Why aren't all teethers created equal? Much more than just a toy.
Many dogs spend hours with plastic toys that, unbeknownst to us, release microplastics that are eventually ingested. Furthermore, these materials provide them with no real benefit. In contrast, our chew toys are made from olive wood, heather root, and naturally fallen deer or fallow deer antlers. Instead of splintering or breaking into dangerous pieces, they crumble into soft flakes rich in fiber and minerals.
Each piece has been carefully prepared: the antlers are cut and polished to avoid sharp edges, and the wood has been dried, polished, and treated without chemicals to ensure complete safety. These products are strong, durable, and designed for long-term use. In addition to fiber, they provide essential minerals such as potassium, iron, and magnesium, naturally contributing to your dog's health.
It's a perfect example of how nature, when properly harnessed, can care for the planet and also for our animals: there's no animal sacrifice, no industrial waste, just pruning remains or natural fallout transformed into well-being.
Physical, emotional and cognitive benefits
From a physical perspective, the act of biting stimulates the jaw, promotes dental hygiene, and helps release endorphins and serotonin, which reduces stress and promotes emotional balance. It also helps remove tartar and combats bad breath, completely naturally and without the need for additives or synthetic products.
Cognitive stimulation in puppies
When a dog faces a chew toy, he doesn't just bite it: he thinks about how to twist it, how to hold it with his paws, how to slowly destroy it. In this process, he stimulates skills that go beyond play and promotes his cognitive development. This interaction is especially important in the early stages of growth, when learning and socialization are in full swing.
A reward or a daily necessity?
The question often arises as to whether chew toys should be given as a reward, occasionally, or whether they should always be available. Our recommendation is clear: chew toys should be part of the dog's environment , like a pacifier for a child. They should be there when the dog needs them, to calm down, entertain, or simply relax.
The only exception is when the chew toy has shrunk so much that there's a risk of swallowing it. At that point, remove it and offer a new one of the appropriate size. We also recommend supervising the dog the first few times, especially if he's never used a natural chew toy before, to observe how he handles it and ensure he's using it correctly.
How to choose the ideal teether
Choosing the right size is key. We always recommend choosing a chew toy that's at least larger than the dog's snout. If you're unsure between two sizes, choose the larger one. Additionally, each product offers specific recommendations based on your dog's weight, making it easier to make the right choice.
Texture and hardness according to age
- Puppies and older dogs benefit most from soft chews such as olive wood or heather root.
- Adults with good teeth can easily enjoy whole or split antlers, which offer a greater challenge and last longer.
Our selection of natural teethers
At CRU you will find different types of natural teethers:
- The classic and durable olive wood stick.
- The heather root with irregular shapes that defy the bite.
- Deer antlers, whole or split depending on the dog's experience.
- Fallow deer antlers are wider and flatter.
- And if you want a varied experience: the Happy Box, a selection of snacks and chew toys designed to help you discover which one your furry friend prefers.
They all share the same principle: real ingredients, natural formats, and a design designed so that the dog enjoys and benefits on all levels.
CRU Tip: Join him in the discovery
If your dog is coming from plastic toys, he may need some guidance. At first, he may not know what to do with his new natural chew toy. We encourage you to participate in this discovery, to play with him, to hold the stick, to activate his instinct. You'll see how, little by little, he'll choose it for himself and integrate it into his daily routine.
A choice that cares for your dog and the planet
Ultimately, a good chew toy isn't a whim. It's an essential tool for a dog's physical and emotional well-being. And when it's also sustainable, natural, and safe, it becomes a choice that cares for your dog and the planet.