Dogs have a natural urge to chew, but sometimes they simply do it because they are bored, anxious, or full of pent-up energy. Instead of trying to teach your dog to stop chewing completely, you should get him the best dog chew toys and teach him healthy chewing habits.
Finding out that your pooch managed to chew another pair of your shoes is definitely irritating. However, the more pressing concern is that he can damage or break his teeth chewing on inappropriate objects.
Besides keeping your dog mentally stimulated and occupied, chew toys are also good for his teeth and gums. And with so many different types of chew toys available on the market, it is a real shame that your pooch is missing out on so much fun!
Whatever the reason why your dog didn’t have a decent chew toy until now, doesn’t matter. I will be telling you about them shortly, and for now, here is a quick overview.
Table Of Contents
Quick Links: Top 10 Best Dog Chew Toys
- KONG Classic Dog Toy – Best Overall
- Nylabone DuraChew Double Bone Bacon Flavor Dog Toy – Best For Large Dogs
- Nylabone Petite Dental Puppy Chew Toy – Best Budget
- Petstages Dogwood Stick Dog Chew Toy – Best Versatile
- Benebone Bacon Flavored Wishbone Dog Chew Toy – Best Flavored
- GoughNuts Ring Dog Toy – Best ‘virtually Indestructible’
- Nylabone DuraChew BIG Chew Knot Dog Toy – Best For Strong Chewers
- Hartz Bug Eyes Squeak Dog Toy – Great For Teething Puppies
- Busy Buddy Bristle Bone Dog Toy – Great For Dental Hygiene
- Ethical Pet Play Strong Rubber S-shaped Dog Toy – Tough & Enticing
An Overview of the Best Chew Toys For Dogs
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
 | BEST OVERALL
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 | BEST FOR LARGE DOGS
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 | BEST BUDGET
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 | BEST VERSATILE
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 | BEST FLAVORED
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 | BEST ‘VIRTUALLY INDESTRUCTIBLE’
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 | BEST FOR STRONG CHEWERS
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 | GREAT FOR TEETHING PUPPIES
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 | GREAT FOR DENTAL HYGIENE
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 | TOUGH & ENTICING
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Reviews Of The 10 Best Chew Toys For Dogs
I have rounded up the top 10 dog chew toys that will keep your dog mentally stimulated and away from your belongings.
1. KONG Classic Dog Toy – Best Overall
The KONG Classic Dog Toy is a highly rated chew toy that can keep your dog busy for hours on end. It is designed to encourage adult dogs to focus their energy on fun and play by keeping them mentally stimulated. You can make this toy even more fun and appealing to your pooch by filling it with kibble or treats.
Features
- Made of all-natural rubber
- Can be used for fetch or as a chew toy
- Durable and designed for average chewers
- Features an erratic bounce
Made of all-natural rubber, this extremely durable chew toy is completely safe for your pooch and will meet his natural need to play. The KONG Classic Dog Toy comes in all sizes and is a great tool to prevent boredom, excessive chewing, teething, and can even soothe dogs with separation anxiety.
Pros:
- Designed to address your dog’s chewing needs
- Comes in six different sizes so you’re sure to find one to fit your pup
- Made to withstand daily abuse from average chewers
- It doubles as a bouncing fetch toy that will encourage your pooch to play
Cons:
- Being designed for average chewers, this toy can be destroyed if your pooch is an excessive chewer
Overall, the KONG Classic Dog Toy is a durable and well-designed dog chew toy which will encourage your dog to develop healthy chewing habits and keep him mentally engaged.
2. Nylabone DuraChew Double Bone Bacon Flavor Dog Toy – Best For Large Dogs
The Nylabone DuraChew Double Bone Bacon Flavor Dog Toy comes in three sizes—x-small, medium, and x-large—and features a durable nylon construction. It is tough and designed to reinforce safe and healthy chewing habits in excessive chewers.
Besides keeping your pooch occupied, this bacon-flavored toy will also clean tartar and plaque and freshen your dog’s breath.
Features
- Durable design and hard to destroy
- Action cleaning nubs
- Unique design makes it easy to chew, nibble, or grab
- Bacon flavored
This particular size is perfect for giant dog breeds and can help you redirect your dog’s destructive chewing by keeping him occupied. And its durable nylon construction will prove too tough even if your pooch has managed to destroy many other chew toys.
