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There are a bunch of shapes and sizes to fit the chew power of your dog, so let’s go over some points to consider when picking a toy out.
If a toy is labeled as a chew toy, it’s supposed to last for a while. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Make sure the toy is actually sturdy and won’t break when your dog bites into it.
Do not give toys meant for humans to dogs. Since canines are that much stronger, they’ll easily rip apart soft plushies. Not only that, some human toys contain chemicals that are toxic to dogs—another reason to keep these away from your furry friend.
In the case of older dogs, toys that are too resilient will chip their teeth. You want something that’s tough but has a good amount of elasticity. Rubber is a safe bet, as it’s strong enough to weather a beating but soft enough for your elderly pup’s teeth.
Check to reviews and the sizing guides for each toy to make sure it can actually hold up to strong bites.
If you’ve underestimated the power of your dog’s jaw and they chewed right through the toy, you’ll be glad you chose one made with materials that won’t harm your dog if ingested.
Natural materials—all-natural fiber or wooden toys—may not be the sturdiest things around, but they won’t harm your dogs as much when they accidentally swallow them.
There’s various types of dogs, ranging from tiny puffball poms to bearish Newfoundlands. Since mouth shapes will also vary, pay attention to the size and shape of the toy. Some manufacturers will advertise whether the toy’s for small, medium, or large dogs, so keep a lookout for that on the tags.
There are a lot of dog toys to choose from and, like humans, dogs will get tired of playing with the same old thing over and over again. Make things exciting and new with different types of toys.
Rope toys are perfect for bonding with your dog while helping them relieve stress. These are tough and durable, enough so that two dogs can play tug-o-war with it. Chewing on these will remove dental plaque from their teeth, like a good brushing (though you don’t want to rely on these solely for your dog’s dental hygiene).
When you bring out the rope, make sure you’re the one establishing the start and end to play time. If you let the dog decide, they’ll see themselves as the owner and you as the pet—and then they stop listening to you. By setting a limit to play time, you make it clear that you are the “master” in the relationship.
The traditional bone is perfect for canines that just want to bite all day long. Bone-shaped toys tend to be sturdier, so they’re extra suitable for small dogs who have an intense bite.
Even when we say “bone,” it’s just a mold; some common materials for these toys include wood, nylon, and real bones. Be sure to choose a safe material that won’t harm your dog even if swallowed.
Some are chicken- or beef-scented to attract your puppy, distracting them from your new pair of slippers. Since your dog will be crunching on this new toy for quite some time, you want to make sure the material won’t hurt their teeth. (And see to it that they don’t munch for so long they wear their teeth down.)
Just like humans, dogs feel lonely when they’re left alone for too long. During the day, they’ll have the house all to themselves. To keep their mind busy, give them a durable toy stuffed with treats inside.
These toys are made so that the dog will have to figure out how to get the treats out. Whether they need to be chewed nonstop or rolled around, these types of toys are sure to keep your pet occupied when you’re out. Just stuff treats in there and hand it off to your pup for the day.
Miniature versions of animals are adorable, and your dog is sure to agree. There are round little things that jingle when pups paw them around, and there are also stuffed animal plushies. Sometimes, these will include a squeaker inside, so when your dog bites it, they’ll be in for a surprise.
Even if there’s no squeak to it, animal plushies are surprisingly popular with dogs. Perhaps it comforts them, like how humans are with a teddy bear from their childhood.
In any case, make sure that whatever plushie you’re buying has good sewing and stitching. There have been cases where dogs have accidentally swallowed cotton stuffing, clogging their esophagus.
And avoid dolls with eyes and noses made out of plastic. Basically, make sure that even if your dogs rip the thing apart and swallow half of it, they’ll stay healthy and bright-eyed.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | KONG Kong Extreme Dog Toy | $13.99 Mid | Tough Durability While Being Easy on the Gums and Teeth | ||
2 | West Paw Zogoflex Tux|Large | $19.95 High Mid | Recyclable and Multi-Use for Your Convenience | ||
3 | Pet Parents Naturally Shed Elk Antlers | $19.99 High Mid | Sturdy, Natural, and No Mess to Clean | ||
4 | Jolly Pets Jolly Pets Romp-N-Roll Ball|Large | $16.29 Mid | Long Lasting Ball Great for Tug-o-War | ||
5 | Mammoth Pet Products Mammoth Flossy Chews|Large | $9.63 Low Mid | Extremely Durable for Colossal Dogs | ||
6 | Goughnuts 6. Goughnuts Original Dog Chew Ring|Medium | $21.31 High Mid | Great for Strong Chewers and Comes With a Replacement Guarantee | ||
7 | Otterly Pets Otterly Pets Rope Toy | $9.87 Low Mid | 100% Natural Cotton Fibers in a Pack of Four | ||
8 | Outward Hound Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel|Medium | $16.99 High Mid | A Two-In-One Plushie Puzzle | ||
9 | Nylabone Nylabone Puppy Teething Keys|Small/Regular | $9.95 Low Mid | Best for Puppies and Small Dogs | ||
10 | Outward Hound Outward Hound Hedgehogz Squeak Plush|Extra large | $10.88 Low Mid | A Cute and Cuddly Companion for Your Furry Friend |
On the other hand, reviewers like that these toys are tough, so that most strong chewers won't be able to bite through them. It'd also great for fending off boredom—by filling it with peanut butter and freezing it, they'll have hours of entertainment.
