Whether you're raising a playful puppy, caring for an energetic adult, or spoiling a senior dog, chewing is an essential part of a dog's life. But not all chews are right for every dog.
Choosing the appropriate chew based on your dog’s age and size not only keeps them engaged—it also supports their dental health, satisfies natural instincts, and prevents choking or digestive issues.
Here's a guide to finding the perfect chew for every stage of your dog’s journey. The age categories are just a guide - you know your dog best. Some dog breeds are seniors at 7 or 8 and others are less so!
Puppy Chews (8 Weeks to 1 Year)
Needs: Teething relief, gentle texture, easy to digest
Why Chewing Matters: Puppies explore the world with their mouths—and during teething, chewing helps relieve sore gums.
What to Look For:
- Softer, flexible chews
- Easily digestible ingredients
- No artificial flavors or chemicals
Try:
- Small-sized beef or bison tendon
- Thin beef trachea
- Chicken breast chew
- Thin beef or bison pizzle
Tip: Always supervise young puppies while chewing, especially during the teething stage.
Adult Dog Chews (1 to 8 Years)
Needs: Dental maintenance, enrichment, long-lasting satisfaction
Why Chewing Matters: Adults chew to clean teeth, burn energy, and reduce boredom or anxiety.
What to Look For:
- Harder, longer-lasting chews
- Single-ingredient, protein-rich options
- Proper size to avoid swallowing hazards
Try:
- Beef or Bison bully sticks
- Bison scaps or trachea chews
- Beef or Bison Tendons
Tip: Rotate different types of chews to keep your dog mentally stimulated and prevent food sensitivities.
Senior Dog Chews (8+ Years)
Needs: Gentler on teeth, easy to digest, minimal fat
Why Chewing Matters: Seniors still love to chew—but they may have sensitive teeth or slower digestion.
What to Look For:
- Softer chews or treats that break down easily
- Low-fat, natural options
- Chews that promote dental health without strain
Try:
- Freeze-dried bison or beef tendon chews
- Freeze dried lamb or beef lung
- Freeze-dried liver treats (as a softer alternative)
Tip: If your senior dog has dental issues, consult your vet before introducing new chews.
Choosing the Right Size Chew
No matter your dog’s age, size matters when it comes to safety.
Here’s a quick size guide:
Dog Size & Ideal Chew Size
Toy (under 15 lbs)
Ideal Chews: Thin tendons, trachea, mini/thin bully sticks
Medium (15–50 lbs)
Ideal Chews: Standard bully sticks, standard scapula, standard size trachea
Large (50+ lbs)
Ideal Chews: Thick bully sticks, large/long bully sticks (24"), scapula, longer trachea pieces
Rule of Thumb: If your dog is a gobbler, the chew should be wider/longer than your dog’s mouth to prevent choking or swallowing whole.
🇺🇸 Why US-Sourced and US-Made, Single-Ingredient Chews Are the Best Choice
Across all life stages, single-ingredient, USA-sourced chews provide peace of mind. With no fillers, artificial additives, or questionable sourcing, your dog gets exactly what they need—nothing more, nothing less.
✔ Fully traceable ingredients
✔ Safer processing standards
✔ Easily digestible, especially for sensitive stomachs
Final Tips for Chew Safety
- Always supervise chewing—especially with new treats.
- Store chews in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
- Introduce new chews slowly to watch for allergies or sensitivities.
❤️ Your Dog Deserves the Best—At Every Age
Chewing isn’t just a fun activity—it’s part of your dog’s physical and mental wellness. By choosing the right chew for your dog’s age and size, you’re not just giving a treat—you’re supporting a happier, healthier life.
Explore our full line of single-ingredient, USA-sourced and US-made dog chews and treats—tailored for every stage of your dog’s life at https://www.greatdogco.com/collections
