Chewing — A Dog’s Everyday Need, Not a Luxury

Many guardians treat chews as entertainment or as a way to keep a dog busy for a while. But for a dog, chewing is much more than that. It is a behavior that affects physical health, well-being, learning ability, and even the development of bones and the brain. Dogs that do not have the opportunity to chew are more stressed, more bored, and more likely to show problem behaviors. And this is something that can often be prevented quite easily.

Chewing Is an Evolutionary Need

Free-living dogs, jackals, wolves, and dingoes spend far more time eating than companion dogs do. They tear flesh, crush bones, and manipulate food with their mouths and paws. This kind of physical and cognitive activity does not just satisfy hunger — it also provides satisfaction and stimulates the senses. Domestic dogs, fed quickly, often from a bowl and with ready-made food, no longer have the opportunity to engage naturally in obtaining and processing food. But the need to chew has not disappeared. It remains unmet.

Chewing Affects Oral Health

What a dog chews — and for how long — has a direct effect on the condition of their teeth and gums. The natural abrasion of dental plaque during chewing on harder materials helps limit tartar buildup and the development of periodontal disease. Even access to appropriate chews for a few days can significantly reduce tartar and gum inflammation. What is more, regular chewing helps normalize the bacterial flora in the mouth — reducing the number of pathogenic bacteria while increasing the presence of the “good” ones that help protect against disease.

It Supports Digestion and the Gut Microbiome

Chewing stimulates saliva production — and saliva not only protects the teeth, but also supports digestion and helps regulate stomach pH. A dog’s saliva contains more calcium and buffering ions than human saliva, which affects the health of the entire digestive tract. Dogs that eat more slowly and chew more activate the parasympathetic nervous system — the part responsible for digestion and recovery. Food that requires chewing can also positively influence the gut microbiota, especially through the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which support not only digestion but also emotional regulation.

Chewing Helps Reduce Stress and Supports Memory

Research suggests that chewing can act as a natural form of emotional regulation. Dogs given the chance to chew after a stressful experience performed better in cognitive tasks. Chewing appears to lower cortisol levels and reduce sympathetic nervous system activity, which may ease tension and help the dog return to a more balanced emotional state. In anxious dogs — who often struggle with focus — even five minutes of intense chewing was linked to better performance in memory tasks.

Important from Puppyhood to Old Age

In puppies, chewing is not just about soothing teething discomfort. It is also an important part of development — not only for the jaw muscles, but for the nervous system as a whole. During growth, chewing supports the strengthening of the skull bones and periodontal structures. Puppies with access to a variety of chewing textures during development tend to cope better with novelty and are less likely to show fear of unfamiliar objects. In adult and senior dogs, chewing may help protect against cognitive decline, while a lack of chewing opportunities may contribute to that decline happening faster.

Not Every Dog Chews in the Same Way

Bite strength and chewing style depend, among other things, on the dog’s size and skull shape. Brachycephalic dogs, such as bulldogs, tend to have a stronger bite than dolichocephalic dogs, such as Afghan hounds, but their anatomy can make it harder for them to chew tougher items safely. In small breeds, the strongest bite is typically seen in dogs with proportionate, mesocephalic skulls. That is why chews should always be chosen individually — not only based on size, but also on the dog’s chewing style.

Choosing the Right Chew Matters — and It Comes with Risks

Not every chew is safe. One that is too hard may crack a tooth. One that is too small can become a choking hazard. One that is too fibrous may contribute to intestinal blockage. Particularly risky are materials that break into pieces the dog can bite off and swallow — such as plastic, hard rubber, or splintering bones. In small dogs, especially those with little body mass and crowded teeth, the risk of injury can be even higher. That is why chews should be chosen carefully: matched to the individual dog’s anatomy and chewing style, and always offered under supervision.

Dogs Need to Chew

Chewing is not a luxury or just a way to keep a dog occupied. It is a behavior that helps regulate both body and mind. Giving a dog access to appropriate chews is one of the simplest — and at the same time one of the most effective — ways to support their well-being throughout life.

---

Quinn R, Masters S, Starling M, White PJ, Mills K, Raubenheimer D, McGreevy P (2025). Functional significance and welfare implications of chewing in dogs (Canis familiaris). Front. Vet. Sci. 12:1499933. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1499933