Destructive chewing is a behavior that can cause a lot of frustration and stress. On top of ruining furniture and household items, dogs can also be at risk of chewing something dangerous, such as an electrical cord or toxic plant.
One of the best options for deterring dogs from chewing is using an anti-chew spray. These types of sprays contain some type of bitter or sour agent that tastes extremely unappetizing to dogs.
Since dogs have different taste preferences and tolerance levels, you might have to try several different anti-chew sprays before finding one that works on your dog. Our reviews will help you get to know several different types of anti-chew sprays to help you make more informed purchases as you shop around.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites – 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Grannick’s Bitter Apple Spray
Non-toxic and safe for dogs
Can be topical spray
Recommended by veterinarians and groomers
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Best Value
Four Paws Bitter Lime Deterrent
Works on cats and dogs
Both scent and taste deters dogs
Safe for pets and humans
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Premium Choice
Emmy’s Best Anti-Chew Bitter Spray
Can be topical spray
Formula soothes irritated skin
Alcohol-free
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Hywean Store No Chew Spray
Uses natural ingredients
Alcohol-free
Safe to use on plants
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NaturVet Bitter YUCK! No Chew Spray
Water-based formula
Can be topical spray
Also works on cats and horses
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The 10 Best Anti-Chew Sprays for Dogs
Grannick’s Bitter Apple Original Taste Deterrent Dog Spray has been a trusted brand of anti-chew spray for decades. It was invented and perfected by a pharmacist, and it’s often the recommended choice by veterinarians and groomers.
Active Ingredient: Bitter principles and extractives
Volume: 8 fluid ounces
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The formula is non-toxic and safe for dogs, but it’s extremely bitter and will often cause dogs to immediately drop whatever they were planning on chewing. Just be cautious when you spray this on an item for the first time because it may stain. So, test a small area before spraying the whole item.
Along with preventing dogs from chewing on furniture and hazardous items, this spray is also topical. So, you can apply it directly onto your dog in areas where it might consistently bite and lick.
Grannick’s Bitter Apple Original Taste Deterrent Dog Spray is one of the most versatile, safe, and effective formulas you can find, making it the best overall anti-chew sprays for dogs.
Pros
Non-toxic and safe for dogs
Can be topical spray
Recommended by veterinarians and groomers
Cons
May stain items
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, Four Paws Healthy Promise Dog & Cat Bitter Lime Deterrent Spray is the best anti-chew sprays for dogs for the money you pay. It’s often priced lower than its competitors, and it’s also effective for both dogs and cats. So, it’s a good option for multi-pet households.
Non-toxic and safe for dogs
Can be topical spray
Recommended by veterinarians and groomers
- Non-toxic and safe for dogs
- Can be topical spray
- Recommended by veterinarians and groomers
May stain items
- May stain items
Active Ingredient: Denatonium benzoate
Volume: 8 fluid ounces
Both dogs and cats aren’t really fans of citrus, so even the lime scent can discourage them from approaching a sprayed item. If your dog still tries to chew the item, it’ll be met with an overpowering bitter lime taste.
The formula’s also safe for both pets and humans, and it can be used topically. Just be very careful when using the spray bottle. The mist tends to land on the sprayer—sometimes even in their mouth—and it’s difficult to get rid of the taste. You may even want to wear a face mask when using this spray to prevent droplets from entering your mouth.
Pros
Works on cats and dogs
Both scent and taste deters dogs
Safe for pets and humans
Can be topical spray
Cons
Mist enters mouth easily when spraying
Emmy’s Best Pet Products Stop The Chewy 3X Strength Anti-Chew Bitter Dog Spray is a premium anti-chew spray that’s well worth the cost. It contains a powerful blend of bitter ingredients to keep dogs away from your furniture. It’s also topical and contains tea tree oil, which can help soothe skin.
