Are Dog Chews Good For Digestion? What Pet Parents Need to Know

Treats and dog chews are an absolute delight for our furry friends. As pet owners, we simply want to see our canine companions happy, healthy, and comfortable.

But did you know that these tasty dog chews are actually good for digestion?

Yep! You heard that right. Beyond being a fun treat, dog chews play an important role in supporting the digestive system.

In this article, we'll tell you how dog treats work and give you all the science behind it. We're talking real facts from veterinarians and studies.

Let's get into this right away!

What Are Dog Chews?

Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. As such, dog chews are treats meant to keep your furry friends engaged. They help them satisfy their natural chewing instincts and stay happy.

Dog chews come in many different forms, shapes, sizes, and compositions, ranging from soft to very tough. There are different types of dog chews. Understanding their differences is imperative in making informed decisions for your dog's digestive health. 

Different types of dog chews include:

• Bully Sticks: These are highly prized chews rich in protein and are very effective for teeth cleaning. They're also easy to digest.
• Rawhide Chews: These are one of the most common single-ingredient chews. However, rawhide chews may cause intestinal blockage or similar problems. Only use high-quality rawhide chews as a safe alternative.
• Natural Chews: Antlers, tendon chews, and pig ears are all great examples.
• Dental Chews: These are chews especially designed to clean dog teeth for improved dental health.
• Digestive Chews: These chews target your dog's digestive system and contain supportive components such as probiotics and dietary fibers.
• Joint Chews: These chews strengthen your dog's bones and joints.

Note: The ingredients in dog chews are different for each producer.

At Pup Labs, we create our dog chews with all-natural ingredients. As with every other pet food, ingredients are the ultimate truth-sayers.

Thus, to understand whether chews are good for your dog's digestion, we'll focus on the two things that matter. One, the chewing process and its benefits, and two, the ingredients themselves and their impact on digestive health.

[Photo by Sean Brannon from Canva.]

1. The Effects of Chewing on a Dog's Digestion

Instinctual chewing plays a crucial role in a dog's digestive process and gastrointestinal health. It's the first stage of mechanical digestion. These are its effects:

Mechanical Breakdown:

• Action: Carnassial teeth facilitate your dog's natural chewing action. These are scissor-like teeth meant for tearing, ripping, crushing, and shearing rather than grinding food.
• Impact on Chews: The mechanics of chewing break down the treat or chew into smaller, more manageable pieces. This is indeed an important step in ensuring safe digestion. Failure to break down a chew into smaller pieces raises the risk of poor digestion.
• Digestive Benefit: Smaller fragments of chews increase the surface area exposed to gastric juices or stomach acid. The large surface area also allows enzymes and stomach acids to penetrate more easily and dissolve the material being chewed. This is very important in ensuring better digestibility.

Saliva Production and Lubrication:

• Action: The repetitive, rhythmic jaw movements of chewing stimulate salivary glands to produce more saliva. This constant flow of saliva is necessary for digestion.
• Digestive Function: Canine salivary secretions act mainly as a lubricant because they don't contain digestive enzymes. Unlike in humans, canine saliva contains very little amylase, which is the enzyme that breaks down starches. Thus, the primary role of saliva is to wet this chewed material, or "bolus," forming a slippery mass that your dog can easily swallow.
• Safety Benefits: This lubrication is a critical measure that prevents any potential issues as the chew moves from the mouth, down the esophagus, and into the stomach. If there isn't enough lubrication, there’s a greater chance of food getting stuck in the esophagus and causing obstruction. Proper lubrication minimizes this risk, ensuring that the chew moves through the digestive tract smoothly.

Gut Motility and the Oral-Gut Axis:

• Stimulation: Physical stimulation through chewing and swallowing can have a profound effect on the muscular movements of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This includes the contractions that help move food through the intestines.
• Motility: There are indications that the presence of chewed material in the stomach may affect gut motility, or the muscular contractions that help move food through the intestines. A 2012 study where Hooda et al. fed rawhide and pork skin to 10 dogs, found that eating certain chews can positively change the way your dog's colon contracts, helping to maintain healthy intestinal function and potentially leading to smoother digestion.
• Microbiome Connection: Chewing has another vital function in supporting the oral-gut axis, which is the connection between the oral microbiome and the gut microbiome. When your dog chews, the good microbes in their mouth enter their digestive system, helping to maintain the balance of gut bacteria. This is very important for long-term digestive health, since a healthy microbiome creates defenses against digestive issues such as inflammation, constipation, and diarrhea.

