Choosing The Right Natural Chew For Your Dog
, by Georgia Huyton, 10 min reading time
Natural chew guide
There isn’t one “best” chew for every dog.
The right natural chew depends on your dog’s size, age, chewing style and how long you want the chew to last. A small, gentle chewer may love something completely different from a large dog that can finish a lighter chew in minutes. This guide makes choosing a little easier.
Quick chooser
Start with how your dog actually chews.
Quick, easy treats
Good when you want a small reward or lighter chew rather than something designed to keep a determined chewer busy.
A bit more to work on
Useful for dogs that enjoy chewing but do not need the toughest or longest-lasting option in the cupboard.
For keen chewers
Denser or thicker natural chews can suit dogs that work through lighter treats quickly. Match the chew to the individual dog.
Puppies & older dogs
Younger, older or more delicate mouths may suit softer or easier-to-manage treats rather than very hard, dense chews.
1. Size matters
Choose a chew that your dog can’t simply gulp down.
Natural chews vary enormously in shape and size, and the same product may be suitable for one dog but completely wrong for another. As a simple rule, choose something substantial enough that your dog needs to work on it rather than swallow it whole.
A bigger dog does not automatically need the hardest chew available, either. Jaw strength, enthusiasm and eating style matter just as much as body size.
2. Chewing strength
Watch what your dog does with a chew — not just what breed they are.
Gentle or casual chewers
These dogs tend to nibble, soften or slowly work through a treat. Lighter natural treats and softer chews can be a good place to start.
- Good for shorter chew sessions
- Often easier for smaller mouths
- Useful when you want a lighter snack
Enthusiastic or powerful chewers
If your dog demolishes lighter treats quickly, look towards thicker, denser or longer-lasting options — while still choosing something appropriate for their teeth and size.
- Choose a substantial size
- Supervise especially closely
- Remove small remaining pieces
3. Different chews do different jobs
Think about what you want from the treat.
| Type | Useful for | Think about |
|---|---|---|
| Ears & lighter chews | Everyday chewing, variety and a straightforward natural snack. | Chew time varies greatly between dogs. |
| Feet & smaller natural treats | Crunchy texture and smaller treat occasions. | Choose a size appropriate for your dog and supervise. |
| Fish skin | A different protein and texture for dogs that enjoy crisp, fish-based treats. | They can be rich for some dogs, so introduce new treats gradually. |
| Headskin & denser chews | Dogs that want something thicker and generally more time-consuming. | Very determined chewers still need supervision. |
| Pizzles & longer chews | Longer-lasting chewing for many dogs compared with lighter snacks. | Remove the final small piece if it becomes easy to swallow. |
| Liver, lung & bite-size treats | Rewards, training and smaller treat moments rather than long chewing sessions. | They are treats, so portion them alongside the rest of the day's food. |
Remember: “long-lasting” is relative.
A chew that occupies one dog for half an hour might disappear in a few minutes with another. Your own dog’s chewing style is the best guide.
4. Puppies & seniors
Age can change what feels comfortable to chew.
Puppies are still learning how to handle food and chews, while older dogs may have more sensitive teeth or simply prefer something easier. In both cases, softer, appropriately sized options can make more sense than automatically reaching for the hardest chew available.
If your dog has dental disease, damaged teeth, recent dental treatment or difficulty chewing, ask your vet what type of chew is appropriate before offering harder products.
5. Protein variety
Natural treats are an easy way to try something different.
Beef, rabbit, chicken, fish and other proteins all bring different smells, textures and levels of enthusiasm from different dogs. If your dog is used to only one or two proteins, introduce a new treat gradually rather than giving several unfamiliar products at once.
If your dog has a known food allergy or intolerance, always check the individual product ingredients rather than relying on the front-of-pack name alone.
6. Chew safely
Supervision matters more than the label on the bag.
Simple chew-safety habits
- Supervise your dog while they chew
- Choose a size they cannot easily swallow whole
- Provide fresh drinking water
- Remove small pieces once they become a swallowing risk
- Introduce unfamiliar treats gradually
Know your own dog
Some dogs nibble carefully. Others try to swallow the last section or bite down extremely hard. If your dog is a gulper, guarder or very forceful chewer, that should influence what you offer and how closely you supervise.
Not sure how often to give treats and chews?
Choosing the right chew is only half of it. Our simple dog treat feeding guide explains how treats fit around normal meals, training rewards, larger chews, puppies and smaller dogs.
Ready to choose?
Find a chew that suits your dog.
Browse our current natural dog treats and chews, with different proteins, textures and chew styles available depending on stock.
Natural chew FAQs
Common questions about choosing dog chews.
What is the best natural chew for my dog?
There is no single best chew for every dog. Choose based on your dog's size, chewing strength, age and how they handle treats. A lighter chew may suit one dog perfectly while another needs something more substantial.
What should I give a strong chewer?
A thicker or denser natural chew may last longer for an enthusiastic chewer, but harder is not automatically better. Choose something appropriate for your dog's teeth and size and supervise them throughout.
Can puppies have natural chews?
Some natural treats may be suitable for puppies, but size, texture and the individual puppy matter. Start with manageable options, supervise closely and check the individual product information before feeding.
Are natural chews suitable for senior dogs?
Many older dogs still enjoy chewing, but some benefit from softer or easier options. Dogs with dental problems, damaged teeth or difficulty chewing should have harder chews discussed with their vet first.
How often can I give my dog natural treats?
Treats should fit sensibly around the dog's normal food rather than replacing a balanced diet. How often depends on the size and richness of the treat, your dog's overall food intake and their individual needs. See our dog treat feeding guide for a simpler explanation.
Where can I shop natural dog treats and chews?
Browse the current range in our Treats & Chews collection. Stock changes, so the collection page is the best place to see what is available now.