The Best Chew Toys for Dogs Reviewed

Written by Rick Allen

Dogs chew – it’s just part of their nature. Whether they are teething, nervous, trying to play tug, or just keeping themselves occupied in their dog room, dogs love chewing. As a pet owner, you know that you have the choice between providing your dog with a good chew toy or letting him or her continue chewing on your favorite possessions. Fortunately, we’re here to help you by not only taking a look at some of the best dog chew toys on the market today, but also by helping you find the best place to buy them.

Best Chew Toys For Dogs of 2021

There are a lot of great chew toys out there, but some are definitely better than the rest. If you’re looking for a toy that’s going to allow your dog to keep chewing to his or her heart’s content without falling apart, the chew toys discussed below are some of the best options you’ll come by.

Nylabone DuraChew Textured Ring Flavor Medley Dog Chew Toy

Every dog owner is a little bit different when it comes to the things on which their dogs chew. Some dog owners want a rubber chew toy that will help them stay calm, while others want a treat that’s going to keep them occupied in their dog crate or dog bed as they continue chewing to their heart’s content. Some of the best dog chew toys, though, are those treats that combine the durability of a toy with the flavor of a treat like this fantastic product from Nylabone.

For some, the real selling factor on this dog’s toy is the amount of fun that your dog will get as they are chewing on it. Because it is made with a number of different ridges and textures, the average dog isn’t going to get as bored with it quite as quickly as he or she would with a typical dog chew. Even those dogs who are experienced chewers will fall in love with this chew toy because it gives them the kind of oral stimulation that’s hard to find in so many other similar chew toys. With its size and shape, it’s the kind of toy that your dog will really enjoy, and that’s why we’ve chosen the Nylabone DuraChew Textured Ring as the best dog chew toy on our list.

One thing that dog owners love, though, is the fact that this toy is so incredibly durable. Comparable to a kong in many aspects, this is the exact kind of toy that you’ll want if you have an aggressive chewer in the house. It’s perfectly safe for dogs of all sizes, but it’s really best for those bigger growing dogs who tend to get a little rougher with their favorite chews. If your goal is to find a durable chewing toy that’s going to be as exciting as a treat but as tough as rubber, this is definitely going to be the best option you come across.

Petstages Dogwood Tough Dog Chew Toy

Dogs and sticks seem to go together naturally. If you’ve ever taken your dog out to play, you know how quickly he or she will gravitate to a thrown stick. Unfortunately, the things pets find outside are not always the best things for them to be playing with. Fortunately, Petstages has made this fantastic tough dog chew toy that is just as fun for your dog as the real thing.

The first thing that you’ll notice from this toy is its shape. Made to look like a cartoon-ish stick, it’s actually the perfect shape to throw your dog or play tug. It fits in the mouths of most dogs with ease, but it’s light enough that you can throw it a fair distance without hurting your own arm. This fantastic toy even floats in water, so it’s one of the best dog toy choices for those dog owners who love to spend the day on the beach with their favorite four-legged friends. While this toy might be simple, it’s a real hit with most dogs who love to play outside.

Despite the simple design, this doesn’t mean that it is easy to break. In fact, this durable toy stick is made to stand up even to those dogs who get a little aggressive when they chew. It’s best for those who are used to dealing with their toys encountering some extra wear-and-tear, and this is a safe chew toy that’s going to last much longer with your dog than you might imagine. If you’re looking for a great toy that your dog will love to catch but that won’t get torn apart by your dog’s teeth a few minutes after you buy it, this might be the best chew toy for your dog.

Nylabone DuraChew Dental Chew Chicken Flavored Dinosaur Dog Chew Toy

If you’ve ever owned a dog who loves to chew, you know that chew toys can seem a little boring. If you want something that’s going to keep your pet engaged, this dino chew toy from Nylabone may just be your best bet.

