Dog Chews That Won’t Break Teeth : How to Choose Safe Dog Chews?
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs and it is important to ensure that your dog won’t break his teeth by choosing chews that is not safe for your pup.
Dogs are man’s best friend, but they can be a pain when it comes to chewing on things that aren’t appropriate for them.
Dog chews come in all shapes and sizes, from rawhide bones to rubber toys. Before you buy any chew, consider the following factors:
- Toxicity
- Make sure that you read the product description carefully before buying a chew. You need to know what size and shape of chew your pet needs.
- Choose a durable and safe chew that doesn’t have any harmful ingredients or chemicals in it.
- Make sure that the product has been tested by an independent lab such as ConsumerLab or independent safety experts
- Avoid purchasing from websites like Aliexpress, eBay, or Alibaba because these websites tend not to carry high quality products
An important factor to consider is how long your dog will be chewing on it before he gets bored and needs a new one.
Some chews last longer than others, so make sure you choose a chew that will last at least an hour.
Although chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, it might lead to some problems.
Some people find that the constant gnawing leads to frayed and worn out teeth, while others are afraid of the tearing sound that can be created by daily chewings.
Dog owners should know when their pet is getting into something they shouldn’t be exploring to help avoid these potential pains.
Dog Chew Safety Checklist: 3 Steps To Choose Safe Dog Chews That Won’t Break Teeth
Dogs love chewing on things, but it can be dangerous if they are chewing on things that break their teeth.
Here are three steps to help you choose safe dog chews that won’t break your dog’s teeth:
Step 1. Choose A Dog Chew That Is Appropriate For Your Dog’s Teeth.
There are many reasons why dogs chew. Some chew to relieve boredom, stress, and anxiety.
Other dogs chew because they’re teething or because they’re bored of the toys provided by their owners.
Chewing is one of the most common behaviors in dogs and it can range from a gentle kneading to a full-blown mauling. There are four types of chewers:
1) Destructive Chewers – this type of chewing is when the dog tears up something that doesn’t belong to them like your couch or your shoes
2) Non-destructive Chewers – this type of chewing is when the dog just chews on a toy or food without damaging anything else.
3) The average chewer – A lot of dogs are like this. They play with a wide variety of different toys, whether they can or not. Shopping is easy because they don’t always need one specific toy.
4) The power chewer – These dogs are discerning, so you’re less likely to find that they’re going to grow bored of a chew quickly. They are also strong and determined, so it’s tough for them to stop chewing on something.
Step 2. Identify The Type Of Chew Your Dog Needs.
Puppies and dogs need chew toys to help them relieve stress, exercise their jaws, and keep their teeth healthy.
Dogs are known for chewing on anything they can get their paws on. It is important to provide them with a variety of chew toys so that they do not break their teeth and resort to destructive chewing.
For Inhalers:
- Rubber Toys
- Stuffed Toys
- Balls
For Destroyers:
- Rubber Toys
- Edible Chews
For Nibblers:
- Rubber Chew Toys
- Stuffed Toy
- Edible Chews
- Balls
There are tons of options for dogs when picking out a type of chew or toy. You should try out all the ones with your dog and figure out which type is best.
However, just because something is recommended for your dog’s health doesn’t mean there aren’t things to watch out for. Keep reading to learn more
Step 3. Buy Quality Dog Chews That Won’t Break Their Teeth.
Every dog chews differently. And the options for toys and treats can seem endless – so it’s never too hard to find a quality product for your best friend.
Follow this simple guide to help you make sure you’re getting the best chews for your dog that doesn’t break his or her teeth!
Some considerations when choosing a chew toy for your dog: size, durability, material, shape, texture, color, sounds/smells emitted from the toy matters.
Hardness: Chew toys can sometimes be made of tough material or very hard to break into pieces.
