Choosing and Using No-Hides

A great chew comes down to two things: the right size and a little know-how. Here's everything you need to know.

  • Veterinary Formulated
  • Health without harm
  • A fiercer kind of care
  • For all the years ahead

The right No-Hide
makes all the difference.

Chewing is one of your dog's or cat's favorite ways to settle, stay busy, and feel content. And for you, it can be one of the simplest ways to give them a moment that feels genuinely good. It also deserves a little care.

The right No-Hide, sized well and supervised, is pure satisfaction. This page helps you choose the one that's right for your dog and get the most out of every chew.

Dog eating a No-Hide chew in front of a fireplace

Your Chew Checklist

Chews the right size

Always pick a chew larger than your dog's mouth.

Supervise, supervise, supervise.

Never leave your dog or cat alone with any chew. Ever.

Chews the Right Size

Golden Rule: Always choose a chew that's larger than your dog's mouth. This encourages proper gnawing rather than gulping and keeps chew time safe and satisfying for everyone.

When in doubt, size up: A larger chew means more time to enjoy it and a safer chew experience overall.

Safety Reminder: Size matters - and supervision counts! Puppies get their license to chew at 6 months.

Know Your Chewer

Every dog approaches chewing differently. Understanding your pup's style helps you choose the right products and supervise smarter.

The Inhaler

The chew disappears fast and you're not entirely sure what happened. These dogs eat first, chew later, which means format and size selection matter more than with any other style.

If this sounds like your dog:
  • Best format: Rolls, always sized up significantly. Strips are too easy to break into swallowable pieces. Use a Westpaw Funnl to slow the session down.
  • What to expect: a shorter chew session than the size suggests. 
  • One thing to know: No-Hide's digestibility is especially important for Inhalers. What goes down needs to break down. If your dog consistently finishes too fast, size up again, or consider whether chews are right for them at all.

The Destroyer

These dogs treat every chew as a challenge to be won. They'll work through a No-Hide methodically and powerfully, breaking it down as they go.

If this sounds like your dog:
  • Best format: Rolls, in a larger size than you think they need. The structure of a Roll gives them something to work against. 
  • What to expect: pieces. That's fine. Unlike rawhide, No-Hide breaks down the way food should, so what they swallow isn't the concern it would be with a traditional chew. 
  • One thing to know: No-Hide was made for dogs like this. The slow-baked process creates a chew strong enough to satisfy, digestible enough to be safe.

The Nibbler

Patient, methodical, completely unbothered. These dogs treat a chew as a project and will return to it across multiple sessions if you let them.

If this sounds like your dog:
  • Best format: any format works. Rolls offer the longest chew sessions and the best value for a dog who takes their time. Strips work well if you want something lighter for in-between moments, or if you'd rather avoid storing a partially chewed Roll between sessions.
  • What to expect: excellent value. A single No-Hide can stretch across several sessions for a true Nibbler. 
  • One thing to know: store rolls safely between sessions. A clean, dry spot away from other pets.

Not sure which style your dog is?

Start with close supervision and watch how they approach their first No-Hide. You'll know within minutes.

How to supervise

Supervision means being present enough to step in if needed.

Do Don't
Stay in the same room while your dog chews Leave your dog alone with any chew
Watch for small, torn-off, or unrolled pieces Let them chew in another room while you're busy
Remove any loose pieces immediately Assume "they'll be fine" becausethey've chewed before
Keep fresh water nearby Give chews to gulpers without very close, constant supervision
Take the chew away when you leave the room Get distracted and walk away while they're chewing

The bottom line: If you can't supervise, remove the chew.

Any chew, treat, toy, even sticks and stones, can be a choking hazard. Your job is not to eliminate every risk, it’s to set your dog up for a safer, happier chew moment: choose the right size, supervise, and remove it when you can’t watch.

Vet's Note

Flat-Faced Breeds

By Dr. Kris Hansen, D.V.M., Earth Animal

Brachycephalic breeds (the medical term for flat-faced dogs like Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, and French Bulldogs) are some of the most popular dogs I see in my practice. They're also the ones who need extra attention when it comes to chews.

Why? Their shortened airways can make them more susceptible to choking, even though many of these breeds have incredibly strong jaws and absolutely love to chew.

