Is Chewing Good for Puppies? Let’s Find Out.

Is chewing good for puppies？Chewing is an essential activity for dogs at every life stage. It's entirely natural for both puppies and adult dogs to engage in chewing behavior as a way of exploring their surroundings. Much like babies, young dogs chew to alleviate the discomfort of teething. In the case of adult dogs, chewing serves as nature's mechanism to maintain clean teeth and promote strong and healthy jaws.

What Are the Benefits of Chewing?

Is chewing good for puppies？Promoting both mental and physical stimulation is crucial for behavioral stability in dogs. Engaging in activities like ripping, shredding, and tearing muscle meat or crushing bones not only exercises the jaw and neck muscles but also expends energy. Whether through raw meaty bones or carefully selected chews, dogs can derive benefits from these activities. Dogs that indulge in bone-chewing sessions or chew on appropriate items often experience a sense of calmness and settle well afterward.

Chewing is an instinctual and primal behaviour that triggers the release of endorphins, enhancing the overall sense of pleasure and well-being in dogs. When dogs are mentally and physically stimulated through chewing, they are less likely to exhibit destructive behaviours driven by boredom.

Additionally, chewing contributes to improved dental hygiene, reducing bad breath. The hardness of bones or chew bones acts as a natural teeth cleaner, strengthening the gums. Unlike processed dog foods that are soft and leave plaque, chewing on bones helps prevent dental issues and the resulting bad breath. Commercial dog foods containing high levels of carbohydrate sugars can contribute to bacterial growth in the mouth, leading to dental problems and unpleasant breath due to the absence of the enzyme amylase in a dog's saliva, necessary for breaking down sugars.

How often Should You Give Your Dog Dental Chews?

Allowing your dog to chew regularly is sensible, but the frequency may depend on the type of long-term chew provided. If a long-term chew is calorie-dense, it's advisable to restrict the frequency to a few times a week. As a minimum guideline, I suggest that dog owners include at least one long-term chew session in their dog's weekly diet.

What Is Safe Chewing? 

Though chewing is good for puppies,ensuring your dog's safety during long-term chewing is crucial. To prevent any choking hazards, it's essential to be present in the room and supervise your pup while he engages in chewing. Utilizing safety devices like the DB chew toys can enhance your dog's enjoyment of long-term chews while providing you with peace of mind.

Conclusion

Enhance your dog's chewing experience by offering a variety of chews, such as DB's Turmeric bars or puffy bars. Providing diverse options allows them to chew for extended periods, exercising different parts of their mouth and jaw. Introducing new and exciting chews keeps your dog engaged and enthusiastic about the activity, effectively reducing boredom and anxiety. The key is to make the chewing experience more enticing than any undesirable behavior you're trying to discourage.