Dog Chew Toy - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
Dogs need exercise and physical activity just like people do, so it's good to have toys on hand to keep your four-legged friend busy. And since dogs have a natural instinct to chew, a chew toy is a practical investment that will not only keep Fido entertained, but also keep him out of your bedroom slippers and expensive leather shoes.
To meet your dog's chewing and playing needs, you have to choose the right chew toys. This means considering the age and size of your pet, the aggressiveness of his chewer, the type of toys he prefers, and what other features would make the chew toy more entertaining and durable. There are toy bones, rope chew toys, chew balls, and food-dispensing chew toys.
Our shopping guide has all the advice you need to choose the ideal dog chew toys for your dog. We've even included some toy-specific recommendations to make shopping easy.
Considerations
- Age of your Dog
While almost all dogs enjoy chew toys, your pet's age still plays a big role in the type of toy he prefers.
Adult Dogs : Adult dogs often gnaw on toys and other objects to satisfy their natural urges to chew. For dogs at this stage of life, durability is often the main requirement for dog chew toys.
Older Dogs : If you have an older dog, you should opt for toys that are a bit softer. Older dogs don't have the same jaw strength as younger ones, so softer rubber and foam toys are better choices.
- Size of your Dog
If your dog is fully grown, it's important to consider his size when selecting a chew toy. A small dog like a Chihuahua would be happier with a smaller toy, while a Labrador would need something larger. In fact, if you were to buy a small chew toy for a larger dog, it could pose a choking hazard.
The solution is to choose a chew toy that fits your dog's size. Most companies post recommended weight ranges for their toys on the packaging. For safety reasons, make sure the toy you choose isn't small enough to fit behind your dog's molars. This will help reduce the risk of suffocation.
- Your Dog's Chewing Level
There is some variation between dogs in how aggressively they chew. Aggressive chewers can often destroy less durable chew toys in a matter of minutes, which means you'd need to buy replacement toys often. These toys can also pose a safety risk because the dog could swallow pieces that break.
For aggressive chewers, opt for toys made of thick, tough rubber, which is nearly indestructible. Toys made from thick rope can also work well, but be sure to choose ones made from natural fibers. Avoid toys made of plush, wool, latex, or vinyl because an aggressive chewer will have no trouble destroying them.
- Types of Chew Toys for Dogs
Although all dog chew toys are designed with the idea of chewing hard, they come in several different varieties. Which would be the best for your dog?
Chew toy bones are made of dense nylon or rubber and are shaped like bones. They are an effective alternative to chewy treats, which can be messy and require frequent replacement. Chew toy bones come in a variety of textures to meet different chewing preferences.
Rope chew toys are made from thick natural fibers or nylon and woven into a braid. These toys are good for dogs to chew on when they are alone, but the ropes can also be used in tug-of-war.
Chewable toy balls are made of thick rubber and can be thrown and bounced just like any other ball. However, due to the sturdy material, they hold up well to repeated bites from your dog. They are ideal for active dogs that like to play ball.
Food dispensing chew toys are made of thick rubber or dense nylon. They come in a variety of shapes and have a hollow center. You can fill the toy with small treats that fall out when your dog bumps, bounces, or chews on the toy.
Characteristics of the Chew Toy for Dogs
- Interactive
Some chew toys don't lend themselves to interactive play between you and your pup; they are primarily designed for your dog to sit and gnaw. However, there are other toys that give you the opportunity to play tug-of-war together, such as rope chew toys and rubber chew toys with a handle. Chewable toy balls are an ideal choice if you and your dog enjoy playing ball.
- Taste
Dog chew toys are not edible; your dog should not swallow any part of them. However, some chew toys are infused with flavors that will appeal to your dog and make their chewing experience even more satisfying. Chew toy bones are the most common flavor options, although you can find toys in other shapes as well. Chicken, and Peanut butter are some of the more common flavor options.
- Ease of Cleaning
It's easy for dogs to dirty their toys, and chew toys are especially at risk because they're typically wet, allowing dirt, dander, dust, and other debris to stick to the surface. For this reason, you may want to choose dog chew toys that are easy to clean.
Chew toys made of rubber or nylon can be cleaned with mild dish soap and warm water. If you opt for a wind-up toy or another option made from a material or fiber, check to see if it's machine washable.
Tips
Never leave your dog unattended while playing with a chew toy. If the toy breaks or any pieces fall out, take it away from your dog immediately as it may be a choking hazard.
If you catch your dog gnawing on something he should, like a piece of furniture or your shoe, direct his attention to a chew toy to help him understand what he can and can't chew.
Help rotate your dog's chew toys, so he doesn't get bored with any particular type or texture. When your dog is bored, he is more likely to chew on objects that he should be chewing on.
If your dog has a dental problem, such as a chipped tooth, don't let him play with chew toys. The toy could cause pain or make the dental problem worse.
Other Products We Consider
There are so many dog chew toys on the market that you shouldn't have a problem finding an option that is both safe and entertaining for your dog. The Goofy Tails Rubber Chew Flavored Ball is an ideal choice if you are looking for a treat-giving toy. You can add your dog's favorite treats to its central compartment, so that when it chews on the textured surface of the ball, it receives a reward.
We also love the interactive VetSafe Puppy Chew Teething Rope Toys Tug of War for large dogs that are active chewers. Not only is it extremely durable, but its double-ring design allows you to safely play tug-of-war with your pup for some quality one-on-one time.
FAQ
Que. Why does My Dog need Chew Toys?
Ans. With his natural instinct to chew, your dog will probably start gnawing on household items if he doesn't have an appropriate chew toy. Chew toys can also keep your pup entertained so he doesn't get bored and engage in destructive behavior. Toys can also help your dog relax by allowing him to release some tension through the act of chewing.
Que. What should I look for in a chew toy for my puppy?
Ans. A chew toy for a puppy should be strong enough to withstand repeated chewing, yet soft enough not to damage your pup's sore gums. Make sure it's big enough that it can't be swallowed, and avoid toys that have small parts that can fall out and be swallowed.
Que. Can chew toys keep my dog from chewing on furniture and other household items?
Ans. A chew toy can help break your dog's habit of chewing on things she should be chewing on if you are patient and willing to work with it. Anytime you catch your dog chewing on something he shouldn't, tell him "no" to firmly and immediately distract him with a chew toy. If you do this every time you catch your dog chewing, you should eventually be able to tell the difference between objects he can't chew (like your coffee table) and those he can (like a wind-up toy).
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