The first thing you’re going to notice about this chew toy is the shape. Available in three different dinosaur models, it’s certainly very different than your average chew toy. At its heart, though, that’s still what it is – a chew toy meant for dogs who tend to go through them quite quickly. Sturdy, durable, and made to stand up to even larger dogs, this a chewy that won’t lose its flavor or its shape just because your dog plays with it all day. Consider this a dino-sized chew treat for those dogs that have the appetite of a T-rex and the chewing power to match.

Of course, there’s more to this bone than just looking fun. It is covered with tiny nubs that help your dog not only feel much more engaged while chewing, but that will help to keep your dog’s teeth clean. This dog chew toy is best for those pets who need a little extra help with their dental health and clean teeth, and it’s nonetheless a fun pick that’s going to keep your dog happy for hours to come. If you’re looking for a durable, tooth-cleaning toy that won’t fall apart, you should definitely take some time to take a look at this entertaining dinosaur toy – it’s one of the best dog chew toys you’ll find today.

Nylabone Teething Pacifier Puppy Chew Toy

Having a puppy is one of the best experiences in life. One thing you’ll quickly learn, though, is that puppies love to chew. Unfortunately, it seems that most toys are made either for bigger dogs with bigger mouths or for dogs that aren’t quite as destructive as a teething puppy. Fortunately, this toy will give you exactly what your little pup needs.

Yes, this chew toy looks an awful lot like a human pacifier. It’s actually two different little chew toys attached on a ring, so your dog will have some options when he or she needs to get a little destructive. While your dog will certainly look cute when playing with this pacifier, he or she will actually be soothing his or her mouth and doing a little dental work at the same time. This toy really follows the same principle as a child’s toy – it does a lot of good for your dog’s well-being while he or she simply looks at the toy as a fun diversion. That’s why the Nylabone Teething Pacifier has made its way to our list of today’s best dog chew toys.

It wouldn’t be much of a chew toy if it couldn’t be used, and thankfully this chew toy will stand up to a remarkable amount of damage. It’s made for the sharp teeth of puppies, so it won’t easily puncture. It’s also very hard to rip apart, so you can feel comfortable giving this to even larger breeds. Though a fairly determined pup could probably tear this chew toy apart, it’s definitely more than able to handle the ravages of typical dogs. If you want something cute for your puppy to chew on, this toy certainly fits the bill.

Benebone Bacon Flavor Wishbone Tough Dog Chew Toy

Bacon is more than just a flavor to some – it’s a lifestyle. Even those who don’t necessarily want to get on the bacon train for its social appeal will admit that it’s one of the best flavors the world has to offer. In fact, it’s so tasty that even dogs love it. If you have a pooch who loves to eat bacon and has a tendency to tear up toys with their teeth, you might want to take a look at this durable bacon-flavored chew toy – it’s the best of its kind that we’ve come across to keep them entertained between servings of their favorite food.

The best place to start with this chew toy is, of course, the bacon flavor. Dogs tend to love flavored toys, but they have a tendency to run out of flavoring fairly quickly. While anyone who has ever put peanut butter in a Kong knows that your dog will keep looking for flavor even when it isn’t there, the design of this treat actually keeps the bacon flavor around by flavoring each of the deep grooves in the toy separately. This means that that toy will keep your dog’s interest for much longer than the average chew toy – and for many, that means less destructive behavior in the long run.

The bacon flavor isn’t the only thing that this toy has going for it, though. It also has an incredible design that’s great for your dog. If you’ve ever noticed, most dog chews are really made with human hands in mind. This makes them easy to throw or handle, but it also makes them tough for your dog to manipulate when the toy is on the ground. Fortunately, this toy is actually the best of both worlds, as it’s made to be manipulated with paws and mouths first so your dog can have plenty of fun even when you are not around.

Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy

If you’re like most dog owners, one of the first chew toys you bought your new puppy was a ball. A good ball is one of the best ways to keep your dog occupied, after all, and it’s also a fantastic toy that you can play with inside and outside. Unfortunately, though, most regular balls are easy for dogs of all ages and sizes to tear up. The Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball, however, is quite a different story.

