in the summer, try freezing it with a mixture of
yogurt, banana and peanut butter. Kong also makes a full line of other safe, durable chew toys.
There is a seemingly endless variety of chew toys on the market today. As dog owners wander the
aisle in search of the perfect toy, it is important to remember the number-one rule: Know Your
Dog!!! Very few toys are safe to leave down for unsupervised play. Until you are absolutely sure
that a new toy or treat is safe for your dog, don’t take any chances. Be familiar with the differences
among chew toys and understand your dog’s chewing and playing habits. Only then will you be able
to make a smart and safe choice for your canine companion.