Works on cats and dogs
Both scent and taste deters dogs
Safe for pets and humans
Can be topical spray
- Works on cats and dogs
- Both scent and taste deters dogs
- Safe for pets and humans
- Can be topical spray
Mist enters mouth easily when spraying
- Mist enters mouth easily when spraying
Active Ingredient: Bitter agent, tea tree oil, lemongrass oil
Volume: 8 fluid ounces
Although tea tree oil can be toxic to dogs if consumed in large amounts, the formula for this spray contains a patented bitter agent and tea tree oil blend that’s completely safe for dogs. An added bonus is that it’s alcohol-free. Alcohol-based items can lose their effectiveness quickly as the alcohol evaporates. Therefore, alcohol-free formulas tend to last longer.
The only change we wish to see from this product is its bottle. The bottle tends to jam and can also end up spraying a lot of mist into the air. While the formula has a light lemongrass smell, the taste is strong and extremely unpleasant.
Pros
Can be topical spray
Formula soothes irritated skin
Alcohol-free
Has pleasant lemongrass smell
Cons
Spray nozzle tends to jam and break quickly
This anti-chew spray uses a blend of bitter agents and plant extracts to repel dogs. We recommend this spray for puppies because it’s alcohol-free and contains natural ingredients that are completely safe if they get a taste of it.
Can be topical spray
Formula soothes irritated skin
Alcohol-free
Has pleasant lemongrass smell
- Can be topical spray
- Formula soothes irritated skin
- Alcohol-free
- Has pleasant lemongrass smell
Spray nozzle tends to jam and break quickly
- Spray nozzle tends to jam and break quickly
Active Ingredient: Bitter agent, plant extracts
Volume: 4 fluid ounces
You can spray this formula on any surface, including plants. It won’t damage leaves and foliage. However, be extremely careful when using this spray indoors, and make sure your puppy isn’t in the same room. It tends to have a very strong mist that can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
So, it’s best to wear a mask when applying the spray. You may also need to wait outside for a little bit for the spray to settle if you’re using it on large furniture.
Pros
Uses natural ingredients
Alcohol-free
Safe to use on plants
Cons
Mist doesn’t settle quickly
NaturVet is a trusted brand for many pet health and training products, and its anti-chew spray is an effective option. To begin with, the formula is water-based, so it doesn’t stain surfaces or sting any parts of the skin. It works on dogs, cats, and horses, making it a great option for multi-pet homes.
Uses natural ingredients
Alcohol-free
Safe to use on plants
- Uses natural ingredients
- Alcohol-free
- Safe to use on plants
Mist doesn’t settle quickly
- Mist doesn’t settle quickly
Active Ingredient: Bittering agent, citric acid
Volume: 8 fluid ounces
The spray can be used both indoors and outdoors. You can also use this spray topically, so it’s safe to put on hot spots, sores, and wounds to discourage chewing and licking.
If the spray accidentally gets into your mouth, you’ll immediately experience an extremely unpleasant bitter taste. However, for some odd reason, some dogs may not mind how this spray tastes and can actually end up liking it. So, for most dogs, it’s extremely effective, but there are rare occurrences where dogs can enjoy the taste.
Pros
Water-based formula
Can be topical spray
Also works on cats and horses
Cons
Some dogs may like the taste
Rocco & Roxie No Chew Spray for Dogs is a powerful anti-chew spray that has double the strength of bitterness compared to its competitors. It’s safe to use on furniture and on pets. Just make sure to avoid eyes and genital areas, as these spots can feel irritation.
Water-based formula
Can be topical spray
Also works on cats and horses
- Water-based formula
- Can be topical spray
- Also works on cats and horses
Some dogs may like the taste
- Some dogs may like the taste
Active Ingredient: Copaiba oil, bitter agent
Volume: 8 fluid ounces
The formula also contains a safe amount of tea tree oil and copaiba oil to help soothe the skin and hotspots. It’s alcohol-free and lasts longer on surfaces, so you don’t have to spray as often.
This anti-chew spray tends to be more expensive than others, but it uses premium ingredients to create a high-quality formula. So, it’s very effective and long-lasting while being safe for animals and humans.
