Ever watched your tiny pup try to tackle a chew toy clearly made for a Great Dane? It’s a funny sight, but not so great for your little friend! Finding the perfect chew toy for a small dog can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. There are so many choices, from hard bones to soft, squishy toys. How do you know what’s safe, fun, and just the right size for those little jaws?
Choosing the wrong chew can lead to frustration for your dog. It can even be dangerous! Too hard, and they could hurt their teeth. Too small, and it becomes a choking hazard. Plus, you want something that will actually keep them busy and happy, right? After all, a bored dog is often a destructive dog! We know you want the best for your furry friend, and that includes finding chews that are both safe and satisfying.
In this blog post, we’ll help you navigate the world of dog chews made just for small dogs. We’ll cover the different types of chews, what to look for in terms of safety and ingredients, and even share some of our top picks. Get ready to discover the perfect chews to keep your little buddy happy, healthy, and entertained. Let’s dive in and find the best chew toys for your pint-sized pal!
Our Top 5 Dog Chews For Small Dogs Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Dog Chews For Small Dogs Detailed Reviews
1. DreamBone Twist Sticks
Rating: 8.8/10
DreamBone Twist Sticks offer a tasty and safe chewing experience for your dog. These rawhide-free chews are made with real chicken and wholesome vegetables. They come in a fun twist shape that dogs love. With 50 chews in each pack, your furry friend will be entertained for a while!
What We Like:
- Rawhide-Free: DreamBone Twist Sticks are a safe alternative to rawhide chews. They are easily digestible.
- Real Chicken: Dogs love the delicious taste of real chicken. The added vegetables make it even better.
- Enriched with Vitamins and Minerals: These chews help keep your dog healthy with added nutrients.
- Helps Maintain Healthy Teeth: Chewing these sticks can help clean your dog’s teeth. This can reduce tartar and promote healthy gums.
- Twist Shape: The unique twist shape makes chewing more fun. It keeps dogs engaged and entertained.
What Could Be Improved:
- Supervision Required: Always supervise your dog while they chew. This helps prevent choking hazards.
- Calorie Content: Be mindful of how many chews you give your dog. Too many can lead to weight gain.
DreamBone Twist Sticks are a great way to treat your dog. They provide a safe and tasty chewing experience that promotes dental health.
2. Nature Gnaws Extra Thin Bully Sticks for Small Dogs 5-6″ (10 Count) – Long Lasting for Light Chewers and Puppies – Natural Beef Dog Chew Bones
Rating: 8.8/10
The Nature Gnaws Extra Thin Bully Sticks are designed for small dogs, puppies, and light chewers. These 5-6 inch bully sticks come in a pack of 10. They are made from a single ingredient: natural, premium-quality beef pizzle. They are a great way to keep your dog busy and happy.
What We Like:
- These bully sticks are perfect for small dogs, teething puppies, and senior dogs who don’t chew as aggressively.
- They are a rawhide-free alternative, which is great for dogs with sensitive stomachs. These sticks are also grain-free and gluten-free.
- Chewing on these sticks helps clean your dog’s teeth by reducing plaque and tartar. This leads to fresher breath and better dental hygiene.
- These bully sticks are made with a simple, natural recipe. Your dog will enjoy the beef flavor and scent.
- Nature Gnaws is a family-run business. They are committed to providing natural and responsibly sourced dog chews.
What Could Be Improved:
- While low-odor, some owners may still detect a slight smell, which is typical of natural bully sticks.
- Because they are extra thin, very aggressive chewers might finish them quickly. These are best for light to moderate chewers.
If you have a small dog or puppy, Nature Gnaws Extra Thin Bully Sticks are a great choice. They are a tasty, healthy, and safe way to keep your furry friend entertained.
3. Pur Luv Dog Treats
Rating: 8.6/10
Pur Luv Chicken Jerky Dog Treats are a simple and healthy way to reward your furry friend. These treats are made with real chicken breast as the main ingredient. They are designed to satisfy your dog’s chewing instincts and provide a protein-rich snack. With limited ingredients and no artificial additives, you can feel good about giving these to your dog.
What We Like:
- Real Chicken First: The treats use 100% real chicken breast as the very first ingredient, ensuring a high-quality protein source.
- Satisfying Chew: These jerky treats are great for fulfilling your dog’s natural urge to chew. This can help reduce boredom and destructive behavior.
- Limited Ingredients: Pur Luv keeps the ingredient list short and simple. This helps you know exactly what your dog is eating.
- Healthy and Nutritious: These treats are high in protein and low in fat. Also, they don’t have artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- Good Nutritional Values: With a minimum of 60% crude protein, and low crude fiber and moisture.
What Could Be Improved:
- Texture: Some dogs might prefer a softer texture, especially older dogs or those with dental issues.
- Packaging: A resealable bag could help maintain freshness after opening.
Pur Luv Chicken Jerky Dog Treats are a solid choice for dog owners who want a healthy, simple, and protein-packed snack. These treats are sure to make your dog happy and keep them occupied.
4. ORAVET Dental Chews for Dogs
Rating: 8.7/10
ORAVET Dental Chews are designed to keep your small dog’s teeth clean and healthy. These chews help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to bad breath and other dental problems. This particular bag is made for small dogs weighing between 10 and 24 pounds and contains 30 chews, enough for a month of daily use. Veterinarians even give these chews to their own dogs!
What We Like:
- Contains delmopinol, an ingredient that creates a barrier against harmful bacteria.
- Delmopinol has been used in human oral rinses for years.
- The chewing action helps loosen and remove plaque, even down to the gumline.
- Individually wrapped chews are easy to give to your dog.
- The chews have a vanilla aroma and a poultry flavor that dogs enjoy.
