Best Natural Dog Chews For Teeth
Dog chews are vitally important for your dog’s dental health and support healthy teeth and gums. In this guide, we discuss why chewing matters for your dog and which natural chews are the best. With over 90 years of experience, we know just what your dog needs and how they can benefit from delicious, natural treats.
In this article:
- What are dog chews?
- Why are chews important for your dog’s teeth?
- What makes a dog chew healthy?
- Recommended best natural dog chews
- Choosing the best chew for your dog
- Order natural chews
- FAQs
What are dog chews?
Dog chews are edible, long-lasting treats designed for safe chewing. They mimic natural behaviours of dogs including gnawing, tearing and scraping which delivers both physical and psychological benefits. Dog chews are part of a balanced diet for dogs and as naturally long-lasting treats, this can also support with weight management.
What are dog chews made of?
All the chews we sell are 100% natural. This means there are no additives and preservative, free from grain and gluten, with many of our chews being single ingredients. This makes them ideal for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs, ensuring easy digestion.
Natural chews can be made from several ingredients including:
- Animal parts such as beef skin, bones, tendons, collagen and fish skins
- Plant based materials
- Single ingredient meat products
Why are chews important for your dog’s teeth?
Chewing isn’t just a behaviour for dogs; it plays an essential role in maintaining good oral hygiene from a young age. Whether your dog chews toys, bones or long-lasting treats, they can all play a role in supporting dental health.
How chewing supports dental health
Regular chewing supports dental health in several ways. This includes:
- Naturally scrapes away plaque and tartar
- Stimulates saliva production to protect enamel
- Strengthens jaw muscles
- Reduces build-up of bacteria that could lead to bad breath
This makes it important to use high quality, natural chews which effectively act as a toothbrush for your dog. Not only will these chews benefit your dog, but your dog will also want to use them due to their fantastic flavour and long-lasting nature.
Benefits beyond dental care
Aside from dental health, natural dog chews are part of a healthy, balanced diet and offer further benefits:
- Mental stimulation and reducing boredom
- Provides a safe alternative to destructive chewing such as clothing or furniture
- Supports dogs' overall wellbeing, particularly with dogs that have anxiety or stress
What makes a dog chew healthy?
Healthy dog chews should be completely natural, with no added ingredients that could trigger digestion issues or allergies. They should also:
- Offer nutritional benefits such as high protein, natural vitamins and minerals
- Be appropriately sized for your dog to avoid chips, splintering or choking
- Be digestible and safe to chew
Make sure to check the chews you buy are suitable for your dog’s size, as well as puppies to prevent dental issues. Whilst many chews are harder and long-lasting, you can also find softer options such as collagen chews for dogs with less aggressive chewing habits.
Recommended best natural dog chews
Below we’ve selected our top natural dog chews, drawing from our own range. For each category, we highlight the qualities that make it beneficial, plus the specific product we recommend.
Best dog chew overall
Beef tendon chews are 100% natural, high-protein, grain-free, and slowly air-dried, giving a satisfying chew that helps clean teeth and gums while being fully edible.
Because of their balance (not rock-hard like bone or antler, but long-lasting and chewy), they’re a great, everyday chew for many dogs.
Healthiest dog chew
These chews are low fat, high protein, and grain- & gluten-free, so for dogs needing a lighter, lean chew (or dogs with sensitive digestion), collagen treats can be excellent.
Their texture provides abrasion that supports dental cleaning, while being gentler than very hard chews.
Antler dog chews
Deer antlers are available in small, medium, large and extra-large, making them ideal for all dog sizes and breeds. They are low-fat, durable and long lasting, naturally removing plaque and tartar. Deer antlers also contain minerals such as calcium and phosphorus which are ideal for bones and teeth.
Collagen dog chews
As above, collagen chews are among the best softer but effective natural chews. For many dogs, they strike a balance between chewiness and digestibility, making them a good alternative to rawhide or very hard chews.
Meat based chews
Made from 100% water buffalo: high-protein, low fat, fully natural, and a long-lasting chew that helps reduce plaque and tartar build-up.
Because they’re single-ingredient and air-dried (no additives), they make a strong contender among healthy, meat-based chews, ideal for dental health and as a digestible reward.
Puppy friendly chews
Chewy Beef Sticks £13.99 or Beef Tendons £14.09 (small size / suitable for pups over 4 months)
Both our Chewy Beef Sticks and Beef Tendon chews are suitable for all breeds and sizes, though we recommend serving to puppies over 4 months old.
Their softer and chewy texture is gentler on developing teeth and jaws compared with hard chews like hooves or dense bones.
Choosing the best chew for your dog
When choosing the best natural chew for your dog, it’s important to consider several factors, such as how aggressive your dog’s chewing, their age and breed.
Chewing habits
- Gentle chewers should look for softer meat chew and no-hide chews
- Average chewers can enjoy most chews, whilst tougher treats may last longer. Good choices include collagen sticks and beef skin
- Power chewers often need tougher options such as antlers or tough beef skin rolls
Dog’s age
- The best chews for puppies depend on their breed, size and chewing habits. Make sure to only feed puppies chews once they are at least 3 months old, and always check individual feeding guides.
- Adult dogs can enjoy most natural chews. Sticking with hypoallergenic treats can reduce the chance of digestive issues.
- For senior dogs, softer, digestible chews are best, still stimulating chewing habits but making it easier to eat.
Health needs
- For dogs with sensitive stomachs, avoid hide and choose 100% natural treats to reduce allergy risks.
- Chews such as fish skins can support weight management as low-fat options.
- For strong chewers, antlers are a great option—ensuring natural chews are long-lasting and stimulating.
- Collagen-based chews can support joint health and flexibility.
Order natural dog chews at T.Forrest
We’re proud to provide high-quality, natural dog chews made here in the UK, using responsibly sourced ingredients and decades of expertise. Whether your dog needs a tough, long-lasting chew or a gentle, digestible option, you’ll find the perfect match in our range.
Explore our full selection of natural dog chews at T.Forrest and give your dog naturally healthier teeth.
FAQs
Are dog chews safe?
Most natural chews are safe when matched to your dog’s chewing style. This includes antlers, collagen and meat chews. Make sure to always supervise your dog whilst chewing, regularly swap treats or toys to prevent chipping and provide plenty of water. Check ingredients to ensure treats are 100% natural.
Are dog chews safe for puppies?
Yes, dog chews are safe for puppies; however, many of our treats are suitable only once they are aged over 3 or 4 months. Always check feeding guides and consult your vet if unsure.
Can dog chews cause diarrhoea?
If chews are too rich or consumed too quickly, they could lead to diarrhoea. Using natural, easily digestible chews and monitoring chewing habits can prevent this.
Do dog chews clean teeth?
Yes, natural chews act as a natural toothbrush and help reduce tartar and plaque.
Can you soften dog chews?
If your dog is struggling with chewing or is a gentle chewer, some chews can be soaked in water, whilst short, supervised chewing sessions can also soften the chew. If unsure, consult your vet.
