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 time daily is a great way for a 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!
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Dog Chew Type |
Chewing Tips for Different Types of Dogs |
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Strong chewers will need your supervision 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. It helps the chew to last longer and be safer if you order a larger size for strong chewers. 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 my favorite chews for puppies. |
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Strong chewers will need supervision (as all dogs do), 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. Ordering a size larger than you normally would will help the chew 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.
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Strong chewers will require supervision 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 and specify that your dog is a strong chewer in the selection box when ordering. Picky Chewers: Choose "my dog is picky" when ordering your antler chew. Try sanding the antler chew 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 my favorite puppy "pacifiers"
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Strong chewers will need supervision so they don't chew the 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.
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| Zuke's Z-Bones Chews |
Strong chewers will need supervision so they don't swallow large pieces. Picky chewers: Most dogs will enjoy these edible chews. If your dog is hesitant you can try gouging it to release some fresh flavor. Puppies: Try giving your puppy only half a Z-Bone to start and see how it affects his or her digestion. I would only try these with puppies that don't have sensitive tummies.
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Treat Dispensing Toys![]() |
Strong chewers do best with the Squirrel Dude, Tug N Treat 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 him or her to start with and that the treats you are using are tasty. A good bet is the Linkables. 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