Prevention of Obstruction:

• Dog's Chewing Style as a Factor: One of the main factors that determines your dog's risk of obstruction is how they chew. Is your dog a patient and slow chewer, or one who gulps down his food and chews quickly?
• The Risk: If your dog is a gulper, meaning they swallow large chunks of food or chew, they risk bypassing the digestive benefits of the chewing process altogether. For example, if your dog swallows a large, tough piece of a low-digestibility chew, like rawhide or bone, without properly breaking it down, the chew will pass into the stomach in a large, unprocessed state. This dramatically increases the risk of gastrointestinal blockage or injury, as the chew will be harder for stomach acid to break down.

The Bottom Line

The key point is that a digestible chew is only truly useful when the act of chewing breaks it down into tiny pieces that are readily soluble in stomach acid. Chewing acts as the first safety gate, preventing the material from overwhelming the digestive system or creating a hazard to your dog's health.

Chewing is particularly important for dogs that tend to gulp on their food. If that's your pup or senior dog we're talking about here, choose chews that are more easily digested or have shapes and designs that will naturally slow the rate of chewing.

The chewing process enhances nutrient absorption and also keeps your dog calm. Indirectly, this supports their digestive system by minimizing the adverse effects of stress on the gut.

Now, let's look at the ingredients in chews and their benefits in digestion.

2. The Benefits of Chew Ingredients on a Dog's Digestion

As noted earlier, the quality of ingredients matters. Each producer will use ingredients and formulations that are specific to their process and goals for dog health. Thus, we'll focus on the digestive benefits of the ingredients that we use in our dog chews.

Digestive Benefits of K9 Belly Bliss Chews

Picture your dog's gut as a very active ecosystem. For everything to operate properly inside this ecosystem, all of its components have to interact properly, like a smooth machine. This is where K9 Belly Bliss shines by supporting all aspects of your dog's digestive system. Its ingredients and benefits include:

• L-Glutamine: Picture L-Glutamine as your dog's very own "gut fix-it" man. Evidence from Biotics Research reveals that L-Glutamine helps in the regeneration and renewal of cells within the gut system. It also prevents the entrance of toxins into the bloodstream by managing leaky gut syndrome. This way, only the good nutrients in food go through.
• N-Acetyl D Glucosamine (NAG): NAG protects your dog's intestines by helping to build and repair the mucosa lining. One animal study by Choi et al. (2023) in the journal Food & Function found that NAG supplementation can alleviate inflammation by "strengthening the intestinal barrier function and maintaining gut microbiota homeostasis." This means by giving your dog chews with NAG, you're strengthening their gut defense system.
• Reishi Mushrooms: These are also called “the king of mushrooms” because of their numerous medicinal properties. Studies in the Journal of Animal Science indicate that reishi mushrooms have a prebiotic effect. They help to reduce inflammation and maintain your dog's gut flora. They also create a healthier gut environment by supporting the growth of good bacteria inside your dog's gut system.
• Lion's Mane Mushroom: According to Cho et al. (2022) in the Journal of Animal Science, Lion's Mane is a prebiotic supplement that serves as food for your dog's beneficial bacteria. This type of bacteria promotes immunity, calms inflammation, and ensures your dog's digestive system functions properly.
• Turkey Tail & Cordyceps: While Reishi and Lion's Mane are busy rebalancing your dog's system, Turkey Tail and Cordyceps give intestinal health a much-needed boost by also helping take care of good bacteria. You could consider these two mushrooms as your dog's nutritional fuel to keep its gut fighters strong.

Together, these ingredients create chews that are highly beneficial for your pup's health.

Shop K9 Belly Bliss today.

Now, you're starting to get an idea of how good high-quality dog chews can be for your furry friend's digestion. Let's see one more product for other beneficial ingredients.

