The 18 Best Chew Toys for Dogs That Are Vet-Approved
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Dogs love chewing. In fact, it’s more than love. Sarah-Anne Reed, a holistic dog trainer at Healthy Paws Pet Insurance and owner of holistic dog training program Pack Dynamics, says chewing can ease anxiety in canines, decrease gum inflammation and stop puppies from biting people. This is why there are loads of dog chew toys on the market. Some of these chew toys are better than others. When browsing dog chew toys, look for safe materials like rubber with some give so it won’t break your dog’s teeth. Avoid ropes and cooked animal bones, materials Reed says can fall apart and become choking hazards. When in doubt, go with our favorite, the Kong Classic (fillers highly encouraged). If you need something super durable or geared toward senior dogs, keep reading for all of our dog chew toy recommendations.
The Top Chew Toys for Dogs at a Glance
Meet the Experts:
How We Chose the Best Chew Toys for Dogs
To choose the best chew toys for dogs, we considered all the criteria our helpful experts provided, including materials, size, durability and function. We also considered reviews from users and our own experiences with dogs. (This is why Kong is at the top of our list. We’ve never met a dog who didn’t like a Kong.) Some of the items on our list come from brands that work directly with vets to create chew toys that dogs love.
1. Kong Classic
Chewy
Honestly, the Kong pretty much does it all, which is probably why it’s been a best-seller since the 1970s. This toy is made from strong, all-natural rubber and comes in various sizes, depending on your dog’s needs. The goofy snowman shape makes playtime fun because the Kong toy bounces unpredictably. Plus, you can fill it with treats and give your dog’s brain a puzzle to solve. Dishwasher safe means easy cleaning for you. Many of Kong’s products, including the Classic Kong, state they are made in the USA with globally sourced materials. Carolyn Frias, a lead dog trainer at Doggo, says Kong is a go-to chew toy brand for canines, whether they need extra-strength durability or more give for aging teeth. According to Frias, Classic Kongs are “soft enough to not damage teeth, and are sturdy enough to withstand a good chewing.”
2. Leaps & Bounds Spiny Ring
Petco
According to Dr. Whitney Miller, director of veterinary medicine at Petco, this spiny ring supports healthy gums and is a great choice for dogs constantly on the prowl for a game of tug-of-war. (Whether you want to grab onto the other side of a spiky ring or not is totally up to you.) Due to its size, we love this toy for smaller breeds. The small size available is ideal for breeds between 10 and 20 pounds. One reviewer wrote, “This is such a great little chew toy for my chiwinie,” which we have to assume is a Chihuahua-Dachshund mix. “We were having [issues] with her wanting to chew various items, and this has been such a great distraction for her.”
3. Kong Extreme Goodie Bone
Chewy
In the market for something more intense for your large breed? The Kong Extreme Bone is made for hardcore chewing—and lots of it. Part of the brand’s extreme line, this bone is super durable and cleans teeth while your dog plays. You can add treats to most Kong products, and this is no exception. Stuff treats in each end to extend—and reward—playtime. We think the large version is ideal for big dogs. Definitely size up if you’re unsure, as you never want to risk your dog choking on a small toy. Unlike the traditional Kong shape, this bone is great for dogs who like to lay down and gnaw instead of chasing a roly-poly around the kitchen.
4. Goughnuts Virtually Indestructible Stick
Amazon
Goughnuts designs dog chew toys with the same rubber used by astronauts, so you know your pup is getting a lifelong product. If you have a heavy chewer who rips every toy apart, it’s time to try the Goughnuts Virtually Indestructible Stick. The company says although no chew toy is totally indestructible, they guess this’ll be the last one you’ll need. In fact, their largest size is advertised as “too big for most dogs.” Not to worry, they make sizes for all types of chewers, all manufactured with natural rubber. We love the safe toy feature on the smaller options: they have red cores, so you can tell if your pup is getting close to chomping it in half. Goughnuts says their products are vet-recommended (and Reed said this is a great brand, though supervision is always a good idea).
