Allow Your Dog the Freedom to Chew: The Benefits of Long-Term Chews and the Bow Wow Buddy™

Why Does My Dog Need Long-Term Chews?

Chewing is essential for your dog's health and happiness; not only does it provide numerous benefits, ranging from promoting overall well-being and dental health to offering mental stimulation, but it also supports their natural instincts. As an added bonus, long-term chews taste great and provide our furry friends a source of entertainment, something of extreme value during these hot Summer months, when the temps may be too high outside to engage in physical activity.  

Long-term chews come in two types: digestible and non-digestible. Digestible chews, such as bully sticks and antlers, can be eaten and absorbed by the body. These chews offer varying levels of nutrients depending on the source, and dogs find them highly palatable. Non-digestible chews, on the other hand, like nylon bones or cow hooves, are safe for chewing but should not be swallowed due to potential risks from the body not being able to break them down through digestion.

Regardless of the type of chew you provide your pup, allowing them the freedom to chew will be of great benefit to them. Let’s explore this more closely.

Why Long-Term Chew Sessions Should be a Regular Part of Your Regimen

Instinctual Behavior: Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, stemming from their days as hunters and scavengers. In the wild, dogs chew on parts of their prey and found animal parts, such as shed antlers, which provide essential nutrients like vitamins, trace minerals, calcium, and protein.

Mental Well-Being: Chewing increases a dog’s overall well-being by releasing serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that support mental health and provide a feel-good vibe. This is especially beneficial for puppies, as chewing helps calm them when separated from their mother and littermates and alleviates teething discomfort.

Beating Boredom: Chewing promotes mental stimulation, keeping dogs actively engaged. Mental activity can tire a dog faster than physical exercise, making it particularly useful on rainy days or when physical activity isn't possible. The act of chewing requires concentration as dogs navigate how to eat the chew, which side of their mouth to use, and other variables.

Dental Health: Chewing promotes saliva production, which is filled with proteins and enzymes that act as natural antibacterials that help flush away bacteria that can cause bad breath and affect cardiovascular health. The action of chewing allows the chew to scrape against the teeth, removing debris and promoting jaw bone health, while also decreasing plaque and tartar build-up.

How Often Should I Give My Dog a Long-Term Chew?

Allowing your dog to chew daily is reasonable, depending on the type of long-term chew. High-calorie chews should be given only a few times a week. At a minimum, incorporate at least one long-term chew session into your dog’s weekly routine, and make sure to do it safely

Selecting the Right Chew for Your Dog

Consider your dog's size when selecting long-term chews. A small chew may not be safe or effective for a large dog. For bully sticks, choose a length and thickness that is appropriate for your dog’s size. You can also use our size guide to ensure you buy the right size for your dog, maximizing the benefits of chewing.

Safe Chewing Practices

Ensuring your dog chews safely is crucial. Always supervise your dog to prevent swallowing hazards. Safety devices like the Bow Wow Buddy™ can secure bully sticks and other chews, allowing your dog to enjoy them safely while giving you peace of mind.

Allow the Freedom to Chew and See Your Pup Reap the Benefits!

Appropriate chewing is a vital part of your dog’s routine, promoting well-being, dental health, mental stimulation, and supporting natural instincts. By providing safe long-term chews and allowing your dog the freedom to chew, you ensure a happier, healthier pet. So, let your dog chew on with confidence!

Johnna Devereaux is a Clinical Pet Nutritionist, Chief Nutrition Officer for Bow Wow Labs and canine wellness expert. 

*Bully sticks are a great longer-term chew that brings lots of joy to your pup, supports a healthy mental state, and satisfies their instinctual desire to chew. We always recommend pairing your bully sticks with the right size Bow Wow Buddy to make your pup safer and to help prevent a choking hazard or intestinal obstruction once they’ve chewed down to the last 1 to 1.5 inches of the bully stick.

The points of view expressed above are those of our clinical nutritionist and supported by science, her education and experience. However, we recognize there may be different points of view or opinions on some aspect or even the premise of this article. Our goal at Bow Wow Labs is to provide the best, clearest, and most helpful information possible to help keep your dog happy, healthy and safe.