Treats and chews
What are good alternatives to rawhide chews?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Bully sticks, purpose made dental chews, and thick natural rubber chew toys designed for the dog's size all provide a chewing outlet without the specific blockage risk pattern most associated with rawhide. Frozen stuffed food toys and lick mats offer a different kind of engagement entirely, useful for dogs that need calming, longer lasting activities rather than a hard chew.
Digestible alternatives that break down more predictably
Bully sticks and single ingredient dried meat chews are digested more completely than rawhide and tend to soften and wear down gradually rather than tearing into large, solid chunks, though they still need supervision and appropriate sizing like any chew.
Non edible alternatives for a longer lasting outlet
Thick natural rubber chew toys built specifically for heavy or persistent chewers give a durable outlet that does not carry the same swallowing risk as an edible chew, since the goal is gnawing rather than consuming, though these still need checking for wear and tear over time.
Alternatives for calming, low intensity chewing
A frozen food stuffed toy or a lick mat spread with a thin layer of plain, safe food gives a dog a satisfying, longer lasting activity that relies on licking and gentle gnawing rather than tearing off pieces, making it a useful option for dogs that need calming down rather than aggressive chewing.
Key takeaways
- Bully sticks and single ingredient dried meat chews break down more predictably than rawhide.
- Thick natural rubber chew toys give a durable, non edible alternative for persistent chewers.
- Frozen stuffed toys and lick mats suit calming, lower intensity chewing needs.
- All alternatives still require supervision and appropriate sizing for the individual dog.