If you’re a dog, there’s nothing like a good chew session to relax, unwind and get in touch with your inner canine self. Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, a beloved pastime that helps them explore the environment around them, alleviate anxiety and boredom, strengthen their jaws and even clean their teeth. (Plus, it’s just plain fun!)
In the wild, dogs and wolves gnaw on animal bones. But at home, there are safer (and less messy) options. Ready to treat your best friend’s chompers to a toothsome treat? Read on for everything you need to know about the best long-lasting dog chews, including expert veterinarian advice and product recommendations from pet parents like you.
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Best Overall Long-Lasting Dog ChewSmartBones SmartSticks Peanut Butter Dog Treats, 25 count $16 on Chewy -
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How To Find the Longest Lasting Chews for Dogs
Chews offer many health benefits, but it’s important to select the correct product for your individual pup.
“While practicing, I’ve undoubtedly seen the benefits chewing can provide dogs, from stimulating their natural foraging instincts to reducing plaque buildup,” says Dr. Sara Ochoa, a veterinarian at Animal Hospital of West Monroe in Louisiana, who holds a dual DVM/PhD in veterinary dentistry. “However, I’ve also treated cases where inappropriate chews sadly resulted in costly dental repairs or even surgical removals of foreign bodies.”
When selecting a chew, consider the following:
- Your veterinarian’s advice: First and foremost, consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog’s behavior, current chewing habits or dental health. Your veterinarian will also be able to offer advice on the best chews for your dog.
- Ingredients: Carefully check the ingredients before purchasing a chew, especially if your dog has any food sensitivities or allergies.
- Type of chew: Different types of chews offer different benefits (more on that below!). Before shopping, decide which is best for your dog: antler, rawhide, natural, bully or Himalayan.
- Your dog’s size: Size matters! Small dogs won’t be able to get their jaws around chews that are too big, and tiny chews can be choking hazards for large breeds. Check the manufacturer’s packaging for breed size recommendations.
- Your dog’s health: In addition to food sensitivities, consider your dog’s dental health. If your pet is awaiting dental work, choose a softer chew until their mouth is healed and healthy. Because they often have less jaw strength, puppies and seniors should also opt for softer chews.
9 Best Long-Lasting Dog Chews
We’ve rounded up the best dog chews as tested and approved by Chewy customers. These nine top-selling, top-rated chews get two paws up from dog parents like you.
Best Overall Long-Lasting Dog Chew
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Pup loves them
My pup has a sensitive tummy and these don't seem to bother her. She likes them and they are her special treat.
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Bigger with great ingredients.
Pitty and Mini Aussie loved them. I had hoped that the smartbones would have lasted beyond a few minutes though. For the price, I would expect a good chew time. My Mini had it gone in 20 minutes. She’s 2 so still very much a chewer. My Pitty, also 2, had it gone in 5. I would buy these for a little older dogs that still like to chew but maybe a little less aggressively. I am confident any dog would be engaged by Smartbones yummy smell, size, and texture.
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My dogs love these
When I have to pull out all the stops, I ask my dogs if they want a peanut butter treat and they come running.
Best Antler Dog Chew
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Best antlers we've ever gotten!
They were full, very large, and lasted much longer than others we've gotten in the past! Chewy for the win!!
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Natural and safe!
My furbaby was so excited when this box came. She could smell it and jumped right in to get it. It's almost gone after 6 months
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Loved it
My dog Sadie loved it, she is on Prednisone and needs to chew due to the hunger side affect. It did however wear down which I have not seen in other antlers that she has.
Best Rawhide Dog Chew
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Doggie Dessert !
Give these to my little Chi for a dessert / or treat once in a while. They are pretty rich, so not an everyday treat. She loves them though, and her eyes glaze over in sheer pleasure when she gnaws and consumes them!
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Crate treat
I don't feeder these often but if I have to crate my scottie she gets one. She sees me get one and she immediately goes into her crate without a fuss. I'm home mist days but if I have to leave, she gets crated and I think this makes it a pleasant experience for her
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Super senior loved these
These treats will always hold a special place in my heart. My super senior Leia was so picky for the entire 3.5 years she was with us. However she loved these. We sang the old good clean fun song circa 2002 Everytime we handed one to her and she'd trot off with these to chew until they were gone. Thank you to the maker of these fine treats.
Best Natural Dog Chew
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My dog loves them
My dog devours them. They were kind of large for a 15-lb dog, so I use a sharp knife and cut them into two pieces. They are advertised as being an American product, so that reassures me that I am getting a good product.
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That this is a good product for my dog to chew on
She loves to chew, but have a hard time finding things for her that she will enjoy but also good for her
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Large quantity
Our dog is 16 and she gets so excited when I get the bag out! Her tail wags like crazy. She loves these! Highly recommend.she has not tried the pig ear yet.
