10 Dangerous Dog Chews to Avoid And Safe Alternatives to Choose Instead

Chewing is a natural behaviour that helps dogs relieve stress, stay mentally stimulated, and engage jaw muscles. It can also play a role in oral health by stimulating saliva production and mechanically reducing soft plaque. However, not every chew marketed for dogs is safe, and many popular options pose avoidable risks.

Common hazards include dental fractures, choking, gastrointestinal obstruction, bacterial contamination, and exposure to chemical residues. Research shows that fractured carnassial teeth are one of the most common reasons dogs require dental extractions, often linked to inappropriate chews rather than trauma alone.

This guide walks you through ten higher-risk chews, explains why they are problematic, and offers safer, more appropriate alternatives.

1. Nylabones and Nylon Chew Toys

Nylon chews are widely marketed for “power chewers”, yet nylon is not digestible and does not soften meaningfully with chewing. As the surface wears down, dogs can ingest small plastic fragments, which may accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract over time.

While large intestinal obstructions appear to be relatively uncommon, dogs can ingest small plastic fragments as nylon toys wear down over time. Heavily worn toys may also develop sharp edges that irritate gums or the tongue, and ring-shaped designs can become trapped behind the lower jaw.

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2. Cooked, Smoked, and Dense Bones

Cooking or smoking bones fundamentally changes their structure, making them brittle and prone to splintering. These sharp fragments can cause oral injuries, oesophageal damage, or intestinal perforation.

Dense weight-bearing bones (such as beef femurs or shanks) are particularly associated with slab fractures of the carnassial teeth, even when raw. Dental specialists routinely advise against their use due to the high force required to crack them.

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3. Pig Ears

Pig ears are highly palatable but nutritionally unbalanced, with very high fat content relative to their size. This makes them inappropriate for dogs with pancreatitis risk, sensitive digestion, or weight concerns.

Multiple recalls have linked pig ears to Salmonella contamination, posing risks not only to dogs but also to humans handling them. Additionally, softened large pieces can be swallowed whole, increasing the risk of choking or obstruction.

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4. Dental Sticks (e.g., Greenies, Whimzees)

Many dental sticks rely on a starch-based matrix to create a chewable texture, often containing potato, rice, or wheat derivatives. While their role in reducing mild plaque through abrasion is questionable, they can definitely contribute to oral biofilm formation in dogs.

Dogs that gulp rather than chew properly may swallow large sections, negating dental benefits and increasing choking risk. Evidence consistently shows that tooth brushing and appropriate chewing textures are more effective for dental health than processed dental treats alone.

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5. Cow Hooves

Cow hooves are extremely hard keratin structures that do not flex or soften during chewing. This rigidity places excessive force on teeth, increasing the likelihood of cracks or fractures.

As hooves wear down, they can splinter into sharp shards capable of cutting the gums, tongue, or digestive tract. Their hollow structure can also trap the lower jaw or teeth, leading to panic and injury.

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6. Antlers

Antlers — whether whole or split — are among the hardest chews commonly sold for dogs. Importantly, cutting an antler in half does not make it softer; it simply exposes the internal structure, which remains highly mineralised.

Veterinary dental reports consistently associate antler chewing with tooth fractures and excessive enamel wear, particularly in persistent chewers. Dogs do not need extremely hard surfaces to benefit from chewing, and safer textures are widely available.

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7. Sticks

Natural sticks may seem harmless, but they fracture unpredictably and can splinter along sharp grain lines. Injuries range from minor oral trauma to deep puncture wounds of the palate, throat, or neck.

Veterinary case reports include severe complications requiring surgical intervention. Regular stick chewing also reinforces unsafe behaviour that can escalate into ingestion or impalement injuries.

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8. Tennis Balls

Tennis balls are designed for sport, not chewing. Their felt surface is abrasive, acting like sandpaper on enamel and accelerating tooth wear over time.

They may also contain industrial adhesives and dyes, and once damaged, can present a choking hazard. While they may be considered suitable for supervised fetch, they are not appropriate as dedicated chew toys.

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9. Yak Chews

Yak chews are often marketed as “natural and long-lasting”, but their density makes them comparable to very hard bones. Although soaking or puffing the piece in the microwave can reduce hardness, this does not eliminate the underlying risk. Large quantities may also cause gastrointestinal upset due to their concentrated protein and mineral content.

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10. Rawhide

Rawhide remains one of the highest-risk chew products on the market. It is poorly digestible, often chemically processed, and can swell after ingestion, leading to obstruction.

Cases of choking, intestinal blockage, broken teeth, and bacterial contamination are well documented. Rawhide offers little benefit relative to the potential harm.

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Safer Chew Alternatives

Raw Bones (Size-Appropriate)

Raw, non-weight-bearing bones (such as poultry necks or lamb ribs) can be appropriate for dogs when selected carefully. They provide chewing satisfaction while being softer and less likely to cause tooth fractures.

Supervision is essential, and bones should match the dog’s size, chewing style, and dietary experience.

Beef Tendons

Beef tendons offer a firm but more forgiving texture, making them less hazardous to teeth. They contain naturally occurring collagen and elastin, which support connective tissue health.

Their fibrous structure also promotes chewing rather than gulping, reducing choking risk.

Kongs and Toppl Toys

Food-stuffable enrichment toys allow dogs to chew, lick, and problem-solve simultaneously. Filling them with fresh food, balanced meals, or appropriate treats shifts chewing from destructive to purposeful behaviour.

Freezing increases engagement time while reducing excessive jaw pressure.

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Conclusion

The chew market is full of well-intentioned but misleading products. Longevity, hardness, and marketing claims do not equate to safety. Understanding how different chews interact with teeth, digestion, and behaviour enables owners to make protective, informed choices.

By avoiding unnecessarily hard or highly processed chews and choosing safer alternatives, chewing can remain a positive, enriching part of your dog’s daily routine — without preventable health consequences.