What Kind of Chew Toys and Bones are Safe for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels?
![Safe chew bones and toys for small Cavaliers.](https://8d1a18.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/best-bones-for-cavaliers-and-small-dogs.jpg)
Most Cavalier King Charles Spaniels love to chew! Chewing is a natural and normal dog behavior that helps fight boredom and can even help keep your Cavalier’s teeth pearly white. But remember, brushing your Cavalier’s teeth daily is still ideal. Puppies and adolescent Cavaliers tend to have a high drive for chewing things. Sometimes, whatever they can sink those teeth into. Hopefully, you are working with a qualified dog trainer to ensure your Cavalier is learning to chew on the right items instead of your furniture, or, even worse, electrical cords or something else that can harm your Cavalier puppy.
So, what makes a chew toy or bone safe for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? Over the years, my opinion on this has evolved. I once opted for the harder, the better. But, now, I’m on the other side of the fence, choosing softer items. Hard and tough dog bones can chip teeth and even splinter, which can be very dangerous. Even my sweet, Dexter chipped his tooth on a hard bone….his last hard bone.
I personally do not use or recommend hard bones, antlers, hooves, plastic or nylon bones, rawhides, chews with lots of ingredients, wood bones, or weight-bearing bones. But, I will always say, this is my personal opinion, and they are your Cavaliers. You can do whatever you feel comfortable doing for them, and you will not be judged by me, nor should you be judged by your peers.
![Natural dog chews and treats.](https://8d1a18.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/best-dog-chews-for-small-breed-dogs.jpg)
Please be aware that not every chew toy or bone will be suitable for every Cavalier. I strongly recommend active supervision when your Cavalier chews, particularly if it’s a new toy or bone or if the chew item is edible. The right size of a bone or toy is also important. You want to make sure the toy or bone is not so small that your Cavalier can place the entire item in their mouth and risk choking. This includes when the chew gets smaller. I tend to toss the end out before Dexter swallows it, with the exception of a chew that is crunchy. Finding the right chew for your Cavalier is sort of like “The Princess and the Pea.” So, let’s jump into my recommendations for safe and healthy chew bones for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Dehydrated or Freeze-Dried Fish Skins: With a good dehydrated or freeze-dried fish skin dog treat, the treat will be 100 percent fish skin with no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. With this list and anything I recommend, the first stop should be to read the actual ingredient panel. What’s inside. Everything. It’s also important to check out the packaging and carefully read the ingredient list and where the fish was caught and processed. Fish skins are great treats for your Cavalier, full of omega-3 fatty acids, typically low in fat, and fully edible. Most dogs love the taste and eagerly chew away. Some fish skins are crunchy, while others are chewy. Chewy ones last longer but need close supervision to make sure your Cavalier chews them up vs. swallowing a large piece. Shop now.
![Healthy chews for Cavaliers.](https://8d1a18.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/best-chew-toys-for-cavaliers-1.jpg)
Bully Sticks & Pizzles: Made from the manly part of a bull, many dogs love chewing on these. What I like is that they typically just start to get soft and disappear; I haven’t seen any pieces break off. However, I have seen a stick peel every once in a while, like string cheese. You can also purchase bully stick holders to help hold the stick, which adds a second layer of safety, helping to prevent your dog from swallowing the end. I personally toss that piece into the garbage. Again, sourcing and how they are manufactured is key. Natural does not correlate to not using irradiation (radiation). I contacted my fair share of bully stick brands and asked if they used irradiation, so, make sure you do your homework. Tip: get odor-free or low-odor versions. These can stink like crazy! Shop now.
![Best raw bones for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.](https://8d1a18.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/raw-bones-for-cavaliers-and-small-dogs.jpg)
Raw Bones: Raw bones are another option for your Cavalier to chew on, especially if they are already on a raw diet or natural diet. Because the bones are not cooked, they are soft and unlikely to splinter. Cooked bones easily splinter and are very hard on teeth. The size will depend on the size of the bone and your Cavalier. A few options to consider include necks, wings, feet and tails. Once again, supervise and watch for choking or swallowing. Necks did not work for Dexter, as he thought he should just suck the whole thing down. Chewing Tips: Don’t clean the bones; feed them with some meat on them, as they come. Let your Cavalier pull on the meat and chew and lick the bone. Allow them to have them for an hour, then throw them away. It’s when they sit around the house, get buried, or get dried out that you get bacteria and splintering. They will last in the fridge for three days before feeding. They can also be frozen and thawed. Feed outside or on a towel, and make sure your Cavalier is wearing their snood!. Avoid weight-bearing bones, as dogs can chip or fracture their teeth due to how hard they are. Show now.
