It’s a natural instinct for dogs to chew, so it’s not surprising that they might chew on your shoes when given the chance (if you haven’t trained them not to). Dog owners often tide over the habit with different types of chew toys, including bones. However, not all bones are created equal, and some are not safe for dogs. Some bones are downright dangerous for dogs. Dog bones come in a variety of options, from all-natural to nylon. But, which chews are safe? Here are some of the best, and the worst, types of bones to give your dog:

Relatively Safe Bones to Give Your Dog

Chew toys can provide a positive outlet for your dog and can help keep dogs from chewing on your furniture or other items they shouldn’t. But, it’s important to pick the right types of chews for your dog.

All chews carry a choking risk, but provided your dog has relatively safe chews and chew time is supervised, you can reduce the risk of your dog choking. Dog chews can fall into two categories: edible and non-edible. These are relatively safe options to give your dog:

Edible Chews

Edible chews do not last as long as non-edible chew toys, but they are designed for your dog to be able to ingest and eat them. This often makes them high-value treats for dogs. And, these are often helpful in supporting other good dental care efforts. Edible chew options that are safe for dogs include:

• Nylabone edible chews
• Edible dental chews
• Bully Sticks
• Yak Cheese Chews
• Sweet potato chews
• Beef trachea
• Backstrap chews
• Other tendon chews
• Air-dried organ meats
• Collagen chews
• Dehydrated fish skins

Be Cautious With Pig Ears

Properly processed pig ears are a popular chew option for dogs, but you do need to be cautious with them. They can be a good option for light chewers and some small dogs because they are less likely to break off big pieces that they could choke on.

Heavy chewers and large dogs could still have these, but the risk of choking is higher because they can break off those bigger pieces. For a lot of larger dogs and heavier chewers, it’s better to go with a different type of dog chew.

It depends on individual dogs, their chewing habits, their stomach sensitivity, and the quality of the product. Aside from the choking risk, pig ears are often coated and have a high fat content, and this can cause upset stomachs in some dogs.

Non-Edible Chews

Although these chews and bones are not safe for your dog to eat, they are relatively safe for them to chew on. Just make sure you are monitoring your dog’s chew time to make sure they are not chewing off and ingesting pieces, and that you are throwing out chews that are cracking or becoming a choking risk. Here are some non-edible chews to consider for your dog:

• Antlers
• Horns
• Nylon bones
• Rubber bones
• Chew toys that provide treats

Antlers or Horns

When it comes to durable chews, antlers or horns can be good options and are relatively safe for dogs to chew on, provided they are monitored while they do it. Often, antlers and horns are long-lasting chew options. You also want to be aware of your dog and their chewing style; some dogs have broken teeth on antlers and horns, which can be a risk that is worth considering.

It’s also important to note that antlers and horns are not edible. So, as with other non-edible chews and bones, supervise your dog and make sure they are not breaking off pieces or eating things they shouldn’t. Also, monitor for signs of splintering and take it away from your dog if you see or hear signs of it breaking or splintering.

Nylon Bones

Nylon bones come in all different shapes and sizes and are generally extremely sturdy. They hold up against vigorous chewing, but only when the appropriate types are used. For example, never give an adult dog a Nylon bone meant for puppies – it may shatter.

These are classified as non-edible dog bones, and their materials aren’t intended for consumption. So, if they shatter and a dog does consume them, then they must be taken to the veterinarian immediately. In some instances, the pieces will pass through, but surgery may become necessary in others.

Rubber Bones

Also classified as non-edible dog bones, rubber bones are another sturdy chew product. Dogs can spend hours gnawing on a rubber bone without any signs of wear. Only the most aggressive chewers can break off pieces of these.

If that is the case and the pieces are consumed, they must be taken to the veterinarian immediately. Aside from that, and containing trace amounts of BPA, rubber bones are mostly safe for dogs.

Chew Toys That Provide Treats

There are also chew toys that are designed to be treat-dispensing. In this case, the chew toy itself is not edible, but the treats it includes are. These toys are usually made of a durable rubber that can withstand chewing while the dog works to get the treats out of it.

Often, they have pockets or places to stuff food, like peanut butter. Kong stuffable dog toys are popular options for chew toys that provide treats. Just make sure you are cleaning dog toys properly between uses.

