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Welcoming a new baby into the home is a beautiful, chaotic whirlwind—but for your dog, it can also be a bit confusing. As your attention shifts to diapers and feeding routines, your pup’s need for an outlet doesn't disappear; in fact, their natural urge to chew often kicks into high gear as a way to process the change.
In this post, we’ll dive into our favorite safe, durable chew recommendations that have survived our own "baby, toddler, and dog" households, so you can find the perfect match for your pup’s chewing style.
Chewing isn't just a way for your dog to pass the time; it’s a vital part of their well-being. Understanding the why behind the gnawing can help you manage the need more effectively:
If you’re looking for even more ways to keep your dog busy without picking up a leash, be sure to check out our companion guide on Best Puzzle Toys for Dogs: Keep Them Busy While You’re Busy With Baby.
Warning: Dog food and treats are serious choking hazards for young children
While we want our dogs to be happy, safety is the priority when you have little ones around.
Supervise chew time. Always watch your dog and remove any small or broken pieces before they become a hazard for curious toddlers. Do NOT leave stray chews around the home, even if the dog shows no interest.
Keep baby and dog separate during chew time. Your child should not approach the dog while they're working on a chew. Feed your dog in a location a mobile child cannot access: a crate, exercise pen, behind a gate, or in the backyard.
Trading up. If you need to take the chew from the dog, always give a cue or TRADE UP. This means cueing the dog with “drop it” or “leave it”, or offering a tasty reward while you grab the item.
Important: Many dogs will guard resources from children, even if they've never guarded from adults before.
Much to every pet parent’s frustration, no "always-safe" chew exists. Knowing YOUR dog’s habits and chew style can help you pick the safest option.
Possible concerns include:
Other considerations:
Before offering a new chew, always consult your veterinarian.
AVDC Warning Box: American Veterinary Dental College does NOT recommend:
We’ve included links to our favorite places to shop these puzzle toys so you can choose what works best for you.
We love shopping with Chewy for their outstanding customer service, great product selection, fast shipping, and fair prices. They’re also a company that truly cares — sending handwritten birthday and condolence cards and frequently donating to pets in need. 🤍
As an alternative to Amazon, we’ve included Chewy links whenever available.
+New Chewy customers who spend $49+ can get a $20 eGift Card + free shipping.
For our international readers, many of our links may direct you to Amazon. If a product is available in your country, you’ll be redirected to your local Amazon storefront or shown a similar option if the exact item isn’t available.
There are various brand options available formulated specifically for teeth cleaning and endorsed by the AVDC (American Veterinary Dental College). Our personal favorite is Whimzees for their ingredient list and price point. These are a great option for dogs that struggle with various protein allergies or sensitivities. Our dogs also like the dental chews from Pupford. Veterinarians often carry and recommend Vibrac dental chews.
We love these for puppies and gentle chewers! A softer, natural chew option compared to bully items. Our dogs also like the tendons from Pawstruck and Natural Farm.
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These have a crunchy texture and are usually sourced from sheep or beef cattle. For added enrichment and fun, the hollow middle of these can be stuffed (similar to a puzzle toy) and frozen. Our dogs also like the tracheas from Nature Gnaws and Jack&Pup.
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A popular, highly digestible choice that also comes in a low odor option. Our dogs also like the bully sticks from Nature Gnaws and Redbarn.
A bully stick shaped into a ring. Because of its circular geometry, it is much harder for a dog to get the "perfect angle" to swallow a large chunk. We often recommend these for puppies and dogs new to chewies, so you can see how your dog navigates it when it gets small. Our dogs also like the bully rings from Pawstruck and Nature Gnaws.
These are typically made by braiding 3 bully sticks into one form. Some dogs will separate these and eat the 3 sticks separately, while others eat the various strands as one whole. There’s no “right” way, but the strategy may affect how long the chew lasts. In theory, the thickness of the braided strands should make them longer lasting for tough chewers than a single stick. Our dogs also like the bully braids from Redbarn and Nature Gnaws.