Best Bully Stick
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Substantial chews
My dog is only 20 pounds, but I order the jumbo bully sticks. I get too nervous with the smaller ones if he chews them down too far and I am not watching him. These last longer. They are not odorless, but that is why my dog loves them. Keeps him busy chewing for a bit.
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Really big
I give my tiny dogs giant bully sticks. They last forever. One or two of these did peel a tiny bit but I just took that part away. Excellent in every way.
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What dog don’t like these!
I only give this stick once in a great while to help clean their teeth. I watch closely as I’m afraid they make swallow whole that last chunk- so when it gets small , I toss it.
Best Himalayan Dog Chew
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A favorite
My dog loves these. She almost always chews them down in one sitting but a couple times they lasted a couple days. She is exhausted after - it's a lot of work. She loves the "biscuit" you make when the bone is small. About a minute in the microwave, cool, devour.
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Long lasting with no smell
I have a power chewer and one of the yak chews will last him about a hour. He also has a super sensitive tummy and these do not both him. I love they they don’t have a strong smell like a bully stick.
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Cheese bones!
My dog went wild over these, they do make a mess but it might just be my dog, she makes a mess all the time anyway. Watch for choking pieces because some do chip off, but when the end of the bone gets too small put it in water and then microwave it. It will SMELL your microwave BUT it turns into a puff and my dog lost her mind over it. For a bone made of cheese, it lasted longer then I thought coming from a staffy who usually chews everything in a second
Best Long-Lasting Chew for Small Dogs
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Yummy
My dog loves these. Every morning at 9:00, she comes to me and barks because she knows it that treat time.
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A great dessert
I use these as a dessert for my dog's two meals. She waits patiently for these once her meal is complete and enjoys the peanut butter flavor.
Best Long-Lasting Chew for Large Dogs
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wanting to trial a different ingredient
All my dogs love these! The good chewers devour in short order. So I use them to say "stay calm while I'm away and keep the house safe". I did discover that my border collie who isn't a big chewer and doesn't like anything hard or rough like rawhide or coffee wood. These ended up being the right consistency and hardness and taste I presume, and have a smooth surface. This is the only chew bone that she enjoys chewing on. Right now we are waiting for this product to become available again. Ho Hum.......
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My dog loves these
I wish i knew why these were discontinued my dog loves them and is disappointed he cant have them anymore
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My dog's favorite treat
As soon as I take one out of the package, she starts spinning and jumping. Once I give it to her, she runs around tossing it to herself before finally settling down to eat it. It is a special treat that she loves.
Best Long-Lasting Bone Chew
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Great bones
These bones are great they don’t splinter like other bones and are continually chewed even after the marrow has been chewed.
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They are thick.
I have often been told that cooked bones are not good for dogs, and I avoid the thinner ones, as they can splinter easily. These are some solid treats. Both love them.
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SIZE
He loves it. I have to give it to him in intervals, because he just chews on it for so long....I'm afraid he'll break a tooth! So I ziplock it away for a bit and then it's game on!
Types of Long-Lasting Dog Chews
There are a number of types of dog chews, each with their own unique benefits.
Antler
Antlers used for dog chews come from a variety of sources, including deer, elk and moose. They naturally vary in size, texture and shape, making them a good choice for a wide range of pups. Antlers contain many vitamins and minerals and splinter less easily than bone.
Best for: dogs who do best with limited-ingredient diets; pet parents interested in natural treats
Rawhide Chew
Rawhide chews are made from the inner layer of cow or horse hides and may contain flavorings. Some rawhide products break down more quickly than others. Because rawhide is not easily digestible, discard any smaller pieces. It’s usually not recommended for strong chewers.
Best for: puppies, seniors and other dogs, who don’t have a strong bite or aggressive chewing habits
Natural Chew
Natural dog chews are single-ingredient products sourced from a variety of protein sources, including pork, beef and venison. Natural chews are made from body parts such as ears, bones and tendons, which have been dried and dehydrated.
Best for: dogs who do best with single-ingredient treats; ingredient-conscious pet parents
Bully Stick
Bully sticks are made from pizzle (also known as bull penis), a high-protein, highly digestible beef muscle not typically processed for human consumption. Once dehydrated, the muscles are shaped into a variety of sizes and shapes, making them appropriate for many dog breeds and ages.
Best for: dogs who easily tolerate beef; pet parents interested in single-ingredient treats
Himalayan Chew
Also known as “yak chews,” Himalayan chews are made from yak and cow milk, along with salt and lime juice or vinegar. After boiling, the curds are shaped into chews and dried. The resulting hard, cheese-like product takes a long time to break down and makes for an enticing treat.