4 Bones You Should Not Give Your Dog

The following bones just aren’t safe enough to give to dogs. Whatever pros these bones might have are heavily outweighed by their cons. Here are some bones you should not give your dog:

1. Poultry bones
2. Animal bones that are advertised as “bone treats”
3. Rawhide bones
4. Hooves

1. Don’t Give Your Dog Poultry Bones

Poultry bones are dangerous for dogs and you want to know what to do if your dog eats chicken bones in case they get into them. Poultry bones tend to be more brittle and prone to splintering and breaking, which is dangerous for your dog.

Uncooked, they tend to carry salmonella and other disease risks. Cooked poultry bones become even more brittle and easily splintered, which only increases the risk of damage and injury to your dog if they eat them.

2. Beware of Animal Bones Advertised as “Bone Treats”

As the oldest and most ubiquitous of the dog bones, any list would be remiss to skip animal bones. Most dog owners know to stay far away from poultry bones, but what about pork and beef? They’re the genuine article, right? It depends.

Some people toss them to their pooch after cooking, which increases the risk of splintering, while others buy them commercially and pre-seasoned. However, there is a large difference between the “bone treats” you see in the store and uncooked butcher-type bones. No matter how they’re prepared, animal bones that are advertised as “bone treats” in the store often carry big risks and consequences for your dog.

Cases have cropped up about dogs having difficulty with chewing these so-called “bone treats” safely. Some dogs suffered from cuts in their mouth after bones splintered or shattered. Others swallowed shards of their bone while chewing – and ended up with pieces in their throats, stomachs, or intestines. They’ve needed surgery for removal, and some dogs have even died as a result.

Many animal bones aren’t meant to be edible or safe for dogs and should be avoided. Anything specifically advertised for sale as a “bone treat” should be treated with caution. It’s also important to monitor your dog whenever they have a chew or a bone to ensure they remain safe and healthy.

3. Avoid Rawhide Bones

In the past, many dog owners migrated to giving their dogs rawhide bones as an alternative to real bones. Unfortunately, this option is also dangerous. Aside from being coated with ingredients like formaldehyde, arsenic, and bleach, rawhide bones present a choking hazard.

Dogs aggressively chew these bones, and when hunks rip off, dogs will often eat them. Sometimes, the ripped pieces are too large for a dog’s throat, and they will choke. Or, because the material doesn’t dissolve quickly and becomes like a gooey paste the more dogs chew on it, it can remain in the digestive tract and may cause a blockage. These blockages can result in emergency surgery or even death.

Although these are technically edible, they are not easily digestible and often come with a slew of issues and risky consequences. With so many better chew options available, it’s best to avoid rawhide and go with something your dog will enjoy that doesn’t endanger them like rawhide does.

4. Be Careful With Hooves

Often grouped in with antlers and horns, hooves often pop up as a non-edible chew option for dogs. However, they are known for splintering into large shards, which quickly become dangerous for your dog. There are so many other chew options for your dog that are better for them and carry less risk.

6 Tips For Choosing Good Chews For Your Dog

Knowing what bones are, and are not, safe for your dog is a good start, but how do you pick chews and chew toys that are right for your dog? There are a few things to consider overall and specific to your dog. Here are some tips for choosing good chews and chew toys for your dog:

1. Match your dog’s age.
2. Consider your dog’s size.
3. Take chewing style and strength into account.
4. Check the ingredients.
5. Be aware of allergies or sensitivities.
6. Ask your vet for recommendations.

1. Match Your Dog’s Age

As you are considering bones, chews, and chew toys for your dog, make sure you are matching their age. The appropriate chews for puppies and for adult dogs will be different. Giving a puppy a chew designed for adults can damage and even break their teeth. Puppy teething toys or chews are designed to be softer and may no longer be appropriate for a puppy that has finished teething, as their adult teeth are strong enough to tear off chunks.

Similarly, giving an adult dog a chew meant for puppies, especially teething puppies, increases the risk of choking. They can easily break and tear a chew into small pieces and injure their mouth, choke on them, or end up with intestinal blockages and damage. It’s important to check any chews you’re considering to make sure they are a good match for your dog’s age and their teeth. This will help you choose the right chews for your dog, which will also reduce the risk of choking and of broken or damaged teeth.

2. Consider Your Dog’s Size

Another important consideration when choosing appropriate chews for dogs is their size. Large dogs shouldn’t have chew toys designed for small dogs, and small dogs should not have chew toys designed specifically for large dogs.

