Are you looking for the healthiest dog chews for your pets? One of the natural behaviors of dogs is chewing. Chewing allows them to exercise their jaws, clean their teeth, and explore different things in their world. However, dog parents cannot give chews and treats that will harm their dogs. Dog owners must provide their dogs with the best and cleanest dog chews.
Having dog chews for your pets can be beneficial for them. There are dental treats and other healthy treats for your dog that are available for your pet’s health. Because of so many dog chews in the market, it’s hard to choose what to buy for your pets.
You’ve come to the right place! Find the best dog chews to buy and other possible options pet owners can choose from.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
12 Healthiest Natural Chews for Dogs
Chewing has lots of benefits for dogs. It alleviates pain due to incoming teeth. Also, it helps reduce anxiety and stress levels. Moreover, as a first-time dog parent, choosing the best dog chew is tricky.
Our Best Pick:
Meanwhile, If you’re unsure, you can try the top of our list, Nylabone’s Healthy treat. This is made from real bison, thus it’s healthy and safe for dogs. Further, it comes with a variety of flavors that your dog can choose from and not get bored with.
Different healthy dog chews are full of nutrients and can help the pets’ health. Each is helpful to the diverse needs of your dog. In addition, here are the 12 healthiest natural chews to supplement their balanced diet:
1. Nylabone’s Healthy Edibles Wild Dog Treat
Nylabone Healthy Edibles Wild Dog Treats are highly digestible and nutritious treats for dogs. It has zero salts, and there are no artificial flavors or colors.
The Nylabone Healthy Treats are healthy dog chews that promote a healthy lifestyle for dogs. It is a medium dog treat that is suitable for dogs who are 35 pounds and up. The flavored dog treats have a tasty bison flavor that dogs love.
Despite the benefits of Nylabone treats, there are negative reviews that said that it causes severe diarrhea in dogs. The exotic flavors may take longer for dogs to get used to.
Pros
- It is chewable and has a real wild bison flavor.
- This is natural and highly digestible for dogs of all ages.
- It also comes with varieties of flavors and sizes.
- There are no artificial additives, preservatives, or colorings.
Cons
- It causes bloating and diarrhea in some dogs.
- The texture is a bit dry.
2. Rachael Ray’s Nutrish Soup Bones
Rachael Ray Nutrish Soup Bones are savory and long-lasting chews because of their tender and meaty center. Despite having a tender and meaty center, Rachael Ray Nutrish Soup doesn’t have meat by-products or artificial flavors.
The Rachael Ray Nutrish Soup Bones are suitable for small to large dogs. The treat consists of real chicken and natural vegetables that give that certain chicken and vegetable flavors. It is also safely cooked with the best ingredients.
According to the reviews, Rachael Ray’s Nutrish Soup Bones are very soft and small, suitable as healthy chews. However, the threat is a possible choking hazard. That’s why it is better to give the treats to medium and more enormous dogs only.
Pros
- It has barley and real beef ingredients.
- No artificial additives or preservatives are added.
- It’s also chewable and suitable for dogs of all ages.
- Safe for dogs with soy and corn allergies.
Cons
- A single piece is too large for small dogs.
- It’s not good for pets allergic to chicken.
- Ingredients are inconsistent.
3. SmartBones SmartSticks
SmartBones SmartSticks are easy-to-digest chews. It’s made from wholesome ingredients such as real peanut butter and vegetables that serve as a wrapper for the actual chicken inside.
The SmartBones SmartSticks are 5 to 25 stick-shaped chews that every dog loves. It also has the benefits of a rawhide chew without the rawhide. Because of this, SmartBones SmartSticks can help dogs to maintain healthy teeth.
It’s not the best option out there but lots of reviews have proven it to be worth the buy.
Pros
- It comes in various flavors.
- It’s also packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and supplements.
- Chewable, digestible, and doesn’t have any rawhides.
- It came from low-fat ingredients.
- This is also available in 4 sizes.
Cons
- This isn’t long-lasting.
- It causes indigestion and diarrhea in some dogs.
