Dogs are natural chewers, and a good chew can keep them busy, calm and happy. But not every dog chew treat is a good fit for every dog. Some are hard enough to crack teeth, some are easy to swallow in big pieces, and some are rich enough to upset a sensitive stomach.
This guide covers how to choose safe dog chew treats, which chews and treats to be careful with, and how to give chews responsibly so chew time stays fun.
Chew treats vs. chew toys
It helps to know what you're buying:
- Chew treats are edible. Bully sticks, pig ears, rawhide and dental treats are all eaten, so they add calories and can upset some stomachs.
- Chew toys are made to be chewed, not eaten. They last longer and add no calories, which makes them easier to give every day.
Many dogs enjoy both. The key is choosing each one with your dog's size, age, chewing style and health in mind.
How to check if a dog chew is safe
No chew is risk-free, but these checks help you pick a safer one:
- Hardness. If a chew is harder than your dog's teeth, it can damage them. The American Animal Hospital Association suggests pressing your thumbnail into the surface: "If you can't leave an indentation, the toy is too hard" (AAHA).
- Choking risk. Could your dog swallow the chew whole, or once it's been chewed down? The chew should be too big to fit entirely in your dog's mouth.
- Blockage risk. Does it break into large chunks that could be swallowed and get stuck in the stomach or intestines?
- How it wears. A safer chew wears down gradually. Avoid chews that splinter into sharp pieces or shred into stuffing and strings.
- Size and shape. Rings and hollow shapes can trap a tongue or lower jaw. In homes with dogs of different sizes, choose chews sized for the biggest dog.
- Ingredients. Look for a short, clear ingredient list, especially for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. You read your dog's food label, so read their chew toy label too.
- Easy to clean. Chews your dog uses every day should be easy to rinse and dry.
Dog chew treats to use with caution
Rawhide
Rawhide is widely available and affordable, and many dogs chew it without trouble. The risk comes when dogs bite off and swallow large pieces, which can cause choking or a digestive blockage. Knotted rawhide is especially risky if the knots break off. If your dog has a history of pancreatitis or stomach issues, talk to your vet first. Learn more about why rawhide can be bad for dogs and rawhide alternatives.
Bully sticks
Bully sticks soften as dogs chew, so they're less likely to fracture teeth than very hard chews. But the last small piece can be a choking hazard, and some dogs try to swallow bully sticks whole. They're also rich in protein and calories. Use a bully stick holder, take the stick away when it gets small, and ask your vet before giving them to a dog on a restricted diet.
Pig ears
Pig ears are chewy and popular, but they're high in fat. Fatty treats can contribute to weight gain and, in some dogs, stomach upset or pancreatitis. Pig ear treats have also been linked to Salmonella recalls, so buy from sources you trust and wash your hands after handling them.
Cow hooves, antlers and real bones
These are very hard. Like other hard chews, they can crack teeth, and some can break into sharp pieces. The AAHA lists bones and antlers among chews that "can damage or fracture your dog's teeth." See our guide to which bones are safe or unsafe for dogs.
Nylon chews
Nylon chews are long-lasting but often very hard, and swallowed pieces aren't digestible. Read are nylon dog chews safe?
Human foods that don't make good dog treats
Some foods people are tempted to share are a poor choice for dogs:
- Chocolate and coffee. They contain theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs.
- Bacon and other fatty meats. High in fat and salt, and can upset a dog's stomach.
- Cooked bones from the table. They're brittle and can splinter.
If your dog eats something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control line right away.
How to give dog chews responsibly
- Match the chew to your dog. Consider size, age and chewing style. Puppies and seniors need gentler chews; power chewers need more durable ones.
- Size up. It's very hard to go too big and very easy to go too small. Here's how big is too big for big dogs.
- Supervise. Stay nearby, especially with a new chew.
- Take it away when it's small. Any chew worn down to a swallowable size becomes a choking hazard.
- Count the calories. Edible chews and treats should fit into your dog's daily food intake.
- Introduce new chews slowly. Short sessions help you see how your dog chews and how their stomach reacts.
- Watch for warning signs. Call your vet if your dog is gagging, vomiting, straining or seems to be in pain after chewing.
BetterBone: a chew toy designed for everyday chewing
If you're looking for a daily chew that isn't a treat, BetterBone is a durable chew toy made from plants. No chew toy is indestructible, but BetterBone is designed to address many of the risks above:
- Designed to flake, not splinter. As your dog chews, BetterBone wears into small, rice-sized flakes rather than sharp shards.
- A density for every chewer. Light for puppies, senior dogs and gentle chewers, Moderate for most daily chewers, and Hard for power chewers.
- No calories. It's a chew toy, not a treat, so it doesn't add to your dog's daily food intake.
- Simple, plant-based materials. BetterBone is made with Vernovo, a blend of cellulose from tree fibers and plant extracts, with no nylon, rawhide or animal byproducts. Learn what BetterBone is made of.
- Hypoallergenic scents. Veggie, Beef and Venison are vegetarian scent infusions made without animal byproducts.
- Independently tested. In February 2026, TÜV SÜD found no detectable PFAS, phthalates or BPA in our material.
- Dental enrichment textures. Ridges and nubs help buff away plaque and massage gums.
- Easy to clean. Rinse with warm water and let it air dry.
Not sure which fits? The Chews-ing Guide matches your dog in four quick questions, and our Free Replacement Guarantee swaps the durability for free if your first pick isn't right.
Like any chew, BetterBone should be used with supervision. Small flakes are normal and generally safe if accidentally swallowed. If your dog breaks off larger pieces, take it away and move up a density. Replace it when the ends are about 50% worn or it's small enough to swallow. See our dog chew safety guidelines.
Frequently asked questions
What are the safest chew treats for dogs?
There's no chew that's 100% safe for every dog. The safer choices are sized so they can't be swallowed, soft enough to pass the thumbnail test, and wear down gradually instead of breaking into large or sharp pieces. Always supervise your pup while chewing.
Are bully sticks safe for dogs?
Many dogs enjoy them, but the last small piece can be a choking hazard, and they're high in calories. Use a holder and take the stick away when it gets small.
Are pig ears safe for dogs?
Pig ears are high in fat, which can upset some dogs' stomachs, and pig ear treats have been linked to Salmonella recalls. Give them sparingly, if at all.
Is rawhide safe for dogs?
Rawhide carries a risk of choking and blockages if dogs swallow large pieces. Supervise closely, avoid knotted rawhide, or choose a rawhide alternative.
How often should I give my dog a chew?
Many dogs enjoy a daily chew session. Edible chews should fit within daily calories; a non-edible chew toy like BetterBone can be part of a daily routine.
Find a daily chew you can feel good about. Shop BetterBone plant-based chew toys or learn how to choose the best chew bone for your dog.
