Chewing is natural, healthy dog behavior. It relieves boredom, helps puppies through teething and keeps jaws busy. The challenge is picking safe toys from a wall of options. This guide compares the best dog chew toys by type, so you can choose what suits your dog’s size, chewing style and age. We focus on types rather than brands, so you can use the advice at any store.
Best Dog Chew Toys by Type
| Type | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Durable rubber toys | Strong chewers, stuffing with food | Choose the right size and replace if torn |
| Rope and tug toys | Interactive tug games, light chewers | Dogs can swallow loose strings, so supervise |
| Nylon chews | Long-lasting chewing | Too hard for some dogs. Check for wear |
| Edible chews | Occasional treats | Calories, digestibility and choking when chewed down |
| Plush toys | Gentle carrying and cuddling | Stuffing and squeakers can be swallowed |
| Puzzle and treat toys | Mental stimulation, slow eating | Count the food as part of daily calories |
How to Choose the Best Dog Chew Toys
1. Match the size to your dog
A toy that is too small can become a choking hazard. As a rule, it should be too large to fit entirely in your dog’s mouth or be swallowed.
2. Match the toughness to your chewing style
Gentle chewers may be happy with softer toys, while powerful chewers need tough, solid options. A common check is the thumbnail test: if you cannot make a slight dent in a chew with your thumbnail, it may be too hard and could damage teeth.
3. Check the materials
Look for toys made from non-toxic materials, with clear labeling from a reputable maker. Avoid anything with small parts that can come off.
4. Consider your dog’s age
Puppies need softer, puppy-safe toys while their teeth come in. Seniors may prefer softer options if their teeth are sensitive. See the new puppy checklist and caring for a senior dog for more.
Chews to Treat With Caution
- Real bones and antlers: these can crack teeth or splinter.
- Cooked bones: they can splinter and cause injuries.
- Old tennis balls and household items: not designed for chewing, and fuzz or small pieces can cause harm.
Our guide to dog dental care explains which chews support healthy teeth.
Chew Toy Safety Checklist
- Supervise your dog, especially with new toys
- Inspect toys often and throw away any that are cracked, torn or chewed down to small pieces
- Take away a toy if your dog swallows chunks
- Rotate toys to keep things interesting, as suggested in our indoor activities for dogs
- Count edible chews toward daily calories using our portion guide
When to Call the Vet
Contact your vet right away if your dog swallows a piece of toy and starts vomiting, retching, drooling heavily, seems in pain or stops eating. For more pet safety information, see the American Veterinary Medical Association.
The Bottom Line
The best dog chew toys are the ones that fit your dog’s size, age and chewing style and are replaced when worn. Start with a durable rubber toy, add a puzzle toy for mental work and always supervise.
This article offers general guidance based on common safety principles. We have not hands-on tested specific products here. Always check the maker’s instructions and your vet’s advice.
Shopping Shortlist: Chew Toys
Affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate, PetBoo earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Choose a size that suits your dog and replace toys that start to break apart.
Related: Looking for fetch toys? See our Chuckit! Classic Launcher review.