Chewing is one of the simplest but most powerful ways to support a dog’s digestion. Many owners think chewing is “just for boredom” or “just for teeth,” but the process actually triggers multiple digestive functions — from saliva production to better nutrient absorption. Choosing the right kind of chew can make a noticeable difference in how comfortably your dog digests food.
How Does Chewing Improve Digestion?
Chewing slows down eating, allows saliva to mix with food, and kick-starts the digestive process before anything even reaches the stomach. Saliva contains enzymes that begin breaking down nutrients while also coating the food so it moves smoothly through the digestive tract.
When dogs chew on safe, easy-to-digest treats — like Sweet Potato Slices, Lamb Lung, or Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Bites — they’re stimulating saliva flow and encouraging slower, healthier eating habits.
Why Is Chewing Important for Dogs?
Chewing does far more than satisfy instinct. It:
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encourages calm, relaxed behavior
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reduces gulping, which lowers the chance of stomach upset
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helps prepare the stomach for digestion
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provides mental enrichment, lowering stress
Stress reduction matters — it ties into the popular “3-3-3 rule” for dogs adapting to new environments: about 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn the routine, and 3 months to fully settle. Calm, rhythmic chewing helps many dogs manage this adjustment period more smoothly.
Can Dogs Digest Food Without Chewing?
They can, but it’s not ideal.
Dogs naturally gulp more than humans do, but when food isn’t chewed at all, the stomach and intestines have to work much harder. This often results in:
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gas
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bloating
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loose stool
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vomiting
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slower nutrient absorption
Offering safe, moderate-density chews like Chicken & Sweet Potato Jerky or Beef Lung Bites encourages dogs to slow down and use their teeth the way nature intended.
How Can I Improve My Dog’s Digestion?
You can support healthy digestion through a combination of chewing, smart diet choices, and gentle boosters. Here are a few natural ways to help:
1. Offer easy-to-digest natural chews
Single-ingredient treats (like Sweet Potato Slices or Lamb Lung) are gentle on the stomach and encourage steady, controlled chewing.
2. Add simple digestive toppers
A sprinkle of a natural topper can help support smoother digestion. Options like Beef Liver Topper or Sweet Potato Topper add fiber and nutrients in small amounts.
This fits with the “90/10 rule” for dogs — 90% of calories should come from a balanced meal, and 10% from treats and toppers.
3. Encourage slower eating
Chewing naturally slows your dog down, helping prevent gulping and stomach upset.
4. Choose chews with the right texture
Chews that are too hard can cause tooth fractures, while overly soft treats may not encourage slow eating. Medium-density chews such as Sweet Potato Fries, Beef Lung Bites, or Jerky-style treats strike a good balance.
Final Thoughts
Chewing isn’t just enrichment — it’s one of the simplest ways to support digestion. Safe, natural chews encourage slower eating, healthier enzyme production, calmer behavior, and smoother digestion overall. If you want to support your dog’s stomach naturally, treats like Sweet Potato Slices, Lamb Lung, Chicken & Sweet Potato Jerky, or Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Bites are a great place to start.