Our dogs are already considered a part of the family. That’s why we only want what’s best for them. This includes providing them not only their basic needs such as food and water but dog toys and accessories as well.
One of the most necessary dog accessories to get is a chew toy. This does not only keep them entertained, but it also helps them release all that energy onto the toy instead of your furniture. This review of the best chew toys for dogs will help you choose the right product for your furry friend.
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Last update on 2023-12-04 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon
How to Choose Chew Toys?
First of all, you have to know how to choose a chew toy for your dogs. It may sound so simple, but you definitely need to consider a few things before purchasing one. They are as follows:
Determine what Type of Chewer your Dog is
Like humans, dogs have their own personalities too. That’s why you need to get to know them first. To help you get started, here are some of the most common types:
- Destroyers – these are the dogs that destroy whatever they chew on. Most of the time, you’ll see the wreckage all over the place.
- Inhalers – inhalers or gulpers typically bite big chunks of food and swallow it really quick.
- Nibblers – these dogs often take their time to eat their food. They savor every bite and chew in a slow manner.
Get the Ideal Chew Toy for Them
After successfully identifying what type of chewer your dog is, you can now choose the ideal chew toys. The following are the best toys for each dog chewer type:
Destroyers
- Bully sticks
- Edible chew treats
- Rawhides
- Strong rubber chew toys
Inhalers
- Rope chew toys
- Strong rubber chew toys
- Stuffed toys
- Tennis balls
Nibblers
- Bully sticks
- Edible chew treats
- Rawhides
- Rope chew toys
- Rubber chew toys
- Stuffed toys
- Tennis balls
Note: You need to be extremely careful with rawhides, stuffed toys and tennis balls.
Check the Quality of the Chew Toy
Now that you’re aware of the different types of dog chewers and their ideal chew toys, you’ll have to know how to check the quality of the chew toy that you’re going to buy. Here’s what to look out for:
Coating
The material’s coating shouldn’t be harmful to your dogs. That’s why you’re encouraged to always ask the seller about the material. This means asking if the chew toy has artificial flavorings, toxic surface material, and the like.
Durability
Be sure that the material is not soft enough that it easily breaks apart when chewed on. If the material is not that durable, your dogs might end up swallowing particles that may pose a serious danger to your pet.
Entertainment Quality
The item should have features that increase the entertainment quality of the toy. Examples are squeaky noises, jiggly sounds, or pockets or containers for treats.
Hardness
You also have to check the hardness of the item. You can easily check this by slightly pressing your thumbnail on the surface. If it budges, then it passes. This is needed because if the material is too hard, it might break your dogs’ teeth.
Shape and Size
Be sure that the size is not small enough that your dogs might choke of it or big enough that it becomes uncomfortable for chewing. Also, the shape shouldn’t be too complicated as this might stuck their tongues or muzzle.
12 Best Chew Toys for Dogs
KONG Extreme Chew Toy
One of the Best Chew Toys for Heavy Chewers
When it comes to durability, this chew toy lasts longer as it’s made of rubber. It also comes in different sizes: small, medium, and large. This one is ideal for all types of dogs, but it works well with larger dogs that chew heavily.
You can also use this as a fetch stick and stuff dog treats inside of it, making it an excellent toy when you want to reinforce a positive behavior. Lastly, it also acts as a tooth and gum cleaner, so it’s an efficient and healthier option for dog owners.
Why We Like It:
- Durable material that comes with a pocket or container for treats
- Comes in a variety of sizes
Nylabone Dura Chew Wishbone
Strong and Long-lasting Chew Toy for Destroyer Dogs
An excellent toy for the most destructive chewers, this toy is made of nylon which does not only make it super durable but also helps keep your dogs’ teeth, gums, and tongues clean. And because it’s hard enough to destroy, it discourages destructive behavior.
Alos, this is considered one of the best chew toys for small dogs as its size and shape fit them so well.
Why We Like It:
- Made of firm nylon
- Shaped like a bone for easy chewing
Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone Dog Chew Toy
One of the Many Excellent Chew Toys for Puppies
If you have puppies, you can encourage them to chew on this toy as it has a real bacon flavor. It’s also shaped like a wishbone, so your dogs can enjoy this as a treat. However, you need to supervise your dogs while chewing since they might end up swallowing it.