Pros:
- Designed to keep your pooch engaged and cleans his teeth at the same time
- Specially made for excessive chewers and giant breeds
- Most dogs find it irresistible since it is bacon flavored
Cons:
- Some dogs weren’t interested in this toy since it is a bit heavy
- Not completely indestructible since some dogs managed to chew through the toy’s middle
Being one of the best toys for chewing dogs, the Nylabone DuraChew Double Bone Bacon Flavor Dog Toy will stop your dog from destroying your belongings and keep his teeth clean at the same time.
3. Nylabone Petite Dental Puppy Chew Toy – Best Budget
The Nylabone Petite Dental Puppy Chew Toy is designed to teach your young pup healthy chewing habits from the start. Featuring soft textured nubs, this toy will keep your puppy entertained and his teeth clean.
Features
- Designed for puppies up to 15 pounds
- Chicken flavor
- Softer material and texture
To encourage your puppy to develop proper chewing habits, Nylabone infused this toy with an enticing chicken flavor most puppies find hard to resist. Since puppies can get a bit overexcited, you should keep a close eye on your pup to ensure that the toy stays in one piece.
Pros:
- Softer texture massages the gums and helps with teething
- Reinforces healthy chewing habits from a young age
- Keeps the teeth clean and promotes dental health
Cons:
- Good for moderate chewers, but won’t last long if a puppy is an excessive chewer
The Nylabone Petite Dental Puppy Chew Toy will help you teach your pup proper chewing habits and will support dental health from a young age.
4. Petstages Dogwood Stick Dog Chew Toy – Best Versatile
Designed to relieve your dog’s natural chewing urges, the Petstages Dogwood Stick Dog Chew Toy comes in several sizes and is suitable for dogs of all ages and breeds. It is made of a material that combines real wood and durable synthetic which is completely safe for dogs to chew on.
Features
- Shaped like a real wooden stick
- Easy to toss and doubles as a fetch toy
- Floats in water
Due to its design, this chew toy is a safer option if your pooch loves chewing real wooden sticks. It has an enticing woody smell that will trick your dog into thinking that he is chewing the real thing and keep him occupied for hours.
Pros:
- It doubles as a dental chew and keeps your dog’s teeth clean
- Non-toxic and completely safe for daily use
- A safe alternative for real wooden sticks
Cons:
- This toy tends to flake as it gets chewed over time which means that you will have a mess to clean at some point
Overall, the Petstages Dogwood Stick Dog Chew Toy is a durable and safe alternative if your pooch really enjoys chewing wooden sticks. It is completely safe, non-toxic and designed to fulfill your dog’s natural chewing urges.
5. Benebone Bacon Flavored Wishbone Dog Chew Toy – Best Flavored
The Benebone Bacon Flavored Wishbone Dog Chew Toy features an ergonomic design, is made of durable nylon and is infused with real bacon flavor. It comes in three sizes—mini, regular, and jumbo—and is designed to cater the needs of tough chewers.
Features
- Ergonomically curved design
- Food-grade bacon flavor
- For dogs under 70 pounds
Your dog will love chewing and nibbling at this toy due to its wishbone shape and flavorful grooves and prongs. However, keep in mind that this toy isn’t suitable for very aggressive chewers and that it shouldn’t be eaten regardless of its bacon flavor.
Pros:
- Suitable for all life stages and dog breeds
- Dogs are obsessed with the wishbone shape
- No artificial flavors
- Available in different sizes
Cons:
- Some dogs weren’t really interested in bacon flavor
- If given to an aggressive chewer, this toy won’t last long
The Benebone Bacon Flavored Wishbone Dog Chew Toy is a great option for tough chewers. Its wishbone design and enticing natural bacon flavor are a real hit among dogs.
6. GoughNuts Ring Dog Toy – Best ‘Virtually Indestructible’
The GoughNuts Ring Dog Toy is a versatile and durable toy that is designed for tough and aggressive chewers. This natural rubber ring uses engineered carbon reinforcement for added durability.
Features
- Comes in three different sizes: small, original, and maxx
- Can be used in water
- It bounces, rolls, and can be used to play fetch
The great thing about this chew toy is that it comes with a two-layer design and a safety indicator. All GoughNuts Ring Dog Toys have a red inner core which will alert you that it is time to take the toy away from your dog and buy a new one.
