As a pet owner, ensuring the well-being and happiness of your furry friend is paramount. One way to accomplish this is by providing them with engaging and interactive toys, particularly dog chew toys. These toys serve a crucial role in a dog’s life, offering not only entertainment but also numerous health benefits.
Why Do Dogs Chew?
Dogs chew for various reasons, and it’s actually a natural behavior deeply ingrained in their instincts. Here are some reasons why dogs chew:
- Exploration and Curiosity: Puppies, especially, use their mouths to explore the world around them. Chewing helps them learn about different textures, tastes, and objects.
- Relief from Teething Pain: Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething phase where their baby teeth are replaced by adult teeth. Chewing helps alleviate the discomfort associated with teething.
- Stress Relief: Dogs may chew as a way to relieve stress or anxiety. Similar to how humans might bite their nails or fidget with objects when feeling anxious, dogs may turn to chewing to calm themselves down.
- Boredom: Dogs, especially those left alone for long periods, may resort to chewing out of boredom. It can be a way for them to entertain themselves and pass the time.
- Dental Health: Chewing on appropriate objects, like chew toys, can help keep a dog’s teeth clean and healthy by reducing plaque and tartar buildup. It’s a natural way for them to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Exercise and Jaw Strength: Chewing on toys or bones can provide a form of exercise for a dog’s jaws and help strengthen their jaw muscles.
- Satisfying Natural Instincts: Dogs are descended from wolves, and chewing is a natural instinct inherited from their wild ancestors. In the wild, wolves chew on bones and other objects to keep their teeth clean and to obtain essential nutrients.
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Importance of Chew Toys for Dogs
Chew toys play a crucial role in a dog’s life, offering numerous benefits that contribute to their overall well-being. Here’s why chew toys are important for dogs:
- Dental Health: Chewing on toys helps keep a dog’s teeth clean by reducing plaque and tartar buildup. The mechanical action of chewing can remove food particles and debris from their teeth, promoting better oral hygiene and preventing dental issues such as gum disease and tooth decay.
- Mental Stimulation: Dogs are intelligent creatures that require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and behavioral problems. Chew toys provide mental enrichment by engaging their minds and keeping them occupied, especially when left alone for extended periods. Interactive toys that dispense treats or require problem-solving skills can help stimulate a dog’s cognitive abilities and prevent destructive behaviors born out of boredom.
- Relief from Teething Discomfort: Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething phase where their baby teeth are replaced by adult teeth. Chew toys offer relief from the discomfort of teething by providing a soothing sensation to their sore gums. Offering appropriate chew toys can prevent puppies from chewing on inappropriate items like furniture or shoes.
- Preventing Destructive Behavior: Dogs have a natural instinct to chew, and if not provided with suitable outlets for this behavior, they may resort to destructive chewing, causing damage to household items. Chew toys redirect their chewing behavior onto safe and appropriate objects, preserving furniture and belongings while satisfying their need to chew.
- Alleviating Anxiety and Stress: Chewing can be a calming activity for dogs and serve as a coping mechanism for dealing with stress or anxiety. Providing chew toys can help alleviate anxiety-related behaviors and provide comfort during times of distress, such as thunderstorms or separation anxiety.
- Promoting Jaw Strength and Muscle Development: Chewing on toys and bones can help strengthen a dog’s jaw muscles and improve their overall dental health. It provides a form of exercise for their jaws, promoting muscle development and maintaining oral function.
- Bonding and Playtime: Chew toys also serve as tools for bonding and playtime between dogs and their owners. Interactive play with toys can strengthen the bond between pet and owner, fostering trust and communication.
Best Dog Chew Toys: Top 18 Reviews
1. KONG Classic Dog Toy
Among all the dog chew toys available, KONG Classic is our favorite product and your dog will love it too!
Most parents have heard about Kong Classic Dog Toys or saw a child at a pet store, but if you haven’t tried it, it’s time. Made of solid rubber, these toys are designed to fight medium chewers (although you can also buy Kong almost indestructible for heavy chewing), but they are not just chew toys.
Due to their unusual shape, the Kong Classic chew toy has an unstable bouncing style, creating more interesting games. Or, if your dog is not particularly fond of fetching, you can stuff his Kong with small dishes or peanut butter to make him work to receive the reward.
