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What's a Dog to Chew? Dog Chew Toy Tips for Different Types of Dogs


By Jess Rollins
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Want the best chew for your power chewer or picky chewer? Spending some chewing time daily is a great way for your dog to get a little exercise, enjoyment and improve their dental health. I've written up some tips to help you choose the best chew for your dog or puppy. My tips here are geared towards the hard-to-buy for dogs. The "regular" dog can choose just about any of our toys and enjoy them safely. Please comment and let us know what has worked best for your dog!

Dog Chew Type

Chewing Tips for Different Types of Dogs

Bully Sticks
Bull penises that have been rinsed and dried.

Bully Stick Dog Chew

Strong chewers: will need your supervision with Bully Sticks (one of our most popular items), so they don't eat too much of the chew or swallow large pieces. Trade your dog for a treat when you want to take it back. The chew will last longer and be safer if you order a larger size for strong chewers. Unfortunately though, bully sticks may not last very long with a strong chewer.

Picky chewers: will prefer the regular bullies as opposed to the "low odor" and may like the bully stick soaked first. Make sure that you don't get a 12" bully for a small dog as a picky dog may just not be motivated to work harder at it.

Puppies: should be supervised and not allowed to eat more than 2" at a time. Bully sticks are one of our favorite chews to recommend for puppies.

Himalayan Dog Chew
A very hard cheese chew.

Himalayan Dog Chew

Strong chewers: will need supervision (as all dogs do), so they don't eat too much of the chew or swallow large pieces of the Himalayan chew. Trade your dog for a treat when you want to take it back. Ordering a size larger than you normally would will help the chew to last longer.

Picky chewers: Most picky dogs are fans of the Himalayan chews, but if not you can try soaking it or scratching it a bit to release some fresh flavor.

Puppies: should be supervised and not allowed to eat more than 1" at a time and then monitored to see how digestion goes.

Antler Chews
Deer antlers that are cut up.

Antler Chew

Strong chewers: will require supervision with Antlers so they don't eat too much of the chew or swallow large pieces. Trade your dog for a treat when you want to take it back. Order a larger size for strong chewers. These are our biggest sellers and a big hit with owners of dogs who love to chew!

Picky Chewers: Try sanding the antler chew, rubbing it with peanut butter or soaking it in water if your dog is not interested in it.

Puppies: should be supervised and not allowed to eat more than 1" at a time. Most puppies digest antler just fine and antlers are one of our favorite puppy "pacifiers".

Rubber Toys
Rubber dog chews such as the Kong brand.

Kong Chew Dog Treat Dispensing Toy

Strong chewers: will need supervision so they don't chew the hard rubber Kong into pieces. Trade your dog for a treat when you want to take it back. Order a larger size for strong chewers and choose the black or blue Kong. If you see your dog trying to break the toy interrupt with "eh eh!" and than praise for chewing without destroying the toy. Click for more on teaching your dog not to destroy toys.

Picky chewers: Kongs are great for these guys because you can put a smear of peanut butter inside or a piece of chicken wedged in that they have to work on for awhile.

Puppies: Kong's are a puppy raising staple! You can put your puppy's daily food in several Kongs, freeze and give them to your puppy to entertain him or her.

Busy Buddy Squeak ‘n Treat toys
Booya treat dispenser

Strong chewers: It contains soft rubber prongs which make it take longer for your dog to remove small dry treats and a squeaker!

Picky Chewers: As your dog plays, treats (or his kibble/ dry food) randomly fall out.

Puppies: This is suitable for puppies. The soft prongs can be trimmed to allow the treats to come out easier.

Treat Dispensing Toys
Put your dog's daily food in these toys and keep him busy and out of trouble.
Treat Dispensing Toys

Strong chewers: do best with the Squirrel Dude, Booya, and Treat Stik. Those toys are all very durable. If you see your dog trying to break the toy interrupt with "eh eh!" and than praise for chewing without destroying the toy. Click for more on teaching your dog not to destroy toys.

Picky chewers: will enjoy treat dispensing toys as long as you make sure it is easy for your dog to start with and that the treats you are using are tasty.

Puppies: will also enjoy the treat dispensing, puzzle toys as long as you help them figure out how to use them. Start with treats that fall out easily and show your puppy how to get the treats out.

Related articles:
All About Antler Dog Chews from Pet Expertise
Dog Chew Comparison - Choosing the Best Chew Toys for Your Dog

Jess Rollins

The Author:

Jess Rollins

Jess Rollins and Pet Expertise's Mission is to Help You to Maximize Your Dog's Potential!

We've all had the experience of walking into a large store and being confused by the huge selection, perhaps wanting someone with the background knowledge who can help us make a wise choice. The Pet Expertise Experts personally select and test the items available for purchase on the site to find those that are as safe and effective as possible. The right products can make a big difference!...Read More

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