The Power of Chewing: Food as Therapy for Overwhelm
- Deb from Busy Pawz
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
Sometimes, supporting your dog’s emotional wellbeing isn’t about training at all. It’s about understanding what they need in that moment—and responding in a way that works for their brain and nervous system.
And one of the simplest, most powerful ways to do that?
Chewing.
Yep. Good old-fashioned chewing. It’s not just a fun pastime or a way to keep your dog occupied. When used thoughtfully, it can be one of your best tools for calming, regulating, and even shifting your dog’s emotional state.
Why Chewing Works
Chewing activates the parasympathetic nervous system - the part responsible for helping your dog “rest and digest.” It physically helps them move from a state of high alert into a state of calm. That’s why you’ll often see dogs instinctively chew after something stressful (like a vet visit or a noisy visitor).
It’s self-soothing. It’s regulating. And it’s something your dog already knows how to do which makes it an easy win for everyone.
Not Just Busywork: Strategic Chewing
This isn’t about giving your dog a bone and hoping for the best. It’s about being intentional.
👉 Got visitors coming over and your dog gets overexcited? Offer a chew before the knock at the door.
👉 Notice your dog getting restless in the late afternoon? That could be a sign their stress bucket is full - time to pop a frozen Toppl on the mat.
👉 Need to take a work call and your dog is in the mood for chaos? Grab a safe, long-lasting chew and create a calm with minimal fuss.
The goal is to use food as therapy, not just as a distraction.
Best Chewing Options for Emotional Support
Not all chews are created equal. When we’re using food to regulate overwhelm, we want options that are:
🦴 Long-lasting - The longer the chew, the deeper the calming effect.
🥩 Nutritious - Support the body while supporting the brain.
🧠 Engaging - Variety is great, especially for dogs who thrive on enrichment.
Some of my favourites:
Raw meaty bones (sized appropriately for your dog - read my bones safety blog here)
Air-dried tendons
Stuffed and frozen Toppls or Kongs
Cardboard boxes with treats hidden inside (great for sniffing + shredding)
Chew roots or natural wood chews for heavy chewers
Beef peenie chews – long-lasting, high-protein, and super satisfying for dogs who need to decompress
🛍️ Psst… Keep your eyes peeled! Busy Pawz has a brand-new long-lasting chew coming soon… and yes, it’s one of these! 👀
What Overwhelm Actually Looks Like
A lot of the dogs I work with don’t “look” overwhelmed - at least not in the way people expect.
They might be:
Barking non-stop at the wind
Stealing socks for the fifth time today
Pacing the hallway while you’re trying to cook dinner
Jumping up and mouthing because they can’t settle
These behaviours aren’t always a training problem - they’re a nervous system problem. And a calm chew session can often bring relief faster than any cue.
Final Thoughts
If your dog seems wired, restless, or just a lot right now, don’t underestimate the power of a good chew.
It’s not spoiling them. It’s supporting them.
You’re helping their body come back down from whatever life is throwing at them - whether it’s kids running through the house, unexpected visitors, or the general chaos of daily life.
And when your dog feels better… their behaviour usually follows.
Thanks for reading!
And as always, throw your dog a treat from us!
Deb & the Busy Pawz Crew xo
P.S. If your dog struggles to settle or seems constantly “on,” I can help you create a tailored calm plan that includes the right type of enrichment for their needs.
👀 And don’t forget to check out our newest long-lasting calming chew - perfect for overwhelmed brains and busy mouths. Coming soon to the Busy Pawz store!
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