The Mental Benefits of Chewing: More Than a Physical Need

Chewing is one of the most natural, instinctive behaviors in dogs. It’s not just jaw exercise or a way to keep teeth clean. The act of chewing provides real mental and emotional benefits and can support your dog’s neurological health—especially when managing anxiety, boredom, and excess energy.

At TailMe, we champion enrichment that’s kind to minds as well as bodies. Here’s how to use chewing, safely and intentionally, to help your dog feel calmer and more focused.

How Chewing Calms the Canine Brain (Serotonin, Dopamine, Endorphins)

When a dog chews, the limbic system—the emotional center of the brain—gets a soothing workout. Chewing promotes the release of:

• Serotonin: the “feel-good” chemical that stabilises mood and promotes a sense of well-being.
• Dopamine: linked to motivation and reward, reinforcing calm, focused behavior.
• Endorphins: natural stress relievers that help dogs relax.

That neurochemical trio makes chewing a self-reinforcing way for dogs to regulate their own moods—a valuable skill in modern, sometimes overstimulating (or under-stimulating) homes.

Chewing for Anxiety, Separation, and Noise Sensitivity

Dogs with mild to moderate anxiety often gravitate to repetitive actions to self-soothe. Chewing is one of the healthiest outlets. During common stressors—alone time, thunderstorms, fireworks, visitors—offering an appropriate chew can redirect nervous energy and replace panic with purpose.

Pro tip: Prepare a “calming kit” for fireworks/storm season with a long-lasting rubber chew, a safe natural chew, and a lick mat you can freeze. Set it out before the trigger starts so your dog associates the event with a predictable, rewarding routine.

Boredom-Busting: Enrichment Chews and Puzzle Toys

Many behavior challenges aren’t naughtiness—they’re unmet mental needs. Chews, puzzle feeders, and treat-dispensing toys give dogs a “job” that rewards effort and focus. Rotating textures and difficulty levels prevents habituation, keeps brains busy, and helps avoid destructive outlets like shoe or furniture chewing.

Puppies vs. Adults vs. Seniors: Choosing the Right Chew

• Puppies (teething): Choose softer, puppy-safe materials that massage gums. Chill or briefly freeze rubber puppy chews for relief. Avoid anything that can splinter.
• Adult dogs: Mix durable rubber chews, puzzle toys, and safe natural chews (see safety notes below). Adjust toughness to your dog’s chew style (light, moderate, power chewer).
• Seniors: Opt for soft, dental-friendly chews and gentle textures that are kind to aging teeth while still offering mental enrichment.

Need help matching a chew to your dog’s style? Ask TailMe Support—happy to help you

A Simple Daily Chew Routine (Morning, Alone-Time, Evening)

Consistency makes chewing more effective for mood regulation. Try this:

Morning reset

• After a walk and breakfast, offer 10–15 minutes with a rubber chew or puzzle feeder. It encourages a calm nap window.

Alone-time soothing

• Before you step out, present a long-lasting chew or a stuffed toy (frozen for longer duration). Pair with white noise for noise-sensitive dogs.

Evening wind-down

• Use softer chews or a lick mat with a calming topper to help your dog settle before bed.

How long should a dog chew?

• Puppies: 5–10 minutes per session, 2–3 times daily.
• Adults: 10–20 minutes per session, 1–2 times daily.
• Seniors: 5–15 minutes, pacing sessions to comfort and dental status.

Always supervise new chews and tailor times if using edible chews to prevent overconsumption.

From Destructive Chewing to Calming Chewing: A Redirect Plan

If your dog chews furniture or shoes, they’re communicating a need. Redirect, don’t punish. 1) Manage the environment: Put tempting items away and use baby gates/crates as needed. 2) Meet needs first: Exercise, sniffing games, toilet break, then offer a “job” (chew or puzzle). 3) Make the right choice irresistible: Present two approved options, lightly smear with safe toppers (xylitol-free peanut butter, plain yoghurt) to build interest. 4) Reward calm focus: Quiet praise when your dog engages their chew; calmly swap when they stop. 5) Keep it fresh: Rotate 3–5 chew types weekly.

