Treats and chews
Can old dogs chew as hard as young dogs?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Older dogs generally have weaker teeth and gums than younger adults, often with some degree of pre-existing dental wear, tartar buildup, or previous fractures, which makes hard chews riskier for this age group specifically. Softer chews and shorter sessions tend to suit senior dogs better, even ones that were enthusiastic hard chewers earlier in life.
How aging affects teeth and chewing ability
Years of chewing, combined with natural changes in enamel and gum health, mean many senior dogs already have some degree of wear, mild fractures, or gum recession by the time they reach seven or eight years old, even without an obvious history of dental problems, all of which reduce their tolerance for very hard chews.
Signs a senior dog's chewing tolerance has changed
A senior dog that used to enjoy a certain hardness of chew but now avoids it, chews more slowly and carefully, or shows discomfort around the mouth during or after chewing is signaling that its dental tolerance has likely shifted and softer options are worth trying instead.
Adjusting chew choices for an aging dog
Moving toward softer chews, shorter sessions of 10 to 15 minutes rather than longer ones, and scheduling a dental check if it has been more than a year since the last one helps match the chewing routine to an aging dog's actual dental condition rather than its habits from a few years earlier.
Key takeaways
- Senior dogs often have pre-existing dental wear that makes hard chews riskier than in younger adulthood.
- A dog avoiding a previously enjoyed chew or chewing more cautiously may signal reduced tolerance.
- Softer chews and shorter 10 to 15 minute sessions generally suit older dogs better.
- A dental check within the past year helps confirm what level of chewing is currently appropriate.