A few reviewers have stated that, initially, this toy attracts hair and fur, though that can be remedied after a few washes. The opening is also bigger than some treats, causing them to fall out easily, so you’d want to go with bigger biscuits when deciding what to insert in the Zogoflex.
However, it’s very durable and, since it’s in a ball shape, you can also play fetch with it. Though tough, it’s still soft enough to chew on without hurting your dog’s gums. And not only is it easy to wash and dishwasher safe, but it’s also BPA free, phthalate-free, and FDA compliant.
The more your dog wears the antler down, the more the antler resembles a sharp point. Supervision is recommended when it gets down to that point, as some reviewers have reported the antler cutting their dog’s gums. Since it’s very hard, there have been cases where a dog’s teeth have chipped, requiring dental services.
However, antlers work for your dog’s dental hygiene, removing the plaque on their teeth as they gnaw. Extremely durable, one antler will last you months.
Reviewers say that the rope does come off easily, based on how hard the tug-o-war game goes. And there’s a chance your pup’s teeth might get stuck in the ball when they bite it, so keep an eye on them while they’re playing.
On the other hand, it’s long lasting, made of rubber, and durable enough to withstand heavy chewers . Even with hundreds of gnawing attempts, this ball will stay in shape and intact. If your dog does manage to puncture it, Romp-n-Roll won’t deflate, retaining its spherical shape.
As with all toys, how long it lasts will depend on the strength of your dog’s jaws. Some reviewers have reported that, once the knots come undone, the entire rope falls apart soon after.
When frayed, this one will also shed fibers everywhere, a note for those concerned with the mess it’ll make on their carpets. However, the floss is digestible, so you won’t have to worry if your dog accidentally swallows some.
A few reviewers have observed that their dogs won’t go near this toy because of a bitter, rubbery taste that can’t be washed off. Plus, supervision is recommended, as some pieces have been chewed off and swallowed. And it’s one heavy donut; if flung, there’s a good chance it could shatter a window.
For safety reasons, there's a red interior that indicates when you need to notify the company for a replacement. All you’ll have to do is pay the shipping fee. And reviewers absolutely love how the Goughnut lasts through months of play sessions, with most dogs really enjoying chewing on it.
Though the ends of the rope fray quickly, it’ll still hold for a while longer before completely coming apart. Reviewers say that small threads tend to get everywhere when your pups get to them–something to keep in mind if you have carpeting in your house.
However, chewing on these ropes will massage gums and clean teeth, freshening their breath. These ropes work best with small to medium dogs—larger dogs will destroy them pretty quickly. Reviewers like the variety and say these toys are great for puppies who love fabric and textiles.
Choose one of their four available sizes (small, medium, large, and extra-large) based on the needs of your dog. Since this toy is made of fabric, there’s no guarantee your pup won’t rip it.
However, the interactive aspect of the puzzle may make it last longer. Some reviewers have seen that their dogs will still play with the puzzle even when empty of stuffing.
Since they’re meant for puppies, the soft texture will massage their gums without hurting them. Smaller dogs will get a kick out of this too, being just the right size for their mouths.
Some reviewers have said they found shavings coming off of the keys, which could get stuck in the dog’s stomach or esophagus. As with all toys, supervision is always recommended, so you can take the toy away when it gets too worn out. However, reviewers do say it works great for teething puppies.
With four sizes to choose from, it’s a great fit for your Chihuahua or Great Dane. Keep in mind that it’s a plushie, so even though dogs love to cuddle with it, they’ll equally love ripping it apart. The stitching on Hedgehogz isn’t meant to withstand extreme playtime, so they’ll tear easily when thrown about.
However, some have reported that, even with a deflated Hedgehogz, their dogs still love to cuddle and keep this toy close, a definite plus.
It's really hard not to want to spoil our pets—especially when dogs can make the sweetest faces. Besides dog toys, there are so many accessories out there to make man's best friend more comfortable. Check out our other buying guides below for more information!
No. 1: KONG|Kong Extreme Dog Toy
No. 2: West Paw|Zogoflex Tux|Large
No. 3: Pet Parents|Naturally Shed Elk Antlers
No. 4: Jolly Pets|Jolly Pets Romp-N-Roll Ball|Large
No. 5: Mammoth Pet Products|Mammoth Flossy Chews|Large
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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