What is the Healthiest Thing for a Dog to Chew?

The healthiest dog chews are natural, single-ingredient options that support your pup’s dental health, mental stimulation, and overall nutrition without any sketchy additives or artificial junk.

But here’s what most dog owners don’t realize—not all chews are created equal.

I learned this the hard way when my German Shepherd, Duke, developed digestive issues after I fed him cheap rawhide chews loaded with chemicals and preservatives I couldn’t even pronounce. It wasn’t until I switched to natural alternatives that his energy levels returned and his coat became shiny again.

Why Chewing Matters More Than You Think

Before we dive into what your dog should chew, let’s talk about why chewing is so dang important.

Dogs have been chewing since the day they were born. It’s not just about boredom or keeping their teeth clean (though that’s definitely part of it). Chewing actually:

• Reduces stress and anxiety in dogs by releasing endorphins
• Strengthens jaw muscles and promotes proper dental alignment
• Cleans teeth naturally by removing plaque and tartar buildup
• Provides mental stimulation that keeps dogs sharp and content
• Supports digestive health when made from nutrient-rich ingredients

Think of it like this: a dog without appropriate chew options is like me without my morning coffee. Sure, I can function, but I’m not going to be my best self, you know?

The Main Problem: Toxic Chews Your Dog Should Absolutely Avoid

Before I tell you what’s good, let me warn you about what’s terrible:

Rawhide Chews Are a Nightmare

I get it—rawhide chews are cheap and easy to find at every pet store. But here’s the dirty little secret they don’t want you to know: rawhide is processed with chemicals like formaldehyde, lead, and other toxic substances. Some studies have even found E. coli and salmonella contamination in commercial rawhide products.

Even worse? Rawhide is basically indigestible. When your dog swallows pieces (and they will), it can sit in their stomach or intestines for weeks, potentially causing blockages that require emergency surgery. I’ve seen vet bills for rawhide blockages exceed $5,000. Not worth it.

Other Chews to Skip

Here are other chews you should keep away from your furry friend:

• Cooked bones (they splinter and cause internal damage)
• Plastic toys (synthetic, no nutritional value)
• Nylon chews (can cause intestinal obstruction)
• Rawhide alternatives made from questionable sources
• Chews with artificial dyes or preservatives

The Healthiest Dog Chews: Nature’s Perfect Options

1. Natural Yak Cheese Chews (My Top Pick)

This is hands-down my favorite, and here’s why:

Yak cheese chews are made from pure yak and cow milk—that’s it. No weird additives, no chemicals, no mystery ingredients. When I first gave Duke a yak cheese chew, I was amazed at how engaged he became. He spent hours working on it, and I loved that it was 99% digestible, unlike rawhide.

Why they’re healthy:

• High in protein and calcium for strong bones
• Completely natural with zero artificial ingredients
• Last 2-3 times longer than rawhide chews
• The leftovers can be microwaved into a crunchy treat
• Support healthy digestion

Real talk though: They’re more expensive upfront, but they’re so cost-effective because they last so long. Plus, your vet bills will be lower because you’re avoiding blockages and digestive issues.

[Pro Tip] Start your dog on shorter chewing sessions with yak chews. Let them work up to longer periods so their jaw gets used to the texture.

2. Bully Sticks: The Protein Powerhouse

Here’s something that surprised me: bully sticks aren’t actually bull anatomy—they’re made from beef muscle. And when sourced from reputable suppliers, they’re incredibly healthy.

What I love about bully sticks:

• 100% single-ingredient (just beef)
• Super high in protein (about 87% crude protein)
• Highly digestible (up to 90%)
• Naturally promote dental health through the chewing action
• Great for weight management (low fat, high protein)

But here’s what you need to know: Not all bully sticks are created equal. You want to source yours from companies that ethically raise their cattle and avoid adding preservatives. Low-quality bully sticks can have a strong odor and questionable sourcing practices.

Want to know more about bully sticks? Check out our detailed guide on are bully sticks really good for dogs?

3. Antlers and Deer Horns: Nature’s Chew Toys

Honestly, I was skeptical about antlers at first. But after research and watching Duke absolutely demolish one (in a good way), I became a believer.

The benefits:

• Naturally shed from deer and elk (ethical sourcing)
• Extremely durable (can last for months)
• Rich in minerals like calcium and phosphorus
• No splinters like cooked bones
• Chemical-free and completely natural

However, here’s the catch: antlers can be really hard, and aggressive chewers might crack a tooth. I only recommend them for dogs with strong teeth, and I supervise the first few chewing sessions.

Age-appropriate sizing matters here: Get antlers that match your dog’s size. A toy poodle doesn’t need an elk antler, you feel me?

4. Raw Bones (With Caution)

Now, this one’s controversial, but I’m going to be honest about it.

Raw, meaty bones—like raw chicken backs or beef knuckle bones—can be incredibly healthy for dogs if you know what you’re doing. They provide:

• Natural calcium and phosphorus
• Jaw-strengthening benefits
• Digestive enzymes from the marrow
• Mental stimulation

But here’s the hard truth: Raw bones come with food safety risks for both you and your dog. There’s potential for salmonella and E. coli contamination. If you go the raw bone route, source from reputable suppliers, supervise your dog closely, and remove the bone after 15-20 minutes to prevent gulping.

Personally? I prefer the safer alternatives on this list, but I wanted to give you the full picture.

5. Natural Chews from Real Food

This one blew my mind: you can make your dog chewing options from real food ingredients.

