Dog Chew Myths Busted – What’s Safe, Healthy & Worth Buying

People often walk into our store amazed by the variety and volume of options at our chew bar. But almost as quickly, they share reasons they’ve been told to avoid chews:

• “They’re too fatty.”

• “My dog might choke.”

• “He’d probably break a tooth.”

• “My vet said no chews at all.”

We hear these concerns daily—and we get it. There’s a lot of info out there, and not all of it is up to date or accurate.

Here’s the truth: when chosen thoughtfully, chews can greatly benefit your dog’s physical and mental health. Chewing helps reduce stress, clean teeth, prevent boredom, and satisfy natural instincts. For most dogs, chews aren’t just treats—they’re an important part of a healthy, enriched life.

Let’s bust some of the most common chew myths and reveal the facts.

Myth #1: “Chews are too fatty and will make my dog overweight.”

The Truth: Most chews are low in fat—and they’re real food. While some, like pig and cow ears, are higher in fat, we offer many options such as rabbit ears, cod skins, buffalo tendons, and beef tendons are lean. These single-ingredient chews should be counted as part of your dog’s daily food intake, not just extra treats. Adjust meal portions accordingly. Plus, chewing burns calories, supports digestion, and keeps your dog mentally and physically engaged.

Myth #2: “Chews will break my dog’s teeth.”

The Truth: It depends on the chew and your dog. We do carry durable options like antlers and marrow bones for power chewers. But for most dogs, softer chews like collagen sticks, cheek rolls, beef tendons, and ears offer a safer balance—they last, but are gentle enough to massage gums, clean teeth through friction, and provide a calming experience. These textures satisfy chewing instincts without risking dental fractures.

Myth #3: “Chews are dirty and full of bacteria.”

The Truth: Not ours! Our chews are naturally preserved, single-ingredient, and safely processed. We don’t wrap them in plastic because open-air storage allows circulation and prevents bacterial growth—similar to hanging jerky in a dry place. We recommend storing chews in a cool, dry spot and washing hands after handling, just like with any raw or dried food.

Myth #4: “My dog might choke or get a blockage.

The Truth: Always supervise your dog, especially when introducing a new chew.
Here’s how to keep chewing safe:

• Choose the right size and texture for your dog’s chewing style.

• Supervise during the first few sessions.

• Monitor chewing time and discard small or softening pieces to prevent gulping.

We also offer chew holders and enrichment tools to make chewing safer and more structured.

Myth #5: “My dog has allergies, so chews aren’t safe.”

The Truth: We offer over 100 single-ingredient chew options, making it easy to find the right one for your dog’s dietary needs. With proteins like buffalo, rabbit, lamb, goat, duck, fish, and more, you can confidently choose chews free from additives and allergens. Whether your dog has protein sensitivities, is on a limited-ingredient diet, or just needs variety, our chew bar helps you rotate and select with confidence.

Myth #6: “Chews are just treats—they’re not important.”

The Truth: When chosen well, chews do much more than entertain. Many support joint health (like collagen chews), promote healthy skin and coat (like fish skins), and even act as natural probiotics (like tripe sticks). Chewing also:

• Cleans teeth through natural scraping action

• Releases calming hormones through jaw work

• Satisfies chewing urges, helping prevent destructive behaviors

In short, chews aren’t just treats—they’re tools for total wellness.

So What About Rawhide?

Let’s clear this up: rawhide is not a natural chew.

Rawhide comes from the inner layer of cow or horse hides that haven't been tanned. It undergoes chemical processing—often with bleach, glue-based binders, or preservatives—to make it look appealing and last longer on shelves.

Because rawhide isn’t fully digestible, it can sit in your dog’s stomach or intestines, swelling and potentially causing choking, vomiting, blockages, or even requiring emergency surgery.

That’s why we don’t carry rawhide. All our chews are rawhide-free and easily digestible for your dog’s safety and health.

How to Pick the Right Chew for Your Dog

Not all chews are created equal—and that’s a good thing. Every dog’s chewing needs vary based on their size, age, behavior, and goals. Use these guidelines to find the perfect chew for your pup:

Pick the Correct Size

• Choose a chew larger than your dog’s mouth to prevent swallowing or choking.

• For strong chewers, pick denser, more durable options to slow them down.

• For toy breeds or dogs with dental issues, opt for smaller, softer, and more manageable pieces.

Pick the Right Purpose

Chews serve different needs—think about what you want yours to do:

• Long-Term Entertainment: Himalayan cheese chews, large cheek rolls, marrow bones, large bully sticks

• Distraction & Stress Relief: Tendons, collagen sticks, beef cheeks, ears

• Redirect Destructive Chewing:

• Furniture chewers often prefer collagen rolls or braided bully sticks

• Shoe chewers may like rubbery textures or tendons

• Stick chewers do well with cheek rolls, bully sticks, or soft raw bones

Consider Your Dog’s Age and Stage

• Puppies (Teething): Puppy-safe chews, softer bully sticks, teething toys—gentle on growing teeth and gums to ease discomfort and build good habits.

• Adult Dogs (Moderate to Heavy Chewers): Dense chews like Himalayan cheese, cheek rolls, large tendons, bully sticks—long-lasting and challenging to keep them engaged.

• Senior Dogs or Dogs with Missing Teeth: Dehydrated fish skins, soft dental chews, freeze-dried treats—crunchy yet soft options that are easy to chew and enjoy.

Additional Tips

• Rotate proteins to avoid overexposure and keep your dog interested.

• Always supervise new chews to understand your dog’s style and response.

• Remember, chews are food—count them as part of your dog’s daily diet.

• Need help? Ask us! We love matching dogs with their perfect chew.

We hope this guide helps clear up any confusion and makes choosing chews easier for you and your dog. Ready to find the perfect chew? Stop by Paws on Main’s to visit our chew bar — with over 100 natural, rawhide-free options, we’re confident your pup will find a new favorite treat!