Natural chews — the edible, long-lasting kind — are a favourite for keeping dogs busy and calm. They’re great for boredom and settling, but they vary a lot in safety, so it pays to choose well. This guide is part of our chew toy guide and our complete guide to stopping dog barking.
Quick answer: Natural dog chews are edible, single-ingredient chews that keep a dog busy and calm for a long time. The best are digestible, appropriately sized, and given with supervision. Choose ones suited to your dog’s size and chewing strength, and always watch for small end-pieces that could be swallowed.
Why natural chews work so well
A long-lasting chew taps into a deeply satisfying natural behaviour — chewing self-soothes, relieves boredom, and settles a restless dog, which means less barking and fewer chewed cushions. Because they’re edible and take a while, they’re brilliant for occupying a dog during a quiet evening or a calm settle.
Popular natural chews, and how they compare
- Bully sticks. Highly digestible and well-tolerated by most dogs — a popular long-lasting option.
- Single-ingredient animal chews (various dried natural chews). Choose reputable, clearly-labelled products.
- Harder natural chews. Longer-lasting but firmer — the firmest can risk tooth damage, so favour ones with a little give for most dogs.
- Vegetable-based chews such as sweet potato chews — a gentler option some owners prefer.
Firmness matters: if a chew is so hard you couldn’t dent it with a thumbnail, it may be tough on teeth.
Natural chew safety
- Always supervise. Natural chews are edible, so choking and swallowing of end-pieces are the main risks — stay with your dog and take away small leftover nubs.
- Match the size to your dog — bigger and longer-lasting for larger or stronger chewers.
- Introduce gradually, especially richer chews, to avoid tummy upset, and factor them into your dog’s daily calories.
- Ask your vet if your dog has a sensitive stomach, dental issues, or a tendency to gulp things.
Natural chews vs chew toys
They complement each other. Edible natural chews are best for a supervised, long-lasting busy session; reusable chew toys (see the main chew toy guide) are what to leave with a dog unsupervised. For an anxious or bored dog, rotate both — and pair with the enrichment in our calming toys guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best natural chews for dogs?
Digestible, single-ingredient chews like bully sticks are a reliable long-lasting choice for most dogs. The best one for your dog depends on size, chewing strength, and any dietary sensitivities — so match it to your individual dog.
Are natural dog chews safe?
Generally yes, with supervision — the main risks are choking on end-pieces, tooth damage from overly hard chews, and tummy upset from rich ones. Supervise, size appropriately, introduce gradually, and check with your vet if unsure.
How long should a natural chew last?
Anywhere from several minutes to an hour or more depending on the chew and your dog. For heavy chewers, pick denser, larger chews — but still remove and store any small leftover piece.
Can I leave my dog alone with a natural chew?
Better not — because they’re edible and can break into swallowable pieces, natural chews are for supervised time. For unsupervised chewing, use a chew-proof chew toy instead.
Treat natural chews like a supervised activity, not a leave-and-forget toy — that one habit prevents almost every problem they can cause.