Chewing isn’t just a pastime for dogs – it’s an instinct, a form of self-care, and one of the simplest ways to keep tails wagging and teeth sparkling. Whether you’ve got a tiny pup or a seasoned chewer, giving them the right outlets makes all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll explore why chewing is so important, how it impacts your dog’s dental and mental health, and how to choose chews that are both safe and satisfying.
1. Natural Instinct: Why Dogs Chew
Dogs are born chewers. In the wild, chewing helps break down bones, access nutrient-rich marrow, and exercise jaw muscles. For domestic dogs, that instinct is still strong.
Chewing helps:
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Relieve teething discomfort in puppies.
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Release pent-up energy and frustration.
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Provide a calming, self-soothing activity.
When dogs don’t have an appropriate outlet, they’ll often turn to shoes, furniture, or anything within reach. Providing natural chews gives them a safe and healthy alternative.
2. Dental Benefits: Plaque Removal & Gum Health
One of the biggest perks of chewing is better dental hygiene. Just like brushing helps us, chewing helps dogs in three key ways:
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Plaque & tartar reduction: The natural abrasion of chewing scrapes away soft plaque before it hardens into tartar.
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Gum stimulation: Chewing increases blood flow to gums, promoting overall oral health.
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Fresher breath: Fewer food particles and bacteria mean a better-smelling pup.
While raw bones are a popular choice among raw feeders, not every owner wants to feed bones daily. That’s where dried natural chews – bully sticks, tendons, pig ears – come in as practical, mess-free options.
3. Mental Enrichment & Anxiety Relief
Chewing isn’t just physical – it’s mental. The repetitive action releases endorphins, helping dogs feel calmer and more secure.
Regular chewing can help:
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Reduce anxiety during storms or fireworks.
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Ease separation stress when you’re out.
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Keep boredom (and destructive behaviours) at bay.
Think of it as a stress ball for your dog – but tastier!
4. Choosing the Right Chew for Your Dog
Not every chew suits every dog. The “right” chew depends on age, size, and chewing style.
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Light chewers: Softer treats like fish skins or shark cartilage are ideal.
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Moderate chewers: Bully sticks, fish twists and ears offer both chew time and nutritional value.
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Power chewers: Harder options like roo lumbar, goat horns, or cow hooves may last longer and provide extra challenge.
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Puppies: Softer chews such as pork pizzle help soothe sore gums without risk of damage.
Always supervise, especially when introducing something new, and remove small pieces that could pose a choking hazard.
5. Bonza’s Top Chewing Treats
At Bonza, we stock a wide range of chews to suit every dog:
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Beef bully sticks – long-lasting, fully digestible, and great for teeth.
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Beef achilles tendons – high in protein, low in fat, and tough enough for enthusiastic chewers.
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Goat horns – perfect for experienced chewers who need something durable.
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Ears with fur – a natural source of fibre and extra dental scrubbing power.
For variety, our Chewers Delight variety pack make it easy to rotate different textures and flavours, keeping your dog engaged and supporting dental health at the same time.
Final Woof
Chewing is more than a habit – it’s a cornerstone of canine health. By choosing natural, high-quality chews, you’re not only protecting your dog’s teeth but also boosting their mental wellbeing and giving them an outlet for natural behaviours.
Next time your pup settles down with a chew, you can feel good knowing it’s doing them a world of good.
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