If You're Going to Give Your Dog Chews, Only Give Them These Safe Ones—According to Vets
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Dogs love to chew. And, while it’s not ideal when they chew your favorite pair of shoes—or your sofa—the habit is actually essential to their mental health, as it’s a form of stress release, exercise, and a very satisfying activity (aka, it provides a dopamine release). Chewing also supports dental hygiene and can help keep teeth clean by removing plaque and tartar buildup. But not all bones and treats are considered safe chews for dogs.
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To find the best safe dog bones for chewing, we tapped veterinary experts for their insights on everything from yak chews to rawhides and more. See what they had to say, plus their top picks for the best safe chews for dogs, ahead.
Safe Chews for Dogs, at a Glance
Best Overall: Himalayan Dog Chew For Dogs, $11
Best Stick Alternative: Nylabone Gourmet Style Strong Stick Peanut Butter Chew Dog Toy, $8
Best Yak Chews: Barkworthies Smoked Large Yak Cheese Dog Treats, $17
Best Collagen Stick: Barkworthies Beef Collagen Sticks for Dogs, $22
Best Braided Chews: Good Lovin’ 5″ 95% Collagen Beef Braid Dog Chews, $20
Best Fish Flavored Chew: Earth Animal No-Hide Stix Salmon Recipe Natural Long-Lasting Rawhide Alternative Dog & Cat Chews, $31
Best Rawhide Alternative: Earth Animal No-Hide Rolls Chicken Recipe Large Natural Long-Lasting Rawhide Alternative Dog Chews, $56
Best Beef Flavored Chew: Good Lovin’ 95% Collagen Ring Dog Treats, $20
Best Sweet Potato Chew: Petaluma Sweet Potato Jerky, $20
Best Roll: Amazing Dog Treats 10-inch Mega Thick Beef Cheek Roll Dog Treats, $22
Best Chew Sticks: Bones & Chews 9-10” Beef Tripe Twist Dog Treats, $32
Best Pig Ear: Bones & Chews Made in USA Pig Ear Chews Dog Treats, $20
Best Beef Tendon Chew: Bones & Chews Beef Tendons Dog Treats, $22
Best Beed Trachea Dog Chew: Best Bully Sticks Beef Trachea Dog Treats, $39
Are Yak Chews Safe for Dogs?
Yak chews are hard chew sticks made from a blend of yak and cow cheese. According to Dr. Whitney Miller, DVM, MBA, DACVPM, the chief veterinarian at Petco, these popular bones aren’t just safe dog bones for chewing, they’re also grain-free, gluten-free, and naturally free from preservatives and other additives. “Yak chews can be a great alternative to other more risky chewing options, offering a way to satisfy dogs’ chewing urges without danger to their gums or teeth,” Dr. Miller explains.
With that said, if your dog has a dairy sensitivity or allergy, it’s best to avoid these dog chews so as not to cause an upset stomach or allergic reaction. For a yak chew alternative, Dr. Miller recommends other options such as collagen sticks (like the Barkworthies Beef Collagen Sticks for Dogs) or even rubber chew toys.
It’s also worth considering the overall chew size and ensuring they’re appropriate for your dog’s mouth size. “Chews that are too big, too small, or break into small pieces could pose a choking risk,” Dr. Miller notes. She also recommends always monitoring your dog while they chew—regardless of the type of dog chew—to ensure they don’t accidentally swallow large portions.
Is It Safe for Dogs to Chew on Sticks?
Natural sticks picked up on a walk or while playing in the backyard are not safe for dogs to chew on, says Dr. Miller. “Chewing on sticks releases splinters that can embed in a dog’s mouth, creating a risk of pain and serious infections,” she explains. “Dogs may also accidentally swallow splinters or entire pieces of sticks that can cause intestinal pain, discomfort, or even blockages in severe cases,” she adds.
Chewing on natural sticks doesn’t just pose a threat to gums; it can also impact the overall health of teeth. “Long-term chewing can wear down the teeth’s inner pulp cavity, becoming exposed and causing pain,” says Athena Angela Gaffud, DVM.
It’s generally safe for dogs to chase after sticks and even carry them around, but Dr. Miller says pet parents should try to limit how much their dogs chew on sticks. “If your dog loves to pick up sticks on walks, consider bringing a higher reward toy or treat to encourage them to make a swap,” she advises. For a tree branch alternative, Dr. Miller recommends the Nylabone Gourmet Style Strong Stick Peanut Butter Chew Dog Toy, which has a similar look and feel to a stick without the potential problems.