5. Nylabone Power Chew Dental Dinosaur
Chewy
While this dino won’t dispense treats, it does taste like chicken. It’s also covered in small, rounded nubs that massage gums and clean teeth as your dog chews (two things that are incredibly important to doggie health). Nylabone’s products are vet-recommended, so any chew toy from this brand will be a solid bet. They also have a puppy version of this dino, if you’re in the market. Audrey Fellows, a lead dog trainer at Doggo, recommends the Nylabone brand, in part because of its availability, but mostly because it gets the job done.
6. Beco Pet Rubber Bone
Amazon
Another rubber bone built to last, free of toxins and eco-friendly is the Beco Bone. This one is made from rice husk rubber (who knew?) and is vanilla scented. You can easily sneak treats into its center so your pup can earn small rewards, keeping him entertained and satiated. This price point is also hard to beat for an eco-friendly dog toy. Beco Pets also makes compostable poop bags and plush toys manufactured from recycled plastic. Some reviewers say they received Beco bones in the past that weren’t as durable, but they believe there was a “bad batch.” Bones since have stood up to tough chewing.
7. Kong Senior Dog Toy
Chewy
Kong’s Senior Dog Toy is designed to go easy on aging dog teeth and gums. Old dogs definitely need to continue their chewing habits, so Kong’s softer all-natural rubber toy is ideal for them. Again, we love that it comes in three sizes and you can still fill it with goodies. One reviewer noted their Boxer was able to gnaw a crack into this toy, which proves that it’s softer than other Kong toys (and should be a warning to pet parents to always observe your dog while they have a chew toy!).
8. West Paw Zogoflex Quizl Treat Dispenser
Amazon
The Zogoflex Quizl won the Best New Product award at the 2017 Global Pet Expo! This toy is made for tough chewers and comes in several sizes and three wild colors. The manufacturer, West Paw, makes eco-friendly dog toys (which is great for dogs who go through toys quickly) and is one of the founders of the Pet Sustainability Coalition, an organization dedicated to making the pet industry better for the planet, people and pets. Emily Carl, a lead dog trainer at Doggo, loves this brand and recommends it to dog parents. Anxious dogs will find it soothing to chew on this toy because they’ll be rewarded with treats. Simply fill it with your pup’s favorite treat and let them have at it during the day when you’re out or at night when there’s company over.
9. Natural Farm Power Bully Sticks
Chewy
Reed is a fan of all-natural chew toys (and treats) like these Bully Sticks from Natural Farm. Not only do these free range, grass-fed beef bully sticks provide lots of good protein (85 percent of each stick is protein), they clean your dog’s teeth and keep them occupied for a while. More than a treat, these are non-toxic, all-natural chew toys your dog will come to love. Definitely pay attention to which size you purchase. The 6-inch sticks are great for small and medium dogs, while the 12-inch sticks are ideal for larger breeds.
10. Starmark Chew Ball
Chewy
For rough chewers in need of a heavy duty treat dispenser, go for the StarMark Chew Ball. Available in three different sizes, this toy is dishwasher-safe and boasts its indestructibility right on the packaging. Use it at home, in the yard or even at the lake (it floats!). We’re not thrilled it’s made of plastic, but the manufacturer says this chew toy is free of latex, vinyl and phthalates, which we like. This ball also works as a solo playtime toy or an interactive one if you decide you want to play fetch.
11. Playology Dual Layer Bone
Petco
This bone activates your dog’s sense of smell as he chews. Scent options like chicken, beef and bacon last up to six months (even after washing). It’s meant to be treated roughly by dog jaws and is manufactured with animal-friendly materials. In fact, it meets ASTM (formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials) safety guidelines for kid’s toys and the CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) standards for toxins, including lead. It’s also dishwasher safe. Playology products are excellent choices for heavy chewers who may not need the extra calories from treats.