The first thing you’re going to notice about this ball is the fact that it feels quite different from a tennis ball or from the other sport balls you may have played with in the past. This is by design – the ball is actually designed for playing fetch first and foremost. That means that it’s much tougher and more durable than most other balls and that it’s specifically designed to ensure that it won’t be punctured by your dog’s teeth. This not only helps the ball to last longer, but it ensures that your dog won’t accidentally turn it into an impromptu snack.

There are a lot of other little features that help make this ball stand out as one of the best you can find. The bright color ensures that it won’t get lost quite as easily as an average ball, while the exterior design makes it perfect for playing in water. It’s one of the few balls out there that really is meant to be used exclusively by dogs, so you can have fun with it without worrying about what might happen if it breaks. This ball is also compatible with the CatchIt! launcher, which allows you to really put some distance on your throws.

Nylabone Puppy Teething X Bone Beef Flavored Puppy Chew Toy

It’s always best to remember that teething puppies have their own special needs when it comes to chew toys. Unlike bigger dogs, they need chew toys that are made to deal with sharper teeth and more constant chewing. After all, puppies are still learning and they get a lot of sensory input through their mouths. As such, it’s a good idea to look at toys like this one from Nylabone.

The X shape of this toy is actually more helpful to your puppy than you might imagine. Not only does it make it easier for a puppy to pick up with its mouth or to manipulate with its paws, but it allows enough room for two separate types of textures. These dual textures help to keep your puppy occupied, while the sensations of each help to promote chewing. Likewise, the beef flavor helps to keep the toy interesting so that your puppy won’t be quite as prone to deciding that he or she needs to find something a little less appropriate on which to chew.

The best news is that this toy is also quite tough. It’s designed specifically with the mouth of a puppy in mind so it’s a little better suited for dealing with sharp puppy teeth. The toy is small, though, so it’s not quite as suitable for big puppies as one may hope. If you have a smaller puppy or or even a very small dog, this may be one of the best toys that you’ll find. The combination of interesting textures and a tough design makes it a best suited small puppy toy.

KONG Classic Dog Toy

There are some products that really define an entire category. The KONG toys are definitely the durable dog toy that brought the idea of super-tough natural rubber chew toys to the dog market and it’s still among the best. Though there is now quite a bit more competition than in the past, it’s still a good idea for dog owners to give this toy a look.

If you’re looking at KONG toys, it’s probably because you want a durable dog toy that’s going to be tougher than your dog. In truth, a good KONG is made from durable rubber and will almost always stand up the abuse of a dog. These toys are not quite unbreakable, but it takes a lot of strength and a lot of effort to get through the extra-thick, durable rubber chew toy of this type of. Since it is virtually unbreakable, it’s a chew toy that you can feel comfortable leaving of a dog with any level of strength and of any size.

One of the best things about the KONG is that it has space for you to put treats inside. Not only is this a good way to keep your dog occupied, but it’s also an incredible way to keep your dog’s mind at work. Dogs, like dog owners, need mental stimulation and forcing your pup how to figure out how to get a treat from the KONG is a great way to get him or her thinking. If you have a dog that’s rough on toys and needs a good distraction, you owe it to yourself to look at this classic chew toy.

Oxbow Apple Stick Bundle Small Animal Chew Toy

When most dog owners think of chew toys, they think about toys for dogs. In truth, though, there are plenty of pets that need to chew in order to stay happy, healthy, and sane. If you have a guinea pig, for example, you know exactly how much of their day they spend chewing.

The good news for guinea pig owners is that there are some great treats that help keep your guinea pigs happy and healthy while they chew. These apple sticks are a great example of the kind of treat you can grab for your pet without necessarily having to go after something that’s overly processed. In fact, it’s an overall healthy choice that your pet will love, one that lasts for far longer than you may think and that doesn’t leave behind any kind of sticky mess. It’s an ideal chew toy for any small animal that needs a little bit of extra material on which to bite.

