14 Best Dog Chew Toys for Dental Health in 2024

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happy labradoodle playing with a chew toy

All dogs love to chew so it is im-paw-tant for them to have something safe to chew on. Because they will find something else if you do not give them something. Like your shoes. It is not too difficult to understand why dogs have to chew. That is what they were made to do as canines and it is how they “see” and “feel” the world around them.

No matter whether you have a big giant St. Bernard or a little bitty Chihuahua, they have to chew so why not find them a safe dog chew toys to “chews” from instead of your personal belongings. 

Chewing is not only normal for dogs, it is also healthy. It keeps their teeth clean and gives them mental and physical exercise. 

After evaluating more than 50 dog chew toys, we chose the KONG Extreme Dog Toy as our favorite because it is made with a special kind of rubber that the KONG company invented and patented that is way more durable than any other rubber out there. 

More so, the KONG is excellent for even the most ruff chewers and can stand up to a lot of paw-sitively exciting fun and games. It bounces like crazy, you can fill it with treats and you can let them play with it when you are not around.

They also make the KONG for puppies and older dogs as well as the classic chewers. But the other toys on this list are great too so “chews” the one that is right for your fur baby.

But I understand you might have different needs, whether you’re looking for a chew toy for teething or a durable toy for your giant breed. That is why I prepared a shortlist of our favorite chew toys that address different styles & needs. 

Before we dive into the reviews below, we are going to talk about dogs chewing behavior, why it’s important that you’ll give your puppy a teething toy, and how chew toys can help your doggie with some behavioral problems

In addition, we’ll guide you on what criteria you should use to make the best selection for your needs, and answer some common questions from dog parents

So let’s get started.

A Few Words About Normal Dogs Chewing Behavior 

Jack Russell terrier is playing with a yellow chew toy

There is no real “normal” dog chewing behavior because all dogs are individual and nothing is really normal or abnormal when it comes to your fur baby. All dogs chew on bones and other items since it is part of their nature.

They chew for fun most of the time and it keeps them busy. However, there are abnormal types of chewing that you should watch for that include destructive chewing caused by teething, separation anxiety, boredom, and stress or frustration. 

Puppies start teething around 12 to 16 weeks of age and typically continue until they are about six months old. Just like with human babies, this is a painful time for your pup so they will usually chew on anything they can find to ease the pain. This is when you need to provide your pooch with the best puppy chew toys you can find. 

If your dog is over six months old and is still tearing everything up he can find, he may have been suffering from separation anxiety if you are gone a lot or it could be boredom. 

Other dogs chew because they are stressed out about something. Make sure you are providing your pup with enough attention and exercise to keep him physically and mentally satisfied. And if you have to leave your pup alone for a long time, think about getting someone to come over and see him or take him for a walk. 

Why Do Puppies Need Teething Toys?

puppy with his teething chew toy

As you know, puppies start teething around four months old and this is when you will notice that they are chewing on things more often. So, it is time to find your fur baby the best chew toys you can to keep your little one from chewing on the furniture or anything else he can find.

It is im-paw-tant to make sure you get chew toys that are right for your dog’s age and size though. 

Always read the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings before purchasing any dog toy. 

Certain breeds need different types of chew toys because of their mouth and jaw structure. 

Large dog breeds will always need larger toys so they do not choke on the toys you give him. But they should be right for his size and age too. 

Those teething toys that you can put in the freezer are paw-fect for teethers because they ease the pain of teething. 

How Chew Toys Can Help Your Dog Be More Healthy & Happy

Shiba Uno is playing with her red bone shaped chew toy

You know your fur baby is happy to get new (or old) chew toys, but did you know that these toys can also help keep your pooch healthy too? From mental health to dental health, what you give your dog to chew on is im-paw-tant. Because your dog is going to chew anyway, make sure he has the right things to chew on that are safe and can promote good health. 

Relieves Some of that Stress: Your pooch can get stressed out just like we can. They may be stressing over that annoying squirrel that keeps teasing them or it could be that your pup is stressed because he is sick of the neighbor’s dog barking. 

Promotes Good Dental Health: Chewing is almost as good as brushing your dog’s teeth if he has the right kind of chew toys. Those toys with nubs or other ruff surfaces can help get rid of plaque, which can cause tartar. Eventually, plaque and tartar will turn into dental disease if you do not get rid of it. 

