Why Dogs Need to Chew and How Digestive Support Complements This Natural Behaviour

Recent scientific research has shed light on a fundamental canine behaviour that many dog owners might take for granted: chewing. As highlighted in a groundbreaking review published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, chewing plays a vital role in canine physical and psychological wellbeing (1).

While most companion dogs today consume processed kibble that requires minimal chewing, their wild counterparts, such as Australian dingoes, can spend up to 108 minutes in a single feeding session (2). This stark contrast highlights a potential gap in our domesticated dogs' natural behaviours—one that has significant implications for their overall health.

The Multiple Benefits of Chewing for Dogs

The scientific literature reveals that chewing provides numerous interconnected benefits that enrich dogs' lives in various ways (2), (3) & (4):

Physical Health Benefits

1. Oral Hygiene: Dental disease ranks among the most common health issues in companion dogs, particularly affecting smaller and older canines. The mechanical action of chewing on hard, fibrous materials naturally removes plaque, reducing bad breath, gum disease, and tooth loss. This natural cleaning mechanism can potentially reduce the frequency of professional dental procedures.
2. Gastrointestinal Health: Chewing stimulates saliva production and facilitates digestion. It helps prevent stomach inflammation and promotes peristalsis—the wave-like contractions that move food through the digestive tract. These actions contribute to regular bowel movements and proper stool consistency.
3. Microbiome Balance: The action of chewing promotes beneficial resident microbes both in the oral cavity and lower intestine whilst reducing harmful microbes. These beneficial microorganisms work symbiotically with their canine hosts, maintaining healthy oral hygiene and gut function.
4. Bone Density: All mammals, including dogs, experience stress that triggers cortisol release. This hormone can reduce bone density over time, potentially leading to osteoporosis. Because chewing helps reduce stress, it indirectly supports bone health by moderating corticosteroid levels in the bloodstream.

Psychological and Behavioural Benefits

5. Stress Management: Chewing activates the parasympathetic nervous system—the "rest-and-digest" mechanism—helping dogs manage acute stress. This makes chewing an effective tool for addressing both boredom and over-arousal, and it can alleviate anxiety in challenging situations like being left alone.
6. Performance and Focus: Dogs can self-regulate their arousal levels through chewing. Interestingly, this effect works bidirectionally—stimulating a bored dog while calming an unsettled one. This helps bring dogs into the "Goldilocks zone" of arousal (or "eustress"), improving their ability to focus, learn and perform complex tasks.
7. Cognitive Health: With dogs living longer than in previous generations, more are experiencing cognitive decline. Research in humans and rodents has shown that chewing can protect cognitive function. For dogs already experiencing cognitive changes, the variety and manipulative challenges of chewing may help sustain their quality of life.
8. Positive Welfare: Dogs naturally seek out and enjoy chewing opportunities. The enthusiasm with which they engage with chewable items indicates the intrinsic value of this activity. When denied appropriate chewing outlets, dogs often redirect this behaviour to household items like shoes or furniture.

The Gut-Brain Connection

Perhaps most fascinating is the relationship between chewing, digestive health, and psychological wellbeing. Recent research has revealed a correlation between dogs' cardiac responses to positive interactions and those of their human guardians (5). This suggests that when dogs are relaxed and content—states that chewing can promote—their human companions may experience similar physiological benefits (5).

The gut-brain axis represents a crucial communication network between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. When digestive health is compromised, it can affect mood, behaviour, and cognitive function (6). Conversely, stress and anxiety can disrupt digestive processes, creating a feedback loop that impacts overall wellbeing.

CaniNectar: Supporting Digestive Health Alongside Natural Chewing

While encouraging appropriate chewing behaviour is essential, some dogs may benefit from additional digestive support. This is particularly true for those with sensitive stomachs, those recovering from illness, or senior dogs with diminished digestive efficiency.

CaniNectar, a specialised supplement derived from malted barley, offers a complementary approach to supporting canine digestive health. Using ancient, artisan barley varieties valued in Europe for over 800 years for their naturally high enzyme levels, CaniNectar is produced through a patented process that preserves these essential enzymes.

How CaniNectar Supports Digestive Health

The supplement provides a comprehensive array of digestive enzymes that help dogs break down and absorb nutrients more efficiently:

• Protease aids protein digestion for better muscle maintenance
• Lipase assists fat digestion, supporting energy levels and coat health
• Amylase helps digest starch for steady energy release
• Fructanase breaks down fructans from plant-based ingredients
• Cellulase & Xylanase assist in digesting plant fibres
• Beta-Glucanase supports digestion of complex carbohydrates
• Phytase enhances mineral absorption for stronger bones and immunity

Beyond enzymes, CaniNectar delivers essential B vitamins that support energy, metabolism and overall health, along with antioxidants that protect cells from damage and key minerals that support immune function.

Potential Benefits for Dogs

When digestive health is optimised, dogs may experience several improvements that complement the benefits of natural chewing:

1. Improved Stool Quality: CaniNectar supports firm, well-formed stools by promoting a balanced gut microbiome and improving digestion. Studies indicate that dogs given these supplements experience more consistent stools with a reduction in harmful bacteria like Escherichia/Shigella.
2. Reduced Flatulence and Bloating: By aiding digestion and preventing undigested food from fermenting, digestive supplements can reduce gas production that leads to uncomfortable bloating and unpleasant odours.
3. Behavioural Improvements: An imbalanced microbiome can contribute to stress, anxiety and hyperactivity. By promoting beneficial bacteria and helping regulate stress hormones, digestive support may improve trainability and emotional balance—similar to the calming effects of chewing.
4. Enhanced Skin and Coat Condition: Poor digestion often manifests in dry skin, itching and dull fur. By enhancing nutrient absorption and reducing inflammation, digestive supplements may help maintain a glossy coat and healthy skin.

A Holistic Approach to Canine Wellbeing

While CaniNectar offers targeted support for digestive health, it works best as part of a holistic approach to canine wellbeing that includes:

1. Appropriate Chewing Opportunities: Providing safe, size-appropriate chews that allow dogs to engage in this natural behaviour.
2. Balanced Nutrition: Feeding a complete, balanced diet appropriate for the dog's age, size and activity level.
3. Regular Exercise: Ensuring dogs receive adequate physical activity to support digestive motility and overall health.
4. Stress Management: Creating a predictable, enriching environment that minimises unnecessary stress.
5. Regular Veterinary Care: Consulting veterinary professionals about individual dogs' needs, particularly those with existing health conditions.

Conclusion

The scientific evidence supporting the importance of chewing for canine health is compelling. From improved dental health and digestion to stress reduction and cognitive benefits, this natural behaviour offers multifaceted advantages for our canine companions.

For dogs experiencing digestive challenges or those who might benefit from additional support, supplements like CaniNectar can complement the natural benefits of chewing by optimising digestive function and promoting a balanced gut microbiome.