Why Should I Encourage My Dog to Chew?

Cleaner Teeth & Gums

Chewing can help clean your dog’s teeth and gums and keep them healthy. The act of chewing scrapes at tartar and build up, and promotes fresher breath. It also promotes the antibacterial properties in their saliva that cleanses your dog’s mouth. Tartar and plaque (from starches and kibble) start to harden when it combines with certain elements in your dog’s saliva so it’s important to give your dog opportunities to chew to help remove buildup and to keep their teeth and gums clean.

There are treats that focus on removing plaque buildup and promote fresher breath. However, these treats often contain ingredients like pea protein and glycerin that are bad for dogs. For that reason, we recommend going with natural chews to clean teeth!

Farm Hounds offers great alternatives like beef ears, natural hides, and other tough animal parts that are not only  species-appropriate, but much more enjoyable for our dogs than a toothbrush or tooth wipes. As they chew, the gnawing and chewing scrapes and “flosses” the plaque off your dog’s teeth, which keeps it from becoming tartar! 

Going with more natural chews is not only more fun for your dog, but it's better for them as well! Many all-natural chews made from animal parts contain enzymes that help promote dental health and do a great job of cleaning your dog’s teeth and gums.

Mental Stimulation

A dog needs their mind worked as much as their body needs to be exercised. Chewing is a very engaging activity for dogs, which requires them to focus and helps the brain release endorphins while they chew! Natural chews are a great way to keep your dog’s mind sharp and to give them a rewarding mental workout. 

Every now and then pet owners need to keep their dogs to be entertained, and quality, all-natural chews are the perfect solution for some quiet time! They let your dog stay engaged, all while enjoying new smells and textures. 

Relieves Stress & Anxiety

If a dog does not have positive or healthy ways to release their energy, it can manifest itself as stress, anxiety, or even as negative behaviors around the house.

Providing appropriate chewing time, in addition to adequate mental and physical exercise, can help lessen anxiety and give your dog something on which to focus their attention. 

If your dog chews on things they are not supposed to, it may be a sign that they are bored, stressed, and/or need an appropriate option for where their energy should go. Chewing is instinctive for dogs. They need something they can safely chew, which, along with positive reinforcement and training, can teach them  to avoid destructive chewing. 

100% All natural beef hide rolls are a great option for most chewers! Unlike industrial rawhides, Farm Hounds’ beef hide rolls are highly durable and a great source for healthy protein and collagen. 

Limit chewing to around 15-20 minutes per session. Most dogs feel fully satisfied (while endorphins get released in the brain) after these short sessions. All chewing should be supervised, especially when your dog is trying something for the first time. If your pup is strong enough to rip large pieces free and swallow them, we recommend removing the chew for safety reasons.

For young dogs, their desire to chew may come from incoming teeth and is an attempt to help soothe their discomfort. For older dogs, they will chew with the added benefit of strengthening their teeth, gums, and jaws. Giving your dog a positive chewing outlet will not only prompt a happier and healthier dog, but it will also improve your  relationship. You will be able to accumulate positive moments that will strengthen the bond between you and your dog!