Natural Chews — Safety & Suitability FAQ

We want every chew session to be a positive experience. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often. This information is general in nature — for advice tailored to your dog, please consult your veterinarian.

Storage & Freshness

How should I store natural chews?

Keep chews in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Once opened, store unused portions in an airtight container or resealable bag. Refrigeration can extend freshness for moist or high-meat chews. Always check the best-before date and discard any chew that smells off or shows signs of spoilage.

Can natural chews go mouldy?

Yes. Because our chews contain no artificial preservatives, they can develop mould if exposed to moisture, warmth, or air. Inspect each chew before offering it to your dog. If you notice any discolouration, unusual odour, or visible mould, discard the chew immediately. Do not offer a mouldy chew — ingesting mould can cause digestive upset or, in some cases, more serious illness.

Is there a bacterial risk with natural chews?

Natural chews are an animal-derived product and may carry low levels of bacteria such as Salmonella. While this is generally well tolerated by healthy dogs, we recommend:

Washing your hands thoroughly after handling chews.
Not allowing chews on furniture where family members eat or sleep.
Keeping chews away from children and immunocompromised individuals.
Consulting your vet if your dog is on medication, pregnant, or has a compromised immune system.

Supervision & Safety During Chewing

Do I need to supervise my dog while they chew?

Yes — we strongly recommend supervising your dog whenever they are given a chew. Even a well-suited chew can become a choking risk as it gets smaller. When a chew is reduced to a size your dog could swallow whole, take it away and discard it.

When should I stop giving my dog a chew?

Remove and discard the chew if:

It has been reduced to a size small enough to swallow whole.
It has cracked, splintered, or broken into sharp pieces.
Your dog shows signs of struggle, distress, or is gulping rather than chewing.
It has been left unrefrigerated for more than a few hours (for moist or raw-style chews).
It smells unusual or shows visible mould or discolouration.

If your dog shows any signs of choking, gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, lethargy, or unusual behaviour after chewing, contact your veterinarian promptly.

Chew Hardness

How do I know if a chew is the right hardness for my dog?

A useful rule of thumb: if you cannot make a dent in the chew with your thumbnail, it may be too hard for your dog and could risk a tooth fracture. Harder chews are generally better suited to strong, experienced chewers — but even then, harder is not always better. When in doubt, choose a softer option and monitor your dog closely during the first session.

Can hard chews damage my dog's teeth?

Hard chews carry a risk of tooth fracture, particularly for dogs with existing dental issues or dogs that chew very aggressively. If you are unsure whether a chew is appropriate for your dog's dental health, ask your vet before introducing it.

Age & Size Suitability

At what age can puppies have natural chews?

Most natural chews are not recommended for puppies under 12–16 weeks, as their teeth and digestive systems are still developing. For puppies, choose chews specifically labelled as puppy-safe, and always supervise closely. If you are unsure, consult your vet before introducing any chew to a young dog.

Are natural chews suitable for senior dogs?

Many senior dogs enjoy natural chews, but older dogs may have dental sensitivities, tooth loss, or reduced digestive capacity. Opt for softer chews and monitor your senior dog carefully. Your vet can advise on the most appropriate options.

How do I choose the right size chew?

Choose a chew that is large enough that your dog cannot fit it entirely in their mouth — this reduces the risk of gulping or swallowing it whole. Avoid chews that are too small for your dog's breed or weight.

Stomach Tolerance & Digestive Health

My dog has a sensitive stomach — can they still have natural chews?

Some dogs with sensitive digestion tolerate natural chews well; others do not. When introducing any new chew, start with a short session (5–10 minutes) and monitor your dog for 24–48 hours for signs of digestive upset, including loose stools, vomiting, or changes in appetite. If your dog has a known digestive condition, check with your vet before introducing chews.

How often should I give my dog a natural chew?

Natural chews are a treat and a supplement to your dog's regular diet — not a meal replacement. Frequency depends on the chew type, your dog's size, caloric needs, and digestive tolerance. As a general guide, most dogs do well with chews a few times per week rather than daily. Your vet can provide guidance based on your dog's individual needs.

Still have questions?

If you have a question that isn't answered here, or if you're unsure whether a specific chew is right for your dog, please get in touch — we're happy to help. For health-specific concerns, always consult your veterinarian.