Why Chewing is So Important for Your Dog’s Health and Happiness

Why Chewing is So Important for Your Dog’s Health and Happiness
(And Why Huds and Toke Chews Are the Perfect Way to Help!)

Have you ever watched your dog settle in with a chew and just show total focus and enjoyment while it did it's best?

That happy focus isn’t just adorable—it’s also really important for your dog’s overall wellbeing.

In the wild, dogs spend a good chunk of their day chewing on bones, sticks, carcasses, and other natural goodies. But our much-loved pet dogs—who are often fed softer foods like kibble and Raw Meat — just don’t get the same opportunity to chew like their wild cousins.... 

There is nothing wrong with the modern day food, however, it's important to understand that chewing has a ton of benefits that go far beyond just keeping them occupied.

Hence the reason why, we as dog owners, need to provide our dogs with the opportunity to chew.

Let’s break down why chewing is a vital part of your dog’s health—and how a good quality, safe chew, which is as good as it gets, (like those from Huds and Toke!) can help:

1. It’s Natural Nourishment

   Dogs are built to chew. Their strong jaws and sharp teeth evolved to rip, crush, and gnaw. In the wild, chewing helps them access marrow, minerals, and fibre. Even when foraging, dogs chew to get to tasty bits hidden inside shells or exoskeletons. So, giving your dog a natural chew mimics this instinctive behaviour—and keeps them happy and nourished.

2. Cleaner Teeth, Fresher Breath

   Dental issues are super common in dogs, especially as they age. Chewing on the right kind of tough, fibrous materials can help scrape away plaque and prevent dental disease. That means less bad breath, healthier gums, and fewer visits to the vet for dental work. (Though if your dog already has dental problems, be sure to chat with your vet before giving hard chews.)  This is the reason Huds and Toke make cookies for dogs which are quite firm.  Our Dog biscuits are not soft like others on the market....  they are firm to ensure we encourage chewing and thus, help in teeth and gut health.

3. Better Digestion

   Chewing helps kick-start digestion. The act itself can get the stomach and gut working properly by encouraging healthy movement in the digestive tract. This helps with regular bowel movements and keeping tummies happy.

4. A Healthy Gut Microbiome

   Believe it or not, chewing helps support the balance of good bacteria in your dog’s mouth and gut. That means a healthier immune system, better digestion, and overall wellness. Happy tummy = happy dog.  This is where Pre-Biotics come in....  Naturally dogs will seek out prebiotice material to chew such as various grasses etc....  Huds and Toke make many of their products with Pre-biotics included to encourage good gut health as well as chewing....

5. Stress Relief and Calm Vibes

   Dogs often chew to help themselves relax. It’s a natural way for them to manage stress or anxiety—like when they’re home alone or feeling over-excited. A long-lasting chew can be incredibly soothing and help take the edge off tricky situations.   This is where some long lasting meat Treats are awesome such as Beef Jerky, Pig Ears, Beef ears and Chicken Necks.

6. Stronger Bones

   Chronic stress in dogs (just like in humans) can lead to health issues—including bone loss. Because chewing reduces stress, it also helps protect bone density over time. So it’s not just good for the teeth—it’s good for the whole body.

7. Focus and Mental Performance

   Chewing helps dogs regulate their energy levels. Whether they’re overexcited or bored, chewing can help bring them back to a calm and focused state. This sweet spot of energy—known as “eustress”—is perfect for learning, training, or just living their best doggy life.

8. Brain Boost for Older Dogs

   As our pups get older, they can start to experience cognitive decline—just like humans. Chewing helps stimulate the brain and keep those cognitive functions sharp. It’s a fun, easy way to support healthy aging in senior dogs.  Many of Huds and Toke's Dental Chews are perfect for older dogs who may have weaker teeth....  Our Dental Chews and Bug Chews are firm enough to encourage chewing and soft enough for older dogs to enjoy.

9. It’s Just Plain Fun (and Keeps Shoes Safe!)

   Let’s be honest: dogs love chewing. Offer them a tasty chew, and you’ll see their eyes light up. It’s enriching, exciting, and satisfying. And when you don’t give them something appropriate to chew? They’ll probably go find something themselves... like your favourite leather shoe. So it’s a win-win to provide something they’re supposed to chew....  That's where Huds and Toke comes in.  As an Australian Manufacturer you can feel confident that they are of high quality, made with low fat and lo sugar and NOT imported from another place with low quality controls.

10. A Happy Dog Makes a Happy Home

    Science even shows that when our dogs are happy and relaxed, we benefit too. Their emotional states can sync with ours, lowering stress and building deeper bonds. So when you give your dog something healthy to chew on, you’re not just helping them—you’re creating a calmer, happier home environment for everyone.

The Huds and Toke Difference!

We know how much you adore your furry friend—and that’s why we create high-quality, safe, and super fun Dog chews and Dog treats that Pets go wild for. From long-lasting chews to delicious Natural Meat Treats, our range is made to keep your pup chewing happily and healthily.

Our products are simply As Good As It Gets!

Pro tip: Every dog is different, so always choose the right chew for their size, breed, and dental health. If you’re unsure, check in with your vet or contact the team at Huds and Toke.  They are more than happy to help.

Let your dog chew the way nature intended—and watch them thrive!