If your dog pulls on the leash during walks, you need a dental chew that lasts and keeps them occupied. The best dental chews for pullers are long-lasting, fully digestible, and tough enough to withstand heavy chewing. In this article, we cover what to look for and the top product types that can help reduce pulling behavior while improving your dog’s dental health.

What to Look for in Dental Chews for Pullers

When selecting a dental chew for a dog that pulls, prioritize durability and engagement. The chew must be challenging enough to keep your dog busy for at least 15-20 minutes, which helps burn off excess energy that contributes to pulling. Key features include:

  • Longevity: Look for chews that take time to break down, such as thick bully sticks or compressed chews. Avoid chews that can be swallowed in a few bites.
  • Digestibility: Choose chews made from single-ingredient proteins like beef, chicken, or sweet potato. Avoid rawhide, which is hard to digest and can cause blockages.
  • Texture: A rough or ribbed surface helps scrape plaque. While not all chews are VOHC-approved, many natural options provide mechanical cleaning.
  • Calorie count: Since pullers may need more chews throughout the day, opt for low-calorie options (under 100 calories per chew for medium dogs) to prevent weight gain.
  • Safety: Avoid hard bones, antlers, or nylon chews that can crack teeth. Flexible yet tough chews are ideal.

Always supervise your dog when giving a dental chew, and remove small pieces to prevent choking. If your dog has a history of aggressive chewing or dental issues, consult your vet for personalized advice.

Best Dental Chew Types for Pulling Dogs

1. Bully Sticks

Bully sticks (pizzle sticks) are single-ingredient beef muscle chews. They are fully digestible, long-lasting, and come in various thicknesses. For pullers, choose thick, braided, or straight bully sticks that last 30-60 minutes. They provide a satisfying chew that engages your dog’s jaw and helps release excess energy. Due to their strong odor, some owners prefer odor-free options.

2. Collagen Sticks

Collagen sticks are made from beef hide or fish skin and are more digestible than rawhide. They are tough yet flexible, reducing the risk of tooth fracture. Collagen chews often have a rolled or twisted shape that keeps dogs interested. They are low in fat and calories, making them a good choice for daily use.

3. Sweet Potato or Vegetable Chews

For lighter chewing, sweet potato chews or carrot-based sticks can be an option. These are lower in calories and provide fiber. However, they may not last as long for heavy pullers. Look for compressed or dehydrated versions that are dense and require more chewing. These are excellent for dogs with food allergies.

4. Dental Chew Rings or Donuts

Compressed dental rings made from hydrolyzed protein or potato starch are designed to last longer than typical biscuits. They have ridges that help clean teeth and are often grain-free. For pullers, choose larger sizes that take time to consume. These can be used as a treat after a walk or during training to reinforce calm behavior.

How to Use Dental Chews to Reduce Pulling

Dental chews can be a training aid to help your dog associate walks with positive outcomes. Follow these steps:

  1. Pre-walk chew: Give your dog a long-lasting chew 10-15 minutes before the walk. This can help burn off initial excitement and reduce pulling.
  2. Reward calm behavior: During the walk, if your dog walks nicely without pulling, reward with a small piece of a dental chew. Use the chew as a high-value treat.
  3. Post-walk wind-down: After the walk, provide another chew to reinforce calmness and keep your dog occupied while you relax.

Remember that dental chews should not replace proper leash training. Combine with positive reinforcement training (e.g., stopping when pulls, rewarding loose leash) for best results. If pulling persists, consider consulting a professional dog trainer.

Safety and Veterinary Advice

While dental chews can improve oral hygiene, they are not a substitute for regular brushing or professional dental cleanings. Monitor your dog’s chewing habits: if they swallow large chunks or break off pieces too quickly, choose a different type. No chew is 100% safe for all dogs; supervise every session. If you notice signs of distress, choking, or digestive issues, discontinue use and contact your vet.

For dogs with dental disease, loose teeth, or a history of gastrointestinal blockages, consult your veterinarian before introducing new chews. They can recommend specific sizes, textures, and ingredients based on your dog’s health needs.

Key Takeaway

Choose durable, fully digestible chews like bully sticks or collagen sticks to keep your puller occupied, help clean teeth, and reduce walking tension.

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