Meet the Chew Crew - The 5 Main Chewing Styles
Just like people, dogs have their own quirks - and that includes how they chew. Some go full beast mode on every stick they see, while others treat their treats like delicate hors d’oeuvres. Understanding how your dog chews isn’t just entertaining - it’s the key to finding the perfect all-natural chew that keeps them happy, healthy, and out of your sock drawer.
Here’s a breakdown of the five most common chewing personalities we see (and yes, your dog might be a combo platter):
The Demolisher
- Profile: Powerful jaws, endless energy, and zero chill. The Demolisher doesn’t nibble - they destroy.
- Typical breeds: Labs, German Shepherds, Bully breeds, Huskies
- Signs: Finishes a standard chew in under 5 minutes, leaves splinters behind, and often chews for sport.
The Nibbler
- Profile: Gentle and polite, The Nibbler chews like they’re at high tea.
- Typical breeds: Toy breeds, seniors, picky eaters
- Signs: Slowly works through chews, often takes breaks, prefers softer textures or smaller sizes.
The Boredom Buster
- Profile: These dogs chew to pass the time - not necessarily out of hunger or drive, but because it’s something to do.
- Typical breeds: Any - this is more about environment than breed
- Signs: Starts chewing during downtime, after meals, or when left alone for long periods.
The Anxious Chewer
- Profile: Sensitive souls who chew to self-soothe. Often triggered by separation anxiety, new environments, or stress.
- Typical breeds: Rescues, shelter dogs, high-strung personalities
- Signs: Chews consistently when nervous, prefers familiar chew textures, may also whine or pace.
The Sampler
- Profile: Equal parts curious and picky, The Sampler loves to try new things - but gets bored fast.
- Typical breeds: Spoiled (in the best way) pets, food-motivated dogs
- Signs: Starts strong, then abandons the chew; tends to “window-shop” multiple chews in a week.
The Perfect Chew for Every Type of Chewer
Every dog has their quirks - and their own signature chewing style. Whether you’ve got a destroyer of worlds or a gentle little nibbler, there’s a chew out there that’ll make their tail wag and their teeth thank you. Let’s break it down, one chew-happy personality at a time.
The Demolisher
Power jaws. Zero chill. Total chew carnage.
This dog doesn’t just chew - they conquer. You need chews that are tough enough to survive a serious chomp session, without breaking apart or posing a risk. Think heavy-duty, long-lasting, and oh-so-satisfying.
Top picks for this chewing champ:
- RedBarn Beef Cheek Roll – Large: A meaty masterpiece made for marathon gnawing.
- Open Range Full Length Bull Tail: Extra chewy and packed with texture - perfect for teeth and jaws that don’t quit.
-
Purely Paws Supreme Beef Bully Sticks – 12": These thick-cut sticks are built for battle.
The Nibbler
Delicate chewer. Polite bites. Zero mess.
Not every pup wants to wrestle with their snack. These dainty chewers prefer softer textures and subtle scents - perfect for smaller mouths or sensitive tummies.
Sweet and simple options they’ll love:
- RedBarn Cow Ears: Light, crisp, and gently dried - basically the popcorn of the chew world.
- Purely Paws Dehydrated Cow Ears: Same vibe, just a little more rustic.
- Purely Paws Esophagus Sticks: Thin, flavourful, and ideal for short chew breaks.
The Boredom Buster
Part chewer, part puzzle-solver. Easily bored, always curious.
You’ll find them gnawing on the corner of your coffee table if you don’t keep things interesting. The key here is variety and texture - chews that offer a little surprise in every bite.
Keep their minds and mouths busy with:
- RedBarn Bully Wrapped Collagen Sticks: A delicious twist on two classics.
- Open Range Beef Tendon: Chewy, stringy, and totally irresistible.
- RedBarn Collagen Ring: Durable and donut-shaped for the perfect play-chew combo.
The Anxious Chewer
Chewing = coping.
These sensitive souls use chewing to decompress, so they need consistency, comfort, and something that feels familiar. Soft but durable chews with a predictable shape are the way to go.
Comfort in chew form:
- Purely Paws 12” Collagen Stick: Long-lasting and soothing - great for calming down the jitters.
- RedBarn Bully Sticks – 7” or 12”: The OG classic that never fails to deliver.
The Sampler
They want it all - and they want it now.
One chew just isn’t enough. These curious canines love a rotation of textures and flavours. So mix and match to keep things fresh, exciting, and chew-tastic.
Your game plan: Build your own chew box! Choose a few collagen sticks, throw in a beef tendon, toss in a cow ear, and top it off with a good ol’ bully stick. Boom - happy chewer, happy you.
The Secret Benefits of Chew Time
Sure, chews are great for keeping your dog busy - but their perks go far beyond simple distraction. The act of chewing taps into your dog’s instincts and can offer major physical and mental health benefits. Here's what chew time is really doing behind the scenes:
🦷 Natural Dental Care
Chewing helps scrape away plaque and tartar, keeping your dog’s teeth cleaner without a toothbrush battle. Long-lasting chews like bully sticks and beef cheeks are especially effective at promoting healthy gums and fresher breath. Add to your kibble or freeze-dried routine to create the perfect balance.