Fully natural rubber has a pleasant mouth that many dogs like to chew on, though you should monitor larger dogs or chew on them to make sure they don’t peel off. It has six sizes from XS to XXL, so there are a number of things suitable for all types of dogs. Priced from about 10 to 25 dollars, depending on the size you need, Kong Classic offers good value for money, considering its flexibility.
2. Bionic Ball Durable Tough Fetch & Chew Toy
Not only is Outward Hound Bionic Ball a great dog chew toy in its own right, it costs only $ 6 for a medium-sized model, which also makes it extremely affordable! Thanks to its spherical shape, it is suitable for long fetch games, but its durable structure means it can also be chewed.
It has a hole in the center that can be stuffed with peanut butter or other similar dough-like foods to occupy her longer when she chews. Made from food ingredients that do not have BPA and are FDA approved, you don’t have to worry about which chemicals your dog is chewing, this makes you feel secure.
With impressive bounce, Bionic Ball is perfect for playing time, plus a central hole gives you unpredictable bouncing, which is even more interesting for your fangs friend. Moreover, it floats in the water, so your dog can even play with it at the beach or in other waters.
Although it is a durable option, it is not entirely indestructible, so keep an eye on heavy chewers.
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3. Dog Chew Toys By PetStages Cool Teething Stick
Teething is a hard time for puppies. What they need is something that will satisfy their chewing needs and also provide relief for their gums, which can be painful when new teeth pass through. The Pet Stages Cool Teething Stick helps your puppy feel more comfortable when teething. Plus, hopefully avoid any of your belongings destroyed by your puppy’s sharp tip.
What makes this toy different from many alternatives is that you can wet it, paste it in the freezer and freeze the outside. This provides a cool and brittle layer, which can give your puppy plenty of teething pain relief. Although it is definitely indestructible for large dogs, it will stand with most of the puppy’s teeth. Better yet, it costs less than 5 dollars, which is particularly good value!
4. ZippyPaws Warriorz Plush Dog Toy
Some dogs prefer to shave their teeth against plastic or nylon chew toys or get stuck in rubber, but others prefer a soft plush option. If you want luxurious dog chew toys that your dog won’t tear in five minutes, then the ZippyPaws Warriorz Plush Dog Toy is a great choice.
With reinforced seams around the outside, many layers of fabric are solid and without dangling parts that can easily be torn off, this plush toy will stand up to chew heavier. It is a long way from the indestructible, very assertive chewers who will eventually infiltrate inside, but it will not be easy!
Inside are two smaller glasses that will provide hours of entertainment for your dog, although they can make everyone in your family worry. At about 11 x 9 inches, this is a pretty big toy suitable for larger dogs, as well as smaller ones, although it is certainly too big for toy breeds.
For less than $ 10, this chewable dog toy is reasonably priced, especially considering construction quality.
5. KONG Wubba Dog Toy
Move away from traditional chewing toys for a while, here we have perfect interactive toys to have fun in the park with your Lab.
Wubba is a ‘drag and throw’ toy, whereby you throw it, your dog chases and catches it, giving it to you when you can also use it for tug of war.
It consists of two balls – one of which is a ball and another tennis ball – and some powerful ‘legs’ of fabric that your child will love to pull and chew on.
Durability and toughness are the key as always, so the balls are wrapped in super hard nylon while the fabric foot is equally heavy.
There are many colors and sizes available and even a luxurious fabric option, which may be more suitable for lighter chews.
6. Dog Chew Toys By KONG Extreme Goodie Bone
Like original Extreme toys, Extreme Goodie Bone is extremely durable and supple, thus perfect for the strongest chewers.
Shaped like a bone and made of super strong natural rubber, Extreme Goodie Bone can also be stuffed with dishes to keep the mind of a busy dog, trying to handle the dishes.
This will reduce boredom and prevent destructive chewing in your lab as well as reduce any worries about separation that they may have to endure.
Made in the United States with non-toxic materials, Extreme Goodie Bone also has puncture resistance.
One of the most exciting features of the toy is a patented ‘Goodie Grippers’ at each end of the bone where you can stuff toys with dishes.
‘Goodie Grippers’ makes it harder for your dog to get food, which enhances your efforts, both physically and mentally as they go to town on toys.
7. KONG Squeezz Stick Dog Toy
Toys are square because they can become a choking hazard if a dog seeks to tear them apart.
Thankfully, Kong toys are sturdy enough to resist the most aggressive of the chewers and the Squeezers, especially, to protect and brake very well for its shoes.
Not only is an interactive toy more than a standard chew toy that you will leave the Lab alone at home, Squeez Stick has all the features to become a truly versatile toy.
