How to Choose the Right Chew for Your Dog | Pupford

When it comes to keeping your dog entertained and satisfied, choosing the right chew is crucial. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Fortunately, Pupford’s Engage Line offers a wide variety of chews tailored to meet the unique needs of different dogs.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the range of chews available in the Engage Line and help you select the best option based on your dog’s size, chewing habits, and health benefits.

Table of Contents:

1. Understanding the Importance of Giving Your Dog Chews
2. Understanding Your Dog’s Chewing Behavior
3. Types of Chews In The Engage Line
4. Selecting The Right Size
5. Safety Considerations
6. Additional Benefits of Chews
7. Chew For Puppies vs. Adults
8. Allergies and Sensitivities

Understanding the Importance of Giving Your Dog Chews

Before we dive into the specifics of various types of chews, it’s important to understand why providing your dog with chews is beneficial.

Chewing is a natural, healthy behavior that helps to keep your dog’s teeth and gums clean while also providing mental stimulation. Chews satisfy your dog’s instinct to gnaw, helping to prevent destructive behaviors like chewing on furniture or shoes. They can also be a valuable outlet for anxiety or boredom, particularly for dogs who spend long periods alone.

Additionally, chews can support your dog’s health. Many chews are packed with nutrients like protein, collagen, and essential minerals that help maintain bone, joint, and skin health. Whether your dog is a pup in need of a healthy distraction or a senior dog with specific health concerns, offering chews can be a great way to improve their quality of life.

Understanding Your Dog’s Chewing Behavior

To select the right chew for your dog, it’s essential to understand their individual chewing behavior. Dogs chew for many reasons, including stress relief, boredom, and instinct. Knowing the intensity of your dog’s chewing habits can help you choose a chew that is both satisfying and safe.

Gentle Chewers

Some dogs prefer softer chews and may not require a durable option. If your dog isn’t much of a power chewer, lighter chews like Turkey Tendons and Beef Tendons or could be ideal.

Moderate Chewers

Dogs that chew more actively but not excessively will benefit from chews that are slightly tougher, like Turbo Tendons or Bully Sticks, which provide a longer-lasting experience without being too challenging.

Power Chewers

For dogs that chew relentlessly, stronger chews like Yak Chews and Collagen Sticks are ideal. These chews provide durability and are packed with nutritional benefits.

Understanding your dog’s chewing behavior can also help reduce the likelihood of destructive chewing behaviors by offering a more suitable alternative to furniture or shoes.

Types of Chews in the Engage Line

Pupford’s Engage Line includes a range of chews designed for dogs with varying chewing needs. Here are the different types and their benefits:

Bully Sticks

Rich in protein, fully digestible, and perfect for moderate chewers. Bully sticks are a great all-around chew for keeping your dog entertained and satisfied.

Our Bully Sticks come in multiple sizes! Skinny, Standard, and 12 inch - something for every pup to try!

Yak Chews

Made from yak milk, these chews are high in protein and low in fat, offering an excellent choice for dogs with dietary restrictions.

Shop all three sizes of our Yak Chews!

Turbo Tendon Chews

A tougher option made from dried beef tendons. These chews are collagen-rich, supporting joint health while keeping your dog busy for longer.

Beef Tendon Chews

Slightly softer than Turbo Tendons but still rich in collagen, these are a great alternative for dogs who prefer a gentler chew.

Turkey Tendon Chews

Ideal for dogs with sensitivities, these chews are made from turkey tendons and are packed with protein and glucosamine for joint health. These are also perfect for tiny pups and small breeds!

Elk Antlers

Extremely durable, elk antlers are perfect for power chewers and provide a natural source of minerals that promote bone and teeth health.

Collagen Sticks

These are softer chews made from collagen, supporting joint and skin health while being gentler on your dog’s teeth, while still being a long lasting chew.

Coffee Wood Chews

Made from natural coffee wood, these chews are free from caffeine and artificial additives. They’re perfect for dogs who love to gnaw and help with dental health through their fibrous texture.

Shop all three sizes of Coffee Wood Chews!

Selecting the Right Size

Choosing the right size chew is essential for both safety and enjoyment. Chews that are too small can pose a choking hazard, while chews that are too large may not be suitable for your dog’s jaw strength. Pupford’s chews are typically sized according to the weight and chewing habits of your dog.

• Small Chews: Ideal for puppies or smaller dogs under 25 pounds.
• Medium Chews: Great for dogs between 25 and 50 pounds.
• Large Chews: Best for larger dogs over 50 pounds or power chewers.

When selecting a chew, ensure that it is appropriate for your dog’s size and strength to avoid unnecessary frustration or risk of injury.

Safety Considerations

While chews are a great way to keep your dog entertained, it’s important to follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents. Always supervise your dog when they’re enjoying a chew, especially if it’s a new one. This will allow you to step in if the chew breaks into small pieces that could pose a choking hazard.

Avoid giving your dog chews that are too small for their size, as they can easily swallow them. If the chew becomes small enough to fit entirely in your dog’s mouth, remove it to prevent choking. Also, be mindful of any sharp edges that may form as your dog chews.

Additional Benefits of Chews

In addition to providing mental stimulation and supporting overall health, chews offer several additional benefits based on their unique ingredients and design. Here are a few key features that make these chews stand out:

Flavor Infusion

Chews come in a variety of flavors that make them even more enticing for your dog. These flavors are especially beneficial for picky eaters or dogs that are highly motivated by taste.

For example, products like Bully Sticks often have a naturally appealing taste, while Turkey Tendons offer a mild yet delicious flavor that will keep your dog engaged for hours. The flavor infusion encourages your dog to chew for longer periods, helping them burn off energy and enjoy a satisfying experience.

Dental Benefits

Chews help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to more serious dental issues. The surfaces of chews act as a gentle scrub for your dog’s teeth, scraping away plaque and debris, which can help maintain dental hygiene.

Regular chewing supports overall dental health by naturally cleaning your dog’s teeth and reducing the need for professional cleanings or dental treatments.

Chews for Puppies vs. Adults

Choosing the right chew also depends on whether your dog is a puppy or an adult. Puppies have sensitive teeth and gums, so it's important to offer them softer chews that won’t cause discomfort.

Adult dogs, on the other hand, can handle tougher chews which provide a more substantial challenge and help to maintain dental health as well as joint health.

Allergies and Sensitivities

If your dog has allergies or food sensitivities, it’s essential to choose chews that won’t trigger an adverse reaction.

Always consult with your veterinarian if you’re unsure about potential allergens, especially when introducing new chews to your dog’s diet.

Learn about Bully Stick Alternatives if your pup has allergies or sensitivities! 

Recap: Choosing the Right Chew for Your Dog

With such a variety of chews available in the Pupford Engage Line, it’s important to select the right one based on your dog’s size, chewing behavior, and specific health needs. Whether your dog is a gentle chewer or a power chewer, the Engage Line offers a suitable option that is not only fun but also supports your dog’s overall health.

From Yak Chews that promote strong bones to Collagen Sticks that support joint health, each chew offers unique benefits. By considering your dog’s chewing habits and health needs, you can ensure they get the most out of every chew, keeping them happy, healthy, and entertained for hours.

To explore the full range of chews, shop Pupford’s Engage Line .