Made from the inner layer of beef cow skin, these are a concentrated source of collagen that could promote joint health and improve coat condition. They are denser than bully stick options and often last longer as a result. Our dogs also like the collagen sticks from Pawstruck and Redbarn.
A great rawhide alternative! These are long-lasting (often lasting Izzy and Hela multiple days) and still digestible. They can also be found with alternative flavor coatings. Our dogs also like these flavored options from Brutus & Barnaby and Redbarn.
These are lactose-free cheese based and often come in multiple flavor profiles. Himalayan Pet Supply offers varying density options, and the hardest version does last quite well for tough chewers. Once the chew is too short for safety or if it starts off too hard and your dog won’t chew on it, the shapes can be soaked in water and microwaved to create more of a “cheese-puff” snack instead. These are a great option for dogs that struggle with various protein allergies or sensitivities. Our dogs also like these slightly softer options, the Yum sticks and Churro chews.
The FRESH caveat is important here. Many of the horn and antler options available through mainstream retailers are too hard and brittle. This is a good item to use the “thumbprint test” on - the chew should give and feel slightly spongy. Many owners have best luck sourcing these from local farmers or hunters in their communities.
If your dog likes chewing on wood or sticks, these are a great option! Made from sustainably harvested Java wood, these chews are splinter-resistant and long-lasting. Coffee Wood Chews are stick-shaped branches ideal for "shredders." Gorilla Chews are chunky, irregular "knuckles" or roots from mature trees, perfect for power chewers. These are a great option for dogs that struggle with various protein allergies or sensitivities
Many pet parents like these as a more nutritious swap for pigs’ ears since they’re higher in protein and lower in fat. Some dogs love the versions that come with hair and hide attached.
These are crunchy, novel, and easy to add to meals or puzzle toys.
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A synthetic option for pet parents looking for something longer-lasting than digestible options. Benebone chews can be found in various shapes and sizes, made from either food-grade nylon or plant-based materials, and are infused with exciting flavors. As a general note, these are rather low value for many dogs, especially when compared against digestible options.
Chews come in a wide variety of flavors and sizes for your pup! Instead of rawhide, these nearly identical looking chews are made predominantly from rice flour. They soften easily when in contact with your dog’s saliva, making them a good fit for gentle chewers or older dogs. These are also a great option for dogs that struggle with various protein allergies or sensitivities.
While these aren’t the longest-lasting, they do offer a novel taste and scaly sensation for pups that enjoy fish flavors. You can often find them in various shapes (strips, twists, etc) and sourced from different fish, with cod being the most common. They tend to be quite soft on their own and would work well for gentle chewers.
If you’re concerned about your dog swallowing the last portion of a stick-shaped chew, try using a holder that prevents the end piece from being ingested. Some Dog Meets Baby Community favorites include the Bully Grip, Woof BullySafe, Himalayan Pet Supply Bonehead, or the Westpaw Qwizl.
Pro Tip: If using the Qwizl, only push the bully stick halfway in, otherwise it’s hard to get back out.
Pupford offers a wide variety of high-quality chews we reach for again and again. Since we love them so much, we asked for a discount code for our community. Use code DMB10 to receive 10% off your order. Our favorite order is using the Chews: Pick 2 & Save bundle (our discount code stacks!) and stocking up on bully sticks, collagen sticks, or yak cheese chews.
For pups (and their owners) that like variety and more novel chews, check out the Real Dog Box - a subscription-based chew and treat company that focuses on REAL food. You can expect lots of high protein options, often prepared as naturally as possible with hair and hide intact. Emme buys this for Izzy and loves seeing the always-changing menu each month.
Use this link to receive a free bag of treats with your order.
Dominika’s story: My dog Lola lost her hearing after dental anesthesia. It is a very rare complication, and luckily, it didn’t affect her behavior, and she was already 11 years old when it happened. We also used hand signals in training, so we were still able to communicate with her. With Hela, we are sort of obsessed with dental hygiene. With Hela, we are sort of obsessed with dental hygiene. We got her the Bite n’ Brush Basic Pack from Woof, after falling in love with their Pupsicles. We also love their Woof BullySafe for bully sticks.
