Chewing the fat on dog chews

As the science of pet food gets more sophisticated, owners nowadays can cater to a seemingly endless assortment of their canine companions' nutritional needs — and wants. You can buy dog food tailored to specific breeds or to those with certain health conditions, such as skin problems. Dogs can even enjoy a "Mediterranean chicken and rice entrée" concocted by a Spanish Michelin-starred chef, José Andrés, among other luxury offerings.

One crucial ingredient, however, appears to have gotten lost along the way: an element of challenge for the dog. That's prompting some veterinarians to ruminate on the importance of chewing — and, by extension, chews — to dog health and well-being.

This story was published on June 24, 2025.