My recommendations for flat-faced pups:

  1. Know your dog's chew style. Inhaler-Gulpers and flat faces are a risky combination.
  2. Size up. Choose a larger chew than you think they need.
  3. Supervise closely. I tell all my clients that every dog should be observed while chewing, but this is especially important for brachycephalic breeds.
  4. Remove chews when alone. No exceptions.

No-Hide is actually a great option for flat-faced dogs because it softens as your dog chews and is made from real, highly digestible ingredients. But remember: no chew is risk-free without proper supervision.

When can puppies start?

Puppies get their license to chew at 6 months, when their adult teeth are coming in and they're ready for satisfying chew experiences. Always choose a size larger than your puppy's mouth, supervise every session, and start with shorter sessions as they find their chewing rhythm.

Forty-five years of refusing to settle.

Two founders. One conviction. A refusal to accept what this industry calls good enough. Dr. Bob Goldstein on the science. Susan Goldstein on the conscience.

So in 2015, Earth Animal made the chew that couldn't be found anywhere else. No-Hide: the first long-lasting chew built from real food ingredients instead of animal hides, informed by Dr. Bob's 45+ years of holistic veterinary expertise. Simple, whole ingredients, carefully and slowly baked. Nothing to look up, nothing to look past.

Family owned since 1979, still guided by the same belief that started it all: that the animals we love deserve far better than they're usually offered.

Earth Animal's story

Your Questions, Answered

You ask and we answer! FAQs about No-Hide chews.

Which size is right for my dog or cat?

The golden rule: always choose a chew that's larger than your dog's mouth. This encourages proper gnawing rather than gulping.

Quick Size Guide:

  • Stix: Dogs & cats up to 10 lbs
  • Small Roll (4"): Dogs 10–40 lbs
  • Medium Roll (7"): Dogs 40–70 lbs
  • Large Roll (11"): Dogs 70+ lbs
  • Strips: Great for dogs of all sizes, breakable for training or sharing

When in doubt, size up. For more guidance, visit the No-Hide Chew Guide.

What are the differences between No-Hide Rolls, Stix, and Strips?

Same wholesome, highly digestible recipe. Different shapes for different chew styles. One thoughtful recipe. Three ways to chew. All tail-wag approved ROLLS Our classic long-lasting chew. Best for dedicated gnawers who love to settle in and savor. Available in multiple sizes (small, medium, and large) to match your dog’s weight, and designed for the longest chew time. Rolls provide a long-lasting chew experience, typically 45 minutes to an hour of pure joy! STIX Smaller, pocket-sized chews about 0.16 oz each. Perfect for small dogs, cats (0-10lbs.) or a quick, satisfying chew session. Great for rewards or on-the-go moments. 15 minute reward! STRIPS Thin, flat, and perfectly portionable. Less commitment than a Roll. More substance than a quick treat. A happy middle ground. Strips are lighter and more pliable than our Rolls, making them ideal for dogs who love to chew but don’t need a full, long gnawing session. You can offer a whole strip for a satisfying treat or tear it into smaller pieces when you want just a little chew moment. They’re great for:

  • Smaller dogs
  • Gentle to moderate chewers
  • Shorter chew sessions
  • Sharing between two pups

Same wholesome, highly digestible recipe , just a thinner, more versatile chew style. Always supervise! That is our Motto! Check out the No-Hide Chew Guide for the best chew for your pup!

How long does a No-Hide Roll last?

It depends on your dog's chewing style. The average chew time is about 45 minutes to 1 hour for Rolls. Stix are a quicker chew at around 15 minutes, perfect for smaller dogs, cats, or a quick reward. Power chewers may finish faster, while gentle chewers might stretch a single No-Hide across multiple sessions. Every dog is different, that's part of the fun. If your dog finishes too quickly, try sizing up. See our size guide for the perfect chew for your dog.

What's the best No-Hide for power chewers?

