Short answer: choose the chew treat according to your dog's size and chewing style – the harder Himalayan cheese blocks and rawhide last longer with strong chewers, while the crunchy Himalayan bites are the gentlest option for older dogs and sensitive teeth. Always watch your dog while it chews, and take away what's left once it's small enough to be swallowed in one go.
Types of chew treats
The difference between the various types lies mainly in hardness, ingredients and how quickly the treat gets “eaten”. Below are the types you'll come across most often, with examples of specific products.
Rawhide
Sticks and rings made from raw or processed hide, often wrapped in meat on the outside for a more appealing taste. The Uniq Pets Rawhide Beef Wraps chew sticks combine beef hide with beef meat, while the Uniq Pets Rawhide Lamb Meat on Rawhide Rings offer a different shape to bite into and carry around. Rawhide treats are usually harder at first and soften as they're chewed.
Himalayan cheese blocks
Made from cow's milk, air-dried over several months, these Bugalugs blocks are extremely hard and long-lasting. They come in different sizes for different breeds – the small Bugalugs Small Handmade Himalayan Cheese Bones for smaller dogs and the large Bugalugs Large Handmade Himalayan Cheese Bones for large and giant breeds. For dogs that struggle with a hard block, or for older teeth, a gentler option is the crunchy Bugalugs Handmade Himalayan Cheese Popcorn Bites, made by heat-puffing the same cheese.
Collagen chews
The Uniq Pets Collagen Horse Meat on Collagen Rings combine chewing with a meaty reward in one. Their hard meaty texture makes for a longer activity – they suit dogs that like harder chews.
Natural single-ingredient chews
For a simpler ingredient list, the Uniq Pets Natural Rabbit Ears with Fur are made from just one ingredient and also support natural dental care alongside the chewing itself.
Choose by your dog's size
A small chew treat in a large dog's mouth becomes a risk of being swallowed whole, while a piece that's too big can discourage a small breed. That's why Bugalugs' Himalayan blocks come in separate sizes for small, medium and large dogs – choose by weight and breed, not by price per gram. The same applies to rawhide sticks and rings – thicker, longer shapes last longer with a stronger bite, while thinner ones are enough for small and medium dogs.
Choose by chewing style
- Calm chewers – dogs that gnaw slowly and rarely tear off large pieces can use almost any of the types listed above.
- Strong chewers – dogs that quickly get down to the small piece in the middle need harder, larger treats (the bigger Himalayan block, a thicker rawhide stick) and constant supervision – rawhide softens as it's chewed, and a large piece torn off can cause choking or a blockage, so take it away if it starts coming off in large pieces or gets small enough to be swallowed.
- Older dogs or sensitive teeth – the crunchy Himalayan bites are gentler; give collagen rings only if your dog chews them without difficulty.
When chewing is a cause for concern
Moderate chewing is a normal and useful activity for most dogs, but a sudden increase in, or obsessive urge to chew, can signal boredom, anxiety or discomfort in the mouth. If your dog suddenly loses interest in its favourite chew, chews only on one side of its mouth, or refuses harder treats, this can be a sign of a tooth or gum problem – in that case a chew treat is not the answer, and it's best to see a vet before offering anything hard to chew.
Supervision and safety
Don't leave a dog to chew unsupervised, especially the first time with a new type of treat. Take away what's left once it's small enough to be swallowed in one go, or if you notice sharp edges or pieces breaking off. Very hard chews, including Himalayan cheese blocks, can in rare cases put strain on the teeth of dogs with an especially strong bite – if you notice a cracked tooth or sensitivity when eating, stop the product and see a vet.
Suitable products
The full range of chew treats – rawhide, Himalayan cheese, collagen and natural chews – is gathered in Dogs – treats.
Read more: how to choose treats for dogs and cats and single-protein meat treats.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a dog chew a treat in one sitting?
There's no fixed time – what matters is watching your dog and stopping when you notice tiredness, excessive drooling, or a small piece that could be swallowed in one go.
Do Himalayan cheese blocks soften as they're chewed?
Slightly, from the dog's warmth and saliva, but they stay considerably harder than rawhide and collagen chews for most of their use.
Can I give chew treats to a puppy?
Check the age on the label – Bugalugs Himalayan blocks and bites are for dogs over 4 months, and Uniq Pets rawhide lamb rings, collagen rings and rabbit ears with fur are for dogs over 3 months. Choose a softer option and a smaller size, suited to its age and breed, and supervise closely – if in doubt, ask your vet when it's appropriate to introduce harder chews.
Do chew treats replace toothbrushing?
Not entirely – mechanical chewing helps against plaque, but it doesn't replace regular brushing if you've introduced that routine.
Can I combine different types of chew treats?
Yes, many owners rotate rawhide, Himalayan cheese and collagen depending on the occasion – for example, a harder treat for a longer activity at home and a softer one for a shorter break outside. Just introduce new types one at a time, so you can track how your dog reacts to each.