🧠 Mental Stimulation
Chewing is like yoga for the canine brain - it soothes, calms, and offers a focused activity that eases boredom and anxiety. This is especially helpful for dogs who get into mischief when they’re under-stimulated. A chew a day can keep the chaos away.
🐾 Behavioral Boosts
Giving your dog an appropriate outlet for chewing helps prevent destructive habits like shoe-shredding or couch-nibbling. It’s a simple way to redirect energy toward something rewarding (for both of you).
💪 Jaw Strength and Coordination
Chewing helps strengthen jaw muscles, especially important for puppies and seniors alike. It also gives dogs a chance to use their mouths in a healthy, satisfying way that builds confidence.
😌 Emotional Regulation
For anxious pups, the act of chewing releases feel-good endorphins. It's a natural coping mechanism that can help reduce stress during triggering moments - like thunderstorms, fireworks, or when you're leaving the house.
Bonus: Chew time = quiet time. You get a moment of peace, and they get a happy jaw workout. Win-win.
How to Choose the Right Size and Type
When it comes to chews, one size definitely does not fit all. Choosing the right chew for your dog depends on a few important factors: their size, chewing style, age, and any dietary restrictions. Here’s how to make the smartest pick for your pup.
Size Matters
Always match the chew size to your dog’s jaw strength and weight. A Great Dane will blow through a small bully stick in seconds (and risk choking on it), while a Chihuahua might struggle with anything too dense or oversized.
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs): Try Purely Paws Esophagus Sticks or RedBarn Cow Ears for softer, manageable options.
- Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): Mid-size chews like RedBarn Bully Wrapped Collagen Sticks strike a nice balance between durability and reward.
- Large dogs (50+ lbs): Go big with RedBarn Beef Cheek Rolls or Open Range Full-Length Bull Tails.
Match the Chew to the Chewer
Think about how your dog chews. Are they a shredder, a sucker, or a full-blown destroyer?
- Power chewers: Opt for collagen sticks or tendons - they’re tough, long-lasting, and stand up to pressure.
- Delicate or senior dogs: Go with single-ingredient, softer chews like cow ears or esophagus strips.
- Anxious chewers: Choose slow-release options like Purely Paws 12" Collagen Sticks that offer calming engagement.
Consider Ingredients and Sourcing
Look for chews made with minimal processing and no artificial fillers. All-natural chews like Purely Paws Bully Sticks are better for digestion and overall health. Bonus points if they’re Canadian-sourced and hormone-free.
Puppies or Seniors?
Chewing needs shift with age. Puppies benefit from softer chews that soothe teething pain - while seniors need options that are gentle on aging teeth but still mentally enriching.
Pro tip: When in doubt, supervise your dog with a new chew and adjust as needed. A chew that lasts 20 minutes for one dog might last 2 seconds (or two hours) for another.
Brindle’s Best-Sellers: Customer Favourites Right Now
Looking for a guaranteed hit? These dog chews are flying off the shelves at Brindle Pet Supplies - and for good reason. Loved by dogs and trusted by Canadian pet parents, these best-sellers strike the perfect balance between taste, durability, and health benefits.
Purely Paws Supreme Beef Bully Sticks – 12"
A go-to for power chewers, these single-ingredient bully sticks are slow-roasted for maximum flavour and satisfaction. They’re thick, odour-controlled, and fully digestible - making them a customer favourite for years.
RedBarn Collagen Stick – Large
Looking for joint support and chew satisfaction in one? These long-lasting collagen sticks help promote mobility while keeping dogs happily gnawing for ages. A great pick for seniors or active pups alike.
Purely Paws Dehydrated Cow Ears
Low-fat, crunchy, and irresistible. These gently dehydrated cow ears are ideal for small to medium dogs who love a satisfying, slightly softer chew. Plus, they help support dental health naturally.
RedBarn Bully Wrapped Collagen Sticks – 6” or 12”
Two chew types in one! A tough collagen core wrapped in a tasty bully stick for dogs who like a little variety. These are fantastic boredom busters for anxious chewers and crate time.
Open Range Full-Length Bull Tail
A powerhouse of chewing pleasure, these ultra-durable chews are rich in protein and collagen, making them perfect for large breed dogs who need something that lasts.
Final Thoughts: There’s a Perfect Chew for Every Pup
At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all chew - just like there’s no one-size-fits-all dog. Whether your pup is a dainty nibbler, a turbo-charged chomper, or somewhere in between, the key is matching their unique chew style to the right texture, protein, and purpose.
From long-lasting bully sticks to collagen-rich chews that support mobility, Brindle Pet Supplies has everything you need to keep your dog happily (and safely) chewing. Bonus? You’ll get peace of mind knowing every product we carry is curated for quality, digestibility, and dog-approved satisfaction.
So go ahead - explore, experiment, and let your dog’s next favourite chew find them.
Shop our full collection of natural dog chews at BrindlePet.ca and treat your pup to something worth drooling over.