If you know that your chew toy won’t be able to break, then it is best you get another one that will be able to. So try these other tests instead
- The thumbnail test – If a toy is too hard for your pet, it could break their teeth. In that case, you wouldn’t want them to use it. If your dog’s teeth are not weak, and the toy doesn’t seem to be breaking, this could be an indication that it’s not right for your pet.
- The ‘hammer rule – If you can’t pierce the chew with a nail, your dog probably shouldn’t be chewing on it.
- The ‘knee cap rule – One way you can test to see how hard is the chew by hitting your knee and if it hurts, that means the chew is too hard or heavy for your dog.
- Softness & Durability – You should ensure that the toy doesn’t have materials that are too soft, or poorly constructed. This will make it much easier for your dog to chew & remove pieces and swallow them.
- Coating – The chews should not be coated or treated with flavorings. Some recipe ingredients can cause digestive problems, like the coating on pig’s ears.
- Size & Shape – This toy should not be too small to choke on, nor does it need to have a shape that your dog could get it stuck in their teeth.
Pros and Cons of Different Dog Chews and Toys That Cause Teeth Breakage
There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to choosing a chew toy your dog will like.
You’ll probably want to try a few different types of toys or treats and see which ones work best for your pup.
You should choose your dog chew toys carefully, as they might have additional benefits like mental stimulation or helping keep their teeth clean.
However, it’s also true that some may be potential hazards like choking hazards or dangers of breaking your dog’s teeth when playing with them.
Watching your dog interact with new chew toys and new types of treats is a great way to prevent any ill effects while they adjust (or whenever you’re worried).
Once they’ve adjusted, the best thing is to keep an eye on them and be sure not to leave them alone with any potentially dangerous items.
If you notice any of the following, it’s time to take away your dog’s chew toy. This could be a sign that something is wrong with your pet and should be addressed by going to the vet:
- Dog has chewed on this toy and left some blood on it.
- Chewing food more slowly.
- Avoiding harder types of food.
- Not being willing to eat anything.
- The dog is not interested in playing again after chewing on the particular toy or treat.
It’s necessary to know the potential problems with any type of dog chews or treats.
Some are best for specific breeds, while some are appropriate for a larger variety of dogs.
Many people know these warnings, but many others don’t. Even if you never had an issue, these problems happen to many people.
It’s important for everyone with a dog – or who just loves dogs – to familiarize themselves with the potential issues
The following information is not meant to scare you. We hope you’ll remember these warnings so your dog can enjoy their chewing, and have a safe time doing so.
How to Make Chew Toys Last?
After so much effort in finding the safest treats and chews for your dogs’ teeth, you are eager for them to last and save you some much needed money.
Some dogs are very particular about what objects they want to play with, so if you come across a treat that your dog loves and then realizes it is no longer available, I recommend coming up with a contingency plan.
A backup location for more toys can prevent your dog from making a spectacle at home by destroying their favorite object.
- Pick a handful of chew toys and rotate them out every week. Some dogs prefer to have a favorite chew or two, so try alternating these options as well.
- For some mental enrichment for your pet, consider toys that serve different purposes for them. For example, one they enjoy carrying around or maybe chew with, one that stimulates their mind, and one to get them up & active.
- One way to make sure you’re pets don’t get bored and destructive is to offer them toys that have hidden treats inside. This keeps them mentally & physically engaged and helps keep their chewing, and wear & tear on other toys at a minimum.
- Try some interactive toys with your pet to build a bond between you and them. These toys can last longer since you are in control of how they are played with.
- Please be safe when leaving chews outside, especially in direct sunlight. With the variations in temperature and sun exposure, some rubber, plastic or nylon chews could break more easily or weaken over time.
Best Dog Chews That Won’t Break Dogs Teeth (My Top Picks)
Some dogs are notorious chewer, and they can destroy their teeth in a matter of minutes.
The best dog chews that won’t break dogs teeth are:
1. Rubber Chew Toys – KONG Classic
Rubber chew toys can be a great option for keeping your dog’s teeth healthy and happy.
They’re generally made out of soft silicone and are meant to satisfy the needs that knitted materials would not.”