Woof has just launched HonestChew Meaty, an ultra-durable chewbone, powered by plants. It’s already in the cart and I can’t wait for Hela to test it.
+Are bully sticks safe for dogs?
We wish we had a straightforward answer, but the truth is, it depends! Some factors to consider are your dog’s medical needs (can they ingest something this high in protein and fat without digestive tract upset), choking risk (will they try to swallow the chew as a piece vs gnawing it down safely), and mouth health (is the bully stick something their current teeth and gum health can handle without bleeding or injury)?
Bully sticks are a much safer alternative to rawhide due to their digestibility, while also being a single-ingredient source of high protein.
If you are worried about your dog choking on a bully stick, use a bully stick holder.
+What's the safest chew for aggressive chewers?
Again, this answer depends a lot on your dog. Depending on their chew style, one type or shape of chew may work best for them, but it takes a bit of trial and error to discover. In narrowing down some favorites from personal use, we’d recommend the cheek rolls, Gorilla chew, bully rings, Himalayan Yak Cheese chews, and collagen sticks as good places to start.
+How do I know when to take a chew away?
Children: If your dog is enjoying their chew in a communal area, remove the chew from the dog or space (if left unattended) BEFORE a mobile infant or child enters the room. Many dogs will guard their resources from children, even if they historically haven’t with adults.
Guarding: If your dog starts showing any guarding behavior over a chew with you or other family members, remove the chew when safe (likely once the dog has left it unattended) and start managing the behavior. Only offer the dog types of chews they won’t guard and do so in an area where the dog can’t practice the behavior, like having them enjoy their chew in a crate. If you’d like to address the behavior long-term, contact a certified force free trainer for help. Do not offer the guarded chew until you have a plan for moving forward, as we want to avoid your dog practicing the guarding behavior.
Dental effects: If you notice any bleeding gums or dental trauma while your dog is chewing, remove the chew via a trade or cue and consult your vet before offering again.
Size: Generally, when the chew is about the size of your thumb (depending on your dog’s size), it’s time to trade. Small pieces can become a choking hazard.
Know your dog: Many dogs can safely finish a chew without trying to swallow the last 2-3 inches. My own dogs, Hela and Lola, are exactly like this, careful finishers. However, if you have a "gulper" who tries to inhale the final nub, take the chew away earlier.
+Can puppies have Himalayan chews?
The standard density of this type of chew is often too hard for puppies. Himalayan Pet Supply offers a variety of density options, so look for one that’s rated soft, like these Churro Cheese Dog Treats. Otherwise, you can take the hard chew, soak it in water for 5 minutes, microwave for about 45 seconds, and let it cool to turn it into a crispy cheese puff treat instead.
+Are antlers safe for dogs?
The AVDC (American Veterinary Dental College) does not currently recommend letting dogs chew on antlers due to their hardness and frequent responsibility for dental trauma. As a caveat, antlers can be a good option depending on their sourcing. Fresh antlers from local farmers or hunters often have a much spongier texture than the versions you see sold online and in pet stores. While we have had great luck with these, not all antlers are created equal and should be used with great care.
+What chews should I avoid when I have a baby?
This mostly depends on you and your preferences. Some parents don’t love the smell of certain chews, like bully sticks or fish skin sticks, while other chews may leave behind a residue or staining from natural oils. Many beef trachea products typically have rings of fat coating the outside of the chew, so there’s usually a slight smell, and the oils from the fat will transfer onto whichever surface your dog places the chew.
When you have a new baby and are trying to meet your dog’s needs while finding time for yourself, often picking the least messy or smelly option is the easiest - things like low/no odor bully sticks, collagen sticks, beef tendons, and cheek rolls. If you would like to offer “messier” chews, offer them outside or over a towel when indoors. Once the dog finishes, shake the towel out outside and toss it in the wash.
Online resources to help your baby and dog get along—right from the start and as they grow up together.