Best for: dogs who tolerate dairy
Note: When searching for dog chews, you’ll probably come across nylon chew toys. While they tend to be more durable than natural bones and often feature textured surfaces to clean teeth, they’re usually inedible—meant more for encouraging chewing than actually eating.
Dog Chew Safety Tips
It’s important to offer your pup plenty of opportunities to gnash and gnaw. However, safety comes first! Consider the following tips from Dr. Ochoa:
- Harder isn’t always better. Many pet parents make the understandable mistake of selecting chews that are too hard. While extra-hard chews are less likely to splinter apart and may last longer, they can also damage teeth that aren’t up to the task. In general, a chew should give slightly when you press your nail into it; however, some dogs—including puppies, seniors, and those experiencing dental issues—may need a softer option. “It’s vital to match the chew to each dog’s needs, from young puppies to senior pets,” says Dr. Ochoa. “Hard chews could crack teeth in unintended ways.”
- Mix it up. Different shaped chews work different parts of the mouth. For example, a dental chew targets the teeth and gumline, while a bully stick is more about jaw work. Offer your pup a variety of options to prevent over-stimulating one area. “To best promote dental health without hazard, I suggest rotating between chew varieties,” says Dr. Ochoa.
- Avoid artificial ingredients. When possible, choose a chew with the cleanest and least amount of ingredients, avoiding dyes and preservatives, advises Dr. Ochoa.
- Supervision, supervision, supervision. Avoid giving your pup a chew treat and walking away, especially if you’re trying a product for the first time, says Dr. Ochoa. “Supervision remains key, since some chews could present choking issues in the wrong situation.”
Long-Lasting Dog Chews FAQ
Q: Why do dogs chew?
A: Chewing is a natural instinct for dogs. It allows them to explore the world around them, providing both important information and exciting enrichment.
Q: Is chewing good for dogs?
A: Chewing offers a variety of health benefits for dogs. Chewing helps puppies relieve teething pain and allows older dogs to maintain jaw strength while cleaning their teeth. Chewing also provides mental stimulation, prevents boredom and can help relieve anxiety.
Q: Can I give my dog a chew every day?
A: Chews can be an appropriate daily treat for some dogs, but it’s important to rotate between chew varieties to avoid dental damage. Different chews work different areas of the jaw and teeth, and you don’t want to overdo it in any one spot for too long, which could cause damage. Additionally, be mindful of how many calories are in the chews; treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
Q: How long should my dog have a chew for?
A: Every dog and chew is different. However, as a general rule, a 10-15 minute gnawing session should be enough to satisfy your pup, and any longer could result in tooth or gum damage.
Q: What size chew should I give my dog?
A: Chews that are too small for your pup can pose a choking hazard, so take the size of your pet’s mouth into consideration. If your dog can fit the entire chew in their mouth at once, it’s too small and you’ll want to size up to something larger.
Q: Can puppies have dog chews?
A: Chews are great at providing entertainment for puppies, as well as relief from teething. Puppies should be given softer chews than adult dogs, and, as with dogs of any age, should always be supervised. Wait until your puppy is at least 8-weeks old to introduce chews.
How We Chose These Products
Chewing is an important part of being a dog, offering both physical and mental benefits. Failing to offer quality chewing opportunities can negatively impact your pup’s health (as well as your couch cushions!). That’s why we rounded up these best-of-the-best products, as chosen by satisfied Chewy customers. Backed by hundreds of reviews and ratings (4 stars and more), these top-rated bestsellers have proven to be engaging and long-lasting tools in keeping dogs healthy and happy.
Talk to Your Veterinarian
Chews should not be a substitute for regular dental care and should be used in addition to mentally engaging activities such as training, play sessions, walks and exercise. Before introducing a new chew into your dog’s routine, consult your veterinarian and address any concerns about your dog’s dental health or behavior. Never leave your dog alone with a chew to prevent any possibility of choking.
“With guidance, chews offer enormous mental stimulation alongside their dental benefits. Chews done right absolutely have their place for most canine companions,” says Dr. Ochoa. “But as with any new item, consulting your vet ensures safe enjoyment tailored perfectly to Fido.”
Next Steps for Dog Chew Success
Chews are an easy, fun way to help keep your dog’s brain busy and chompers clean! However, just like us humans, dogs require regular dental care to maintain their teeth and oral health. For more ways to keep your pup’s pearly whites gleaming, check out these dental care tips for dogs.
Expert input provided by Dr. Sara Ochoa, a veterinarian at Animal Hospital of West Monroe in Louisiana, who holds a dual DVM/PhD in veterinary dentistry.
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