Many rubber chew toys are safe for your dog’s teeth, but particularly if a dog has a lot of chewing to do on a daily basis.
KONG has been a leading brand for years. It is a classic, very well-known and recognized chew toy that many dogs are familiar with and may already have at home.
When you’re shopping for a toy for your pet, make sure to have a few guidelines in mind.
A good toy has the information printed on the packaging or website that will help guide you through the process of finding something that’s perfect for your pup.
Giving your dog a toy that is too large can lead to damage to their teeth and chewing muscles.
On the other hand, giving them one that’s too small could lead to choking and intestinal obstructions. Long-term wear can also lead to osteoarthritis.
Some rubber toys come with hollow mouthed areas to stash treats or stuff with your dog’s favorite food.
Giving your dog a frozen toy before giving it their food can provide them with some much needed mental stimulation
2. Dental Chews And Treats – Whimzees
For healthy teeth and gums, it’s important to choose a chew that will provide long-term satisfaction for your dog.
A lot of dog owners swear by dog chew toys, such as Whimzees, to help clean their dog’s teeth and freshen breath.
They last longer on average than competing brands, which is nice for the owner & the dog.
Like a normal, natural dog food, Whimzees have absolutely no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
This makes them much better for dogs with some types of allergies or intolerances and can lead to improved health.
For example, Greenies, Dentastix, Brushing Chews, VeggieDent Chews, Oravet, etc. These types of chews won’t last long or satisfy chewing needs or desires.
This is true that these chewable treats can help some of your dog’s short-term chewing needs and also work towards their dental and oral health.
Many types of chews like these can help in a number of ways to minimize or slow plaque and/or tartar buildup.
It is important to be aware that overfeeding your dog with chews can add a lot of calories to their diet. Overfeeding can lead to weight issues, so moderation is key for all pets.
Chews and treats can typically last a long time, so it’s essential to supervise your dog while he chews to find small pieces that may break his teeth by accident.
3. Rawhides – Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews
Rawhide is an option for dogs with teeth-cleaning problems that are available pretty much anywhere and costs a lot less than most dental chews.
If your dog chews the rawhide, rather than biting it off and swallowing large chunks, they might still be ok. They can also get other benefits like clean teeth and fresh breath.
Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews are made from carefully selected hides, which contain no artificial coloring.
The chews includes everything needed for safe, healthy chewing that won’t break your dog’s teeth, including calcium chews that can help strengthen your dog’s teeth.
You should also check with your veterinarian about whether you’re in need of a new prescription.
4. Bully Sticks – Odor-free bully sticks
Dog owners swear by bully sticks, which are carved from pig tendons and can be stuffed into certain interactive toys.
They help keep dogs entertained while they’re playing and sometimes can finish a single stick in minutes!
The use of bully sticks as a chew treat is becoming more and more popular. It just depends on what kind of dog they are giving to, how much you feed it and how sterile the sticks are.
You should not buy a chew toy that is too hard for your dog and could break their teeth. You can test this by pressing it with your thumbnail to see if there is any give.
To provide the best dental care for your pup, avoid hard chew materials like antlers and bones.
If your pup cannot break a chew into smaller pieces, they should be avoided. Speaking to your vet before hand is always recommended in order to reduce the risk of fracture
5. Rope Toys
Rope toys are a safe option for dogs that chew. Always observe your dog while they play with a toy.
Don’t let any part of the toy get eaten and always remove the toy when you see them pulling out or eating the rope.
If your dog eat the strands of the rope and then starts to choke, it might require an operation, and even in the case of a non-lethal situation could be fatal.
This can happen with most chews so always take time to supervise your pup when playing with chew toys.
If your dog likes tug-of-war and you’re looking to purchase a rope toy for your dog, the Bumi Zogoflex Tug Toy is much safer.
This toy is ideal for two dogs to play with. Unlike other toys that are toxic & do not degrade, this is 100% safe!