Are Collagen Chews Safe for Dogs?
Collagen chews are made from beef skin—which dogs can easily digest—and are popular for their health benefits, including supporting joint, skin, and dental health. While these types of dog chews are generally safe for dogs, Dr. Miller says to monitor for any sharp chunks or pieces that are too big to swallow and cause potential harm. And, since they are made from beef, if your dog has any sensitivity to food and treats containing beef, it’s worth avoiding these safe chews for dogs and choosing something else.
Ahead, we share veterinarian-recommended safe chews for dogs.
BEST OVERALL
Himalayan Dog Chew Original
Yak cheese dog chews come highly recommended by both Dr. Miller and Dr. Gaffud. The Himalayan Dog Chew comes in three different sizes—small, medium, and large—and several flavors, including the original cheese flavor, plus bacon and peanut butter. These safe chews for dogs are made from 100 percent natural and limited ingredients (the cheese flavor is only made from cheese), so you don’t have to worry about a bunch of additives. Plus, they’re grain-free and gluten-free, making them a great option for those pups with sensitivities.
Flavors: Cheese, bacon, peanut butter
Quantity: 1
BEST STICK ALTERNATIVE
Nylabone Gourmet Style Strong Stick Peanut Butter Chew Dog Toy
If your dog loves to chew on natural sticks and you’re searching for the best stick alternative to keep their mouth safe, Dr. Miller recommends the Nylabone Gourmet Style Strong Stick, which has a peanut butter flavor. This option features a design inspired by natural tree sticks (complete with a bark-like texture) and is ultra-durable, making it an excellent choice for strong chewers. In addition to satisfying dogs’ chewing needs, the Nylabone stick also helps clean dogs’ teeth by reducing plaque and tartar buildup.
Flavors: Peanut butter
Quantity: 1
BEST YAK CHEWS
Barkworthies USA Hickory Smoked Yak Cheese Large 2-Pack
In addition to the Himalayan Dog Chew For Dogs, Dr. Miller also recommends the Barkworthies Smoked Large Yak Cheese Dog Treats. These safe dog chew bones are made from a blend of yak and cow milk, lime juice, and salt and are smoked with real hickory to up the ante on flavor (and reduce natural odor). The limited-ingredient dog chew is safe for all life stages and is especially great for those heavy chewers who need something safe and effective to munch on.
Flavors: Cheese
Quantity: 2
BEST COLLAGEN STICK
Barkworthies Plain Collagen Stick Dog Treats, 6-Inch, 8-Count
Collagen chews can support joint, skin, and dental health in dogs, making them a great option for chewers. These also happen to be safe chews for dogs, so you can rest assured knowing your pup has a tasty snack that won’t cause harm. Dr. Miller recommends the Barkworthies Beef Collagen Sticks for Dogs, which are made from beef collagen, beef, and vegetable glycerin and come in a pack of three for under $10. Despite their beefy flavor, the sticks are also nearly odor-free, so you don’t have to worry about stinky bones.
Flavors: Beef
Quantity: 3
BEST BRAIDED CHEW
Good Lovin' 5" 95% Collagen Beef Braid Dog Chews, 1.68 oz., Count of 3
For dogs who prefer a braided texture, Dr. Miller says to consider the Good Lovin’ 5″ 95% Collagen Beef Braid Dog Chews. These safe chews for dogs are made from three ingredients—just beef collagen, beef, and vegetable glycerin—and come in a pack of three for under $20. They’re designed to not only give your dog something tasty to chew on but also to clean their teeth, thanks to their braided texture. And, since they’re naturally high in collagen, these beef chews also support dental health (plus joint and skin health) over time.
Flavors: Beef
Quantity: 3
BEST FISH-FLAVORED CHEW
Earth Animal No Hide Stix Salmon Flavored Natural Rawhide Free Dog Chews (3 Pack)
Dogs who love fish-flavored treats will go wild for the Earth Animal No-Hide Stix in the salmon recipe, which Dr. Miller also recommends as a safe dog chew bone. Made for both dogs and cats, these rawhide alternatives come in a pack of 10 and are made from a blend of brown rice flour, agar agar, eggs, olive oil, banana powder, pineapple stem, and—of course—salmon. They’re also easy to digest and an excellent, long-lasting treat for dogs to snack on.
