The Ultimate Chew Chart: Best Natural Dog Chews by Breed, Age & Chewing Style

Introduction: Choosing the Right Chew Is Important

Chewing: your dog’s favourite hobby (besides barking at nothing, sleeping upside-down, and acting like they haven’t eaten in 84 years). But behind every good gnaw session is an important truth - the right dog chew can support your dog’s health, while the wrong one can send you sprinting to the vet faster than you can say "rawhide recall."

The Connection Between Dog Chews and Health

Let’s start with the basics: chewing isn’t just a way for dogs to pass time - it’s essential. Proper dog chews support dental health by helping to remove plaque and tartar, which means fresher breath and fewer expensive dental cleanings. Chews also provide mental stimulation, helping to calm anxious dogs, beat boredom, and protect your baseboards from a gnarly fate.

Chewing also contributes to physical health, especially when you opt for high-protein, single-ingredient chews like bully sticks or collagen sticks. These aren’t just snacks - they’re functional wellness tools (that happen to be drooled over).

The Wrong Chew? Big Yikes.

But not all chews are created equal. That dollar-store rawhide might seem like a bargain - until it unravels mid-gulp, blocks your pup’s digestive system, and turns into an emergency surgery bill. Chews with vague meat by-products, chemical preservatives, and artificial dyes can trigger everything from allergies and gut issues to serious long-term health problems.

One Chew Fits All? Nope.

Big dog? Tiny teether? Senior snacker? Power chewer? Every dog needs a chew that suits their unique size, age, and style. Handing the same treat to a Chihuahua puppy and a fully-grown Great Dane is like giving a toddler a steak knife. Not ideal.

That’s why we’ve created the Ultimate Chew Chart - your no-fluff, all-facts guide to finding the perfect natural chew for your pup.

Stick with us (pun very much intended), and we’ll show you how to chew smarter - not harder.

The 3 Key Factors That Should Guide Your Chew Choice

Shopping for dog chews can feel like the pet aisle version of online dating: endless options, questionable ingredients, and lots of “this looked better in the picture.” But unlike Hinge, a bad match here can result in cracked teeth or a surprise vet bill. Here’s how to swipe right on the perfect chew.

1. Your Dog’s Age: Puppy, Adult, or Senior?

Each life stage comes with its own chewing style - and risks.

• Puppies are all gums, teeth, and chaos. They need softer, digestible chews that soothe sore mouths while steering them away from your furniture.
• Adult dogs are prime-time chewers. This is when long-lasting dog chews like Purely Paws bully sticks or RedBarn beef cheek rolls shine.
• Senior dogs need chews that are gentle on aging teeth but still provide enrichment and dental benefits - like collagen sticks or esophagus treats.

2. Breed Size and Jaw Strength

A chew meant for a Yorkie isn’t going to cut it for a Rottweiler - and vice versa.

• Small breeds: Go for thinner bully sticks, collagen sticks, or training-size chews that don’t overwhelm their mouths.
• Medium breeds: You’ve got some flexibility - braided bully sticks and mid-size collagen chews are a win here.
• Large and powerful breeds: You’ll want tough, long-lasting dog chews like thick bully sticks, glazed cheek rolls, or extra-dense collagen sticks that keep jaws working without splintering.

3. Chewing Personality: Lazy Nibbler or Power Shredder?

Every dog has a chew style. Identify it, and shop accordingly.

• The Grazer: Savours slowly. Great for single-ingredient sticks and chews with texture - avoid anything too soft or fast to finish.
• The Destroyer: Chews like it’s a full-time job. Needs durability, density, and ultra-long-lasting chews.
• The Taster: Likes variety. Rotate between bully sticks, collagen, and esophagus chews to keep things interesting (bonus: subscribe & save to keep the stash full).

The Ultimate Chew Chart: Find Your Match Based on Age, Breed & Chew Style

Welcome to the only chew chart you’ll ever need - because not every dog is built for bull tail chaos or delicate with their dental chews. Whether you’ve got a dainty dachshund or a power-chewing pit bull, we’ve mapped out the perfect match.

Pro Tip: If your dog has strong chew drive but sensitive digestion, collagen sticks are an excellent swap for rawhide. Bonus points if they’re from a Canadian pet retailer (like us, ahem) that offers easy reordering.

Purely Paws vs. RedBarn vs. Open Range: Which Brand Is Best for Your Dog?

Not all dog chews are created equal - and that’s especially true when you’re choosing between top-tier options like Purely Paws, RedBarn, and Open Range. Each brand has its own strengths, so let’s break down what sets them apart so you can pick the best chew for your dog’s needs.

Purely Paws: Clean, Canadian, and Consistent

• Ingredients: 100% single-ingredient, grass-fed beef with no preservatives or artificial anything.
• Formats: Bully sticks (6", 12"), collagen sticks, esophagus sticks, and more.
• Best For: Dogs with allergies, picky eaters, and parents who want ultra-premium chews without the markup.
• Canadian Availability: Exclusive to Canadian retailers like Brindle Pet Supplies, with subscribe & save options and nationwide delivery.
• Standout Feature: Exceptional value for the quality—ideal for bulk buyers and subscription fans.