Helps Pups with Teething: From 12 weeks to six months old, your fur baby may be feeling the pain of new teeth coming in. Providing your dog with chew toys specially made for puppies will help ease that pain. Those toys you can put in the freezer are especially good for teething pups. 

Keeps Your Pooch Busy: You have probably heard that a bored dog is a dog looking for trouble to get into, and this is typically the case. Dogs have to be provided with good things to do to keep them from doing those bad things like chewing up the carpet or furniture or barking incessantly at the slightest sound. Chewing on a fun chew toy will keep any pooch busy for a while. 

Mental Stimulation is Im-Paw-tant: All dogs need mental stimulation as well as physical stimulation. Just like people, they need to keep their brain sharp with mental exercise, and chewing on a chew toy is paw-fect for that. 

Prevents Destructive Chewing Habits: Since your dog is going to chew anyway, it is best to provide him with something safe to chew on. But make sure it is something he enjoys chewing on or he will just go back to chewing on something he is not supposed to. 

Eases Some of That Separation Anxiety: Lots of dogs get separation anxiety if their pet parents are gone from the house for more than an hour or two. But since we cannot stay home 24/7/365, finding a durable and fun chew toy for your little fur buddy is the best way to keep him from worrying about whether you will come back. 

Gets Rid of Doggy Breath: Puppy breath is usually amazing and we all enjoy it for those first few months. But after a while, your dog’s breath can start to smell bad from plaque and tartar buildup or just from eating all that yucky smelling food. Try a good dental chew toy for your pooch and his breath should freshen up soon. If not, see your veterinarian because this could be a sign of a medical problem that needs to be addressed. 

Our Opinion On Rawhide Chews

While some experts say rawhide is fine for your fur baby, others disagree. We do not approve of rawhide for several reasons.

Rawhide bones are made to last a long time and to break down into soft, small pieces over time that your pup can swallow. But if your dog is a shredder or a heavy chewer, they can break off larger and harder pieces of the rawhide that can be dangerous. Your dog can choke on these pieces or, if he manages to swallow them, they can cause intestinal blockages. 

Some of the better choices for your chewer are hard, natural rubber toys that will stand up to your pup’s chewing habits. 

Other toys that may work well are Distraction toys that you two can play with together like a busy box or treat dispenser. Comfort toys like blankets, old clothing, and stuffies are fine if you are nearby. And you should always check your dog’s toys regularly to make sure they are not becoming dangerous from wear and tear.

9 Rules Of Thumb When Buying a Chew Toy

Collie is holding a Kong in his mouth

Finding the right chew toy for your dog is not rocket science but you do have to consider some things before choosing one. For example, you need to know whether your dog is a shredder or a gentle nibbler. And you have to consider the safety of the toy and the material it is made of. Always check the label for the directions so you know whether the toy is a good fit for you and your pooch. Here are some things to look for. 

  • What type of chewer is your dog? Shredder: Is your dog a shredder? Does he tear them apart in hours? Inhaler: Do his toys just seem to disappear after a day or two? You do not know where they go but they are gone in days, sometimes even hours. Gentle Chewer: These pups like to savor their toys and keep them for a while. They will make anything last for a long time.
  • Safety: Be sure that the toy is not on any recall list, first of all. You can do this by Googling it. Then check the reviews. Read the bad ones first. They are usually the most honest. You can also look for toys recommended by veterinarians. Better yet, ask your vet for a chew toy he recommends. 
  • Material: The best kind of chew toy is made of durable natural rubber, nylon, or firehose material. Be sure the toy does not contain any kind of toxic or dangerous materials like Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), lead, chromium, formaldehyde, cadmium, or bromine. 
  • Durability: If the toy is durable, it will usually say so on the package. The most durable toys are the ones made of rubber, nylon, or firehose material. You can also check our recommendations below. 
  • Your Dog’s Age: There are certain chew toys made for puppies that are softer so they will not damage new teeth but are hard enough to prevent shredding. Chew toys for older dogs are usually soft as well  to prevent tooth damage with nubs to help with tartar. 
  • Washability: Not only does it make it easier to be able to throw your dog’s toys in the washer or dishwasher, it is also safer. The high temperature of the washing machine or dishwasher can kill germs and get rid of small particles you may not see.
    Entertainment: Obviously, you want your dog to like whatever toys you give him. It would make no sense to buy him a toy that he is not going to play with. Unfortunately, you cannot try before you buy, but many toy manufacturers do offer satisfaction guarantees so if your dog does not like their toy, you can send it back.
    Warranty: Speaking of guarantees, if the manufacturer stands behind their product, it is likely a good choice. When a company provides a guarantee, you know they are reputable and will back up their toys if you need them to.
  • Made In The USA: The United States has strict guidelines to follow for dog toys that many other countries do not have to follow. This is not to say that all toys that are not made in the US are bad. It just means that those in the US are more reliable. 