- Some sticks have sharp edges.
- Not suitable for small dogs.
4. Full Moon’s All-Natural Human Grade Dog Treats
The Full Moon All-Natural Human Grade Dog Treats are kitchen-crafted chicken jerky. They’re made of sliced and whole muscle chicken breast in USA farms. Each piece of this treat is slow-cooked in the oven to show the flavors that every dog loves.
These natural treats consist of healthy and wholesome recipes and human-grade, which shows how safe and healthy this is. It has high-quality ingredients such as chicken, vinegar, organic cane sugar, and rosemary extract. Even better, there are no artificial preservatives and flavors. The chock and colors are full of meat flavors.
Some Amazon reviews say that these treats cause allergic reactions. Thus, the treat is great for dogs who don’t have sensitive stomachs.
Pros
- No added preservatives, additives, artificial flavorings, or fillers.
- It’s made of homegrown real chicken with rosemary and organic cane sugar.
- Human-grade food with no added glycerin.
- It also contains amino acids essential for a healthy coat.
- Helps promote muscle and bone stamina.
Cons
- Some products arrived with molds.
- It changed texture after a month.
5. The Honest Company’s Beams Ocean Chews
The Honest Company Beams Ocean Chews are healthy and can be a natural rawhide alternative. It is easy to digest, and it has an extended chew time for dogs.
These treats are high-protein dog chews made of 100% Wolffish skins full of Omega 3s. The dog chew does not have preservatives and fillers that make them verified for the Non-GMO project verified. The recipe is also 100% human-grade ingredients and produced in a standardized and safe human food facility.
Although 79% of the reviews give a favorable rate, some have found it unsuitable for small dogs with tiny mouths. It can be a choking hazard since it is too big and long for smaller dogs. They must cut it, but it has sharp edges that can be dangerous too. So, it works best for bigger dogs.
Pros
- High in protein and omega acids for muscle and hair growth.
- This is 100% safe human-grade food for pets.
- It’s chewable and yet digestible with dehydrated Hearty Wolfish Skins.
- This is also cost-effective and flavorful.
Cons
- The product has a short shelf life.
- They’re 5 inches long and have sharp edges.
- It has a very strong smell.
6. Greenies Original Regular Natural Dental Dog Treat
The Greenies Original Regular Natural Dental Dog Treats have a unique texture that cleans the teeth and gumline of the dogs. It is also one of the healthy dog chews that fight tartar and plaque and freshen dogs’ breath. Greenies treat for dogs is also recommended by veterinarians and accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
The Greenies dog treats are consisting of natural and easy-to-digest ingredients. It is also complete with nutrients, so it is suitable for different kinds of dogs.
Many positive reviews from dog parents say that it is their dog’s favorite, and they love them. However, some said that their dog experienced diarrhea that resulted in more significant digestive problems. So, we recommend this treatment for dogs who doesn’t have sensitive stomachs.
Pros
- Helps clean and maintain healthy teeth and gums.
- This also has vitamins, nutrients, and minerals for a healthy immune system.
- It’s naturally minty and refreshing.
- This is made from highly soluble ingredients that are easy to digest.
Cons
- Some products arrived with very hard textures.
- Not suitable for dogs with allergies and stomach sensitivity.
7. Jack & Pup’s 6-inch Premium-Grade Bully Sticks
The Jack & Pup sticks are top-quality and healthy dog chews that are perfect treats for dogs. The bully sticks are inspected and handpicked to ensure that the quality, texture, and consistency are excellent. These are grass-fed, free-range cattle and are made without any added hormones or antibiotics. Thus, they are healthy treats for your dogs. The sticks are completely safe and can last for a longer time because of their thickness.
These sticks are consisting of natural, rich in protein, and low in fat. It has only one ingredient, and it makes these sticks 100% beef muscle with no additives or artificial ingredients. These sticks are also digestible, and it doesn’t cause any side effects to your dog. It also enhances your dogs’ dental health because it removes tartar buildup, removes plaque, and strengthens the gums.