Pros
Powerful bitter formula
Safe to use on all surfaces
Helps soothe hot spots on skin
Alcohol-free
Cons
Relatively expensive
MXYOO Dog Not Here Spray is an anti-chew spray that also works as a potty training tool. Spraying the formula on soiled areas prevents dogs from re-marking them.
Powerful bitter formula
Safe to use on all surfaces
Helps soothe hot spots on skin
Alcohol-free
- Powerful bitter formula
- Safe to use on all surfaces
- Helps soothe hot spots on skin
- Alcohol-free
Relatively expensive
- Relatively expensive
Active Ingredient: Bitter gourd extract, prickly ash extract, chili pepper extract
Volume: 45 fluid ounces
The formula contains several bitter and unpleasant tastes for dogs, including prickly ash extract, chili pepper extract, and ginger. It only contains natural ingredients and is chemical-free, so it’s not harsh on your pet’s skin.
The formula is also water-based and alcohol-free. However, when you first start using this spray, you may still have to spray it on the same area and objects about three times a day to keep your dogs away from unwanted areas. You can start to lessen the number of times you spray per day as your dog becomes accustomed to the scent of the spray.
Pros
Also works with potty training
Chemical-free
Alcohol-free
Can be used as topical spray
Cons
May have to spray multiple times a day
This anti-chew spray uses a sour and bitter taste to keep dogs from chewing. The bittering agent that’s used in this formula is human-grade and safe for both animals and humans. The formula is also alcohol-free and long-lasting.
Also works with potty training
Chemical-free
Alcohol-free
Can be used as topical spray
- Also works with potty training
- Chemical-free
- Alcohol-free
- Can be used as topical spray
May have to spray multiple times a day
- May have to spray multiple times a day
Active Ingredient: Sodium bicarbonate, aloe vera
Volume: 8 fluid ounces
This formula tends to be pungent, so make sure to keep a room well-ventilated while you spray it. The spray nozzle also makes it easy for the formula to get on your hands, so it’s important to wash your hands immediately after using the spray.
An added benefit to purchasing this anti-chew spray is that you’re also supporting a good cause. A portion of all sales is donated to support pets with cancer.
Pros
Human-grade bittering agent
Alcohol-free
Supports dogs with cancer
Cons
Spray nozzle tends to leak easily
BLUECARE LABS No Chew Bitter Apple Anti-Chew Spray has one of the most powerful formulas that you can find in the market. BLUECARE LABS states that this formula is about five times stronger than other sprays.
Human-grade bittering agent
Alcohol-free
Supports dogs with cancer
- Human-grade bittering agent
- Alcohol-free
- Supports dogs with cancer
Spray nozzle tends to leak easily
- Spray nozzle tends to leak easily
Active Ingredient: Denatonium, benzoate, Citrullus colocynthis
Volume: 8 fluid ounces
All the ingredients are non-toxic and safe for pets. It’s also odorless, so you don’t have to deal with any pungent smells that other anti-chew sprays have. The spray is effective for both dogs and cats, and it’s safe enough to use on puppies and kittens.
When you use this spray, make sure to spray sparingly. The formula will stick to fabrics and soak into wood for a long time, so there’s no need to drench your furniture. It can also stain some fabric, so make sure to test it out in a small spot before applying it to larger areas.
Pros
Odorless
Also works on cats
Safe for kittens and puppies
Long-lasting
Cons
Hard to wash off
May stain some surfaces
- Fur Goodness Sake Dog & Cat Anti-Chew Bitter Spray
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Active Ingredient: Tea tree oil, bitter actives
Volume: 8 fluid ounces
Fur Goodness Sake Dog & Cat Anti-Chew Bitter Spray has a very bitter apple taste to prevent chewing and licking on furniture and other surfaces. It’s also topical and contains a safe amount of tea tree oil that helps soothe irritated or inflamed skin.