For escape artists or dogs with separation struggles, pair enrichment with tracking and training support:

Safety First: Vet-Approved, Non-Toxic, Size-Appropriate Chews

• Supervise introductions and size up so the toy can’t be swallowed.
• Avoid extremely hard items that can fracture teeth (cooked bones, very dense antlers).
• Choose non-toxic, BPA-free materials and reputable brands.
• With edible chews, start with short sessions and feed in a calm area to reduce gulping.
• When in doubt, follow the “thumbnail test”—if you can’t make a slight mark with your thumbnail, it may be too hard for many dogs.

Rawhide Alternatives and What’s Truly Safe

Rawhide can pose choking and digestion risks for some dogs. Consider:

• Collagen sticks: Generally more digestible than traditional rawhide.
• Yak chews: Long-lasting; soak/microwave the small end pieces to avoid choking on nubs.
• Bully sticks: Highly palatable; watch calories and use a holder to prevent swallowing the last bit.
• Durable rubber: Great for stuffing/freezing; long-lasting and washable.
• Nylon chews: Durable; choose softer blends and monitor for excessive wear.

Tip: Match chew type to chew style. Power chewers often do best with tough rubber or thick, digestible natural options; gentle chewers may enjoy softer textures.

Lick Mats vs. Chewing: Which Is Better for Calming?

Both help—use each strategically.

• Lick mats: Encourage rhythmic licking that many dogs find soothing; great for grooming, nail trims, and pre-bed routines.
• Chew toys: Offer more jaw work and problem-solving; helpful for boredom, alone-time, and post-walk settling.

Try pairing them: a short lick mat session to take the edge off, followed by a durable chew for sustained focus.

A Quick Dental Side Note (and When to Choose Dental Chews)

While this article focuses on mental wellness, some chews can help reduce plaque and tartar through mechanical abrasion. Choose VOHC-accepted dental chews where possible and match texture to your dog’s bite. For a deeper dive into oral care, see our Dental Care hub:

• Explore: Dog dental care

Recommended Chews and Toys for Every Dog

Calming and separation anxiety

• Long-lasting rubber chews (stuffable/freeze-able)
• Safe, digestible natural chews (bully/collagen/yak, size-appropriate)
• Lick mats with calming toppers

Boredom/enrichment

• Puzzle chew toys and treat dispensers
• Slow-feeders and auto feeders for mealtime engagement

Puppies (teething)

• Puppy-safe soft rubber chews
• Freezable teethers; avoid splinter-prone items

Seniors (gentle mouths)

• Soft, dental-friendly chews
• Low-resistance puzzle feeders

Aggressive/strong chewers

• Durable, non-destructive rubber
• Tough natural chews sized to prevent gulping

Expert insight “Chewing isn’t a ‘nice to have’—for many dogs it’s a daily mental health tool. A few structured minutes with the right chew can turn hyper arousal into rest.” — TailMe Training & Care Team

FAQs

Does chewing really calm dogs? Yes. Mastication is associated with the release of serotonin and endorphins, which help reduce stress and promote focus. Many dogs show calmer, more settled behavior after a short, structured chew session.

How long should I let my dog chew each day? Most dogs do well with 10–20 minutes once or twice daily. Puppies and seniors benefit from shorter, gentler sessions. Always supervise new chews and adjust if using edible options.

What are the safest chews for aggressive chewers? Choose durable rubber toys and appropriately sized, digestible natural chews (e.g., thick collagen or bully sticks). Avoid very hard items that can crack teeth, and use holders to prevent swallowing small ends.

Is chewing good for separation anxiety? Chewing is one helpful piece of a broader plan (exercise, enrichment, gradual departure training, and, if needed, professional support). Offer a long-lasting chew or stuffed toy just before you leave to create a positive association.

What’s better for calming—chewing or lick mats? Both can help. Lick mats are great for grooming and pre-bed routines; chews provide more jaw work and problem-solving for bored or energetic dogs. Many homes use both at different times of day.

Are rawhide and antlers safe? Traditional rawhide can pose choking and digestion risks; choose more digestible alternatives like collagen. Very hard antlers may fracture teeth—especially in power chewers—so we don’t recommend them for most dogs.

What chews are best for puppies and for senior dogs? Puppies: soft, puppy-safe rubber/teethers (often chilled). Seniors: gentle, dental-friendly textures. Size up to avoid choking hazards in all ages.

What should I do if my dog swallows part of a chew? If it’s a large piece or your dog coughs, gags, or shows discomfort, contact your vet immediately. Using appropriately sized chews and holders reduces this risk.

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