Source: The Conversation
Chewing is a vital, yet often underutilized, activity for domestic dogs that supports their overall health and well-being. In contrast to wild dogs like Australian dingoes, which naturally chew for long periods, most pet dogs chew far less due to processed diets like kibble. A recent review in Frontiers in Veterinary Science highlights ten benefits of chewing: it aids in nourishment by helping access nutrients in food, improves dental hygiene by reducing plaque, and supports gastrointestinal health and a balanced microbiome.
Chewing also helps manage stress by activating the rest-and-digest response, lowers cortisol to protect bone density, and improves focus and arousal regulation—crucial for learning and performance. In addition, it may slow cognitive decline in aging dogs, contribute to positive welfare by fulfilling a natural behavior, and even strengthen the human-animal bond through shared emotional regulation. Offering appropriate chewables can enrich your dog’s life and enhance their physical, mental, and emotional health.