Perhaps the best part about this treat is the fact that it comes in a big bundle. That means that you’ll have plenty of great treats for your pet that will keep him or her occupied. Unlike toys, you’ll never have to worry about lost flavor or what to do when the treat gets misplaced – just stick another treat in your pet’s cage. Your pet will begin to look forward to the treat not just because of the fantastic taste, but because it keeps him or her occupied throughout the day.

Nylabone DuraChew Double Bone Bacon Flavored Dog Chew Toy

It can often feel like there’s a trade-off between finding a treat or chew toy for a dog that tastes good and one that is going to last more than a few minutes. If you have a bigger (or stronger) dog, this is even tougher. Fortunately, Nylabone has created a fantastic bacon-flavored chew toy that can stand up to some punishment.

For most dogs, the appeal in this treat is going to lie in the flavor. You’ll be able to tell that there’s a fair bit of bacon flavor here just from the smell and your dog is going to go wild for it as soon as he or she can get his or her mouth around the treat. What’s unique, though, is that the nylon construction will keep your pup from being able to rip it apart. That means that your dog can keep chewing for hours without going all the way through the bone – a definitely plus for both you and your pet.

The taste and toughness aren’t all that there is to recommend this treat as one of the best, though. The overall design is great for your pet’s mouth and there are enough little nooks and crannies to keep your dog’s brain engaged. It’s an ideal toy for those dogs who aren’t usually too wild about the taste of rubber chew toys but who need something more substantial than the average treat to stay occupied. If you want to pair up great taste with a long-lasting toy, this is one chew toy at which you really need to take a look.

Kaytee Nut Knot Nibbler Small Animal Chew Toy, 4-in

If you own a small pet like a rabbit or chinchilla, you know that having something for your pet to chew is about more than just keeping your pet occupied. Instead, it’s a real necessity for your pet’s health, one that you are obligated to provide if you want to keep your pet safe. Luckily, this clever nibbler will keep you pet both happy and healthy for quite some time.

The Kaytee Nut Knot is actually a knot of smaller pieces, each of which is perfectly safe for your pet to chew on. The unique shape makes it much easier for your pet to find a small place to chew without destroying the entire knot at once, and the shape gives your pet something to play with if he or she gets bored. Each piece of the knot is perfectly safe for your pet to eat, with natural materials and flavors that are sure to keep him or her happy without interfering with his or her diet.

At the same time, the knot’s design allows last a little longer than the average chew toy. It is somewhat harder for your pet to misplace and large enough that it won’t accidentally get eaten all at once. You can consider this knot to be an ideal choice for those pets who tend to go through their chews a little too fast or who need something that provides a bit of extra mental stimulation when they are alone.

Petstages Orka Alternative Chew Dog Toy

It’s important to remember that you don’t just give a dog a chew toy in order to work on his or her dental health. Instead, you must remember that any toy for dogs plays a vital role in ensuring that your pup stays occupied. A busy dog is a quieter and less destructive pup and those who choose treats designed to keep their dogs mentally engaged will be able to curb some of their dog’s more destructive impulses. This toy from Petstages goes a long way towards doing just that.

Like many toys that are meant to help keep dogs busy, part of this toy’s appeal comes down to the basic shape of the toy. While one of the pair of toys is shaped like a more traditional bone, both of the toys are covered with a variety of different textures. Each texture helps to further engage your pup, prompting them to keep chewing. This kind of mental stimulation is a must for those dogs who need some extra help staying calm as well as for those who tend to act out when they get bored.

There’s more than just texture here, though. The toys are both quite strong, able to stand up to both the powerful jaws and teeth of bigger pups as well as the sharp teeth of puppies and small dogs. One of the pair also features streamers that help to keep your dog’s teeth and gums clean. This is a great all-in-one toy that not only helps to keep your dog busy but one that can also help to ensure that your pup learns how to redirect its more destructive impulses. If you have a dog that’s a bit on the destructive side, you’ll definitely want to check out this toy.

