Every dog owner wants a chew that keeps their dog happy for more than thirty seconds. With so many long lasting dog chews on the market, it can be hard to know which to choose, and “long lasting” can mean very different things for different dogs. Here’s a practical comparison from our shelves, plus how to keep chew time safe.
How we judge long lasting dog chews
When we compare chews, we think about:
- How long it lasts. This varies hugely with the dog.
- How hard it is. Harder usually means longer lasting, but also tougher on teeth.
- Smell and mess. Some chews are fragrant, and some leave crumbs.
- Size. It must be big enough that it can’t be swallowed.
- Calories. Chews count towards the day’s food.
Our long lasting dog chews, compared
- Yak chews. Hard and very popular, with several flavours available. They’re a good all rounder, but swap the small end out for an alternative distraction so your dog doesnt swallow the small end. Tip – pop it into the microwave to make a no waste dog treat.
- Deer and split antlers. Among the longest lasting, and also among the hardest. Great for some dogs, but not for those with sensitive or worn teeth.
- Buffalo horn. Very long lasting and very hard, so supervise and choose carefully. You can also stuff these for a lovely enriching treat.
- Beef trachea. Crunchy and lighter, so a gentler option that usually doesn’t last as long.
- Ears. Rabbit, lamb, cow, buffalo and pig ears are a classic, but they’re usually a shorter lived treat.
- Collagen chews. Rolls, bars and bones in a range of sizes, a softer option.
- Filled hooves. A tasty centre helps hold interest, though they do vary in how long they last.
Choosing for your dog
- Puppies and seniors. Softer chews are usually kinder on young or older mouths.
- Powerful chewers. They’ll get through lighter chews quickly, but very hard ones deserve extra caution.
- Several dogs. Give chews separately to avoid arguments.
- Dogs who gulp. Choose larger, or tougher, chews and watch them closely.
Safety first
- Always supervise, especially with new chews.
- Take away small stubs.
- If you can’t press a thumbnail into a chew at all, it may be too hard for your dog’s teeth. Dr Conor Brady has a dental section on Dogs First if you’d like to read more.
- Offer fresh water.
- If your dog is unwell after a chew, speak to your vet.
For more on what we stock, read why we choose natural dog products.
Come and chat chews
With 250 or more natural treats and chews on the shelves, it’s much easier to pick in person. Visit us at Unit A, Newton Farm, Tewkesbury, GL20 7BE, right by Junction 9 of the M5, Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm or Saturday 10am to 2pm. Tell us about your dog and we’ll help you find a chew that suits.
This article is for general information only. Always supervise your dog with chews, and speak to your vet if you have concerns about teeth or digestion.
