Dog Chewing Isn’t Just Destructive — It’s a Built-In Need
Dog chewing is not just a behavior problem — it may actually serve important welfare functions, according to a review published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Researchers examined the existing science on why dogs chew and found that this everyday behavior could serve three purposes: keeping teeth and gums healthy, supporting digestion, and meeting mental and emotional needs. Importantly, the review also emphasizes that any potential benefits must always be weighed against the risks of the chew item itself — not all chews are safe for all dogs.
If your dog gnaws on furniture, shoes, or anything left within reach, the impulse behind that behavior is not simply mischief. Dogs are wired to chew. The problem is usually not the chewing itself — it’s the lack of a safe, appropriate outlet for it.
Why Chewing Gets a Bad Reputation
Most dog owners think of chewing as a problem to stop. A chewed-up couch cushion or a destroyed pair of sneakers is not exactly welcome. So it’s understandable that chewing is often framed as something to correct, not something to support.
But the science tells a different story. Chewing is what researchers call a species-typical behavior — in other words, it’s something dogs are naturally built to do, just like sniffing, running, or playing. It’s not a sign of a naughty dog. It’s a sign of a dog with an unmet need.
What the Review Looked At
This study was a narrative review, which means researchers gathered and analyzed a wide body of existing research on chewing in dogs rather than running a new experiment. Think of it like a “greatest hits” summary of what scientists already know. The goal was to pull that knowledge together and offer clear guidance for dog owners and caregivers.
The researchers looked at what chewing does for dogs physically and mentally, what makes a chew safe versus risky, and why this behavior matters for a dog’s overall quality of life.
Three Ways Chewing Benefits Your Dog
1. Dental Health
Chewing is one of the most natural ways dogs clean their own teeth. When a dog works through a chew toy or appropriate chew item, the scrubbing action helps remove plaque — the sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth. Left unchecked, plaque hardens into tartar and leads to gum disease, tooth pain, and eventually tooth loss.
Chewing does not replace professional dental cleanings from your vet, but regular chewing can meaningfully slow down plaque buildup between visits.
2. Digestive Support
The act of chewing also kicks off healthy digestion. It stimulates saliva production, and saliva contains enzymes — natural chemicals that start breaking down food before it ever reaches the stomach. When dogs don’t chew enough, they may gulp food too fast, which can lead to stomach upset or other digestive problems.
3. Psychological Well-Being
This one surprises many owners: chewing may play a role in a dog’s mental and emotional state. The review suggests that the repetitive motion of chewing could help dogs relax and ease stress, though the authors note this is an area where the evidence is still emerging and benefits need to be weighed against the risks of the particular chew item chosen.
Think of it as a natural outlet for a dog’s drive to gnaw — providing a safe, appropriate chew may give a dog something constructive to focus on, which can be especially helpful during periods of boredom or mild stress. However, if a dog is showing signs of significant anxiety or compulsive behavior, a veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist should be consulted rather than relying on chew toys alone.
What Counts as a Safe Chew Option?
The review emphasizes that not all chews are created equal. Providing a chewing outlet is important, but the wrong type of chew can cause broken teeth, choking hazards, or intestinal blockages. As a general guide:
- Good options: Rubber chew toys designed for dogs and veterinarian-approved dental chews
- Use with caution: Hard bones (especially cooked bones, which can splinter), antlers, and very hard nylon chews that can fracture teeth
- Avoid: Anything small enough to swallow whole, or items that splinter easily
When in doubt about what’s safe for your specific dog, ask your veterinarian. What works for a large, powerful chewer is not always right for a small or senior dog.
What This Means for You as a Dog Owner
Make Chewing Part of Your Dog’s Daily Routine
The key takeaway from this review is that chewing is a natural, species-typical behavior that may support your dog’s physical and mental well-being — and that safe, appropriate chew options are worth considering as part of their daily routine. Rather than waiting for your dog to chew something they shouldn’t, be proactive. Offer appropriate chew items during times when they might be bored or left home alone.
That said, “safe” is not a universal label. The review stresses that the suitability of any chew depends on the individual dog — their size, age, chewing style, and health — and that benefits only hold if the chew item itself does not pose a risk.
Signs Your Dog May Need More Chewing Outlets
Watch for these hints that your dog’s chewing needs are not being met:
- Chewing furniture, shoes, baseboards, or household items
- Restlessness, pacing, or trouble settling down
- Excessive licking or self-grooming
- Anxiety when left alone
If you’re noticing any of these, adding appropriate chew toys and enrichment items may help.
When to Consult Your Veterinarian
Talk to your vet if your dog is chewing compulsively (meaning it seems impossible to redirect), is showing signs of dental pain (drooling, reluctance to eat, pawing at the mouth), or if you’re unsure which chew products are safe for your dog’s size, age, and breed. Your vet can also check for dental disease at routine checkups.
Study Limitations
This paper is a narrative review, not a clinical trial. That means it brings together what researchers already know rather than presenting new original data. The conclusions are based on the broader body of existing studies, which vary in design and quality. Future research could help pin down more specific guidance — for example, how much chewing time per day is ideal, or which chew materials offer the greatest dental benefit.
The Bottom Line
Dog chewing is not just a bad habit — it is a species-typical behavior that a 2025 narrative review suggests may support dental health, digestion, and psychological well-being. The science here is promising but still developing: the review explicitly notes that benefits need to be weighed against the risks of the chew item chosen, and that more research is needed to give specific guidance on safe chew types and amounts for different dogs.
If you’d like to support your dog’s natural chewing drive, working with your veterinarian to identify safe, size-appropriate chew options is the best first step. A chewing dog is often a content one — but the right chew for your dog matters.
This article summarizes peer-reviewed research for educational purposes. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice about your pet’s health and behavior.