Our 2024 Review For 15 Best Dog Chew Toys

adorable dog is posing with his blue Kong

After reviewing more than 50 dog chew toys using our aforementioned criteria, we chose 14 that we think are the best & safest for your dog. We also went ahead and rated them as what we feel are the best in each specific category listed below. 

KONG Extreme Dog Toy

  • Material: Rubber
  • Safety Level: 5
  • Floats: No
  • Guarantee: Yes, for 60 days
  • Puppies Friendly: No
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: Yes
  • Bounces: Yes
  • Made in the USA: Yes
  • Best for: Our top pick overall / safest chew toy and for heavy chewers 

For the extreme chewer, this is the tuff-est toy for the ruff-est pups. KONG toys are made to last and the company stands behind every one of them so you can trust that your dog is safe with the KONG extreme chew toy. This is the most durable rubber you can get and the company has a patent on it so it is even safe for your pooch to chew while you are not home. 

The awesome snowman shape gives it that crazy and erratic bounciness that your pup loves to chase. You will love watching him chase it around the yard or house. You can even put canned food, treats, and soft foods like peanut butter or cheese inside it for more fun. Fill it up and toss it in the freezer for a few hours and then let your dog chew and lick it all day long trying to get every last lick. 

The KONG comes in five sizes so it is good for all breeds. The small is for dogs up to 20 pounds, the medium is for dogs 15 to 35 pounds, large is good for dogs 30 to 65 pounds, x-large is for dogs 60 to 90 pounds, and the xx-large is for giant dogs 85 pounds and up. 

What We Like:

  • Even stands up to the shredder
  • Fill it with food and leave him with it while you go to work
  • Easy to clean in the dishwasher

What Dogs Love about it?

  • The crazy bounce makes it fun to chase
  • The smaller hole means they can stay busy all-day

What We Don’t like:

  • Some dogs with large tongues may have trouble getting all the food out

Nylabone Teething Pacifier Puppy Chew Toy

  • Material: Nylon
  • Safety Level: 4
  • Floats: Yes
  • Guarantee: Yes, for 30 days
  • Puppies Friendly: Yes
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: No
  • Bounces: Yes
  • Made in the USA: Yes
  • Best for: teething puppies

This adorable puppy toy is so cute, you will want to get a bunch of pictures of your best fur-iend chewing on it for Instagram. The rubber is soft just for puppies and it is bacon flavored so of course your puppy will love it

Put the chew toy in the freezer for a few hours to make it extra good at helping ease your puppy’s teething pain. The fun shapes and colors give your dog even more of an incentive to play with it. 

It is only designed for puppies up to 25 pounds so do not give it to dogs or larger puppies. Don’t let your puppy chew on this by himself. Although it is for puppies, they do have sharp little teeth that may be able to get small pieces off the toy, which can be a choking hazard. 

What We Like: 

  • The nubs clean your puppy’s teeth and help massage his gums
  • You can get some amazing puppy pics for Instagram

What Dogs Love about it?

  • The bacon flavor is yummy
  • It bounces and makes noise when he shakes it

What We Don’t like:

  • It can come apart if your dog chews on it too much
  • It is not for larger breed puppies

West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Tough Dog Chew Toy

  • Material: Zogoflex rubber
  • Safety Level: 3
  • Floats: Yes
  • Guarantee: Yes, for 30 days
  • Puppies Friendly: Yes
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: No
  • Bounces: Yes
  • Made in the USA: Yes
  • Best for: toy breeds

Although this stick is supposed to be for extreme chewers, some pet owners claim that their dog chewed through it in hours. However, others say that it has lasted months or even years. It comes in three sizes too. The mini is 4.5 inches long, the small is six inches long, and the large is 8.25 inches long. 

It also comes in three colors: orange, green, and blue. But your pup probably will not care what color it is because it is so much fun to chase around and it even floats so you can toss it out in the water too. 

The stick is also good for playing tug-of-war and it stretches without stretching out of shape. This toy is really a good choice for any dog as long as you get the right size and keep an eye on it. 

