Our girl Ember is the most aggressive chewer I have ever seen. Standard toys don’t stand a chance against her strong jaw. I’ve lost track of how many “tough” toys she has gone through in minutes.
Aggressive chewers need more than just standard toys—they need durable, safe, and long-lasting chews that actually satisfy their natural urge to chew.
It is important to note that chewing isn’t the problem—it’s the solution.
Your dog needs to be given the right outlets to prevent destructive chewing – and constructive chewing is the way to go.
If your dog does not have a proper outlet for their urge to chew, you will find:
- Destroyed furniture
- Shoes getting shredded
- Random household items becoming chew targets
If this sounds familiar, you’ll also want to read our guide on how to stop destructive chewing.
In this post, we’re focusing on things that actually work when it comes to chews for aggressive dogs.
The Quick Summary
- Longest lasting: Yak chews
- Best for high-value distraction: Bully sticks
- Best rawhide alternative: Beef cheek rolls
- Best for extreme chewers: Raw Bones
Why Aggressive Chewers Need the Right Chews
Dogs don’t chew just to be destructive—they chew because they need to.
Chewing helps:
- Relieve stress and anxiety
- Burn mental energy
- Keep teeth clean
- Prevent boredom
If you find that your dog is chewing excessively, it’s often a sign they need:
- More stimulation
- More structured outlets
- Better chew options
Note: If your dog has too much pent-up energy, here’s how to actually tire them out indoors.
The important part is making sure that you give your dog the right chew to meet their needs.
👉 Pro tip: Safety first: experts warn that very hard chews can damage your dogs teeth. If a chew is hard enough to bend your fingernail it may be too hard for your dog.
Also be sure to watch your dog with any new chew to ensure they are consuming it safely.
What to Look for in a Chew (Very Important)
Before I share what has worked for us, here is what matters most:
✔ Durability
It should last longer than 10 minutes (bare minimum for aggressive chewers)
✔ Safety
Avoid anything that splinters, cracks teeth, or breaks into sharp pieces
✔ Digestibility
Some chews are edible, others are not—know the difference
✔ Engagement
If your dog loses interest quickly, it won’t solve the problem
Best Dog Chews for Aggressive Chewers
These are some of the most reliable options we have found for our aggressive chewer.
1. Yak Chews (Himalayan Dog Chews)
Best for: Long-lasting, natural chewing
✔ Extremely hard and long-lasting
✔ Fully digestible
✔ Minimal mess and odor
These are one of the best “set it and relax” options for heavy chewers. They soften slightly as your dog works on them, which makes them safer than bones.
Both Ember and my last Shepherd Avy love a yak chew – and honestly they last much longer than any other chew I have tried! Rather than being done the same day they will often last for days or even weeks.
That said – Yak chews ARE very hard so make sure you keep your eye on your dog while they are chewing. Yak chews are also not appropriate for puppies.
👉 Pro Tip: When your dogs has approximately 1 inch of the chew left remove it as it can become a swallow hazard. If you want to make use of the entire chew, soak the last inch or so in water for 5-10 minutes. Then take it out and microwave it 30-60 seconds until it puffs up. This will turn it into a crunchy cheese puff that is safe to eat.
Yak chews come in a variety of sizes (from very small to huge). Make sure you pick the right size for your dog.
2. Bully Sticks
Best for: High-reward chewing sessions
✔ Highly engaging (dogs LOVE them)
✔ Fully digestible
✔ Good for redirecting destructive behavior
These don’t last as long as harder chews, but they are excellent for:
- Rewarding good behaviour
- High-stress moments
- Keeping your dog busy while you get things done
- Helping your dog wind-down after a walk
Bullysticks are a fan favourite. I don’t know ANY dogs that don’t love them. They are a bit on the pricier side given how long they last, but as an occasional chew – totally worth it.
Avy could power through a 12″ bullystick in about 20 minutes. She loved them. So not as durable as a raw bone or yak chew, but still a great treat!
Note: If your dog chews when left alone, it could be linked to
separation anxiety. check out our post on separation anxiety and some tips for overcoming it.
Like Yak Chews, Bullysticks come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses. Make sure you select the right size for your dog.
3. Beef Cheek Rolls
Best for: A balance between long-lasting and digestible.
✔ Softer than bones but still durable
✔ Fully digestible
✔ Less risk than rawhide
Beef Cheeks are a single ingredient chew that are rich in collagen, which is great for joint health. They also soften rather than breaking into sharp pieces which makes them safer for dogs.
These are one of the best rawhide alternatives
4. Raw Bones
Best for: Mental stimulation and dental hygene.
- Digestible
- Long Lasting
- Provide Health Benefits
Raw bones provide significant dental, nutritional, and mental stimulation benefits for dogs. They can provide hours of entertainment for your dog. They are also a very cost effective long chew option.
I always have a supply of raw bones in the freezer. They are a big hit with Ember – from marrow bones to turkey necks, she loves them all.
👉Pro tip: if your dog doesn’t immediately take to the bone, try warming it slightly in the microwave. This will release some of the juices and then scent which will attract your dog. Just make sure to put a towel down under your dog or serve outside – these can be messy!
Make sure you pick the right raw bone for your dog. Ask at your local pet supply for the best options.
What to Avoid When Picking a Chew
Not all “tough chews” are safe.
Avoid:
- Cooked bones (can splinter)
- Cheap rawhide
- Extremely hard nylon (can crack teeth in some cases)
Chews Aren’t Enough (This Is Important)
Even the best chew won’t fix everything.
If your dog is:
- Constantly destroying things
- Never settling down
- Chewing excessively
Then you need to address energy and stimulation as well.
To balance address energy and stimulation with chewing, add some strong and durable toys to your mix.
Check out our post: Best Indestructible Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers
How to Make Chews Last Longer
Want to get more value out of your chews?
- Rotate chews instead of giving the same one daily
- Only offer during specific times (not all day)
- Pair with exercise beforehand
Exercise matters as well—regular walks and adventures help a lot. Need a place to go? Check out our list of the Best dog parks in Vancouver.
Keep Your Dog Safe While They Chew
It is very important that you keep your dogs safety in mind when you give them a chew. Make sure that you choose the right size chew for your dog and pay attention to the density of the chew. Experts warn that very hard chews can chip your dogs teeth.
- Always watch your dog when you give them a new chew.
- Consider using a chew holder so that your dog can’t swallow the end of the chew. These are available for bullysticks and Yak chews.
- Use the fingernail test: if the chew is hard enough to dent your fingernail, it may be too hard for your dog.
We have the Jughead Yak chew holder for Ember and the holder is as durable as they chew itself! Ember can destroy almost any toy – but she has not been able to do ANY damage to the Jughead holder!
Final Thoughts
If you have an aggressive chewer, the goal isn’t to stop chewing—it’s to redirect it.
The right chews:
- Prevent destructive behavior
- Reduce stress
- Keep your dog engaged and satisfied
Start with one or two options from this list and see what your dog responds to best.
Every dog is different—but once you find the right chew, it makes a huge difference.