Natural chews are dried parts of the animal itself, such as tripe, ears, tendons, trachea or beef scalp, plus antlers, yak cheese and chew wood. There is no dough, filling or biscuit around them: what is on the pack is what your dog gets. You will find them all here, from soft training bites to chews that keep a dog busy for an afternoon.
From soft to hard
- Soft and quickly eaten: lung, liver, tripe and freeze-dried chicken or duck breast. Light and airy, handy as a reward or for small dogs and puppies already on solid food.
- Medium: rabbit, pig and cow ears, chicken and duck necks, trachea and beef scalp. They are tough, but your dog finishes them in one session.
- Long-lasting: bully sticks, buffalo tails, deer legs, horse bones and veal hooves. Good for dogs that love a long gnaw.
- Very hard: antlers, yak cheese, horn tips and chew wood made from olive or coffee wood. These last a long time, but are not suitable for every dog (see below).
How to choose
Choose a chew that is bigger than your dog's mouth so it cannot be swallowed whole, and take away a smaller piece as soon as it reaches a swallowable size. Ears with fur and scalp with hair have a rougher texture; without fur they are slightly softer. Mind the smell as well: tripe and trachea smell strong, antlers and yak cheese barely at all. A dog with a sensitive stomach starts with one type at a time, so you can see what suits him.
Safe chewing
Always give a chew under supervision and put fresh water next to it. Dried animal parts can be rich and nutritious: count them in what your dog eats that day. With hard chews such as antlers and yak cheese, an eager chewer can damage a tooth. If you are unsure about your dog's teeth, ask your vet which hardness suits. Never give cooked bones from your own meals; they can splinter.
More treats can be found under dog treats and training treats. For long chewing without food there are chew toys. Do you have a cat too? Take a look at natural cat treats. Everything in one place: everything for your dog.
Frequently asked questions
What is a natural dog chew?
A dried part of an animal, such as an ear, tendon or trachea, or a natural product such as antler or yak cheese. There is no dough or filling around it.
Which chew is suitable for a puppy?
Start with soft chews such as lung or rabbit ears without fur, in a size bigger than the mouth. Antlers and yak cheese are often too hard for puppy teeth.
How often can my dog have a chew?
That depends on the size of your dog and of the chew. Count chews in the daily ration and feed a little less on a day with a large chew.
Are antlers safe for dogs?
Antler is very hard. It can work for gentle chewers, but dogs that bite hard can damage a tooth on it. Give it under supervision and, if in doubt, talk to your vet.