What We Like: 

  • The durability is good
  • Bright colors make it easy to see 

What Dogs Love about it?

  • You can play fetch in the water
  • It bounces erratically

What We Don’t like:

  • It costs more than most chew toys

Nylabone DuraChew Triple Pack Dog Chew Toy

  • Material: Nylon
  • Safety Level: 4
  • Floats: No
  • Guarantee: Yes, for 30 days
  • Puppies Friendly: Yes
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: Yes
  • Bounces: Yes
  • Made in the USA: Yes
  • Best for: Small Dogs

This three-pack of nylon bones is great for those with more than one dog in the house or a picky dog who always wants variety. Each bone is a different flavor. The blue is bacon, white is chicken, and white is allergen-free peanut butter. Also, the blue one has nubs to help with dental issues.

This is also the best deal money-wise since you get all three bones for one really low price. In fact, these three bones are cheaper than some of the single chew toys on the list. You cannot beat this value because you can give your dog a new bone every few days so they do not get worn out as quickly. 

They are made for extreme chewers too so you can feel good about letting him chew while you are busy making dinner or watching television. Just check the toys daily to make sure they are not getting worn out. 

What We Like: 

  • They are vet recommended
  • They clean your dog’s teeth
  • It is a great value

What Dogs Love about it?

  • The bones taste great and bounce too
  • The nubs massage gums for teething dogs

What We Don’t like:

  • You will have to check the bones often because they wear out over time

West Paw Zogoflex Dog Chew Toy

  • Material: Zogoflex rubber
  • Safety Level: 3
  • Floats: Yes
  • Guarantee: Yes, for 30 days
  • Puppies Friendly: Yes
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: No
  • Bounces: Yes
  • Made in the USA: Yes
  • Best for: chew toy for medium dogs 

You can hide a large dog biscuit or treat in the middle of the Tux and your pooch will go at it for hours. Or, if your dog is too smart for that, fill it with peanut butter or squeeze cheese and put it in the freezer. It will take your dog all day to get all the licks out of the middle.

Although your dog can play with it independently, you should watch him with it because it is not really made to be a chew toy per se. The durability has been questioned in some reviews so keep an eye on your pup anyway. 

If your dog loves the water, this is a great toy for that because it floats really well. Toss it in the water and watch your pup go get it over and over again. You do not even have to put treats inside for this kind of fun. And it is safe to put on the top rack of the dishwasher so it is simple to clean. 

What We Like:

  • You can get it in blue, green, or orange
  • Get it in large or small depending on your pup’s size
  • Dishwasher safe

What Dogs Love about it?

  • He can play with it in the water
  • It bounces back
  • The treats inside are a bonus

What We Don’t like:

  • It is very expensive for a simple treat toy
  • Shredders can tear it up

Nylabone DuraChew Textured Ring 

  • Material: Nylon
  • Safety Level: 5
  • Floats: No
  • Guarantee: Yes
  • Puppies Friendly: Yes
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: Yes
  • Bounces: Yes
  • Made in the USA: Yes
  • Best for: Chew toy for Large Dogs

The Nylabone company has been making pet products for many years and they are a trusted brand that stands behind all of its products. This chicken-flavored ring is made from durable nylon that is tough enough for even the shredders

The textured design is good for dental health and feels good on your pup’s gums as well. Veterinarians recommend this toy so you can feel safe giving it to your fur buddy. The ring comes in seven sizes for puppies to x-large dogs. 

The puppy size is for puppies only, xx-small is for dogs up to 8 pounds, x-small is for dogs from 9 to 15 pounds, small is for dogs 15 to 25 pounds, the medium is for dogs from 25 to 35 pounds, large is for dogs from 35 to 50 pounds, and the x-large is for dogs over 50 pounds.

What We Like: 

  • The textured material gets rid of doggy breath and helps dental health
  • It is made for heavy chewers
  • The different sizes mean you can make all your pups happy

What Dogs Love about it?

  • The chicken flavor makes them love to chew on it
  • The nubs and ridges give it extra appeal

What We Don’t like:

  • The toy can get slimy and slobbery
  • It can stain furniture or carpeting

GoughNuts Ring Dog Toy 

  • Material: Natural rubber
  • Safety Level:
  • Floats: Yes
  • Warranty: Yes, if your dog chews down to the red ring, they will send you a new one
  • Puppies Friendly: Yes
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: No
  • Bounces: Yes
  • Made in the USA: Yes
  • Best for: chew toy for giant dogs

The Goughnut is made with very tuff natural rubber so you can let your dog chew away on it without worry. The Maxx size and type is made for giant breed dogs that are extreme chewers or shredders with strength in mind. That being said, you still have to supervise your dog somewhat when he is chewing on something, especially the shredders. 

