Why Raw Bones and Natural Chews Make the Best Dental Routine

The science behind chewing and plaque removal

Dogs don’t naturally brush their teeth. Instead, chewing is their built-in dental care system. The action of gnawing:

• Scrapes plaque from tooth surfaces

• Massages gums for better circulation

• Stimulates saliva, which helps control bacteria

Studies show that dogs given daily chewing opportunities have significantly less plaque than those who don’t.

Raw bones vs. dried chews

Both raw bones and dried chews can support oral health, but they work slightly differently:

• Raw bones – The scraping action helps reduce tartar, and chewing keeps teeth strong. Choose necks. brisket or ribs for the best results.

• Dried natural chews – Tendons, cartilage, and skins also help clean teeth through extended gnawing. They’re less messy, longer-lasting, and often easier to store than raw bones.

Many owners rotate between the two to cover all bases.

When to offer bones (and when not to)

Bones can be a fantastic addition to dental care, but timing and type matter:

• Offer raw bones a few times a week, choosing a size larger than your dog’s head.

• Avoid cooked bones — they splinter and are unsafe.

• Skip weight-bearing bones from large animals — too hard and can crack teeth.

• Don’t give bones to puppies under 6 months — their teeth are still developing.

If your dog is new to raw bones, start with shorter chewing sessions and supervise closely.

Chew rotation: keeping things interesting

Dogs thrive on variety. Rotating chews:

• Prevents boredom

• Works different teeth and jaw muscles

• Provides a balance of textures and nutrients

Examples of a weekly rotation might include:

• Raw meaty bone twice a week

• Tendon or cartilage chew on other days

• Skin chew or ear for texture and enrichment

How Bonza supports natural dental care

At Bonza, we believe dental health shouldn’t rely on artificial chews or sugary dental sticks. Our range of natural Australian chews — from achilles tendons tendons to shark cartilage and beef ears — are designed by nature to clean teeth and keep dogs chewing happily.

Every chew we stock is:

• 100% natural with no additives

• Sized to suit small to large dogs

• Selected for dental benefits, enrichment, and overall health

✅ Key Takeaway: Raw bones and natural chews are the best dental routine for dogs — they clean teeth, strengthen gums, and keep chewing natural, safe, and fun.