How to Choose the Right Size Dog Treat or Chew
Choosing the right size dog treat or chew is about more than whether your dog is small, medium or large. Mouth size, chewing style, age, teeth and the shape of the treat can all make a difference.
This guide will help you narrow down the size and type to consider before checking the individual product information for your dog.
Start with your dog, not the label
Labels such as “small”, “medium” and “large” are useful starting points, but dogs of a similar body size can chew very differently.
Before choosing a treat or chew, think about:
- Your dog’s mouth and jaw size
- Whether they chew steadily or try to gulp food
- How powerful their chewing is
- Their age and experience with chews
- The condition of their teeth and gums
- The size, thickness and shape of the actual treat
Small dog does not always mean tiny chew
A smaller dog may still be a determined chewer, while a larger dog may prefer softer or lighter treats.
Choosing something simply because it is labelled for a particular dog size can therefore be misleading. Look at how your own dog handles food and chews as well as their body size.
A chew should not be so small that your dog can comfortably take the whole item into their mouth and attempt to swallow it without chewing.
Look at length, thickness and shape
Two treats can be similar in length but very different to chew. A thin strip, a thick braid and a chunky natural chew may all be handled differently by the same dog.
When comparing treats, consider:
- Length – is there enough for your dog to hold and work on?
- Thickness – does it suit their mouth and chewing strength?
- Shape – can they hold and chew it steadily?
- Texture – is it softer, flexible, firm or very hard?
Natural treats can also vary in size, thickness, shape and colour, so always look at the individual piece rather than relying only on the product photograph.
Think about chewing style
Gentle or slower chewers
Dogs that take their time may be comfortable with a wider choice of lighter, softer and medium-firm treats, provided the size is appropriate.
Strong or enthusiastic chewers
A stronger chewer may benefit from a more substantial treat, but choosing the hardest product available is not automatically the right answer.
Firmness and physical size are two different things. That is why we use the Fido’s Chew Scale separately from dog size.
Dogs that gulp
If your dog tries to swallow treats or large pieces rather than chewing them steadily, size needs particular attention. Simply choosing a harder treat does not remove the risk.
For more information about supervision, swallowing, hard chews and when to remove a treat, read our Dog Treat & Chew Safety Guide →
Fido’s Chew Scale measures firmness, not size
- Soft – 1/5
- Light – 2/5
- Medium – 3/5
- Firm – 4/5
- Hard – 5/5
The Fido’s Chew Scale measures how firm a treat is, not how long it will last and not which size dog should have it. Every dog chews differently.
A large soft treat and a smaller firm chew can have completely different characteristics, so use size and firmness together when making your choice.
Puppies and older dogs
Age can change what is comfortable to chew. Puppies starting with treats may be better suited to smaller, softer choices, while older dogs with worn or missing teeth may also prefer something easier to manage.
If your dog has painful, damaged or problematic teeth or gums, speak to your vet before choosing firm or hard chews.
Browse Puppy & Senior Dog Treats →
When should I choose a larger size?
Consider moving to a larger or more substantial option if the treat is easily disappearing into your dog’s mouth, is difficult for you to monitor while they chew, or your dog is attempting to swallow it with very little chewing.
Moving up in size does not automatically make a treat suitable, so continue to consider its firmness, shape and how your dog actually handles it.
When might a smaller or softer option be better?
A smaller portion or softer format may make more sense for training, light rewarding, puppies, older dogs or dogs that do not enjoy working on substantial chews.
The aim is not to give every dog the biggest or hardest treat possible. It is to find an appropriate match for the individual dog and the reason you are giving the treat.
Still not sure which treat to choose?
If size is only part of the question, use our main choosing guide to narrow the range by chewing style, protein, life stage and what you are looking for.
You can also visit Fido’s Tasty Treats at 5 High Street, Normanton, West Yorkshire, WF6 2AD. Tell us your dog’s approximate size, age, chewing style and what they normally enjoy, and we can help you compare the available choices.
Important: Always supervise your dog while eating or chewing, provide fresh drinking water and remove any treat that becomes small, damaged, sharp or easy to swallow whole.