Many positive reviews on Amazon say that the treats are great and long-lasting, and their dogs loved them. However, few negative reviews are saying that the sticks are affected by worms. Check it carefully before giving it to your dogs. Feel free to send a complaint to the seller or company if you encounter problems.
Pros
- This also supports healthy gums and teeth by removing tartar buildup.
- Naturally 30% thicker than most chewable dog treats.
- No added artificial additives, flavoring, and hormones.
- High in protein and yet low in fat.
- It’s made of natural beef flavor.
Cons
- Some parts can cause choking hazards.
- It has a strong smell.
8. Amazing Dog Treats’s Beef Trachea Dog Chews
It is one of their highest quality healthiest dog chews. They are protein-rich and low-fat. The sticks are a great source of Chondroitin and Glucosamine. Dog parents can use these sticks for rewards for having good behavior and as a supplement to the diet of the dogs.
The treats are easy to digest and made of natural ingredients. The treats don’t have chemicals and additives. They are from grass-fed lamb and cattle. They also promote healthy oral health because it stimulates the gums and teeth. That produces natural brain chemicals to make your dogs happy.
Many positive reviews are saying that the treats are great for molar tartar and long-lasting. On the other hand, some people said that it causes their dogs to vomit. We recommend not feeding these treats to dogs who have sensitive stomachs.
Pros
- Also helps promote healthy teeth and gums.
- High in protein and amino acids and yet low in fat.
- It’s from natural beef and lamb trachea cartilage.
- This has glucosamine and chondroitin that promote healthy joints and cartilage.
Cons
- They have a bad smell.
- This doesn’t last long because it spoils easily.
- Cause vomiting and diarrhea in some dogs.
9. Purina’s Busy Bone Tiny Dog Chew Dog Treats
Busy Bone Chews is not just an ordinary treat. Purina treats make the dogs lost in their little world because they are having fun and being active.
The treats are 100% free from rawhide, making it one of the healthiest dog chews. The center has real meat that is every dog’s favorite. It is also easy to digest, and there are no FD&C colors.
There are some positive reviews, such as it is a great dog treat for most of their dogs. However, many negative reviews say it makes their dogs vomit and put them in a dangerous state. It is recommended not to feed these treats to smaller dogs and those with a sensitive digestive systems.
Pros
- It’s made with authentic beef and doesn’t have any rawhides.
- This is easily digested with no artificial additives and flavorings.
- It also helps maintain healthy teeth and gums.
- Comes in multiple sizes that are good for small to medium-sized dogs.
Cons
- It becomes very sticky when wet with saliva.
- Causes diarrhea and stomach upset in some dogs.
10. Premium Care’s Stress & Anxiety Calming Treats
Premium Care treats are great for dogs who are stressed and have anxiety. Additionally, it relieves the dog and helps them to remain calm. It is an excellent treat with natural ingredients that promote relaxation, and it is one of the healthiest dog chews.
The treats are full of natural ingredients such as chamomile, valerian root, organic passionflower, organic ginger root, and L-Tryptophan. It became the dogs’ natural calming aid, stress-reliever. It makes them have lower anxiety in stressful situations. Likewise, it helps the dogs decrease their aggression and hyperactivity.
Most of the reviews are positive that guaranteeing that the treats are effective and keep their dog calm. The only negative review is about the packaging of the product.
Pros
- This is also cost-effective and promotes a calming experience for dogs.
- It’s made with chamomile, valerian root, and organic hemp seed.
- It provides good value for money and promotes the dog’s emotional being.
- Helps dogs cope with stressful or anxious situations.
Cons
- It has a bad scent.
- The product gave some dogs stomach aches and diarrhea.
11. Wellness Soft Puppy Bites
Wellness Soft Puppy Bites are tasty, grain-free, and soft treats for your dogs. These can be excellent rewards for training sessions and behavior training. It is the healthiest dog chew for puppies and senior dogs. The crunchy and chewy recipe will fit your dog’s taste and needs.