The GoughNut has a red inner ring to let you know when it is time to replace the chew toy because once they get down to that, it is not safe anymore. The company will send you a new one for free. Just send the old one back to them and you will get a new one in return, no questions asked.

There are three sizes that correlate with the color and strength of the ring. The black Maxx GoughNut is for pups over 65 pounds, the orange is for dogs from 30 to 65 pounds, and the green is for dogs up to 40 pounds. 

What We Like:

  • The toy is approved by vets
  • The red inner core is a nice safety feature
  • The guarantee is pawesome

What Do Dogs Love about it?

  • It bounces all over the place
  • He can play with it in the water
  • It is fun to chew on

What We Don’t like:

  • The price is high
  • Some dogs may be able to chew it up quickly

KONG Classic Dog Toy

  • Material: Rubber
  • Safety Level: 5
  • Floats: No
  • Guarantee: Yes for up to 60 days
  • Puppies Friendly: No
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: Yes
  • Bounces: Yes
  • Made in the USA: Yes
  • Best for: treat-dispensing chew toy for soft chewers

KONG is one of the leading dog toy companies and has been making dog’s favorite toys since 1970. The KONG classic chew toy is one of the originals that is made for dogs that are normal chewers, not for shredders or inhalers. This one is also not for puppies or aging dogs, since they have special rubber toys for them. 

The classic KONG is great for stuffing with EZ cheese or peanut butter and treats to keep your pooch licking at it all day long trying to get to the last bit of ooey-gooey goodness that they can just barely reach. Put it in the freezer for a few hours to make the fun last even longer.

Your dog will love how it bounces because you never know which way it will go. He can fulfill his chasing and hunting behaviors by chasing the toy all over the place as it seems to try to “get away” from him. 

What We Like: 

  • The KONG name is known for reliability and standing behind their products
  • You can easily stuff it with food and treats
  • They are durable for average chewers so you can let him chew on it all day

What Dogs Love about it?

  • The crazy bouncing is great for hunting and chasing
  • They can spend all day licking the yummy stuff out of it

What We Don’t like:

  • It is not good for extreme chewers, puppies, or older dogs
  • It does not float

Nylabone DuraChew Dental Chew 

  • Material: Nylon
  • Safety Level: 5
  • Floats: Yes
  • Guarantee: Yes, for 30 days
  • Puppies Friendly: Yes
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: Yes
  • Bounces: Yes
  • Made in the USA: Yes
  • Best for: Dental Chew

Another chicken-flavored chew toy because dogs love chicken. And this one has nubs on it to make it even more exciting for your pooch while it helps relieve teething pain. Put it in the freezer for a little while and it will really help your pup.

The nubs are also great for cleaning teeth so that nasty plaque and tartar does not build up and cause bad breath or gum disease. It comes in a variety of dino shapes so you do not really know which one you get, but your pooch will not care as long as it tastes and feels good. 

The dino comes in six sizes from puppy to x-large. The puppy size if for puppies only because they are soft and small, the x-small is for dogs up to 15 pounds, small is for dogs between 15 and 25 pounds, the medium is for dogs between 25 and 35 pounds, large is for dogs between 35 and 50 pounds, and the x-large is for dogs between 50 and 75 pounds. 

What We Like: 

  • Helps keep your dog’s teeth clean
  • Floats so you can play in water
  • The least expensive toy on the list so you can get several

What Dogs Love about it?

  • The taste is great
  • It feels good on their gums

What We Don’t like:

  • It may not be good for dogs over 75 pounds

Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Diamond Plate Ball

  • Material: Rubber
  • Safety Level: 5
  • Floats: Yes
  • Guarantee: Yes for a lifetime
  • Puppies Friendly: Yes
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: Yes
  • Bounces: Yes
  • Made in the USA: Yes
  • Best for: Safest Chew Ball

This ball is a dog favorite and it should make you happy too because it is rated 5 out of 5 as far as chewability goes. Your pup can chomp on it all he likes and he should not be able to break into it at all. And it bounces like crazy so your dog can play catch by himself.