Pet Qwerks BarkBone Stick

There’s a big difference between a dog that chews just for entertainment and one that you might term an aggressive chewer. While the former is fairly easy to buy toys and chews for, aggressive chewers can be much more difficult. If you have a dog that seems to be able to destroy virtually anything you buy on a whim, you will want to take a moment to look at this BarkBone Stick.

The main draw of the BarkBone Stick is that it’s stronger than the average bone. While it might not be impervious to all pups, it comes remarkably close by being a single solid piece and by being relatively thick. This means that your dog is going to have to exert much more biting power in order to get his or her teeth into it, and that means there’s a better chance that your dog will tire himself or herself out before he or she can cause any kind of real lasting damage.

Of course, a dog won’t go after a toy just because it is tough. In this case, the pup will love the toy because it’s formulated to taste great. The bone has a peanut butter flavor on the coating rather than inside, so your dog doesn’t have to break the bone in order to get to the taste it likes. The bone is also the perfect size toy for dog mouths while chewing, so your dog won’t end up losing the toy and becoming disinterested. If you have an aggressive chewer, this may be the perfect bone for your home.

Petstages Dog Chew Toys

Dogs tend to love toys that are shaped like sticks. Given that that many dogs are prone to play fetch with virtually any stick they find outside, it makes sense that so many toy makers would try to replicate that same shape in a safer manner. If you’re looking for a good chew that looks and feels like a stick but that won’t cause quite as much damage to your dog’s teeth or mouth, you’ll want to look at these chews from Petstages.

If your pup is the kind of animal who loves to chow down on sticks, he or she will love this toy. it’s meant to look and feel as much like a stick as possible – it even mimics the texture of the real thing. Even better, though, is the fact that it tastes like a stick with a light barbecue coating when they chew. This will help your dog to go after this toy instead of the natural counterparts, keeping him or her safe while still enjoying his or her playtime with a favorite toy.

The reason that this toy tends to be a better choice than real wood is that it doesn’t splinter. While sticks might seem safe to many dog owners, the truth is that a real stick can easily splinter and those splinters can become lodged in your dog’s mouth. If you want to save your dog a bit of pain, then, you’ll absolutely want to make sure that you go with a manufactured alternative like this toy.

EETOYS Dog Toy for Aggressive Chewers

If you have a dog who’s an aggressive chewer, you’ve probably noticed that chew toys don’t last as long as they should. While most dog toys are meant to be durable, they still aren’t really meant to stand up to destructive dogs. Though there is no such thing as a toy that’s actually indestructible, this is one of the harder dog toys on the market for aggressive chewers to actively destroy.

This nylon toy combines most of the features that dog owners look for when finding a tough toy. It’s solid enough that your dog won’t be able to snap it in half, hefty enough that your pup can’t swallow it, and tough enough that even repeated play won’t lead to big chunks getting snapped off. It’s as prone to splintering as any nylon toy, of course, but it’s still not as breakable as many of the other toys on the market.

The great thing about this toy is that it’s meant to help curb your dog’s worst impulses. You can put a treat paste directly on the toy and your dog will stay occupied for hours, turning its destructive energy towards something that’s much more acceptable. You may not necessarily find that the chew toy solves every problem that your dog has with chewing, but it will quickly become the kind of preferred alternative that will help to keep your other possessions safe. If you need a solid toy that can stand up to aggressive chewers, this may be the toy you’re looking for.

Dog Chew Toy FAQ

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions posed by our readers:

Is it okay for dogs to eat chew toys?

This is actually a fairly tough question because it requires taking a look at what makes chew toys safe or dangerous for dogs and how the composition of a specific chew toy can impact your dog’s health. The easy way to address this is to say that it’s perfectly safe for your dog to play around with a chew toy – at least, as long as you buy the right kind of chew toy.