To add to that, the ingredient of these treats is all-natural. They are consisting of whole fruits and vegetables. There are blueberries and sweet potatoes, excellent for giving a crave-able flavor and a natural booster of antioxidants.
Some people rated the product on Amazon because it makes their dogs healthy, and they love them. However, we cannot deny that there are strong negative reviews about the treats. There might be fine pieces of glass inside the treats. So, we recommend checking the treats before feeding them to the dogs.
Pros
- It’s naturally made from lamb and salmon.
- This has lots of vitamins that support healthy brain development.
- It doesn’t have any artificial flavorings, preservatives, or flavorings.
- It’s grain-free and perfect for dogs of all ages.
Cons
- This has a very soft texture and thus gets easily crumbles.
- It causes diarrhea and vomiting in some dogs.
12. Braided Bully/Pizzle Sticks
The Braided Bully or Pizzle Sticks are 100% natural and made in the USA. They are delicious premium dog chews for all kinds of dogs.
The sticks are of superior quality that will meet the high standards of every dog parent. They are also delicious and nutritious because they’re rich in protein and low in fat. Your dogs will enjoy a healthy, safe, and easy-to-digest treat. It also helps them maintain their dogs’ dental hygiene because it can reduce the tartar in their teeth.
There is a lot of positive feedback from dog parents. But, there are some who said that the sticks are great but it’s too expensive. We also recommend finding cheaper kinds of bully sticks with the same benefits for your dogs.
Pros
- This promotes mental stimulation.
- It also comes in 6 varieties and offers both anxiety and stress relief.
- It’s rawhide-free and flavorful.
- Effectively removes tartar and promotes healthy gums.
Cons
- This is a bit expensive compared to other products.
- It smells bad and has sharp edges.
- This causes vomiting and stomach upset in some dogs.
What Are Dog Chews?
A chew toy stimulates and removes boredom in dogs. Chew toys give the dog a soothing feeling. It’s known to help small puppies relieve the pain when their adult teeth are blossoming.
Furthermore, dog chews are the dogs’ source of entertainment, and it eases their anxiety and boredom of the dogs. It also prevents the dogs from chewing other items that are not chewable. Additionally, the healthiest dog chews are beneficial for the dental health of dogs. It helps pet owners to maintain healthier teeth of their pets.
Dog owners can choose from various types of chew toys. Each kind of chew toy can cater to the different needs of various breeds of dogs. These are the following types of chew toys:
- Rawhide
- Wood
- Paper
- Mineral
- Rubber
Chew toys made of leather are not recommended for dogs. Their sensitive stomach will find it hard to digest and result from a blockage in the dog’s intestines. Dog owners must research to find out what is the best dog chews for their pets.
Benefits of Dog Chews
There are different types of dog chews, and sometimes, there are dog chews that are not suitable for your dog. The best thing to do is to learn what is the perfect healthiest dog chews for them.
Dog chews are an excellent boredom reliever, and it helps the dogs entertained. However, dog chews may also contribute to your dogs’ health in some ways that pet owners didn’t know.
So, here are the benefits of healthy dog chews to the health of our pets:
Dental Care
Chewing is one of the most natural things that dogs do. In truth, gnawing helps take care of their teeth. Bones, raw meat, and tendons are the usual things that wild dogs chew to keep their teeth healthy. However, other dental health needs can be beneficial for your dogs, such as natural dog chews and healthy dog chew toys.
Natural chews are tasty and full of flavors that every dog loves. Various types of healthy dog chew like Purina treats have different levels for the dog’s dental care. So, the best decision is to rotate through different natural chews every week. You can also add healthy dog chew toys. Moreover, this can help maintain the dog’s teeth, and it is a fun and exciting experience.
Boredom
If the dog has idle jaws, it may result in destructive behaviors. They will develop the habit of destroying furniture, digging, aggression, and poor eating habits. Having these habits will lead to an under-stimulated dog.