Just make sure you get the size right for your pooch. The 3-inch ball is fur-fect for dogs up to 30 pounds while the large four-inch ball is good for most other dogs. Although if you have a giant breed like a Great Dane or Mastiff, you want to ask your veterinarian. 

It is made with TPE rubber that is completely free of BPA, phthalates, and lead so you don’t have to worry about that. But your dog won’t care about that as long as he can have fun with it.

What We Like: 

  • It is made from safe materials
  • The ball is tuff enough for any type of chewer

What Dogs Love about it?

  • He can play fetch by himself
  • The chewiness is great

What We Don’t like:

  • It may not be safe for giant breeds

Benebone Rotisserie Tough Dog Chew Toy 

  • Material: Nylon and chicken flavor
  • Safety Level: 4
  • Floats: No
  • Guarantee: Yes satisfaction guaranteed
  • Puppies Friendly: No
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: No
  • Bounces: Yes
  • Made in the USA: Yes
  • Best for: Nylon chew toy

With the fun curved shape, your pooch will have no trouble picking up this Wishbone and tossing it around. And with the infused chicken flavor, your pup will be in dog heaven. What is better than a chew toy that tastes like chicken? One that has a happiness guarantee so if your dog does not like the flavor, you can return it and get a different one. 

It comes in three sizes. The small is 5.3 inches for dogs under 30 pounds, the medium is 7.0 inches for dogs between 30 and 60 pounds, and the large is 8.3 inches for dogs 60 to 90 pounds. It is not recommended for huge dogs that are over 90 pounds. 

Although the Wishbone is made for all kinds of chewers, you should check it daily for wear and tear. Small pieces the size of rice are okay, but if your dog is getting large chunks off it, you need to get a different one. And with the happiness guarantee, you can get your money back if your dog is not happy with it.

What We Like: 

  • It is inexpensive
  • The satisfaction guarantee is for life

What Dogs Love about it?

  • Chicken flavor is better than just chewing on rubber
  • It bounces like crazy
  • It is easy to pick up

What We Don’t like:

  • It is too hard for older dogs and puppies
  • You cannot give it to dogs over 90 pounds

Mammoth Cottonblend 3 Knot Dog Rope Toy

  • Material: 100% natural cotton
  • Safety Level: 3
  • Floats: No
  • Guarantee: Yes, for 30 days
  • Puppies Friendly: Yes
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: No
  • Bounces: No
  • Made in the USA: No, it is made in Mexico
  • Best for: rope chew toy

Rope toys are a blast and your pooch will love playing tug-of-war with you and his other dog buddies. This rope has three knots so you can both get a good hold of it while you play. It is a great bonding game for you and your pup too. 

Your dog will also love playing with it on his own. Watch him toss it, shake it, and throw it in the dirt. They just love rope toys for some reason. And the floss in the cotton helps floss your dog’s teeth so it is like a trip to the dentist but fun.

It comes in five sizes for all dogs. The mini is 10 inches for pups up to 15 pounds, small is 15 inches for dogs up to 30 pounds, the medium is 20 inches for dogs up to 50 pounds, large is 25 inches for dogs up to 80 pounds and the x-large is 36 inches for those huge dogs over 80 pounds.

What We Like: 

  • All ages and breeds can play
  • Toss it in the microwave to sanitize it

What Dogs Love about it?

  • He can play tug-of-war with you or with his fur-iends
  • The knots make it easy to hang onto

What We Don’t like:

  • After a while, the fibers can start to come off

Starmark Everlasting Treat Wheeler Dog Chew Toy

  • Material: Rubber, Rice Flour, Vegetable Glycerin, Corn Starch, Water
  • Safety Level: 5
  • Floats: No
  • Guarantee: Yes
  • Puppies Friendly: Yes
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: Yes
  • Bounces: Yes
  • Made in the USA: Yes
  • Best for: treat-dispensing toy for heavy chewers

This toy comes with built-in treats! The wheel is filled with a dental treat in the middle of it that dogs love to lick and it will last a long time before you have to replace it. But they have treat replacements in different flavors so you do not have to buy the whole toy again, just replacement treats.

Or you can fill it with your own treat mix, shove soft treats in the grooves of the wheel, and dip it in powdered or wet dog food. Either way, your pooch will love it. Leave it in the freezer for a few hours to make it last even longer. 