When most dog owners think about safety, they’re worried about whether or not the toy is going to have an adverse impact on the dog if is swallowed. Because these toys for dog-o are made with your dog’s mouth in mind, many of them ar made from non toxic components. Your dog shouldn’t get sick from playing with his or her favorite chew toys unless they are exposed to some other kind of outside contaminant. The real problems, though, have little to do with the composition of the toys and more to do with how they are put together.

Chew toys can pose a problem if they splinter into sharp pieces when bit. When this occurs, the smaller pieces can scrape up your dog’s mouth, esophagus, or even his or her intestinal lining. A chew toy that can splinter can actually end up being deadly, so it’s up to the individual dog owner to figure out whether a given toy is safe enough for his or her dogs.

What are the best and safest chews for dogs?

The toys on this list are among the safest chew toys for dogs, but it’s always good to take some time as a dog owner to think about what makes a toy safe. Your primary goal should be to find something that is made either to be intentionally edible or that is hard to destroy from chewing. If you can ensure that you find a toy with either of those qualities, you’ll probably be able to sleep a bit safer knowing that your dog is playing with something safe.

Almost all edible toys are made to be safe (1) and non toxic for dogs, but it’s a good idea to keep your dog’s size in mind. A puppy, for example, could be at a choking risk if you buy a chew toy that is the wrong size. Likewise, chews that break down into tiny parts do have a slight chance of making even old dogs choke if they are not consumed carefully.

If you’re looking for a more standard toy, try to find something that’s made in a way that it’s not going to splinter when it is broken. Big chunks are usually better because they are less likely to be swallowed by your dog. At the end of the day, though, the safety of your dog is usually going to come down to knowing how your dog interacts with toys and your ability to supervise him or her.

Are Nylabones bad for dogs?

Nylabones have recently gotten a bit of a reputation for being safety problems, but that’s only because the company is remarkably open about the potential for their chew toys to be dangerous if they’re not used in the right way. In truth, Nylabones are usually among the safe chew toys out there and they are certainly no more dangerous than most other chews on the market.

Nylabone is very careful to note that their toys can be dangerous if used improperly. One of the big dangers is the possibility of a puppy tearing apart a toy and then swallowing shards of plastic. While not a pleasant notion by any stretch of the imagination, such an incident is unlikely to happen if you are paying attention to how your puppy plays. If you notice that he or she is starting to tear up a Nylabone product, it’s probably a good idea to replace it with something else.

With all of this said, you should still be careful with the chews or keep them from chewing any questionable toys. If your dog swallows a chunk of a Nylabone, you should go ahead and contact your vet as soon as possible. This isn’t a concern that’s unique to Nylabone’s products, though – it’s just a good practice to keep in mind any time your dog swallows anything that is not meant to be eaten. If you’re willing to keep an eye on the wear and tear of your dog’s toys, there’s really no reason to avoid buying Nylabone chews.

Is there a dog toy that is indestructible?

It’s important to note that no matter how a product is made or marketed, there’s no such thing as an indestructible product. This is just as true for dog toys as it is for anything else, so you shouldn’t be too surprised to see that even the toughest dog toys out there can be destroyed by those dogs who are big enough, strong enough, and determined enough to do damage. Instead of looking for something that’s indestructible, you need to be on the lookout for a toy that’s made to stand up to rough usage and that is less likely to break quickly.

Note that even very tough toys tend to lose some of their strength over time. Exposure to the elements can make a toy much more brittle than it was when it came out of the package for the first time and repeated biting and scratching can wreak havoc on structural integrity. The toy that you thought could never be broken won’t last forever, but the best dog toys can last much longer than you think.

The best thing you can do in most cases is to find a toy that’s made appropriately for a dog your size. A toy that wouldn’t last very long with a big dog might be virtually indestructible to the chewing imposed by a toy breed, for example, so make sure you keep your dog’s size and personality in mind when making your purchases. You may not be able to find anything that’s really unbreakable, but you can find toys that will last longer than average.