One of the best solutions to prevent this from happening is natural chews. Natural dog chews are an excellent way to keep the dogs occupied, safe, and satisfied. The best thing to do is choose a long-lasting dog chew that will entertain the dog while the pet owner is busy. However, it is still best to have supervision so dogs don’t swallow the dog chew.
Anxiety
One of the things that dogs develop because of destructive behavior is anxiety. Having separation anxiety is very common in dogs. Separation anxiety happens when dogs feel anxious about being separated from their owners to stay at home alone.
Healthy dog treats help the dogs to be distracted from the things that give them or trigger their anxiety. Some dogs feel fear when their owners appear like they’re leaving. This also means packing bags, putting their shoes on, or getting the house’s keys.
Moreover, natural dog chews can distract the dogs and allows them to be comfortable with the thought of being alone. It may not be the cure for their separation anxiety. Still, it helps dog parents reduce their dogs’ destructive behaviors.
Nutrition
Dog chews are not just great for dental health but also for the dogs’ overall health. There are a lot of chews that offer essential nutrients such as fat, protein, and minerals. It can be supplemental and can be good for dogs.
Even though chew does not have the same amount of nutrients needed in dogs’ balanced diet, it still useful. It provides adequate nutrition that supports the pet’s needs. Healthy dog chews are protein-rich while being low in fat that adds calories to the puppies’ diet, and builds and maintain a senior dog’s muscles. Some are also full of phosphorus and calcium that can strengthen marrows and bones.
Healthy treats for your dog don’t go beyond 10% of the dog’s diet. It’s still helpful to balance the diet and support the dog’s health.
Hip and Joint Care
When the dogs get older, they began developing joint and hip problems. Having hip and joint issues is not also inevitable for larger breeds. Pet owners can avoid leaving their dogs to suffer joint pain and immobility.
Dog parents can protect their dogs’ joints and strengthen tissues using natural chews. So, feed them natural chews rich in collagen because the natural collagen will begin to weaken or deteriorate. Eating natural dog chews that are also rich in collagen will replenish crucial connective tissues in their bodies.
Collagen may not repair joint damage. It can however prevent this from happening. Feed the dogs a natural chew with collagen every week. It will support the dogs’ joints and hips as they grow and age.
Healthiest Dog Chews: FAQ
Have more questions about Healthy dog chews toys and treats? Here are frequently asked questions from fellow dog parents.
When puppies started teething, they will also begin to chew to relieve the discomfort of blossoming new teeth. Once the teething’s gone, they will also stop chewing. However, keep the learning behavior as a habit of helping the puppy outgrow chewing.
Sometimes, dogs destroy things when they are alone because they are bored. The answer to this dilemma is to leave some healthy dog chews or toys and treats to keep them busy and entertained.
Their focus will be on the toys, and they will not destroy the furniture and other things when they are left alone.
There are no healthy dog chews or toys that are indestructible. Most of the time, there will be missing pieces that can be swallowed or harm the dog.
So, replace the non-edible chew when it becomes too small. Also, check if the knuckle ends do not precisely match with the whole toy.
Other than brushing their teeth, using dental chews can help to maintain and improve their dental health. Dogs are like humans who gain plaque and bacteria in their mouths that can lead to having tartar.
If left untreated, it can result into having periodontal disease, inflamed gums, and infection.
The herbs and ingredients in dental chews can neutralize bad breath to some dogs, but it is not proven adequate to all dogs.
One of the most well-known healthy dog chews is bully sticks. It is perfect for all kinds of dogs, regardless of breed, size, and age. The bully sticks are tough that they will last longer, unlike the other dog chews.
On the other hand, it is not that tough for young puppies. It can be softened and break them down by a puppy.
Dog chews are one of the essential things for every fur parent and their pets. The purpose of dog chews is to help them keep themselves busy. It is also used as a reliever when the puppies started teething. Different dog chews can be dental treats as well. In this blog, we shared 12 natural dog chews for various types of pets. It is a better idea to conduct your research and ask experts for the best dog bones and chews that are perfect for them.
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FYI: The company’s name is The Honest Kitchen. The Honest Company is Jessica Alba’s soap business