Choosing the right chew treat isn't about finding one "best" treat, but about finding the best match for your dog. Size, age, chewing power, and sensitivities make the difference between an enjoyable chew and a less suitable choice. This guide will quickly show you what to look for and which types of chew treats are often a good fit.
Start with 4 simple selection criteria
If you're unsure between different chew treats, first consider these four points:
- Size of your dog - a small dog usually benefits from a smaller, more manageable treat than a large dog.
- Chewing behavior - does your dog chew calmly or try to quickly break off large pieces?
- Age - puppies and older dogs often have different needs than adult dogs in their prime.
- Sensitivity to certain protein sources - for a sensitive dog, a simpler composition is often preferable.
Additionally, always pay attention to the hardness of the treat. A good chew treat should be firm enough to be interesting, but also suitable for your dog's teeth and chewing style.
Which chew treat suits which type of dog?
For small dogs
Small dogs generally benefit more from compact treats that are easy to hold. It's better not to choose variants that are too large or extremely hard. A treat should invite chewing, not frustrate by being too bulky or too heavy.
Chew treats for small dogs in an appropriate size can be a good fit here, as long as the size matches your dog's mouth and you supervise during chewing.
For medium and large dogs
Medium and large dogs can often handle a firmer and larger size better. Consider chew treats that last longer and provide more resistance. Especially for larger dogs, it's important that a treat isn't too small, so it's not swallowed whole too quickly. For example, check out the selection of chew treats for medium dogs.
For calm chewers
Dogs that chew calmly often enjoy a firmer chew treat that they can spend a longer time on. For this type of dog, the choice mainly revolves around appropriate size and safe hardness.
For enthusiastic chewers
For strong or enthusiastic chewers, supervision is extra important. Choose a treat that offers sufficient challenge, but isn't so hard that it unnecessarily strains the teeth. Size is also important here: generously fitting rather than too small. Strong chewers often benefit more from larger, more durable chew treats, provided the size is ample enough for their mouth.
For puppies
Puppies have developing teeth. Therefore, softer and more suitable chew treats are usually a more logical choice than very hard variants. Pay close attention to the size and always give a puppy treat for a short time and under supervision. See suitable options at chew treats for puppies.
For senior dogs
For older dogs, it's wise to pay extra attention to comfort during chewing. A treat that's too hard is often less suitable. It's better to choose something that still provides chewing pleasure but is gentler on the teeth.
For sensitive dogs
If your dog has a sensitivity to certain ingredients, pay close attention to the protein source and the composition. A product with a single animal protein source can then be more straightforward. Within the Braaaf range, you'll find, for example, beef tendon as a mono-protein treat.
What to look for in the treat itself?
The shape
Not every dog chews the same way, and therefore, the shape also matters. Roll sticks, twisters, donuts, braids, and pressed bones each offer a different chewing experience. The best choice depends on how your dog holds the treat, chews on it, and how quickly they tend to break off pieces.
The hardness
A treat should be firm, but still appropriate for your dog's teeth. In doubt? Then it's better to choose something slightly less hard than extremely hard. That is often a safer and more pleasant choice, especially for puppies, seniors, or dogs that chew very vigorously. If your dog needs extra dental care, then dental care dog treats can be a good addition.
The composition
Many dog owners prefer natural chew treats with a simple composition. This makes it easier to make an informed choice, especially if your dog reacts sensitively to something or if you just want to know exactly what you're giving.
Giving a chew treat safely
Even an appropriate chew treat is best given safely. A few basic rules make a big difference:
- Always supervise - especially with a new treat or if your dog chews greedily.
- Choose the right size - not too small for your dog's mouth and chewing power.
- Remove small leftover pieces - the last piece can be swallowed more quickly.
- Ensure fresh drinking water - during and after chewing.
Practical selection guide with examples
Want to quickly think in directions? Then this classification helps:
| Situation | What to look for | Examples within confirmed Braaaf categories |
|---|---|---|
| Small dog | Smaller size, easy to handle, not too hard | Rawhide treats in an appropriately small size |
| Large dog | Larger size, more chewing resistance | Larger rawhide treats |
| Calm chewer | Longer chewing, firm but appropriate texture | Roll sticks, braids, pressed bones |
| Enthusiastic chewer | Firm size, extra supervision, not too small | Larger rawhide treats, beef tendon |
| Sensitive dog | Simple composition, clear protein source | Mono-protein variants such as beef tendon |
| Puppy | Appropriate puppy size, choose softer options | Smaller, milder chew options |
How to make the best choice
First, look at your dog, and only then at the treat. A calm small dog needs something different than a large determined dog that goes at everything head-on. By paying attention to size, hardness, age, and composition, you can more easily choose a chew treat that truly suits your dog.
If you want to look specifically, rawhide treats and natural chew treats like beef tendon are a logical starting point within the Braaaf assortment. If you're not sure what suits, view all chew treats to quickly compare by type, protein, and hardness.
Frequently asked questions
What are good chew treats for my dog?
Good chew treats match your dog's size, age, and chewing style. For one dog, a rawhide treat in an appropriate size works well, while another dog might be better suited to a simpler mono-protein treat like beef tendon.
Which chew treats should you not give to dogs?
It's better not to give a treat that is too small, too hard, or not suitable for your dog's teeth and chewing behavior. Also, a treat that your dog can break into large pieces in a short time is less practical. Supervision always remains important, no matter which chew treat you choose.
How often can a dog have a chew treat?
That depends on the size of the treat, the overall diet, and your dog itself. View a chew treat as a supplement and not as a replacement for regular food. Also, observe how your dog reacts to it and keep the total amount of treats in balance.
Which chew bone is best for my dog?
The best choice is a chew product that suits your dog's mouth, chewing power, and life stage. For small dogs and puppies, a more modest and less hard variant is often more logical, while larger dogs usually benefit more from a larger size with more chewing resistance. For dogs that benefit from variety or a different protein source, fish treats can also be interesting.