Ah yes, the determined, laser-focused, “this-is-my-life-now” chewers. We know them well. For strong, enthusiastic gnawers and power chewers a little strategy goes a long way: Size up (and then maybe size up again). Choose a Roll that’s larger than your dog’s mouth and for true power chewers, go even bigger than you think. A 50 lb dog with serious chew strength will do better with a Large (11") rather than a Medium (7"). More surface area = more engagement. Add a Funnl Toy. We partnered with West Paw to create the Funnl. A durable enrichment toy designed to securely hold No-Hide Rolls. It adds resistance, slows down fast chewers, and turns chew time into mental workout time. Always supervise. Power chewers should be monitored to make sure they’re gnawing appropriately and not attempting to gulp large pieces. Chewing is natural - safe chewing is intentional. And here’s the fun part: sometimes even the toughest chewers surprise us. A new flavor, a larger size, or a little added challenge can suddenly turn “demolition mode” into a long, focused chew session.

  • Rotate flavors. Novelty can naturally slow things down and increase engagement.
  • Offer chews after exercise. A mentally and physically satisfied dog is more likely to settle in and savor.
  • Create a chew ritual. Same calm spot, same routine, less excitement, more focus.
  • Size up. More diameter means more jaw work and more time.

Strong chewer? No problem. Just choose wisely, size confidently, and enjoy the tail wags

Can puppies have No-Hide?

Yes! No-Hide chews are a great choice for puppies 6 months and older. By that age, their adult teeth are coming in and they're ready for satisfying chew experiences.

A few tips for puppy chew time:

  • Always choose a size larger than your puppy's mouth
  • Always supervise chew sessions, especially at first
  • Start with shorter sessions and work up as they learn good chewing habits

For more guidance, visit the No-Hide Chew Guide.

Is No-Hide good for senior dogs?

Absolutely. And many of them do. Growing older doesn’t mean giving up the joy of chewing. In fact, it can matter even more. Here’s why No-Hide can be a beautiful fit for seniors: Gentle on aging systems No-Hide is made from real, digestible food ingredients, not processed hide which can be especially important for older dogs with more sensitive stomachs. Supports dental wellness Chewing naturally helps reduce plaque buildup and stimulates gums. That steady, satisfying gnawing action gives aging mouths a gentle, healthy workout. Keeps minds engaged Chewing is enrichment. It provides focus, comfort, and a sense of purpose, something senior dogs still deeply crave. Flexible options For dogs with fewer teeth or less jaw strength, try No-Hide Strips for a thinner chew experience, or lightly soften a Roll with warm water to make it easier to work through. Aging may slow them down. It doesn’t take away their instincts. As always, supervise chew time, choose the appropriate size, and consult your veterinarian if your senior has specific health concerns. Because every stage deserves joyful chewing.

Should I supervise my dog with No-Hide?

Yes. Always. That’s true for No-Hide, bully sticks, bones - anything your dog chews. We can’t express this enough! Chewing is natural. Safe chewing is intentional. Here’s what to know: Dogs don’t chew like we do. They gnaw, scrape, soften, then move pieces to their back teeth to crush and swallow. That’s normal. A little shredding is okay. Some dogs like to “unroll” No-Hide. If they’re working off small pieces, that’s part of the process. Take the small pieces away and discard. Gulping is not okay. If your dog tries to swallow large, flat sections, step in. Remove the chew and redirect. Choosing a chew larger than your dog’s mouth is one of the best ways to prevent this. Know your dog. If you have a known “gulper,” supervise closely. If chewing habits don’t improve over time, long-lasting chews may not be the right enrichment choice. The bottom line? Anything that goes into a dog’s mouth can become a choking risk if it’s too small or swallowed improperly. Size matters. Supervision matters. If your dog attempts to swallow large pieces, calmly remove the chew. Discard any large sections that could be gulped and choose a larger size or a new chew for a more secure setup before offering again. And you are your dog’s best safety tool. For more smart, responsible chew guidance, visit the No-Hide Chew Guide.

How many No-Hides can I give my dog per day?

Yes, we know they’ll absolutely ask for more. We recommend no more than two No-Hide chews per day. Why? Because No-Hide isn’t an empty chew. It’s made with real, nutrient-rich ingredients which means it’s naturally more satisfying and filling than you might expect. Think of it less like candy… and more like a hearty snack with benefits. Plus, chewing is a workout. Those jaw muscles are putting in real effort! For most dogs, one chew is a rewarding enrichment session. Two is plenty for even the most enthusiastic gnawers. A few reminders:

  • Choose the right size (when in doubt, size up).
  • Always supervise chew time.
  • And provide plenty of fresh water before, during, and after.

Because the goal isn’t “more.” It’s satisfied, enriched, and happily tired.