Flavors: Salmon
Quantity: 10
Earth Animal No Hide Medium Chicken Flavored Natural Rawhide Free Dog Chews (3 Pack)
If your dog loves to chew on rawhide but you want something that is safer and better on their tummy, Dr. Miller also recommends the Earth Animal No-Hide Rolls in the chicken recipe. These long-lasting rawhide alternatives come in a pack of two and are made from delicious natural ingredients, including brown rice flower, agar agar, eggs, olive oil, banana powder, pineapple stem, and chicken.
Flavors: Chicken
Quantity: 2
BEST BEEF-FLAVORED CHEW
Good Lovin' 95% Collagen Beef Ring Dog Chews, 2.73 oz., Count of 3
Our top pick for the best beef-flavored chew is the Good Lovin’ 95% Collagen Ring Dog Treats, which Dr. Miller recommends as a safe dog chew. This ring is low in fat, high in protein, and designed for moderate chewers. It’s made from just two natural ingredients, including beef and beef skin, and is highly digestible, making it a safe option for the stomach as well as the teeth. And, since it features high collagen contents, it’s an excellent choice for joint, skin, and dental health, too.
Flavors: Beef
Quantity: 1
BEST SWEET POTATO CHEW
Petaluma Sweet Potato Dog Treats
If your dog prefers treats over bones, Dr. Gaffud recommends giving them some sweet potato jerky, which is a little more durable than your average treat and encourages safe chewing. Our top pick for this category is the Petaluma Sweet Potato Jerky, which comes in a 12 oz. bag and features 100 percent dried organic sweet potato slices. In addition to providing dogs with a safe chew, these sweet potato jerky pieces are packed with lots of amazing nutrients, including beta-carotene, fiber, and minerals to support health.
Flavors: Sweet potato
Size: 12 oz.
BEST ROLL
Amazing Dog Treats 10-inch Mega Thick Beef Cheek Roll Dog Treats
$22 $30 27% off
Dr. Gaffud also says beef cheek rolls, such as the Amazing Dog Treats 10-inch Mega Thick Beef Cheem Rolls, are safe chews for dogs. These dog chews come in a pack of three and are made from 100 percent beef cheek. They have a rawhide-like consistency, too, making them an excellent alternative for dogs who love these types of bones. Plus, they naturally contain beneficial vitamins and minerals (including vitamins B and C and iron) to support immune health.
Flavors: Rawhide
Quantity: 3
BEST CHEW STICKS
Bones & Chews 9-10” Beef Tripe Twist Dog Treats
Beef tripe chews, such as the Bones & Chews 9-10” Beef Tripe Twist Dog Treats, are also safe chews for dogs, according to Dr. Gaffud. These bones are also an excellent option for dogs who love to chew on sticks as they offer similar texture and satisfaction. Made from 100 percent beef tripe, these chews come in a pack of 9-10 chews that are easy to digest, plus grain, gluten, corn, soy, and wheat free. The chews also have a texture that helps remove plaque buildup and clean teeth through chewing motions without causing damage to the gums.
Flavors: Beef
Quantity: 9-10
BEST PIG EAR
Bones & Chews Made in USA Pig Ear Chews Dog Treats
Pig ears are a great choice for several reasons. For one, Dr. Gaffud says they’re safe for dogs to chew. Additionally, these dog chews are budget-friendly (you can get a pack of 10 for around $20), single-ingredient treats that can satisfy a dog’s desire to chew while also helping to keep teeth clean. They’re also rich in protein, naturally grain-free, and highly digestible, making them a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs, too.
Flavors: Pig ear
Quantity: 10
BEST BEEF TENDON CHEW
Bones & Chews Beef Tendons Dog Treats
Dr. Gaffud also recommends giving dogs beef tendon chews as these are safe for them to chew on and also high in protein and low in fat, making them a healthy snack option. These ones from Bones & Chews are made from 100 percent natural beef tendons and are an excellent rawhide alternative thanks to their flavor, texture, and chewable nature.
Flavors: Beef
Size: 16 oz.
BEST BEEF TRACHEA CHEWS
Best Bully Sticks Beef Trachea Dog Treats
Beef trachea is also considered a safe snack for dogs to chew on. We recommend the Best Bully Sticks Beed Trachea Dog Treats, which comes in a large bag of 50 for under $40, making it an excellent value option, too. These treats are made from a 100 percent natural beef trachea and feature a grooved texture that helps loosen up plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth, making them a great choice for dental care, too. Beef trachea also contains glucosamine and chondroitin, so they support joint function and health, too.
Flavors: Beef
Quantity: 50
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