We all love to see our dogs light up at treat time—but what if those treats could do more than bring tail wags and happy eyes?
Functional treats and chews make it easy to turn everyday moments into natural, meaningful health support. These snacks aren’t just tasty; they’re purposeful—crafted to help your dog feel as good as they taste.
From joint and dental care to skin, coat, immune, and calming support, functional treats can play a real role in your dog’s overall wellness.
At Paws on Main, we believe treats should nourish, not just reward. Here’s how to choose the right ones for your dog—and understand the difference they can make.
What “Functional” Really Means
A functional treat or chew offers targeted benefits for your dog’s well-being. Think of them as wellness supplements in treat form: convenient, enjoyable, and easy to give.
Some are therapeutic, formulated to deliver measurable results for dogs with specific needs. Others are supportive, offering gentle, everyday nourishment that helps maintain wellness. The difference comes down to what’s inside—and how much of it your dog gets. When used consistently, therapeutic-level ingredients can make a real difference in your dog’s well-being, while supportive treats help sustain balance day to day.
Joint Health: Moving with Joy
Healthy joints mean happy movement. Functional chews rich in collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, or green-lipped mussel can make a noticeable difference in your dog’s comfort and mobility.
Therapeutic-level support comes from nutrient-dense options like collagen sticks, beef trachea, and green-lipped mussel chews—sources the body can truly use to rebuild and maintain joint tissue.
Supportive-level options include treats made with smaller amounts of turmeric or bone broth, which offer gentle anti-inflammatory benefits and ongoing nourishment for younger, active, or athletic dogs.
No matter which level you choose, these functional chews turn an ordinary snack into a step toward lifelong joint comfort and easy movement.
Dental Health: Chew for a Cleaner Smile
A good chew is nature’s toothbrush. Dense, fibrous chews—like beef tendons, collagen rolls, or raw meaty bones—work naturally to scrape away plaque and tartar. When given regularly, this mechanical action can deliver therapeutic-level dental benefits, helping reduce buildup and keep teeth clean.
Softer chews with ingredients like parsley, kelp, or mild abrasives don’t reach as deep but provide supportive benefits for fresh breath and healthy gums. The key is variety—rotating different textures keeps your dog’s teeth polished and gums strong.
Skin & Coat: Shine from Within
A shiny, healthy coat starts from within. Proteins from fish, collagen, or beef tendons supply essential amino acids that nourish hair follicles and connective tissue.
Functional chews containing salmon, sardines, or cod skin deliver therapeutic levels of omega-3 fatty acids, helping calm itching, reduce dryness, and boost natural shine. Chews with smaller amounts of coconut oil or flaxseed offer supportive, everyday nourishment, perfect for maintaining coat health once the skin is already in good condition.
Immunity & Gut Health: Support from the Inside Out
A healthy gut is the foundation for a strong immune system. Functional treats with goat milk, mushroom blends, or probiotics help build and maintain that foundation.
Therapeutic ingredients—like fermented goat milk, turkey tail mushrooms, and probiotic chews with live cultures—can significantly support gut balance and immune resilience.
Supportive options, such as berry-rich treats, bone broth–infused chews, or those with added kelp, provide antioxidants and minerals that gently boost overall vitality.
Using both therapeutic and supportive treats together—powerful active ingredients in a nutritious base—helps dogs thrive all year long.
Calming: Peaceful Moments for Busy Minds
Chewing is naturally calming, but certain ingredients can add an extra layer of relaxation. Functional calming chews often feature chamomile, L-theanine, or CBD.
Therapeutic-level CBD can noticeably reduce anxiety and ease discomfort, while smaller doses or herbal blends provide supportive calm for everyday stressors—from car rides to thunderstorms. Either way, these chews help dogs feel safe, secure, and settled.
Choosing the Right Functional Chew
Every dog is unique, and that’s the beauty of our Chew Bar at Paws on Main—where you can find the perfect match for your dog’s size, age, and chewing style.
For higher functional value and cleaner sourcing, choose single-ingredient chews like tendons, trachea, or fish skin. Rotating between therapeutic and supportive chews helps maintain targeted benefits while supporting overall wellness.
Always supervise your dog when introducing a new chew, and reach out to our team if you’d like guidance in selecting the right chew for your dog’s goals.
Making Functional Treats Work for Your Dog
Functional treats and chews aren’t just rewards—they’re an important part of your dog’s wellness journey.
Some provide therapeutic benefits that make a real difference for joints, dental health, or skin and coat. Others offer supportive daily nourishment that helps your dog thrive between deeper boosts.
At Paws on Main, our Functional Treat & Chew Bar is designed to help your dog live better with every bite. Stop in to explore our wide selection of natural, single-ingredient, and purpose-driven chews—and let our team help you find the perfect combination of therapeutic and supportive options for your dog’s best life.