Beyond which dogs chews are specifically designed for, also take into account the individual characteristics of your dog. What size are they? How big are their mouths? The right chews should be large enough to prevent choking, but not so large that your dog is unable to deal with them or hurt their jaws trying to chew on them or carry them around.

3. Take Chewing Style and Strength Into Account

Your dog’s chewing style will also affect what chews are best-suited to them. Some dogs are more aggressive power chewers, some are gentle nibblers, and others sit somewhere in the middle.

Aggressive Chewers

Strong, aggressive chewers are power chewers. These are dogs that love to chew, tend to chew a lot, and tend to really dig in, tear into, and chew on what they are given with the intent to destroy it. These dogs will need tougher, more durable chews that can withstand their chewing style and slow them down. Softer chews won’t last long with an aggressive chewer and can pose an increased choking risk.

Average Chewers

Average chewers sit in the middle. For a lot of dogs, they’ll play with just about anything. They may destroy some toys with more aggressive chewing, like plush toys or fabric toys, and then take a more relaxed approach with chews and chew toys. Although they can destroy chew toys eventually, they tend to be slower and more methodical about wearing them down over time.

Gentle Chewers

Gentle chewers are dogs that enjoy chewing every now and then, will chew sometimes, but not all of the time, and tend to be gentler and more leisurely about their chewing time. They are more prone to nibble and chew slowly than to go in intensely with the intent to show that chew who’s boss.

You still want to consider durability when choosing chews for a gentle chewer, but slightly softer chews may be a better option for these dogs, provided they are still age-appropriate and are not too soft for the dog that will be chewing on them. Senior dogs, especially those that might have arthritis in their jaws, will also be gentle chewers that require softer chews.

Beware of “Inhalers”

Whatever your dog’s chew style, beware of dogs who are “inhalers”. These are dogs that immediately hoover and eat anything they can get a hold of. They also tend to try to swallow those things. If your dog is a “gulper” who tries to immediately eat and swallow anything they can get in their mouths, you will need to be extra careful about which chews you give them, if you give them chews at all.

They will need to be edible and tough enough to withstand their chewing style, while also being soft enough to be eaten in small pieces that won’t pose a choking risk. Don’t be afraid to ask your vet for guidance on what might be best for your enthusiastic dog. If your dog seems to compulsively eat things they shouldn’t, and you haven’t ruled it out already, let your vet know about the behavior and talk to them about pica in dogs.

4. Check the Ingredients

Even if you have a dog bone or chew that is supposed to be safe for dogs, you still need to make sure you are evaluating specific types and brands. Unfortunately, a lot can be hidden behind fun packaging and marketing speak, and there can be things that you don’t want your dog to have hidden in the label.

Just like when you are trying to choose the best dog food for your dog, take the time to carefully look over the label and ingredients of a specific chew. If chews are meant to be edible and from natural sources, look for simple, clear labels with simple ingredients that avoid unnecessary fillers. If you’re exploring non-edible chews, check the ingredient label for anything that might harm your dog or upset their stomach.

5. Be Aware of Allergies or Sensitivities

Some dogs have allergies, and others have more sensitive stomachs. As you’re looking for chews that are right for your dog, you’ll need to take these into account. If you know what allergies your dog has, checking the label and ingredients can help you avoid chews that might cause an allergic reaction.

If your dog has a more sensitive stomach, it may be a little trial and error at first, but eventually, you’ll start to be able to figure out what to avoid. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, usually, the fewer extra fillers and unnecessary ingredients, the better. Your vet can also help you navigate some good options specific to your dog’s needs.

6. Ask Your Vet For Recommendations

A useful tip for choosing the right chews for your dog is to ask your vet for recommendations. Your vet can be a great resource for you, even if there aren’t extra considerations to navigate, like allergies or sensitivities. If you’re not sure where to start, they can give you some direction and a few options that will be safe for your dog to try.

Supervise Your Dog For Safer Chewing Sessions

There are many reasons why dogs chew, and several benefits for dogs when they do it, provided they are chewing on the right things. Keep an eye, or ear, on your dog while they are chewing. If you see or hear anything out of the ordinary, you’ll know if something isn’t quite right. Dogs can ferociously bite their toys, so it’s not surprising that some bones and chew toys can’t stand the test of time – or teeth.