What they are, who they are for, how to pick a size, and how to offer them safely.
Quick guide
- What Ugly Chews are
- Why people choose them
- How to choose the right Ugly Chew
- Safety and supervision
- Shop Ugly Chews
- FAQs
What Ugly Chews are
Ugly Chews are natural hide chews made from beef hides that are cleaned, cut, and dried. The brand’s focus is using as much of the hide as possible, including “misfit” pieces that vary in size or thickness. In real life, that means you get a chew that can be a solid enrichment option for many dogs, with the understanding that shape and thickness are not always uniform.
What to expect
- Natural hide chew texture, not a uniform manufactured shape
- Thickness and density can vary from piece to piece
- Best used as supervised chew time, then picked up
Why people choose them
Most owners are looking for a chew that keeps a dog busy, supports calm downtime, and helps redirect “find-a-job” behaviors. Ugly Chews tend to fit that use case because they are simple in concept and practical in routine.
Enrichment you can schedule
Many dogs settle better when they have a predictable chew window. A chew you can offer for 10 to 20 minutes is often more useful than a treat that disappears in 30 seconds.
Good fit for “variety households”
If you have puppies, seniors, and adult dogs in the same home, having different thickness options makes it easier to match the chew to the dog in front of you.
How to choose the right Ugly Chew
The goal is simple: pick a piece that is large enough that your dog cannot swallow it whole, and appropriate for their chewing style. If your dog is an intense power chewer, choose thicker pieces and supervise closely. If your dog is a gentle chewer, thin pieces can be a better match.
Match the chew to the dog
- Puppies and older dogs: look for thinner, easier-to-work pieces and shorter chew sessions.
- Average chewers: rolls and standard pieces tend to hold up better.
- Hard chewers: choose the thickest options available and keep sessions supervised and time-limited.
If your dog tries to “finish” every chew in one sitting, shorten chew windows and pick up the remainder. Chews are best used as structured enrichment.
Safety and supervision
Any chew can become a choking hazard or cause GI trouble if the dog swallows large pieces. The most important safety practice is active supervision and removing end pieces once they become small enough to swallow.
Supervise. Offer an appropriate size. Limit chew time. Provide fresh water. Discard small ends. If your dog has a history of GI sensitivity, talk with your veterinarian before adding new chews.
When to skip chews
- Dogs who gulp treats or do not chew thoroughly
- Dogs with a history of obstruction, pancreatitis, or chronic GI sensitivity
- Households where supervision is not possible during chew time
Shop Ugly Chews
Pick your format
These are the Ugly Chews products we carry right now. Use the buttons to view current availability and sizes.
If you are not sure which one fits your dog, start with the size that matches your dog’s body size and chewing style, then adjust based on how quickly they work through it. Conservative rule: if it becomes swallow-sized, it is done.
FAQs
Are Ugly Chews good for puppies?
Some puppies do fine with chews as structured, supervised enrichment. Choose thinner pieces, keep sessions short, and remove small ends. If your puppy is a gulping type, skip chews and use safer enrichment options.
How long should I let my dog chew?
Start conservative. Many households do 10 to 20 minutes, then pick up the chew. You can offer it again later. The goal is calm enrichment, not “finish the whole thing.”
Why do some pieces look different from others?
Hide chews can vary in thickness and density. Some Ugly Chews products are intentionally “misfit” pieces that do not match a uniform standard shape. Dogs generally do not care what the chew looks like, but owners should size and supervise accordingly.
Can these cause stomach upset?
Any chew can cause GI upset in a sensitive dog, especially if a dog swallows large pieces. If your dog has a history of digestive issues, talk with your veterinarian before introducing new chews and keep chew sessions short and supervised.
What is the safest way to use chews in a multi-dog home?
Separate dogs during chew time. Chews can trigger guarding, rushing, and gulping. Separation keeps the session calm and safer.
About the Author
Tasha Mesina
Cindra Pet Products
Cindra has been around since 1982, and I brought it back in 2023 for people who care about practical routines and real results. I focus on coat and skin comfort, straightforward handling, and products that do their job without drama.