![Healthy raw bones for Cavaliers.](https://8d1a18.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/can-cavaliers-eat-chicken-feet.jpg)
Dehydrated Duck/Chicken/Rabbit Feet/Ears: Duck, chicken, and rabbit feet or ears are excellent, crunchy, edible chews for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Dehydrated or freeze-dried. Both offer good chewing options. Chicken and duck feet are rich in chondroitin, glucosamine, and collagen, which support joint health, reducing the risk of brittle bones, improving mobility, and maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Rabbit ears and feet are particularly appealing as they are low in fat, high in protein, and help clean your dog’s teeth while reducing plaque buildup. Additionally, the fur on rabbit ears can serve as a natural dewormer. These natural chews are both nutritious and enjoyable, but always supervise your Cavalier to ensure safe chewing. Shop now.
Tripe Sticks: Tripe sticks are a fantastic chew option for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Typically made from the stomach lining of cattle, lamb, or goat, these chews are naturally rich in digestive enzymes and nutrients that support gut health. Tripe sticks provide a satisfying, chewy texture that most Cavaliers love, while also helping to clean their teeth and gums. They are full of nutrients that can be a great addition to your dog’s chew rotation. Shop now.
![Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Gifts](https://8d1a18.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-t-shirts-.jpg)
Beef Tails: Beef tails are another excellent choice for your Cavalier. They are durable and provide a long-lasting chewing experience, which helps keep your Cavalier engaged and entertained. Beef tails are also high in protein and can help naturally clean your Cavalier’s teeth. The natural toughness of beef tails makes them a good option for aggressive chewers, but always make sure to choose the appropriate size to prevent any choking hazards. Shop now.
Tendons: Tendons are a great chew for Cavaliers because they are tough yet somewhat flexible, providing a satisfying chew without being too hard on their teeth. They are also rich in collagen, which is beneficial for joint health. Tendons help keep your Cavalier’s teeth clean and their gums healthy. Most Cavaliers find the chewy texture very satisfying. Shop now.
Yak Chews: Yak chews are a fantastic option for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, but I only recommend them when microwaved to make them poofy. Microwaving them creates a crunchy, airy texture that Cavaliers love, making them a safe and enjoyable option. They are rich in protein and calcium, supporting your dog’s overall health. Made from a mixture of yak and cow milk, these chews are rich in protein and calcium, supporting your dog’s overall health. Again, double check the ingredient label; not all are created equal.
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Fillable Chew Toys: I am a fan of filling various food toys such as West Paw Tux and Toppl with healthy snacks. The key to getting your Cavalier to chew on a food toy is to stuff it! If your Cavalier is eating the toy instead of the inside food, I do not recommend it. Shop now.
![Safe bones for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel](https://8d1a18.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/best-chew-toys-for-cavaliers.jpg)
Ingredients matter! If you’re considering chew bones made from various ingredients, it’s crucial to flip over the package and dive deep into the ingredient list. Not all chews are created equal, and some can contain nasty or even toxic substances that could harm your dog. Look for natural, wholesome ingredients and avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. A little extra time spent reading labels can make a big difference in keeping your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel safe and healthy.
So, there you have it. That is the current list of some healthy and natural chew toys, bones I feel comfortable providing Dexter and recommending to my dog training clients. Always remember to supervise your Cavalier when they are chewing and to choose the right size and type of chew for their needs.
Which of these chews does your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel love the most? Share your favorite chew toys or treats in the comments below!
A big thank you to all the members in our Cavalier Facebook group for your wonderful photos!
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![Healthy bones for Cavaliers](https://8d1a18.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/best-bones-for-cavaliers.png)