Odorless
Also works on cats
Safe for kittens and puppies
Long-lasting
- Odorless
- Also works on cats
- Safe for kittens and puppies
- Long-lasting
Hard to wash off
May stain some surfaces
- Hard to wash off
- May stain some surfaces
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Active Ingredient: Tea tree oil, bitter actives
Volume: 8 fluid ounces
The formula is mainly effective against dogs, but it’s also safe to use on cats and rabbits. So, it’s a great product for multi-pet homes to have.
While the formula is water-based and lasts a long time, it doesn’t last too long when an animal actively chews on it. So, you have to re-applying the spray on furniture and rugs after your dog takes a bite or licks it.
Pros
Can be topical spray
Also effective for cats and rabbits
Water-based
Cons
May have to spray multiple times a day
Tips To Prevent Chewing
Anti-chew sprays can help discourage dogs from chewing and licking furniture, household items, and their own skin. However, it’s unlikely for pets to stop chewing if you’re only using sprays. You often have to make other adjustments to successfully prevent your pet from destructive chewing.
Can be topical spray
Also effective for cats and rabbits
Water-based
- Can be topical spray
- Also effective for cats and rabbits
- Water-based
Here are some other things you can do to help your dog stop chewing on the wrong things.
Provide Plenty of Exercise
Dogs that have too much unused energy can end up developing unwanted behaviors, including destructive chewing. So, make sure to provide an ample amount of exercise for your dog every day. You can go on long walks and hikes, play fetch, or engage in a couple of rounds of tug of war.
Some dogs may even enjoy learning to run an agility course. Find what keeps your dog active and entertained and make sure to schedule plenty of exercise and play sessions throughout the day.
Have a Good Selection of Chew Toys
When you deter dogs from chewing on furniture, you also have to direct them to chew on more appropriate items, such as chew toys. This is because chewing is actually normal behavior for dogs, and dogs will engage in chewing for several reasons. They can do it because it’s fun or when they’re feeling anxious.
If you have a dog that just has a fun time with chewing in general, it’s important to provide plenty of durable chew toys. You can keep chewing on toys a fun experience by using a variety of toys with different textures and squeakers.
Some chew toys also dispense treats and can be excellent enrichment activities that stimulate your dog’s mind and engage its natural instincts.
If your dog has particular furniture or clothing that it consistently likes to chew, try looking for a toy with a similar texture to encourage your dog to chew on the toy instead.
Use Bones and Rawhides
Many dogs will prefer to chew on a delicious bone or rawhide. There are so many options available, and you can also find rawhide-free alternatives for long-lasting snacks.
When you give your dog a bone or rawhide, only do so when you can supervise them. Some dogs may get overeager and excited and try to swallow these treats whole. So, keep close watch of your dog when it’s chewing on a bone or rawhide to prevent choking.
Determine the Reason for Chewing
If your dog continues to chew on inappropriate items, try to determine the reason behind its chewing. Chewing is a behavior that’s triggered by an underlying cause. So, instead of just trying to address the chewing, it can be more effective to address the underlying cause.
For example, dogs may chew if they’re feeling bored. If this is the case, then make sure that your dog gets enough exercise and playtime. If your dog chews because of separation anxiety, it might be better to crate train your dog so that your dog can stay in a safe space and away from furniture and dangerous items while you’re not home.
If you’re having a difficult time preventing your dog from chewing the wrong things, you can always work with a dog trainer or behaviorist. These professionals can help you understand your dog’s behavior and equip you to redirect these behaviors to healthy outlets.
Conclusion
Our reviews show that Grannick’s Bitter Apple Original Taste Deterrent Dog Spray is the best anti-chew spray. The formula is versatile and safe and non-toxic for dogs. We also liked Four Paws Healthy Promise Dog & Cat Bitter Lime Deterrent Spray because it has a powerful formula and works on multiple types of pets while remaining at an affordable cost.
Overall, anti-chew sprays can be very effective in preventing dogs from chewing inappropriate items. So, they’re helpful training tools to have on hand as you continue to work on redirecting your dogs to chewing on more appropriate items.
Featured Image Credit: Image Credit: y_seki, Shutterstock
