Safe chews for dogs: what vets recommend and what to avoid

"She's better now about her chewing, but what can we get her that's safe?" Chewing is normal and healthy for dogs, especially puppies and young dogs. The trick is giving them something that satisfies the urge without breaking teeth, splintering or getting stuck. Here's what vets recommend and what they'd rather you skip.

The thumbnail test

Dr. Lori Teller of Texas A&M's veterinary college suggests pressing your thumbnail into a chew. If you can't make a dent, it's probably hard enough to break a tooth. Fractured teeth are painful and expensive to fix, and veterinary dentists see them often.

Chews vets warn against

• Real bones, cooked or raw, including chicken bones and ham or roast bones. They can splinter, cause blockages and cut the mouth.
• Processed "bone treats" such as ham bones, rib bones and smoked knuckle bones. The FDA warned owners not to give them after reports involving about 90 dogs, around 15 of which died. Problems included choking, blockages, mouth wounds, vomiting and diarrhea.
• Antlers and hooves. Texas A&M vets noted more fractured teeth after antlers became popular.
• Pig ears. They're often contaminated with Salmonella, which can make people sick too.
• Very hard nylon toys that fail the thumbnail test.

Safer choices

• Rubber toys you can dent, especially ones you can stuff with food.
• Dental chews with the VOHC seal, sized for your dog. They're designed to be eaten and have trial evidence behind them. See do dental chews work?.
• Rawhide only with care. If you use it, Texas A&M suggests a VOHC-accepted rawhide of the right size and shape, with supervision.
• Food puzzles and lick mats for dogs that chew out of boredom.

Top-graded dog dental chews with the VOHC seal:

• Pedigree Dentastix Large Variety Pack: grade A
• Milk-Bone Brushing Chews Small & Medium Original: grade A
• Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care Large: grade A
• Greenies Original Regular Dental Treats: grade A

One product we grade carries a specific chewing hazard:

• Good 'n' Fun Triple Flavor Kabobs: we take points off for made with beef and pork hide. rawhide-style chews can cause choking or blockages if large pieces are swallowed, so supervise chewing.

Rules for any chew

• Size up, not down. Larger dogs can swallow or choke on small toys and chews.
• Supervise, especially with anything new, rope toys and anything long-lasting.
• Throw it away once it's worn small enough to swallow or starts breaking into pieces.
• Count edible chews as treats. Keep treats under about 10% of daily calories; our dog food calculator subtracts them from meals.

Call your vet right away if your dog seems unwell after a chew: vomiting, not eating, straining or a painful belly can mean a blockage.

Questions