Tummy Essentials Digestive Chews: Making Gut Health Easy

Unlike products that address dog digestion problems from all directions simultaneously, Tummy Essentials Digestive Chews create a balanced environment for your dog's microbiome. They do this using the following ingredients:

• Bacillus Coagulans: Liu et al. (2024) in Frontiers in Microbiology note that Bacillus Coagulans is a probiotic strain that maintains good gut flora and reduces inflammation. Note that your dog's gut is very sensitive. If there's too much bad bacteria, your dog may have many complications, like loose stool or bloating. Thus, B. Coagulans ensures they always have good bacteria.
• Pumpkin: This vegetable is very high in fiber. It regulates bowel movement, eases constipation, and provides relief by soothing sensitive stomachs and the inner layer of the intestinal walls. Pumpkin is a known, beneficial ingredient in human food, but it's also perfect for dogs of all ages.
• Fructooligosaccharides (FOS): According to Mahalak et al. (2023) in Frontiers in Nutrition, FOS is a prebiotic fiber that feeds your dog's good bacteria, promoting a healthy balance of microbiota. One role of these good bacteria is to properly break down your dog's food and ensure efficient absorption into the body for energy and growth.
• Oats: Oats contain high levels of fiber that promote normal digestion processes. These high-quality fibers ease your dog's digestion and ensure smooth passage. Additionally, oats provide a continuous flow of energy that keeps your dog active. They also contain high levels of omega-6 fatty acids that support coat health.
• Peanut Butter: Dogs enjoy chews with peanut butter. Aside from its yummy taste, it contains protein and good fats. We add these to our chews to help picky eaters enjoy the treat.

Each ingredient in our chews works together to benefit your dog's digestive system in a natural and effective manner.

Shop our Tummy Essentials Digestive Chews today.

From the discussion above, it's clear that dog chews can help your pup's digestion. They satisfy their natural chewing instincts and provide beneficial ingredients that support digestive processes.

Other Benefits of Dog Chews

• Dental Health: Chewing is one of the most effective self-grooming activities. Chews clean dogs’ teeth, reduce plaque buildup, gum disease, and promote dental health. They also help your dog avoid any dental injuries. Check out our Fresh Breathies Dental Chews and keep your dog's mouth healthy and teeth clean. We also formulate science-backed dental health supplements with ingredients that target different aspects of your dog's oral hygiene.
• Healthy Skin and Hair: Certain chew products, such as those containing collagen or omega-3 fatty acids, support healthy skin and a strong, shiny coat. They provide relief for itchy skin and hotspots.
• Strengthening Immunity: The presence of high-quality probiotics and healthy fatty acids can increase your dog's immunity and help it to withstand infections and diseases.
• Reducing Allergies: Natural dog chews containing pumpkin or oats can relieve dogs with sensitive stomachs and minimize food allergies.
• Highly Calming: Chewing is itself very calming for your dog because it provides mental stimulation, alleviates anxiety, and relaxes the nervous system. This is highly effective for many pet owners whose dogs are nervous or hyperactive. Check out our Serenity Calming Chews and help your furry friend manage their stress levels and feel confident.

Explore our range of treats and chews today and give your dog science-backed ingredients that are working effectively for many canines.

[Photo by Maikol Herrera Ascencio from Canva.]

How to Choose the Right Chews for Your Dog

1. Think About Your Dog's Size and Chewing Pattern

One of the key considerations for making sure your dog gets the right chew is its size and chewing habits. For instance, if you have a small dog with weak teeth, pick chews that are soft and manageable, such as those from oats or pumpkin, while for larger or aggressive chewers, choose tougher options, such as bully sticks or antlers.

2. Pick Easily Digestible, High-Quality Chews

Choose chews made from high-quality ingredients. Natural chews are highly digestible than those composed of synthetic fibers. Chews containing probiotics or prebiotics, such as Tummy Essentials Digestive Chews, also have additional benefits as they support healthy gut flora that improves dog digestion.

3. Align Chews to Your Dog's Health Needs

Dog chews containing ingredients such as pumpkin or oats help to calm your dog's stomach while also aiding digestion. There are other chews that promote overall well-being, oral hygiene, and even joint health.

4. Avoid Chews That Could Be Harmful

Be careful about chews loaded with artificial ingredients or preservatives. These tend to cause complications in the digestive system and may result in allergies in dogs prone to reactions. Also, chews such as rawhides may be difficult for your dog to digest, potentially leading to choking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing With Dog Chews

If you’re adding chews to your dog's diet, beware of the following:

• Giving Too Many Chews: Doing this can result in feeding problems because chews also provide nutrients to your dog. Don’t substitute chews for dog food.
• Ignoring Size and Chewing Style: It's important to select chews based on dog size and chewing style to get maximum benefits without endangering your canine's health.
• Choosing Low-Quality Chews: Avoid chews containing artificial colors, flavors, or fillers.
• Not Monitoring Chew Behavior: Supervise your dog. Chews are safe products, but may become hazardous if your dog gnaws off large portions. This can result in choking or blockage of the intestines, which can cause bowel obstruction.