Made of flexible, non-toxic rubber, it is the perfect compromise for your Chewable and Durable Lab while also being able to bounce unpredictably – and it floats on the water! This ensures hours of play, whether you are in or out, on dry land or near water.
Squeezz toys come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, so you have many options to find the perfect model for your dog.
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8. Jolly Pets 6-Inch Romp-n-Roll
A particularly solid ball, the brand ‘Jolly’ was originally founded to create ball toys for horses so that it has a proven track record of creating products against strong teeth and Chew hard.
After exploring the popularity of balls with heavy chewing dog owners, a bit of tinkering helped them adapt to the dog’s wants and needs and their owners appreciated it ever since.
Jolly Ball with Rope is designed to kick, drag, throw, carry and launch, all of which are equivalent to a great ball toy to play with outside!
It will not fart if your dog pierces it and it also floats, which is ideal for interested swimmers.
Made of non-toxic polyethylene plastic – safe for both you and your lab – and sturdy wires for ‘drag and throw’ games, this toy is very heavy and durable.
The Jolly pet balls are available in a variety of bright colors and colors, so you will definitely find the perfect fit for your dog.
9. Multipet Nuts for Knots Heavy Duty Rope Dog Toy with Tug
Wire toys are perfect for those who chew heavy due to high durability and safe material composition.
This Nuts for Knots toy is as hard and substantial as it looks and promises superior durability compared to other ball toys in the market.
It has an impressive powerful handle too so you can take part in some serious interactive games about tugging with your dog.
Perfect for large dogs like Labs, Nuts for Knots Heavy Duty Toy is roughly the size of a shot so it will definitely keep your dog occupied for a serious period of time.
10. Dog Chew Toys By West Paw Design Jive Zogoflex Durable Ball
The clue is in the name of this ball toy – your heavy chewing dog will not easily destroy this toy.
Made in the United States by ‘West Paw Design’ with non-toxic, environmentally friendly and recyclable materials, this ball is super hard and ideal for chewing destruction.
Manufacturers are very sure of its durability to a 100% warranty.
Ideal shape for an unpredictable roll or bouncing, this toy is great for throwing and rolling interactive games. It also fits Chuckit Ball Thrower to really exercise your dog.
Bright colors also make it stand out and easily found when thrown on any surface.
11. Planet Dog Orbee Tuff Snowball Chew Dog Ball
Orbee-Tuff SnowBall produced by the US is extremely tough and durable; so much so that Planet Dog is 100% prepared to ensure its toughness at any time, every time suffocating.
Although you will be very happy when it lasts, your dog will love the glamorous mint scent of the ball and the textured surface makes chewing and playing with this toy become fun.
This powerful dog chew toy has other features that make it a perfect interactive ball, such as the ability to bounce and float, for dogs to fetch and chew hard.
Empty inside, the ball has two small air vents on the side that allow the ball to fall once it is bitten and then re-enter the position once it is released, so there is no need to worry about Your dog wears hard plastic teeth.
12. Goughnuts – Original Dog Chew Ring
OK, it’s not a ball, but manufactured in the US by mechanical and polymer engineers, this GoughNuts toy is an ideal throwing toy for powerful, powerful chewers.
Therefore, confidence is the inventor of the power of their products that they ensure the indestructibility of toys and are willing to replace it if your dog manages to chew tough outer layers.
GoughNuts has created a secure system in their product line, whereby if your dog thoroughly chewed the black exterior material, that means they can safely continue to “GoughNuts”, But if they can chew black to the red material inside, the toy should be removed and replaced
And if your dog chews through the red layer, GoughNuts will replace the toy for free!
Shaped like a round donut, this toy will be loved by your dog, who will love chasing it, picking it up and carrying it in his mouth.
Such floating toys are also an interesting addition to your play habits if your dog is a keen swimmer.
13. Nylabone Dental Dinosaur Chew
Dental bones are good for cleaning your dog’s teeth, but most of them can’t withstand the wrath of a chew for so long. This toy is designed exclusively for heavy chewing people, so it has a much better chance of holding out. That said, really tenacious puppies may be able to chew on these small pieces, so it’s best to check the status of toys periodically.
If your dog is not a big fan of T-Rex, there are also Brontosaurus and Stegosaurus versions.
14. Dog Chew Toys By West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Durable Dog Bone
Is there a person chewing and swimming? After that, you can hardly do better than this toy, floating on the water and guaranteed to be strong. If your dog destroys one of these, the manufacturer will replace it for free.