Comes in different sizes. The small is for dogs under 15 pounds, medium for dogs 15 to 40 pounds, and large for dogs over 40 pounds. The treat ball system will help reduce separation anxiety and provide hours of fun and entertainment. Or you can toss it in the yard for him to chase for a nice bonding session. 

What We Like: 

  • Replaceable treats in different flavors
  • It is free of latex, vinyl, and phthalates
  • Dishwasher safe

What Dogs Love about it?

  • It bounces and rolls for fun chase games
  • There are different flavors

What We Don’t like:

  • It can be very messy so it is a good outside toy

Busy Buddy Bouncy Bone Treat Dispenser Chew Toy

  • Material: Nylon
  • Safety Level: 3
  • Floats: No
  • Guarantee: Yes for 30 days
  • Puppies Friendly: Yes
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: No
  • Bounces: Yes
  • Made in the USA: Yes
  • Best for: bounce chew toy

For even more variety, this toy is a bone, a ball, and a treat toy in one. Take off the bone ends and slide treat rings on, then put the bone ends back on and toss it to your fur baby. He will be so happy he won’t know what to do first, bounce it, chew on it, or eat the treats. 

You can also remove the ends to make it just a bouncy ball so you and your dog can play fetch. This is a wonderful way to bond with your best fur-iend. And it comes in four sizes, small for dogs under 10 pounds, medium for dogs 10 to 50 pounds, large for dogs 50 to 90 pounds, and x-large for dogs over 75 pounds. 

You do have to watch your dog when he is playing with this toy because the treat rings can come off in pieces that may not be easy for your dog to chew on. The treat rings come in different sizes but they all have the tendency to break apart so you cannot leave him unsupervised. 

What We Like: 

  • The different sizes are great for all dogs
  • It is like three toys in one 

What Dogs Love about it?

  • It bounces like crazy
  • Playing ball with your human is fun

What We Don’t like:

  • The treat rings may be dangerous if you do not watch your dog carefully

Common Questions from Dog Parents

2 Border Collies are playing tug with their blue wheel chew toy

Should you give dogs chew toys?

Yes, all dogs need to chew so it is best to give them something that you know is safe for them to chew on. Something besides your shoes or furniture. Chewing on toys help keep your pup’s teeth clean and massage his gums for better dental health. It also relieves anxiety and boredom. 

What are dog chew toys made of?

Most dog chew toys are made of rubber, nylon, or firehose material. Although there are some that are made of plastic or, with rope toys, cotton. 

Are chew toys good for dogs’ teeth?

Yes, dogs need to chew on something to keep their teeth clean. Many of the dog chew toys are made with nubs or ridges that help remove plaque and tartar. This prevents dental disease and freshens your dog’s breath too. 

What is the safest chew toy for dogs?

After reviewing 30 dog chew toys, we found that the KONG Extreme Dog Toy is safest because it is made of a special patented rubber that even the ruff-est chewers will find difficult to chew through. 

What can I give my dog instead of rawhide?

Some of the best alternatives to rawhide include antlers, bully sticks, vegetables like carrots, and salmon skin bones. These are bones made of real salmon skin. Dogs love them and they are good for their coat and skin.

What do vets recommend for dog chews?

Veterinarians recommend chew toys that are from a safe and strong material such as rubber, nylon, or firehose material. The KONG Extreme Toy, GoughNuts Ring Toys, and Zogoflex toys are a few of the ones recommended by vets. 

The Final Woof

Pitbull is chewing his orange ring chew toy

The absolute best chew toy in this pile of toys is the KONG Extreme Dog Toy. It is made with a special kind of rubber that the KONG company invented and patented that is way more durable than any other rubber out there. And KONG has been making chew toys for over 50 years so they know what they are doing when it comes to making the best dog chew toys. 

The KONG is excellent for even the most ruff chewers and can stand up to a lot of paw-sitively exciting fun and games. It bounces like crazy, you can fill it with treats or food, and you can let them play with it when you are not around so they do not get bored or have separation anxiety.

They also make the KONG for puppies and older dogs as well as the classic chewers. But the other toys on this list are great too so “chews” the one that is right for your fur baby.

Photo of author
Patty Oelze is a freelance writer who is also in the process of getting her PhD in Psychology. She has been writing about dogs and other critters for about 10 years and has a plethora of animals at her home including several cats, some chipmunks, a dozen raccoons, two foxes, one coyote, and herds of deer. She and her husband have been living in the Missouri Ozarks for years where she enjoys taking care of wildlife, fishing, photography, boating, and of course, writing.

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