Pros:
- Thanks to its versatile design, you can use it as a regular toy to play with your dog or let him chew it as he pleases
- Its safety indicator reminds you to toss the toy before it becomes a health hazard
- Specially designed to fulfill the needs of tough and aggressive chewers
Cons:
- Can be too bulky for smaller dogs to carry
- As all other dog chew toys, this one also isn’t completely indestructible, and a few pups managed to destroy it in record time
Overall, the GoughNuts Ring Dog Toy is one of the best toys for dogs that chew everything since it has a safety indicator. It is also a good option if you are looking for a versatile and durable chew toy for your pooch.
7. Nylabone DuraChew BIG Chew Knot Dog Toy – Best For Strong Chewers
Claiming to be virtually indestructible, the Nylabone DuraChew BIG Chew Knot Dog Toy is suitable for dogs over 50 pounds. This vet-recommended chew toy is made of durable nylon and is a great option if your pooch loves to chew.
Features
- Durable nylon
- Original flavoring (chicken)
- Available in multiple sizes
- Specially designed for powerful chewers
Besides keeping your pooch occupied and mentally stimulated, this toy will also clean his teeth and promote his dental health. Since this is a chicken-flavored dog chew toy, make sure that your pooch isn’t allergic to poultry before you give it to him.
Pros:
- Comes in different sizes and can be used for dogs of all life stages
- The knot design works great for powerful chewers and gives them something to nibble on
- It cleans plaque, freshens your dog’s breath, and supports good oral hygiene
Cons:
- A few dogs weren’t interested in this toy due to its smooth texture
- Isn’t suitable for dogs who are allergic to poultry since this is a chicken-flavored chew toy
The Nylabone DuraChew BIG Chew Knot Dog Toy is a great option if your pooch is an aggressive chewer. Besides keeping your dog occupied, it will also keep his teeth clean and healthy.
8. Hartz Bug Eyes Squeak Dog Toy – Great For Teething Puppies
The Hartz Bug Eyes Squeak Dog Toy is a great option for toy and small breed dogs who are moderate chewers. It is made with specially formulated latex that is durable enough and has a texture that encourages chewing.
Features
- It comes in the shape of pig, frog, or duck
- Can be used for playing fetch or just as a chew toy
- Offers resistance when chewed
- It squeaks when chewed
When squeezed, the eyes on this chew toy pop out, which is a feature both you and your dog are going to appreciate and find funny. One more thing worth noting is that this toy is shipped at random, so you won’t know if your pooch is going to get a duck, pig, or frog until the toy arrives.
Pros:
- Although made for moderate chewers, this latex toy is surprisingly durable
- Dogs love the squeaky sound and can’t stop playing with this toy
- It has the right texture and resistance dogs seek when chewing
- This toy is completely BPA free
Cons:
- A few customers didn’t like the fact that this toy is shipped at random
- Sometimes it can be hard for dogs to pop out the eyes on this toy
Overall, the Hartz Bug Eyes Squeak Dog Toy will keep you and your pooch entertained and keep his chewing urges under control.
9. Busy Buddy Bristle Bone Dog Toy – Great For Dental Hygiene
The Busy Buddy Bristle Bone Dog Toy is made of durable nylon and rubber and comes with all-natural rawhide treats. It is designed to encourage your pooch to entertain himself as he tries to get to the parts where the treats are hidden.
Features
- Comes in four different sizes: x-small, small, medium, and large
- Compressible rubber
- Four rawhide treats included
- It promotes dental hygiene and health
Featuring designated spaces for rawhide treats, this toy will keep your pooch occupied, entertained, and it will reinforce healthy chewing habits. This toy also has nylon bristles and rubber nubs that will clean plaque and tartar and stimulate your dog’s gums. And once your dog eats the four rawhide treats that come with this toy, you can buy more.
Pros:
- Solidly built and doesn’t come apart easily even if used regularly
- Designed to encourage safe chewing and to promote good dental health
- Rawhide rings can be replaced and serve as a treat
- Due to its great design, this toy is a real hit among dogs
Cons:
- A few dogs managed to unscrew the rings and destroy the toy
Overall, the Busy Buddy Bristle Bone Dog Toy may be a good fit if your pooch is a moderate chewer. This toy is designed to reward good chewing behavior with rawhide treats and will keep your dog mentally stimulated for hours.