The toy has three neon colors, making it easier to spot on grass.
15. Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Diamond Plate Orbee Ball
Dogs like the ball. However, standard tennis balls are not designed to resist the jaw-like function of a chew. Although not really unbreakable, this may be the hardest dog ball on the market. As you can tell from the name Diamond plate, it is specially made for durability.
Toy manufacturer, Planet Dog, also offers a difficult football, soccer and a truly innovative toy.
16. Dog Chew Toys By KONG Flyer Flying Disc
Frisbees are not suitable for a dog weighing 80 pounds with steel jaws. This flying disc provides a more durable alternative. It will not last forever – especially if your dog is obsessed with chewing it – but it will certainly last longer than a thin piece of plastic.
An equally important selling point is leaflets made with soft rubber. For dogs who like to catch frisbees, it’s much easier on the mouth.
17. Dog Chew Toys By goDog Dragons
This may not be the most powerful dog toy in the world, but if you really want to give your aggressive chew a cute plush toy, this is an opportunity. It is double and is made of a kevlar-like material. That may not be enough to prevent a dog that intends to stuff that sweet, sweet thing inside, but it’s definitely stronger than your average doll.
These toys come in many different forms, everything from dinosaurs to barnyard animals.
18. West Paw Zogoflex Tux Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Chew Toy
Stuffing food or other food into toys is a way to keep dogs engaged for hours. That is, unless they bite right through the toy for a few minutes. Tweed design from West Paw Design is made of highly durable material called Zogoflex. Like Zogoflex Hurley, it is guaranteed in case your dog tries to pass.
This toy is not just for quiet chewing time. It also bounces and floats, making it a good choice for active dogs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Dog Chew Toys
Not all chew toys are created equal, and selecting the right one for your furry companion requires careful consideration.
Size and Breed of the Dog
When choosing a chew toy, it’s essential to consider the size and breed of your dog. Larger breeds may require more robust toys to withstand their powerful jaws, while smaller breeds may prefer smaller, softer toys.
Material of the Chew Toy
Chew toys come in a variety of materials, including rubber, nylon, and natural materials like wood or bones. It’s crucial to choose a toy made from safe, non-toxic materials that are durable enough to withstand chewing.
Durability and Safety Features
Look for chew toys that are designed with durability and safety in mind. Avoid toys that contain small parts or can easily break apart, as these pose a choking hazard to your pet. Opt for toys with reinforced seams and sturdy construction to ensure longevity.
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Unique FAQs
- Are chew toys suitable for all dogs?
- While chew toys are generally suitable for most dogs, it’s essential to choose toys appropriate for your dog’s size, breed, and chewing habits.
- How often should I replace chew toys?
- Chew toys should be inspected regularly for signs of wear and tear and replaced as needed to prevent choking hazards.
- Can chew toys help with teething puppies?
- Yes, chew toys can provide relief for teething puppies by satisfying their natural urge to chew and massage their sore gums.
- What are some signs that my dog needs a new chew toy?
- Signs include excessive wear and tear, broken pieces, or loss of interest from your dog.
- Are there any chew toys I should avoid?
- Avoid toys with small parts, toxic materials, or those that are easily destructible, as they can pose a risk to your dog’s health and safety.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dog chew toys are not just playthings for dogs; they serve a crucial role in promoting their overall health and well-being, particularly their dental health. Through regular chewing on appropriate toys, dogs can enjoy a range of benefits, including cleaner teeth, healthier gums, fresher breath, and stronger dental structures.
By providing dogs with chew toys, pet owners can help satisfy their natural instinct to chew while also addressing important dental care needs. Chew toys offer a simple yet effective way to reduce plaque and tartar buildup, massage gums, strengthen teeth, and prevent oral health issues such as gingivitis and tooth decay.
Moreover, chew toys contribute to a dog’s mental and emotional well-being by providing stimulation, relieving stress, and preventing destructive behaviors born out of boredom or anxiety. They offer an outlet for natural behaviors and help keep dogs mentally engaged and content.
Incorporating chew toys into a dog’s daily routine is not only beneficial for their physical health but also strengthens the bond between pet and owner through interactive play and shared enjoyment. By selecting safe and durable chew toys appropriate for their dog’s size, age, and chewing habits, pet owners can ensure a positive chewing experience that promotes dental health and enhances overall quality of life.