6. Stuffed Toys (Best for Inhalers or Nibblers)
There are many different methods that can keep your dog occupied, and some dogs just need to have something soft to chew on for distraction.
You might want to consider whether you can provide your pup with something valuable like a chew toy with some food inside before you give him or her a bone or other treats that would be too hard for their teeth.
When buying a stuffed toy for your dog, it’s important to be sure the quality and construction won’t hurt him.
To avoid ingesting something dangerous, make sure the cover is securely fastened and that there are no loose parts that could puncture and go inside.
This is a great rule of thumb when it comes to dog chews. Many chew toys these days have buttons, eyes, bells, ribbons, and even dangly bits that may pose a hazard for your dogs teeth.
Regardless of how much you spent on your dog’s stuffed toy, it should be taken away and either fixed or thrown out if your dog manages to start mauling it.
If your dog loves to chew, chase and play fetch, the Tuffy Dog Toys range is perfect for them.
With styles to match your canine’s personality and sizes for every type of game or moment, these toys stand up to some pretty good chewing.
7. Balls (Best for Inhalers or Nibblers)
Tennis balls are classic! For most dogs, they’re a favorite to chew on, and most owners try their best to give their dog a tennis ball to keep them entertained.
It’s important to choose the right size of pet ball for your small, medium, or larger-sized dog, as the weight and strength of that ball will depend on the size of your pet.
For small dogs, use a ball that is 1.75 inches in diameter. For medium and large dogs, use a ball that is 2.5 inches in diameter.
I prefer using rubber balls for dogs, like these Ultra Balls from Chuckit! because they don’t have the felt material that will break your dog’s teeth or interfere with their enamel.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are Bully Sticks Safe for Dogs?
Bully sticks are a popular tool for training dogs. They are made of natural materials that dogs find more interesting than treats.
Many dog owners use them as a reward for their pet’s good behavior. However, some people think that they can also cause harm to the dog’s teeth and jaw.
The truth is that bully sticks should not be used as a primary training tool because they can cause damage to the teeth and mouth of your dog.
Are Rawhides Safe for Dogs?
Rawhides are often given to dogs as a chew toy and some people believe that they are safe for dogs, while other people believe that they are dangerous.
The truth is that rawhides can be dangerous for dogs if they don’t chew them properly.
The rawhide should be chewed in small pieces and should not be swallowed whole.
If the dog swallows the whole piece of rawhide, it’s possible for it to choke on it.
Are Tennis Balls Safe for Dogs?
The truth is that it is actually quite safe for dogs to play with tennis balls. They usually don’t get choked on them.
It’s important to keep tabs on your dog’s tennis balls, to make sure they don’t become a choking hazard.
The abrasive felt on the ball can wear down the enamel of your dog’s teeth, leading to toothaches and other issues.
Dogs who carry a ball in their mouth constantly are at increased risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay.
The irritation and inflammation from repeated use can lead to arthritis in their jaw.
Are Rope Toys Safe for Dogs?
Rope toys are safe for dogs as long as they are not too abrasive or rough. It is also important to make sure that the toy is not too small for your dog to swallow and choke on it.
Some dogs may be able to chew and destroy the toy in a short amount of time, but you can prevent this by periodically checking on your dog while he plays with his new toy.
Dogs love string toys and many owners buy these for their dogs for hours of fun, but if just a small piece of string is ingested, the idea can be harmful.
If you want to reduce the risk of your pets ingesting small pieces of string and risking a blockage in their intestines, avoid giving them this toy altogether.
Conclusion:
This article is about the different types of dog chews that can be used to keep your dog’s teeth clean without breaking them.
We have listed the different types of chews that can be used to avoid breaking your dog’s teeth.
You should always make sure to supervise your pet when you are using these products.
Don’t forget that not all chew toys are created equal & your pet should only use them if they’re appropriate for their unique chewing style.
In addition to this, regular maintenance is also important to keeping your dog’s teeth healthy.
