Choosing the right chew for your dog can feel overwhelming... there are so many options on the market, and the stakes feel high when it comes to your dog's safety and enjoyment. This guide cuts through the noise and helps you find the perfect chew based on your dog's size, chewing style, and health needs.
Why Do Dogs Need Chews?
Chewing is a completely natural behaviour for dogs. It helps to:
- Clean teeth and gums — the mechanical action of gnawing scrapes away plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of dental disease.
- Relieve boredom and anxiety — chewing releases endorphins, keeping dogs calm and mentally stimulated.
- Strengthen jaw muscles — particularly important for puppies whose jaw muscles are still developing.
- Satisfy instinct — dogs are hardwired to chew; giving them an appropriate outlet protects your furniture too!
Types of Dog Chews Explained
Ears
Dried animal ears (pig, rabbit, and buffalo) are one of the most popular natural chews, and for good reason. They're single-ingredient, low in fat, and suitable for a wide range of dogs. Pig ears are the fattiest and most calorie-dense, making them an occasional treat rather than a daily one. Rabbit ears are lean and gentle on the stomach, making them ideal for sensitive dogs. Buffalo ears sit somewhere in between.
Browse our range: Pig Ears, Rabbit Ears, Buffalo Ears, Rabbit Ears 5-pack.
Tracheas
Beef and lamb tracheas are a fantastic chew option that many owners overlook. They're naturally rich in glucosamine and chondroitin (the same compounds found in joint supplements) making them especially good for older dogs or breeds prone to joint issues. They're hollow and slightly spongy, making them a moderate chew that most dogs can enjoy safely.
Shop tracheas: Beef Trachea, Lamb Trachea, Lamb Trachea 5-pack, Broken Bits — Beef Tracheas (great for smaller dogs).
Wings
Duck wings are a brilliant gateway chew for puppies or smaller dogs who find larger chews too challenging. They're lightweight, air-dried, and packed with natural flavour. The bone content is soft enough to be fully digestible, so they're considered a safer raw bone option compared to weight-bearing bones.
Try our Duck Wings or grab a Duck Wings 5-pack for great value.
Collagen Chews
Collagen rolls are a long-lasting chew option that's also great for skin, coat, and joint health. Unlike rawhide (which swells and can block the digestive tract), collagen is fully digestible and breaks down safely in the stomach. They're a superb choice for medium to large dogs who need something that'll keep them busy for a while.
Shop our Buffalo Collagen Roll.
Yak Bars
Yak milk bars — also known as Himalayan chews — are one of the hardest, longest-lasting natural chews available. They're made from just four ingredients: yak milk, cow milk, lime juice, and salt. They're low odour, low fat, and completely free from artificial additives. When they get too small to chew safely, you can microwave the last piece and it puffs up into a light, crunchy treat with no waste!
Available in Medium and Large.
Choosing a Chew by Dog Size
Size and chewing power matter enormously when selecting a chew. Here's a quick guide:
- Small dogs (under 10 kg): Look for softer chews such as rabbit ears, duck wings, or broken bits of trachea. Yak bars in medium are also a good option as small dogs tend to gnaw slowly rather than demolish.
- Medium dogs (10–25 kg): Most chews in our range suit medium dogs well. Pig ears, lamb trachea, collagen rolls, and medium yak bars are all excellent choices.
- Large dogs (25 kg+): Go for the tougher options — large yak bars, buffalo ears, beef tracheas, and collagen rolls. You may also want to consider our Longer Lasting Raw Selection Box which is curated with power chewers in mind.
Safety: What to Watch Out For
Even natural chews require a degree of supervision and common sense. Follow these guidelines to keep chew time safe:
- Always supervise your dog with any new chew until you understand how they interact with it. Some dogs are gulpers; others are patient gnawers.
- Match chew size to dog size. A chew that's too small can be swallowed whole and become a choking hazard.
- Remove small pieces. Once a chew is small enough to swallow in one go, take it away to prevent accidental gulping.
- Avoid cooked bones. Cooked bones splinter and can cause internal injuries. Always choose raw or properly dried chews.
- Account for calorie content. Chews count towards your dog's daily calorie intake, especially richer options like pig ears. Reduce their main meal slightly on heavy chew days.
- Check with your vet if your dog has a history of pancreatitis, allergies, or digestive sensitivities before introducing new chews.
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you're new to natural chews, our Raw Selection Box is the perfect introduction. It includes a variety of our most popular natural chews so you can discover what your dog loves before committing to larger quantities.
Still have questions? Get in touch with the team at Max's Pet Supplies — we're always happy to help you find the perfect match for your pup.
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