The Ultimate Guide to Dog Bones and Chews: Safe, Natural Options for Every Pup

Dogs are natural chewers, which means providing safe, healthy chewing options is essential. With shelves full of bones, bully sticks, antlers, rawhides, and dental treats, choosing the right chew can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the safest natural bones and chews — what they are, who they’re best for, and how to choose the perfect match for your pup.

Ready to keep your dog happily (and safely) gnawing? Let’s dig in.

Why Choose Natural Dog Bones and Chews?

Safer for Your Dog

Many processed chews contain artificial colors, preservatives, or chemicals that upset digestion or pose long-term risks. Natural chews are minimally processed and made from recognizable ingredients, giving you confidence every time your dog bites down.

Better for the Environment

Natural chews often come from responsibly sourced meat byproducts, reducing waste and supporting sustainability. Unlike synthetic chews, natural options break down more easily.

Packed with Health Benefits

Beyond entertainment, natural chews support:

• Dental health by scraping away plaque and tartar
• Stronger muscles through protein and amino acids
• Mental stimulation and stress relief through chewing

What to Look for When Buying Dog Bones and Chews

• Size matters: A chew should be larger than your dog’s snout and wider than their jaw to reduce choking risk.
• Durability: Match chew hardness to your dog’s chewing strength. If you can’t indent it with your fingernail or it hurts when tapped on your knee, it may be too hard.
• Ingredient quality: Choose single-ingredient or minimally processed chews.
• Sourcing: Look for responsibly sourced, high-quality products.
• Supervision: Always supervise chewing sessions and remove small or broken pieces immediately.

Always Be Prepared: How to Help a Choking Dog

Types of Natural Dog Bones and Chews

Bully Sticks

Made from dried bull muscle, bully sticks are highly digestible, high in protein, and great for redirecting destructive chewing. Choose high-quality versions and monitor for small broken pieces.

Trachea Chews

Crunchy and flavorful, trachea chews contain natural glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health — ideal for seniors or active dogs.

Horns & Antlers

Long-lasting and mineral-rich, antlers and horns satisfy heavy chewers. However, they can be extremely hard and may cause tooth fractures. If you choose these, use split antlers for a gentler option and supervise closely.

Rawhide

Traditional rawhide is controversial due to heavy processing and the risk of choking or intestinal blockages when swallowed. If your dog loves the chewing experience of rawhide, consider safer rawhide-free alternatives like yak cheese chews.

Cow & Pig Ears

Soft, high-protein, and collagen-rich, these are great for moderate chewers, puppies, and seniors. Their softer texture is gentle on teeth.

Bones

Raw bones can be safe when chosen carefully; never feed cooked bones, which splinter easily and can cause internal injuries. Pick appropriate sizes, supervise closely, and remove worn-down pieces.

Dental Chews

Designed to improve oral hygiene, dental chews help scrape plaque and freshen breath. Many natural versions contain beneficial enzymes and minerals. They aren’t a replacement for brushing but are a great supplement to your dog’s dental routine.

Wrapping (or Chewing) It Up

Chewing supports your dog’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Choosing natural bones and chews gives them a safe outlet that keeps teeth clean, satisfies instincts, and provides enrichment.

From bully sticks to pig ears to rawhide-free options, there’s a natural chew for every kind of pup. The best chew matches your dog’s size, chewing style, and health needs — and always comes with supervision.

Ready to stock up? Explore Only Natural Pet’s full collection of natural dog chews and bones for safe, high-quality options.