[Photo by Africa Images from Canva.]

FAQs

How Often Should I Give My Dog Chews?

How often your dog should have chews depends on many things, but most importantly, the kind of chew product, their overall health status, and their dietary requirements. Give your dog one to two chews per week for the most beneficial outcomes without exceeding normal limits. We recommend consulting your vet for further advice.

Other Than Chews, What Can I Give My Dog for Better Digestion?

Outside of chews, there are many natural ways to support your dog's digestion. Adding fiber-rich foods like pumpkin or sweet potato to their meals can help encourage regular bowel movements and soothe an upset stomach. Probiotic supplements, like this Gut Health Bundle, are also a great way to support your pup. You can also try giving digestive enzymes, which help break down food and improve nutrient absorption.

What Is the Healthiest Thing a Dog Can Chew On?

The healthiest chew for your dog is one that supports their health, digestion, and dental needs without introducing harmful ingredients. You should always choose high-quality chews with natural ingredients to avoid stomach upset.

What Do Veterinarians Recommend Dogs to Chew On?

Many veterinarians recommend dental chews that help with tartar buildup, rawhide alternatives like yak cheese, and natural chews such as bully sticks. In pets with digestive issues, they recommend chews containing prebiotics and probiotics to support gut health. Choose chews based on your dog's particular needs. Always consult with your vet to make sure you're choosing the best chew for your dog's needs.

What Is the 90/10 Rule for Dogs?

The 90/10 rule for dogs is simply a guideline to keep them on a balanced diet. It means that 90% of your dog's daily intake of calories should come from their regular, nutritionally balanced food, with the remaining 10% including treats, chews, and snacks. That way, your dog will get the nutrients they need from their main food and also obtain the potential benefits of chews and treats in moderation.

What Can I Give My Dog to Chew on All Day?

While it’s enticing to give your dog a chew that can last all day, the best way is to provide chews in moderation to avoid overeating. Give multiple chews throughout the day instead of just one that he can chew on for most of the day. This will add variety and offer health benefits.

What Should I Not Let My Dog Chew On?

• Avoid giving your dog rawhide chews, as they may be difficult to digest and could block certain parts of their digestive tract or cause choking if not chewed thoroughly.
• Avoid cooked bones as they can splinter, leave your dog with broken teeth, or even worse, cause grave injury internally. They're also choking hazards. If you have to give bone chews, supervise your dog.
• Avoid chews with artificial additives, preservatives, or fillers, because these can result in stomach upsets.
• Choose high-quality, edible dog chews made from natural, easily digestible ingredients to minimize these risks.

Final Tips for Dog Owners

Digestion is a huge aspect of your dog's health. Giving your dog chews is a fun and effective way to support it. However, picking the right chew for your pup is the real deal. Stick to high-quality, natural chews that are easily digestible and full of beneficial ingredients.

Always supervise your dog while chewing to make sure they're safe and not swallowing large pieces. Chews such as cooked bones can be a choking hazard and may cause intestinal obstruction or digestive problems.

Mix and match different types of chews to challenge your dog. If your dog has particular health issues or problems with digestion, it's best to consult your vet on what type of chews will be best for their needs. Happy chewing!

References

• Biotics Research. (n.d.). L-Glutamine - Old Dog, New Tricks.
• Cho, H. W., Choi, S., Seo, K., Kim, K. H., Jeon, J. H., Kim, C. H., ... & Chun, J. L. (2022). Gut microbiota profiling in aged dogs after feeding pet food contained Hericium erinaceus. Journal of Animal Science and Technology, 64(5), 937.
• Choi, S. I., Shin, Y. C., Lee, J. S., Yoon, Y. C., Kim, J. M., & Sung, M. K. (2023). N-Acetylglucosamine and its dimer ameliorate inflammation in murine colitis by strengthening the gut barrier function. Food & Function, 14(18), 8533-8544.
• Hooda, S., Ferreira, L. G., Latour, M. A., Bauer, L. L., Fahey Jr, G. C., & Swanson, K. S. (2012). In vitro digestibility of expanded pork skin and rawhide chews, and digestion and metabolic characteristics of expanded pork skin chews in healthy adult dogs. Journal of Animal Science, 90(12), 4355-4361.