12. Preventive Vet Fetch Toy
Preventative Vet
Preventive Vet, a cohort of vets and animal specialists, developed the Best Fetch Toy. This sounds like a bold statement, but check it out because we’re convinced this is better than sliced bread. It floats (hello, dog beach), is light enough to throw but heavy enough to mimic a real stick, doesn’t splinter, is washable and is soft on teeth. Let your dog sit and chew or toss for interactive fun! Choose from three different sizes depending on your dog’s breed and three unique colors. (If you choose the XS size, you receive two for the price of one!) We are also big fans of the non-toxic materials that are free of nasty chemicals like lead and BPA. If your dog loves sticks but you’re worried about their gums, try this faux stick from Preventive Vet.
13. Outward Hound Fire Biterz Lizard Squeak Toy
Chewy
Plush toys and chewing typically end in some poor stuffed animal’s innards floating around your living room (alert: stuffing is a choking hazard and can lead to vomiting or intestinal blockage if your dog eats it). One alternative is this Outward Hound Fire Biterz squeak toy. Manufactured with the material used to make fire hoses (aka, durable stuff), this toy doesn’t even have stuffing. Even if your dog bites through the fabric, the lizard will keep squeaking. They also rinse easily in case your pup drags it through some mud. Though it’s not technically a chew toy, it’s a wonderful option for dogs who love plush toys but tend to destroy them.
14. Tartar Shield Soft Rawhide Chews
Amazon
Check in with your vet before buying rawhide, as it’s not for all dogs. Banfield Pet Hospital states you must buy high-quality rawhide and monitor your dog while he’s chewing it. Rawhide tends to crack and can get lodged in throats or stomachs. If you want to try some for your pup, try Tartar Shield’s chews (be sure to purchase the right size for your dog!). This brand has earned a seal of approval from the Veterinary Oral Health Council for tartar control, which is a huge plus. These chews will also freshen your dog’s breath and clean their teeth. The ingredients are simple and make these treats easy to digest by your pup.
15. Bully Max Indestructible Ball
Amazon
Instead of using tennis balls when you play fetch, try this indestructible ball from Bully Max. It is non-toxic and industrial strength, so chewing post fetch won’t result in pieces of tennis ball getting stuck in your dog’s throat. Bully Max uses eco-friendly natural rubber in their products and this ball is safe to toss in the dishwasher (so no worries if your pup is a heavy drooler). Though the manufacturer says this chew toy has “been tested with puppies, power chewers and large breed dogs,” we worry this ball is too small for super large jaws on dogs like Great Danes. Watch your dog closely the first time you try playing fetch with this ball to see how it measures up. The other drawback is the price. For a ball, $25 is pricey. But, considering this thing is virtually indestructible, it will definitely last longer than any tennis ball your dog gets a hold of.
16. Barkworthies Odor-free Bully Sticks
Barkworthies
If your dog likes to eat after chewing, it’s wise to give them something super strong or totally edible. These bully sticks are made from free-range, grass-fed beef with no artificial preservatives or additives, which means lots of protein and easy on the tummy. Plus, chewing them works on your pup’s gums and removes plaque. Bully sticks are good alternatives to rawhide because they are long lasting, don’t crack and can be safely digested. Again, be sure to choose the best size for your dog. One complaint some reviewers had was that these are not odor-free as stated in their name. However, many remarked on the high quality and said the sticks lasted a while with even the toughest chewers.
17. Kong Puppy Tire
Chewy
Puppies need specialized toys designed for their delicate puppy teeth. Not only can you modify this toy by smearing peanut butter inside its crevices, you can toss it in the freezer to cool it down before giving to your pup (the cold soothes gums while teething). Chew toys early on teach good habits. While this Kong Puppy Tire is a safe chew toy and durable enough to last into adulthood, make sure the size still works once your dog reaches adulthood. Kong advises using the puppy version of their toys until your dog is nine months old. At this stage, their adult teeth may prove too sharp for the puppy toys. As always, we love the price point Kong offers.
