Chew On This: The Healthiest Chews for Your Dog’s Teeth & Mind

Liz Harmon
Jul 8
2 min read

Dogs chew for fun, for stress relief, and—believe it or not—for their health! The right chew can clean your dog’s teeth and keep their brain buzzing. There are so many options out there, so let’s sink our teeth into the best chews for dental health and mental stimulation.

The Best Types of Chews for Teeth & Brainpower

1. Rubber Chew Toys (like KONGs)

Best for: Stuffing with peanut butter or frozen treats for long-lasting fun.
Benefits: Gentle on teeth, durable, and mentally stimulating.
Pro tip: Freeze it with wet food inside for a cooling summer treat.

2. Dental Chews (like Greenies or Whimzees)

Best for: Daily dental hygiene with a tasty twist.
Benefits: Designed to reduce plaque, promote fresh breath, and satisfy the chew instinct.
Watch for: Calories! Treat them like a snack, not a meal.

3. Raw Bones (supervised only!)

Best for: Strong chewers who need a natural option.
Benefits: Great for scraping plaque and satisfying primal instincts.
Safety tip: Always supervise, choose appropriately sized bones, and never feed cooked bones (they can splinter!).

4. Himalayan Yak Chews

Best for: Long-lasting chewing for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Benefits: Made from natural yak/cow milk, easily digestible, and low odor.
Bonus: You can microwave the last bit into a cheesy puff treat!

5. Bully Sticks

Best for: High-value reward chewing.
Benefits: Fully digestible, protein-rich, and satisfying to gnaw.
Consider: Some dogs chew through them fast—watch for swallowing large pieces.

6. Lick Mats with Soft Chews

Best for: Anxious pups or crate training.
Benefits: Encourages licking (which releases calming hormones) and makes soft treats last longer.
Pro tip: Smear with banana, plain yogurt, or pumpkin puree for variety.

Chews to Skip

Cooked bones (especially chicken or pork): They splinter easily.
Rawhide: Hard to digest and a choking hazard for many dogs.
Plastic or nylon bones: Can wear down teeth or break into sharp pieces.
Anything too hard: If you can’t press your fingernail into it, it’s likely too hard for your dog’s teeth.

Finding the Right Chew for Your Dog

Size: Chews should be appropriately sized to prevent choking.
Chewing style: Gentle nibbler or hardcore chomper?
Allergies or sensitivities: Opt for single-ingredient or hypoallergenic chews if needed.
Supervision: Always keep an eye on your dog when trying a new chew.

Chewing works like a mental workout. A 30-minute chew session can be as tiring as a walk! Try rotating chews to keep your dog’s mind challenged and their teeth sparkling. The right chew can keep your pup happy, healthy, and out of trouble. A pup with something good to chew on is a happy dog—and a cleaner, calmer one too!