10. Ethical Pet Play Strong Rubber S-shaped Dog Toy – Tough & Enticing
The Ethical Pet Play Strong Rubber S-shaped Dog Toy is designed for large and giant dogs who are aggressive chewers. It’s made of durable rubber that can stand constant use either indoors or outdoors.
Features
- Sturdy and almost indestructible
- The center can be filled with kibble or treats
- Floats in the water
This toy features elements of rubber and plastic which makes it a great choice for dogs who like to play rough and to chew a lot. Its s-shape is great for chewing and nibbling, and when your pooch chews the ends, he will get rewarded with treats.
Pros:
- Durable and made to sustain the toughest abuse
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- It will reward your dog’s chewing efforts with treats
Cons:
- Although advertised as virtually indestructible, a few dogs managed to destroy it
The Ethical Pet Play Strong Rubber S-shaped Dog Toy comes in a large size and is designed for aggressive chewers. It is made of durable materials and can sustain rough play.
Features To Consider When Buying The Best Toys For Dogs That Chew
The best chew toys for dogs that last should have a few important features. Here are the things you need to consider:
- Durability: You’ll have to consider your dog’s chewing powers in order to find the best chew toys for him. While some toys are more durable and made for aggressive chewers, others are more suitable for light and moderate chewers.
- Size: The size of a chew toy is an important factor to consider. A small dog will have his mouth full with a large toy, while a large dog could easily swallow and choke on a toy which is designed for a small breed.
- Material: Generally, chew toys are made either of rubber, dense nylon, fabric, or wood components. You’ll have to consider your dog’s preferences and his chewing abilities in order to decide which material will suit him best.
- Versatility: Some of the best toys for chewing dogs are multifunctional. Some will reward your pooch with treats, some can float or be used to play fetch. It is up to you to decide if you want a chew toy that doubles as an interactive toy.
Why Do Dogs Need Chew Toys?
Even if your pooch hasn’t already chewed a pair of your shoes or destroyed some furniture, he can benefit from having chew toys. Here are a few reasons why he really needs one:
- Mental Stimulation: If not provided with proper intellectual stimulation, most dogs get bored easily. When bored, dogs can quickly become destructive and rebellious. But with the proper mental stimulation and exercises, even a high-energy dog will stay calm.
- Exercise: Having a toy to throw around or just chew can be a great way for your pooch to get exercise. And keeping your dog exercised is important if you want to keep him healthy and happy.
- Dental Health: Some of the best safe chew toys for dogs also support dental health and have the ability to scrub plaque and tartar while your dog chews them.
- Bonding: Playing with your dog and his favorite chew toy is a great way to deepen your bond. And what can be more fun than spending time playing fetch with your pooch?
Types Of Dog Chew Toys
All dog chew toys work the same, and allow your pooch to chew something that is safe and specially designed to be chewed on. But depending on your dog’s chewing powers, you will find that some types of toys give him a better chance to vent and others don’t.
- Rubber: As long as they aren’t too thin, rubber chew toys are usually the best option for most dogs. They are firm enough to withstand some serious chewing and won’t damage your dog’s teeth.
- Rawhides: Generally inexpensive and easily available, rawhides can be a good chew option for many dogs. However, the risks associated with rawhide are not to be dismissed, since there were some cases of dogs choking on it, among other things.
- Ropes: Rope toys are generally safe for the right type of dogs, usually light chewers. However, there is a chance that a dog will pull the strands out and swallow them.
- Stuffed Toys: Be wary of stuffed chew toys, since when torn the stuffing can end up in your dog’s intestines in which case he might need surgery.
- Nylon Toys: Generally a safe option for aggressive chewers. However, they can be too hard and cause damage to your dog’s teeth or cause a gastrointestinal blockage if swallowed.
Final Thoughts
While your dog will probably love to possess every single chew toy available on the market, in the end, the choice is yours. It is up to you to decide what type of chewer he is, and what are the best dog chew toys for him.
Generally, no matter what type of chewer your dog is, you can’t go wrong by buying the KONG Classic Dog Toy. It is made of durable rubber, comes in different sizes, and has a hollow center which you can fill with kibble or treats.
And don’t forget, no matter how safe a chew toy is, you should always observe your dog while chewing on one. This will give you a chance to react in time and confiscate the toy if your dog starts to play rough or choke.
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