Why Your Dog Needs the Right Chews 🦷🐾

Meet Wolly, my 14-year-old expert chewer, enjoying a venison ear - one of my go-to natural chews.

Chewing is an essential canine behaviour, supporting dental health, relieving stress, and keeping dogs happily occupied (instead of redecorating your furniture with their teeth!).

Why dogs need to chew (and why you should let them!)

A conversation I often have with my training and behaviour clients is about why dogs chew - and why we shouldn’t try to stop them! 

Dogs don’t chew to be “naughty.” 

They chew because it’s natural, necessary, and fulfilling.

If they don’t have access to appropriate and safe chew options, they’ll find their own... and that often means shoes, furniture, or anything else they can sink their teeth into.

The key isn’t to stop chewing - it’s to redirect it to appropriate options that meet their needs while keeping your belongings safe.

Choosing the right chews: what I recommend

Not all chews are created equal.

While some commercial dental treats are heavily promoted, they often contain artificial additives, fillers, and questionable ingredients.

Instead, I choose natural, single-ingredient chews like venison ears, dehydrated tendons, dried fish skins, and other minimally processed meat chews that are safe, digestible, and species-appropriate.

Avoid:
❌ Nylon and plastic chews - marketed as long-lasting, these can crack teeth and are made from petrochemicals.
❌ Weight-bearing bones (e.g. beef femurs, knuckle bones) - extremely hard and can crack teeth.
❌ Cooked bones - pose a serious risk of splintering and internal injury.

Instead, I recommend raw, fully edible bones (soft, meaty bones such as brisket and neck bones) and a variety of natural chews that allow dogs to safely satisfy their chewing instincts.

Struggling with destructive chewing? I can help!

If your dog is chewing up everything in sight and you’re feeling frustrated, you’re not alone!

Destructive chewing is often a sign of unmet needs.

Whether it’s boredom, stress, or simply a lack of suitable chew options.

As a positive reinforcement trainer and behaviour consultant, I can help you:
✔ Identify why your dog is chewing and address the root cause
✔ Find safe and appropriate chew options for their needs
✔ Develop a plan to prevent future chewing mishaps
✔ Support your dog’s emotional and physical well-being

The bottom line

Chewing isn’t a bad habit.

Chewing is a normal, natural, necessary behaviour that supports your dog’s physical and mental well-being.

Providing safe, natural chews can help prevent destructive chewing, support dental health, and give your dog a satisfying outlet for their instincts.

Looking for natural dog chews in New Zealand?

I stock a selection of the best, safest options - no rawhide, no plastic, no artificial junk. 

Because what we give our dogs matters.

🐶 Check out my range of all-natural dog treats and chews
📍 Need help with your dog’s chewing habits? Book a consult with me today!

#SatisfyTheChew