The Best Chew Toys for Dogs
While it’s great to see our pup happy and playful, it’s another thing to discover that our couch or best pair of shoes have now become their favorite chew toy. But it’s hard to get angry when they flash those adorable puppy dog eyes. After all, they’re just doing what dogs do. Luckily, there are chew toys designed to keep your home in one piece while allowing tails to continuously wag. Plus, these durable toys help to keep your dog’s teeth clean, so essentially, these multi-purpose toys are doing both of us a favor. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best dog chew toys on the market.
Kong Classic Dog Toy
A treat with a few tricks up its sleeve
Nothing is going to stand in the way of a dog’s instinct. No matter how large or sturdy a couch might be, our pup will find its weak spot. The same applies to shoes — the more expensive or comfortable they are, the more our four-legged furry friends will seemingly want to bite into them. Luckily, Kong is here to save you hours of frustration and a good amount of money thanks to their classic dog toy that’ll keep Spot occupied for hours on end. Plus, this rubberized chewable also dispenses treats, ensuring your best friend will keep coming back. On a side note, for those sneaky dogs who always manage to devour their treats in no time, we’d recommend freezing them for a few hours after they’re placed in the Kong toy. But in the meantime, this item is a win-win for everyone involved.
Pros:
- Satisfies dogs’ instinctual needs while providing mental stimulation
- Dispenses treats, too
- Helps with teething, separation anxiety, boredom, and weight management
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons:
- Bigger dogs may be able to tear it apart and digest small pieces
- It may have an off-putting chemical smell
Benebone Real Bacon Wishbone Dog Chew Toy
Dogs will savor the flavor
A dog chew toy can look great and even emit a squeaky sound, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to hold your dog’s interest for long. In fact, the blander the exterior, the faster our best friend will be back to gnawing on furniture. Benebone is aware of this dilemma, and that’s why they’ve released their wishbone chew toy that’s flavored with 100% real bacon. The scent alone is irresistible, and because it’s extra-durable, this toy will have your dog forgetting they were ever interested in your nicest piece of furniture. As a bonus, it’s available in various sizes to accommodate the smallest of pups to the largest of breeds.
Pros:
- Equipped to handle all sizes and breeds
- Infused with real bacon flavor
- Also available in chicken or peanut flavor
- Made and sourced in the United States
Cons:
- So durable that it may chip away at teeth if your dog is a very aggressive chewer
Kong Natural Teething Puppy Chew Toy
Most chew toys are large and might even be too durable for our four-legged furry friends, especially those who are still puppies. But alas, Kong steps up to the plate with this specialty toy that’s made just for smaller pups in the process of teething. The soft rubber is perfect for their gentle teeth and soft gums, and meanwhile, it provides mental stimulation. This Kong toy is also a great way to alleviate pet anxiety and encourage healthy habits, and it makes crate-training that much easier. Although designed for puppies, it is available in larger sizes for older dogs with sensitive teeth.
Pros:
- Great for puppies, as it helps with several aspects of training
- Alleviates pet anxiety
- Useful for older dogs with sensitive teeth
- A wonderful source of exercise and energy release
Cons:
- It may have an overpowering chemical smell
- Because this toy is soft and small, it could turn into a choking hazard
Tikaton Indestructible Dog Chew Toy For Aggressive Chewers
It’s rewarding to go out and find just the right chew toy for your best friend. However, that feeling of reward quickly vanishes if your aggressive chewer devours that toy in no time whatsoever. Tikaton knows the struggle that we pet owners face, and that’s why they’ve come up with their indestructible toy designed for those aggressive chewers. Using a beef scent and dog bone shape, this nylon toy will withstand the strongest of bites while reducing your dog’s anxiety and boredom. It’s also safe and non-toxic, ensuring that Spot can spend countless carefree hours attempting to get to the center of this chewable delight.
Pros:
- This nylon toy is a safer alternative to real sticks
- Reduces anxiety and boredom
- Designed for larger, more aggressive dogs
- Features a beef scent
Cons:
- Because it’s so durable, this item may chip away at teeth
Playology Silver Gentle Chew Dog Toy For Seniors
We've got to respect our elders
Most of the chew toys on the market pride themselves on strength and durability, which is fantastic for all the aggressive chewers out there with healthy teeth. However, that doesn’t leave much for senior dogs and their sensitive mouths. Ideally, they’d get as much attention as a litter of puppies, but unfortunately, that’s not the case. However, thanks to Playology, old pooches can enjoy a chew toy on the softer side that’ll make them feel like a pup all over again. The all-natural scents and soft exterior made from child-safe materials will have senior dogs wagging their tails in puppy-dog fashion.
Pros:
- Ergonomically designed to be sensitive on senior teeth
- All-natural scents are embedded into each toy
- Each toy is tested to meet U.S. government human child safety standards for lead, phthalates, BPA, and other hazardous toxins
Cons:
- The scents aren’t the strongest
- Although designed for seniors, it’s still easy to rip apart
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when purchasing a chew toy for my dog?
There are a few things worth keeping an eye out for. Your dog’s size plays a key role. Smaller breeds will probably want to chew away at a toy that’s on the lighter side and not as strong as something that’s designed for larger breeds. Heftier dogs will want to sink their teeth into something that’s durable and can withstand aggressive wear and tear. It’s also worth noting that most of these items are non-toxic and chemical-free, but it can’t hurt to double-check the packaging. There are also chew toys specifically designed for senior dogs with softer teeth, as well as puppy toys designed to encourage both healthy teeth and gums. In short, there’s a chew toy out there that’ll keep tails wagging for every breed and size.
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