- These chews are formulated to be easily digestible.
What Could Be Improved:
- Only suitable for dogs six months of age or older, weighing at least 3.5 pounds.
- Some dogs might not like the poultry flavor.
- Daily use is required to see the full benefits.
ORAVET Dental Hygiene Chews are a convenient way to support your dog’s dental health. Give them a try and see the difference they can make in your dog’s oral hygiene.
5. Purina Busy Made in USA Facilities Toy Breed Dog Bones
Rating: 8.9/10
The Purina Busy Bone Tiny dog treats are made just for small dogs! These treats are perfect for pups weighing between 5 and 12 pounds. Each bone has a meaty center that dogs love. Plus, they’re made in Purina’s own facilities right here in the USA. You get a pack of four pouches, with 30 bones in each pouch, giving you plenty of treats to keep your furry friend happy.
What We Like:
- These bones are made with real meat in the center for a taste dogs go crazy for.
- They don’t have any rawhide or artificial colors.
- The bones are easy for dogs to digest.
- The firm texture helps to clean your dog’s teeth as they chew.
- Purina makes these in their own U.S. facilities.
- The shape and texture keep your dog interested and busy.
- They are perfectly sized for tiny dog breeds.
- Purina has been making pet food for over 90 years, so you know they’re experienced.
- The bones go through lots of checks to make sure they’re safe and good quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some dogs might eat them too quickly, so keep an eye on your pet.
- The “busy” aspect may not last long for all dogs.
In conclusion, Purina Busy Bone Tiny treats are a great choice for small dog owners wanting a safe, tasty, and teeth-cleaning chew. Your tiny friend will be thankful!
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Dog Chews for Small Dogs
Choosing the right chew for your tiny friend can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you find safe and fun chews that your small dog will love. We’ll cover what to look for, what to avoid, and answer common questions.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for dog chews, keep these features in mind:
- Size: This is the most important factor. Chews should be appropriately sized for small dogs to prevent choking hazards. Too big, and they can’t handle it. Too small, and they might swallow it whole.
- Durability: You want a chew that lasts long enough to entertain your dog but isn’t so hard that it damages their teeth.
- Ingredients: Look for chews with natural ingredients and avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
- Digestibility: Choose chews that are easily digestible to prevent stomach upset.
- Texture: Different textures offer different benefits. Some textures help clean teeth, while others are simply enjoyable for chewing.
Important Materials
The material of the chew matters a lot. Here’s a breakdown of common materials:
- Natural Chews: These include bully sticks, rawhide alternatives (made from digestible materials), and dental chews made from natural ingredients.
- Rubber Chews: These are durable and can be filled with treats for added fun. Look for high-quality, non-toxic rubber.
- Edible Chews: These are meant to be consumed over time. Examples include dental chews and some types of treats. Always monitor your dog when they’re chewing on these.
- Nylon Chews: These are very durable but can splinter. Supervise your dog and discard the chew if it starts to break apart.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several factors affect the quality of dog chews.
- High-Quality:
- Made with natural, digestible ingredients.
- Appropriately sized for small dogs.
- Durable enough to withstand chewing but not too hard.
- Free from artificial additives.
- Made by a reputable brand with good safety standards.
- Low-Quality:
- Contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
- Too hard, which can damage teeth.
- Too small, posing a choking hazard.
- Made with low-quality or indigestible materials.
- Splinter easily, creating sharp edges.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how your dog likes to chew and when you’ll use the chew.
- Anxious Dogs: Chews can help relieve anxiety and boredom.
- Teething Puppies: Softer chews can soothe sore gums.
- Dental Health: Some chews are designed to clean teeth and freshen breath.
- Playtime: Rubber chews can be used for fetch and interactive play.
Remember to always supervise your dog while they’re chewing and discard any chew that becomes too small or damaged.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What size chew is best for my small dog?
A: Choose a chew that is large enough that your dog can’t swallow it whole. The chew should be easy for them to hold and manipulate in their mouth. Generally, chews labeled for “small breeds” or under 20 pounds are a good starting point.
Q: Are rawhide chews safe for small dogs?
A: Rawhide chews can pose a choking hazard and are difficult to digest. Consider safer alternatives like digestible rawhide substitutes or dental chews made from natural ingredients.
Q: How often should I give my dog a chew?
A: It depends on the chew and your dog’s chewing habits. Start with short sessions (15-20 minutes) and monitor their chewing. Some chews can be given daily, while others are better suited for occasional use.
Q: What are the best chews for dental health?
A: Dental chews with a textured surface are excellent for cleaning teeth and massaging gums. Look for chews that contain enzymes or other ingredients that help fight plaque and tartar.
Q: How do I know if a chew is too hard?
A: If you can’t make a slight indentation in the chew with your fingernail, it’s likely too hard and could damage your dog’s teeth. Select a chew with some give.
Q: My dog swallows chews whole. What should I do?
A: If your dog tends to swallow chews whole, choose larger, more durable chews that are difficult to break apart. You can also try using a chew holder to prevent them from swallowing the entire chew.
Q: Are all-natural chews always the best option?
A: All-natural chews are generally a good choice, but it’s still important to check the ingredients and ensure they are digestible and safe for your dog. Even natural ingredients can cause allergies or sensitivities in some dogs.
Q: Can puppies have chews?
A: Yes, puppies can have chews, but choose softer options specifically designed for teething puppies. These chews are gentle on their gums and help relieve discomfort.
Q: How do I clean a rubber chew toy?
A: You can clean rubber chews with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and allow them to air dry. Some rubber chews are also dishwasher-safe.
Q: How do I store dog chews?
A: Store dog chews in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Some chews may need to be refrigerated after opening. Follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.