18. Bark Box Super Chewer Subscription
Bark Box
Got a chewer so super they go through chew toys on the reg? Time to subscribe to a program like Bark Box. The company’s Super Chewer plan delivers a box each month containing two tough toys and two full-sized bags of treats. Bark Box admits there’s no such thing as a 100 percent indestructible chew toy, but they work hard to provide canines with the most durable options around. Strong rubber and nylon go into these toys and safety is always Bark Box’s top priority. Also: the environment. They’ve partnered with the National Park Foundation and committed to giving at least $100,000 to the organization in support of national parks. You can customize the treats to meet your dog’s specific diet, too.
Fast Facts
What are the safest chew toys for dogs?
Unfortunately, many dog toys contain nasty toxins like arsenic, phthalates, lead, formaldehyde and more that can cause illness (womp womp). Preventive Vet says at this time, there’s no overarching committee monitoring pet product manufacturers, so there’s no one ensuring these toxins stay out of chew toys. The only way to know exactly what you’re tossing into your dog’s mouth is by checking the materials on the manufacturer’s website of each toy you buy.
All-natural rubber is the ideal material for dog chew toys because it’s tough, with a little give. “You want a good, sturdy chew toy that won’t splinter or fall apart, but that also won’t be so hard that your dog breaks teeth,” says Carl. This is why Kong toys are so popular and long-lasting. Fellows says harder chew toys made of nylon are also great options.
Some brands do use plastic, which isn’t ideal because they can contain chemicals like phthalates, so check to see if the manufacturer has taken steps to make that plastic super safe for your dog’s mouth. Look for phrases like “non-toxic” and “BPA-free.”
A Michigan-based organization called Ecology Center knows how hard it is to check every single dog chew toy. The org works hard to identify products containing harmful chemicals and let people know which chemicals could be hiding in plain sight. In one study, Ecology Center reported 48 percent of tennis balls tested “contained detectable levels of lead.” On top of that, tennis balls designed for pets were more likely to have lead in them than those found on the court at Wimbledon. Knowing this, it’s wise to look for balls made with rubber, without fabric or fibers coating the toy.
A solution that Reed offers is going with all-natural, edible chew toys. These are things like bully sticks made from grass-fed beef. Bully sticks improve your dog’s dental hygiene, keep them occupied and won’t harm them if they ingest them. Avoid cooked animal bones, as those can crack and wreak havoc on your dog’s mouth.
When in doubt, go with brands that are transparent about their product materials or ask your vet for specific recommendations.
Why does a dog constantly chew and destroy things?
Chewing on stuff is a dog’s way of exploring the world. It’s instinct! Reed says puppies especially need to chew on stuff to get them through teething and provide a little entertainment. “If a dog is anxious or nervous, having a chew toy is a great way to give them the opportunity to release some anxiety, and self-sooth,” Reed adds.
As Fellows puts it, “Chewing is part of what it means to be a dog.”
What material is best for aggressive chewers?
Carolyn Frias, a lead dog trainer at Doggo, says she’s had the best luck with the “red and black colored rubber Kong toys.” She’s referring to Kong’s classic and extreme lines. These are made with durable rubber that will stand the test of time. Nylon is another durable material that can withstand aggressive chewing.
Aggressive chewers shouldn’t be given much else. Rope, plastic, plush - all of those will be gone in seconds.
What to Consider When Looking for Chew Toys for Dogs
Don’t get overwhelmed when choosing a safe chew toy for your dog! Stick to this handy list and you’ll make your pup very happy.
Pro tip: Once you find a brand that meets these guidelines, explore it to see what else they offer.
Reed reminds dog parents that it’s never a good idea to leave your dog with a chew toy unattended. “And, if your dog has started to tear pieces off, or the toy has become smaller in size, always remove it,” she says.
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