Why Dogs Need to Chew – More Than Just a Habit
If you’ve ever come home to a gnawed slipper or found your pup happily chomping away on a stick, you’ve seen firsthand that dogs love to chew. But did you know chewing is more than just a fun pastime? It’s an essential behavior that supports your dog’s physical health, mental stimulation, and overall well-being.
At GREAT DOG we believe in giving dogs what they naturally crave—high-quality, USA-made chews and treats that are not only safe and nutritious but also satisfy their instinctual need to chew.
1. Chewing Promotes Dental Health
Just like brushing our teeth, chewing helps dogs maintain clean, healthy mouths. Natural chews act as a gentle abrasive, helping to scrape away plaque and tartar buildup. This reduces the risk of bad breath, gum disease, and other dental problems.
Top Tip:
Look for natural, long-lasting chews made in the USA to ensure safety and quality for your pup’s daily dental routine.
2. It Supports Mental Stimulation and Reduces Anxiety
Chewing isn’t just physical—it’s a mental workout. It helps relieve boredom, anxiety, and stress, especially in high-energy or nervous dogs. Giving your dog a safe, long-lasting chew can occupy their mind, provide comfort during stressful situations (like thunderstorms or separation), and prevent destructive behaviors caused by restlessness.
Mental Health Tip:
Keep a few natural chews on hand during stressful times—travel, vet visits, or being home alone. Chewing can act as a natural calming aid and help your pup feel more secure.
3. Chewing Encourages Healthy Behavior
When dogs don’t have appropriate outlets for chewing, they often turn to destructive behaviors—like tearing up furniture, shoes, or anything they can sink their teeth into. Providing safe, natural chews gives your dog a productive way to meet this instinctual need while protecting your belongings.
Behavior Tip:
Regular chew time (15–30 minutes daily) can help reduce unwanted behaviors and encourage calmness—especially in young or high-energy dogs.
4. Chewing Supports Teething in Puppies
For puppies, chewing is an essential part of the teething process. As their adult teeth come in, they experience discomfort and inflammation—chewing helps relieve that pressure. However, not all chews are puppy-safe, so choosing the right size and texture is crucial.
Puppy Pick:
Opt for softer, digestible chews made from limited, all-natural ingredients and always made in the USA for added peace of mind.
5. Nutritional Benefits of Natural Dog Chews
High-quality chews made from single ingredients like beef, chicken, or bison are more than just a satisfying treat—they also offer essential protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Ingredient Tip:
Look for single-ingredient chews with clear sourcing info. Your dog deserves transparency—and so do you.
Chewing Is Instinctual, Healthy, and Essential
Chewing is more than just a quirky canine habit—it’s a core part of your dog’s physical and emotional well-being. From supporting dental hygiene and reducing anxiety to curbing destructive behavior and aiding in nutrition, the benefits are undeniable.
But not all chews are created equal.
At GREAT DOG CO., we’re proud to offer U.S.-made, natural dog chews and treats crafted with care, safety, and sustainability in mind. Whether you’ve got a teething puppy or a power-chewing adult dog, we’ve got the perfect chew to keep them happy, healthy, and occupied.
Shop our collection of USA-made dog chews today and give your pup the quality they crave—and the care they deserve.
