2023-07-10
Finding the perfect dog toy can be a challenge, especially since there are so many options out there. To help, we collect some points for you to consider before buying a chew toys for dog.
Sizes
The right size chew will depend on your individual dog. In general, you want your dog's toys to be small enough that they can pick them up and enjoy playing with them — but large enough that they aren’t able to swallow them (either by accident or on purpose).
Powerful chewers can break larger toys into smaller parts, which is why it's important to consider the material as well . More on that next!
Materials
▶ If you’re going to give your dog an edible chew — something like a bully stick or treat designed to be completely consumed — look for natural, single-ingredient options as much as possible. Avoid rawhides or heavily processed chews with lots of additives. As a bonus, these natural chews can often help clean your dog's teeth alongside your regular brushing routine!
▶ If you’re looking for an inedible chewing dog toy, a range of materials work for different dogs. Still look for natural varieties and aim for durable, sturdy materials that won’t fracture or break easily (read: avoid simple plastic objects or soft, flimsy fabric that sharp teeth can easily puncture). Durable rubber, nylon, thick rope, and more can be good ideas depending on your pup.
▶ Squeakers can be a bonus or a challenge for some dogs. Many pets find the high-pitched squeaks incredibly fun — but some dogs become extra fixated on toys that have squeakers inside, making them more likely to rip the product apart.
Shapes
The shape of your dog’s chews toys can affect not only their interest and excitement about them, but also their risks of swallowing them whole or breaking pieces off.
Ring-shaped durable dog toys are a common option for intense chewers, since it’s harder for dogs to tear off small parts. Depending on the sizes, many of them are also great for games of tug!
Bone- and stick-shaped tough chew toys are popular because many dogs enjoy that particular shape and are able to “hold” it between their paws. There's more wiggle room for different sizes due to the shape.
Balls are a great choice for fetch, but it’s important to be extra thoughtful about how small or large they are. Many dogs accidentally swallow too-little options while playing fetch, especially as they get slobbery (and slippery). Some aggressive chewers also enjoy nibbling on ball toys on their own.
Frisbees are also a good fetch option and, depending on material, can be a great choice for dogs who love to chew and consume their toys since they’re usually too large to entirely fit in a dog’s mouth.
Another note: A lot of chew toys claim to be "indestructible," which is really misleading. No chew toy is truly indestructible, so you should always take special care to remove the toy from the lineup if pieces start to break off. Ingesting chew toy pieces is a hazard for all dogs, and you should generally supervise them during playtime to circumvent a possible choking risk or future digestive issues.