Check out our article on are homemade dog treats healthier than your usual brand? to learn exactly how.

Some amazing natural chew options include:

• Carrots and apples (raw, under supervision)
• Sweet potato chews (dehydrated)
• Pumpkin and peanut butter frozen treats (amazing for summer)
• Turkey or chicken jerky (homemade, no salt)

The beauty here? You control every single ingredient. No mystery components, no recalls, no nasty surprises.

Quick Comparison Table: Healthiest Dog Chews

The Real Secret: Matching Chews to Your Dog’s Personality

Here’s what nobody talks about: not every dog needs the same chew.

Duke, my German Shepherd, is an aggressive chewer who needs something that lasts hours. My neighbor’s toy poodle, Bella, needs something softer that she can work through more quickly. And my uncle’s senior rescue dog, Bruno, needs something gentle that won’t hurt his aging teeth.

Understanding Your Dog’s Chewing Style

Gentle chewers work best with:

• Bully sticks
• Natural treats
• Softer yak chews

Moderate chewers thrive on:

• Standard yak cheese chews
• Bully sticks
• Deer horns

Aggressive chewers need:

• Elk antlers
• Extra-large yak chews
• Puzzle toys stuffed with treats

Pro Tips for Maximizing Chewing Benefits

1. Rotate Your Chew Options

Don’t give your dog the same chew every single day. Variety keeps them engaged and prevents boredom. I rotate Duke through yak chews, bully sticks, and antlers throughout the week.

2. Supervise Initially

Even if it’s a “safe” chew, supervise the first few sessions. You want to make sure your dog doesn’t have an allergic reaction or unexpected choking hazard.

3. Size Matters Hugely

A chew that’s too small becomes a choking hazard. A chew that’s too large might frustrate your dog. The rule of thumb? Your dog shouldn’t be able to swallow the entire chew.

4. Combine with Proper Nutrition

Chews are supplementary—not a replacement for a balanced diet. Make sure your pup is getting high-quality meals. Check out our best treats for dogs guide and our high-value dog treats options.

👉 [ACTION] If you’re struggling with your dog’s overall nutrition, consider a premium dog meal plan that works alongside healthy chews for optimal nutrition.

Don’t Forget About Mental Stimulation

Here’s something I discovered: healthy chews are just one piece of the puzzle.

Your dog also needs mental stimulation through training and enrichment activities. If Duke isn’t getting enough brain work, he’ll still find destructive ways to chew regardless of what I give him.

I’ve had incredible success with Brain Training For Dogs, which combines mental stimulation with positive reinforcement training. It completely transformed Duke’s behavior and reduced his destructive chewing by 80%.

Want to teach your dog to respect boundaries around chewing? Learn our proven method in how to teach a dog to leave it: 5 steps.

The Complete Healthy Chewing Strategy

I’ve discovered that healthy chewing isn’t just about the chew itself—it’s about the complete system.

Here’s what I recommend:

Step 1: Choose Quality Chews

• Yak cheese chews
• Natural bully sticks
• Sustainably-sourced antlers

Step 2: Ensure Proper Nutrition

• High-quality base diet
• Premium dog supplements for joint and dental health

• Nutritionally-balanced dog treats

Step 3: Mental Enrichment

• Daily training sessions
• Brain stimulation activities
• Obedience training for dogs to build impulse control

Step 4: Monitor Hydration

• Fresh water access (obviously)
• Consider a dog water fountain to encourage drinking

Step 5: Track Behavior

• Use a dog camera to monitor chewing when you’re away
• Identify problematic patterns early

The Bottom Line: Healthiest Dog Chews Checklist

✅ Single-ingredient, natural options

✅ Age and size-appropriate

✅ Properly sourced from ethical suppliers 

✅ Combined with quality nutrition 

✅ Supervised initially 

✅ Rotated for variety and engagement 

✅ Paired with mental stimulation activities

Key Takeaways

• The healthiest dog chews are natural, single-ingredient options like yak cheese, bully sticks, and ethically-sourced antlers
• Avoid rawhide and synthetic chews that contain harmful chemicals and pose choking hazards
• Healthy chewing is a system, not just about the chew itself—combine it with proper nutrition and mental stimulation
• Every dog is different, so match chews to your individual pup’s chewing style and age
• Supervision matters, especially during initial chewing sessions

Your Next Step

I know this is a lot of information, but here’s what I want you to do today:

1. Audit the chews your dog currently has. Throw out anything sketchy.
2. Choose one natural chew option to try this week—I’d start with yak cheese chews.
3. Pair it with mental stimulation—download Brain Training For Dogs or start with basic obedience training.
4. Optimize their overall diet with quality meals and nutritious treats.

Your dog will thank you with better behavior, improved health, and years of happy, healthy chewing.

That’s my commitment to you.

Final Thought

Look, at the end of the day, the healthiest thing for a dog to chew is whatever supports their physical health, mental wellbeing, and your peace of mind.

For most dogs, that’s going to be natural, single-ingredient options sourced from reputable suppliers. But the real magic happens when you combine healthy chews with proper nutrition, mental stimulation, and dedicated training.

Your dog doesn’t just want to chew—they need to chew. Give them the best options possible, and watch your relationship transform.

Ready to transform your dog’s health? Start with one healthy chew this week. I bet you’ll see a difference within days.

Have questions about which chew is right for your pup? Drop them in the comments below, and I’ll help you figure it out personally.