RedBarn: Big Brand, Big Variety

• Ingredients: Sourced globally with solid quality control; some recipes use added flavouring or glazes.
• Formats: Glazed beef cheek rolls, braided bully sticks, collagen chews, and classic rawhide alternatives.
• Best For: Strong chewers who crave variety and larger-format options.
• Canadian Availability: Widely available across Canada, including at brindlepets.ca.
• Standout Feature: Broad range of sizes and textures for multi-dog households or frequent rotation.

Open Range: Grass-Fed and Free-Range

• Ingredients: South American-sourced grass-fed beef and water buffalo; hormone- and antibiotic-free.
• Formats: Bully sticks, trachea, tendons, ears, and specialty chews like pizzles and hooves.
• Best For: Dogs with strong jaws or parents focused on ethical sourcing.
• Canadian Availability: Carried by select Canadian pet retailers.
• Standout Feature: Strong focus on ethical sourcing and diverse proteins.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

Still can’t decide? Mix and match! With bully stick subscriptions, collagen bundles, and Canada-wide fast shipping, Brindle Pet Supplies makes it easy to try them all.

Safe Chewing Starts with Supervision and Sizing

We get it - handing over a long-lasting dog chew and watching your pup disappear into blissful gnawing mode is pure magic. But even the best bully stick or collagen chew needs a little human oversight. Choosing the right size and knowing when to supervise or intervene is key to making chew time safe, not stressful.

How to Size a Chew Properly

Think of it this way: if your dog could try to swallow the chew whole, it’s too small. A properly sized chew should be:

• Longer than the length of your dog’s muzzle
• Wider than their mouth when opened comfortably
• Thick enough that it takes effort to work through - but not so hard it risks tooth fracture

Pro Tip: For bully sticks, go up a size if your dog is a power chewer or a known gulp-and-go artist. For puppies and smaller breeds, opt for slender or spiral shapes to reduce the risk of breakage or choking.

Supervision Guidelines by Chew Type

Different chews = different supervision needs. Here's a quick guide:

When to Take a Dog Chew Away

As heartbreaking as it is to interrupt the fun, sometimes you need to take charge. Remove the chew if:

• It’s small enough to fit entirely in your dog’s mouth
• There’s visible splintering or sharp edges
• Your dog is trying to swallow it whole or chew too aggressively
• They’ve been at it for more than 30–45 minutes straight (especially for puppies)

👉 Bonus tip: Use a chew holder or bully stick safety grip to reduce the risk of gulping small end pieces.

Subscribe and Save: Why a Dog Chew Subscription Makes Sense

You know that feeling when your dog trots over to their treat jar… and it’s empty? Avoid the guilt and the last-minute scramble by setting up a dog chew subscription. Because let’s face it - your dog’s chewing habits are as consistent as their love for belly rubs.

Benefits of Never Running Out of Safe Chews

• Routine matters: Dogs thrive on habit, and having chews on hand helps support dental health, anxiety reduction, and enrichment - all without missing a beat.
• Avoid “panic buying”: No more mystery meat chews from the corner store when your regular stash runs out.
• Savings that add up: Subscriptions include a 5% discount - because you shouldn’t have to pay more for doing the right thing.

Customize for Your Dog’s Chew Schedule

Whether your pup is a daily gnawer or a weekend warrior, you can set a schedule that works. Choose options like:

• Weekly bully stick refills
• Monthly collagen stick delivery
• Rotation of chew types for variety and engagement

At Brindle Pet Supplies, our bully stick subscription in Canada makes it simple to set your dog up with a predictable supply of long-lasting, all-natural dog chews delivered to your door - without shipping delays or markup from U.S. sites.

How Brindle’s Subscription Works

• Pick your favourites: Choose from trusted Canadian chews like Purely Paws Bully Sticks, RedBarn Cheek Rolls, or Collagen Sticks.
• Set your schedule: Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly - you choose what works.
• Pause, skip, or cancel anytime: You're in control.

Start your dog chew subscription today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your pup will never miss their chew fix again.

Final Thoughts: Chew Time Should Be Safe, Healthy and Tailored

The right chew does more than bust boredom - it contributes to dental health, stress relief, and digestive wellness. But finding the right chew means matching your dog’s age, breed, and chewing style to the proper product.

Recap: What to Look For

• Choose chews sized to your dog’s jaw and intensity level
• Avoid rawhide, artificial additives, and vague sourcing
• Opt for all-natural dog chews like collagen sticks and bully sticks with single proteins

Better chews = better health. It’s that simple.

And with Brindle Pet Supplies, you’re never left guessing. We offer only the best so you can chew with confidence.

Ready to find your dog’s perfect chew?

Explore our carefully curated collection of bully sticks, collagen chews, and all-natural dog treats - all delivered across Canada with fast shipping and subscription savings.

👉 Shop long-lasting dog chews at Brindle Pet Supplies. Your pup’s new favourite chew is just a few clicks away.