As long as you keep an eye on your dogs, then there is nothing to worry about. Also, you’re encouraged to buy a replacement if a part falls off for extra protection.
Why We Like It:
- Real bacon flavor
- Shaped like a wishbone for a realistic look
Goughnuts – Indestructible Chew Toy MAXX Power Ring
One of the Best Chew Toys for Large Dogs
Shaped like a doughnut, this large chew toy will surely satisfy your dogs as it’s made of chewy rubber. This is designed specifically for the larger breeds. Hence, if you have an aggressive chewer, the material of this chew toy is durable enough to withstand even the strongest bites.
It could also act as a great plaything as it easily bounces and rolls over. You can use this to play fetch, and your dogs can certainly run around with this toy.
Why We Like It:
- Shaped like a fun, bouncy doughnut
- Made of strong, black rubber
- Hard material for heavy chewers
West Paw Zogoflex Tux
A Chew Toy and Snack Dispenser for Aggressive Chewers
This chew toy has a dual purpose. Dogs can either chew on this aggressively or eat and get stimulated from its treat dispenser. It’s non-toxic and washable, so you can use this as often as possible without worrying about harming your dogs.
It comes in a variety of colors: blue, yellow, and orange. Aside from it being tough, it also works well as a storage for frozen treats, so it’s a great plaything for your dogs on a hot day.
Why We Like It:
- Recyclable and washable
- Works as a chew toy and a food dispenser
- Comes with a variety of colors to choose from
Nylabone DuraChew Ring Dog Toy
Stimulating Chew Toy for Medium-sized Dogs
If you’re looking for a stimulating chew toy, then this is the one for you. Aside from having a textured surface for a stimulating feel, it also has a flavorful scent and taste to encourage the dogs even more.
Because of its ridges and nubs, this chew toy is also a great tooth, palate, and gum cleanser. All in all, it has everything that you need in a chew toy: flavor, texture, and durability.
Why We Like It:
- Yummy flavor and aroma
- Stimulating ridges and nubs for more pleasurable bites
A Natural Chewer Choice Perfect For Large Breed Dogs
If you want to provide your pooch with the most natural, eco-friendly chew toy then the WhiteTail Naturals premium deer antler for dogs could be a great product to consider.
Each antler is extra-large ensuring that large breed dogs have a worthy chewer to meet their strong teeth and powerful jaws. At 8 inches in length, there’s plenty for your pooch to get his teeth around, which is also handy if your dog is a particularly persistent and aggressive chewer.
Owners who are conscious of giving their pets artificial treats will love that these antlers are 100% natural. They are naturally shed by the deer, then collected by hand, washed, cut, trimmed and sanded down to make sure they are totally safe and free from debris. Even better, the antlers have natural minerals inside to benefit your dog, as well as boosting their dental health as they gnaw on it.
Eco-conscious dog owners will love that the product is naturally sourced and selected. Because they are naturally shed, they are also free of any nasties like chemicals or additives, which is great for your dogs health and your piece of mind.
Why We Like It:
- Naturally shed and sourced
- Cleaned, cut, trimmed and sanded for safety
- Perfect for larger dogs who are aggressive chewers
- Free from nasties
What We Don’t Like:
- Older antlers can splinter
- Natural variation means density, hardness and size will be different every time
Kong Rubber Ball Extreme
Simple Chew Toy and Fetch Stick for Playful Dogs
If you have a young and active dog, then this chew toy is not only good for reinforcing their biting habits, but it also serves as a fun fetch stick. Since it’s shaped like a ball, you can easily throw it around during playtime.
It’s black in color and comes in small, medium, and large sizes, so any type of breed can enjoy this accessory. If you want a simple chew toy that’s safe and reliable, this rubber toy is a great option.
Why We Like It:
- Simple
- Made of safe and strong rubber
West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Durable Dog Bone Chew Toy
Safe, Floatable, and Long-lasting
For dogs who love to swim and play, this floatable chew toy will suit them well. It’s also non-toxic and long-lasting. Thus, your dogs can chew on it all day, and you can just clean it afterward as it’s washable.
