In the wild, dogs spend a significant portion of their time chewing on bones, carcasses, sticks, and kernels. For instance, Australian dingoes can feed for up to 108 minutes in a single session.
However, domestic dogs often chew far less than their free-roaming counterparts. This reduction is largely due to the introduction of easy-to-eat, processed pet foods such as kibble, which now comprise the majority of domestic dogs’ diets.
While chewing carries some risks, it offers substantial benefits for dogs. A recent review published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science demonstrates that chewing enriches the physical, psychological, and emotional health of dogs in many interconnected ways.
1. Nourishment Through Natural Behaviours
Chewing is an instinctive behaviour that aids in nourishment. Dogs' teeth and jaws are designed to capture and dismember prey, allowing access to marrow, fibre, and minerals. Free-ranging dogs also forage on nuts, berries, and insects, which often require chewing to access.
2. Dental Health and Oral Hygiene
Chewing on hard and fibrous materials helps remove and prevent plaque formation, reducing bad breath, gum disease, and tooth loss. This action can decrease the need for dental procedures at the vet clinic.
3. Digestive Support
Chewing between meals facilitates digestion by stimulating peristalsis (waves of contractions) in the gastrointestinal tract. This helps maintain regular bowel movements and stool consistency.
4. Promoting a Healthy Microbiome
The act of chewing supports a healthy microbiome by promoting beneficial microbes in the oral cavity and lower intestine. These microbes play a crucial role in maintaining oral hygiene and gut health.
5. Stress Reduction
Chewing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing acute stress. Providing long-lasting chewables can help alleviate anxiety associated with challenging situations, such as being home alone.
6. Bone Density Maintenance
Chronic stress can lead to the release of cortisol, a hormone that reduces bone density over time. Chewing helps mitigate stress, potentially preventing forms of osteoporosis by lowering corticosteroid concentrations in the blood.
7. Enhancing Focus and Performance
Chewing allows dogs to self-regulate their arousal levels. It can be stimulating for a bored dog or calming for an unsettled one, helping them achieve an optimal state of alertness known as “eustress.” This state improves a dog's ability to focus, learn, and perform complex tasks.
8. Supporting Cognitive Function in Aging Dogs
As dogs live longer, more experience cognitive decline. Research indicates that chewing can protect cognitive function in other mammals, such as humans and rodents. For dogs already experiencing cognitive decline, chewing may help sustain quality of life.
9. Encouraging Positive Behaviours
Providing appropriate chewables can prevent dogs from selecting less suitable items, like shoes, to satisfy their chewing needs. Chew toys and treats offer a constructive outlet for this natural behaviour.
10. Enhancing Human-Canine Bonds
A recent study revealed a correlation between dogs’ cardiac responses to positive interactions and those of their human guardians. Providing your dog with a way to de-stress, such as through chewing, can have reciprocal benefits for your own emotional and physiological state.
Incorporating chewing into your dog's daily routine is a simple yet impactful way to support their overall well-being. It's important to select appropriate chew items tailored to your dog's size, age, and dental health. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best options for your furry friend.