Why Chewing Matters For Your Dog

As our dogs age, dental bills rank as one of the highest expenses associated with pet ownership, so it stands to reason that we’re all invested in prevention rather than expensive cures.

There’s a bit of debate out there about how to care for our dogs’ teeth, and what the best method is to ensure their whites remain pearly, fresh and strong throughout their lifetime.

If you’re the type of dog owner who regularly brushes your dogs’ teeth… well done, you’re a credit to pet owners across the globe and we’re not going to tell you to stop. If your dog lets you do it and you can find the patience, time and energy, please go ahead!

For the rest of us, the concept of trying to hold your excited pups mouth open while you attempt to methodically scrub each tooth seems nigh on impossible, so what’s the next best thing?

We all know that chewing is great for dogs in so many ways, it’s a natural behaviour that keeps them entertained and less likely to destroy the furniture, but most importantly, it helps keep their teeth strong and healthy.

So, why exactly does chewing help, and what’s the best type of chew you can get to make sure your dog’s teeth stay clean and healthy?

Why chewing helps teeth

Saliva Production

One of the main benefits of chewing is to do with saliva. When your dog is chewing on something really tasty, it increases saliva production as they work to break down the delicious morsel. Their saliva flushes away any buildup of bacteria in the mouth, which helps keep teeth healthy. Bacteria are also responsible for bad breath, so more frequent chewing means extra saliva to flush teeth clean and keep smelly breath to a minimum.

Surface Scraping

Another key benefit is the physical action of scraping something along the surface of the teeth, much like what you achieve with brushing. This action is a natural part of the chewing process, loosening any build-up of food or plaque. Some chews do this more effectively than others, as a ribbed or uneven texture improves the effectiveness of this scraping action.

Surface Scraping

Another key benefit is the physical action of scraping something along the surface of the teeth, much like what you achieve with brushing. This action is a natural part of the chewing process, loosening any build-up of food or plaque. Some chews do this more effectively than others, as a ribbed or uneven texture improves the effectiveness of this scraping action.

What are the best types of chews?

Not food

There are plenty of non-food based chew items on the market which work to support dental health. Look for sturdy toys that won’t splinter or tear apart, as your pup will likely ingest any small fragments they can manage to gnaw off the whole. Although ripping out the stuffing might be their absolute favourite pastime, it’s not great for them to swallow the fluff or eat fragments of wood, plastic or stitching. Look for toys where you can add some flavour to help stimulate that saliva – spreading peanut butter or a small amount of yoghurt onto a rubber toy will encourage your dog to chew for longer and make more of that wonderful bacteria flushing drool!

Food

There are so many options out there when it comes to food-based chews, and it’s best to sample a variety of different options to find the best choice for your dog. For best effect, your pup needs to be motivated to chew the treat for an extended time. Look for treats marked as ‘long chew’ or ‘extended chew’ and sample a range of proteins as all dogs have their own taste preferences.

For best results, your pup should be encouraged to have a good long chew every day, so it’s best to find a range of treats that offer different nutrients, so you don’t end up giving them too much of a good thing. Look for treats that are high in protein and restrict treats that are higher in fat to just a couple of times a week. Fat is an essential nutrient, and something your pup needs to be healthy, but like with all fun things, it’s best eaten in moderation.

Watch out for chews such as raw hides which have been bleached with harmful chemicals and are very difficult for your pup to digest.
Keep an eye out for locally grown and made treats, as some imported proteins may have undergone irradiation in order to enter the country.
Don’t give your pups cooked bones of any kind. Once the bones have been cooked, they are likely to splinter and could cause serious issues if your pup swallows a sharp fragment.

As ever, the choice to brush or chew is yours. Ideally both is best, but for the realists out there, a regular clean at the vets and a daily extended chew should be enough to keep your canine’s canines healthy and strong! Chewing makes them happy, alleviates boredom and can even reduce anxiety, so it should be part of your daily routine.