Its compact design is also worth noting. Manufactured only from the best, this chew toy is guaranteed to survive even the most destructive bites.
Why We Like It:
- Compact yet floatable
- Solid and long-lasting
VANFINE Dog Squeaky Toy
Almost Indestructible Squeaky Toy For Aggressive Chewers
If your dog just loves to while the hours away chewing, a standard chew toy just won’t cut it. How many toys say they are durable, only to be found in pieces less than an hour after your dog has been let loose on them? With the VANFINE dog squeaky toy, your pooch should get a lot more fun from their chewer. It is designed to be almost indestructible and able to withstand lots and lots of gnawing and chewing from your pet pooch. Creators VANFINE have even gone the extra mile to check the durability of their product, testing it on various strong-jawed dog breeds.
Owners will appreciate that the dog chew toy by VANFINE is made from completely eco-friendly, non-toxic rubber. This not only benefits the environment, but it also means your pooch can gnaw on something that is safe. The soft and elastic quality of the rubber also provides extra pleasure for your dog as they chew, benefitting his senses and dental health.
Dogs will particularly love the squeaky quality of the toy, which makes the chewing they do more rewarding and exciting. The chew is also flavored with 100% real food ingredients so your pet can enjoy a delicious beef taste as he enjoys his treat.
Why We Like It:
- Extremely durable and tested on various powerful canine chewers
- Made from natural non-toxic materials
- Eco-friendly
- Tasty beef flavoring and fun squeak to tantalize your dog’s senses
What We Don’t Like:
- Product is very heavy
- Squeaker might be annoying for owners
HDP Kong Dog Goodie Bone Extreme
A Firm Knobbed-end Fetch Stick
This toy is one of the simplest chew toys that act as a stimulating accessory and a fetch stick. It’s big enough for your dogs to chew on satisfyingly. Plus, it has knobbed ends, making it look and feel more like a bone.
Aside from its smooth and firm texture, this chew toy can also soothe gums and relieve chewing urges. It comes in a medium or large size and is for all types of breeds.
Why We Like It:
- Simple, smooth, and firm texture
- Bone-shaped and has huge solid knobs on its ends for heavy chewing
Petstages Ruffwood Wooden Dog Chew Toy
Non-toxic Wooden Chew Toy
Though it’s made of a combination of wood and synthetic materials, this chew toy can still last for a long time despite the rough bites. It also has a natural wood smell, so it attracts dogs even more. This chew toy can be used as a fetch stick and it floats too so your dogs can enjoy it fully.
Even if it’s mixed with synthetic materials, it’s non-toxic. It’s safe for dogs, so you can leave this lying around without worrying too much.
Why We Like It:
- Safe, non-toxic material
- 7-inches long
- Wooden surface and aroma
FAQs
Q: Why chew toys are important?
A: They are important since dogs naturally chew and they need an outlet to release all of their pent-up energy. Chew toys are also helpful in enabling teeth growth, cleaning the mouth, and entertaining your dogs.
Q: Are chew toys safe?
A: They’re safe, but only when you buy the ideal chew toy for your dog. Also, it would help if you supervise them, especially when they’re young or still new to the accessory.
Q: Are chew toys edible?
A: Not all chew toys are edible, so be careful when buying one. If you opt for an edible chew toy, ask how it’s made and what ingredients are involved for more safety.
Q: Can chew toys cause diarrhea?
A: If you’re going to introduce something new to your dogs like puzzle toys, chew accessories, or even new treats, getting diarrhea is possible. This is due to intestinal parasites coming from the item or food, so be mindful or visit your vet beforehand to know how to avoid this.
Q: Should I avoid rawhide?
A: First, consult your vet if rawhide is safe for your dog as digestibility can be different from one dog to another. However, it’s not necessarily harmful as long as you give it in moderation.
Conclusion
If you’re planning to buy a chew toy right now, the list above can definitely give you some ideas. Just be mindful that dogs have their own personalities and styles of chewing, so pick the best one that perfectly fits them.