One of the most common questions new pet owners ask are what are the best dog toys to buy or recommended chew toys that are safe and indestructible for dogs?
Here are some criteria to consider when purchasing anything that your pet may ingest, carry, gnaw or retrieve, as well as some recommendations to keep your pet mentally and physically stimulated.
What to Look for in Dog Chew Toys
Durability and Texture
Not many toys will stand up to the bite of a pit or shepherd. Look for toys with reinforced seams and no small pieces like plastic eyes or stuffing that can be swallowed. Bonus points for anything that squeaks, makes a fun crunching sound or can be carried in your pet’s mouth. A few toys that have good durability and texture are the ZippyPaws – Holiday Z-Stitch Extra Tough No Stuffing Plush Dog Toy with Squeaker and the Goughnut Stick. The stick floats, is made of natural rubber and comes with a replacement guarantee if your dog penetrates the outer layer.
Hardness
Even though some breeds may still resemble their wolf ancestors, it’s important to avoid dog toys that don’t pass the thumbnail test (pressing into the object with your thumb should leave an impression from your thumbnail). This means avoiding bones, antlers or even hooves, which can lead to tooth fractures, pain, infection and splintering in the gastrointestinal system causing rupture, blockage or even death. Likewise, rawhides can be unsafe as they may deteriorate into chunks that are too big to digest and harbor bacterial pathogens.
A safe dog toy idea that meets quality standards is the Nylabone Dura Chew Plus. It has a pleasing ribbed texture, is chicken flavored, comes in multiple sizes and dogs can shave off satisfying, rice-grain-sized bits that are safe to ingest.
Coating
Beware of the treated pig ear or coated bully stick. Not only do the coatings stain fabric and carpeting, but they can also cause digestive upset in your dog and promote bacterial growth on the surface of the chew. Many are not sourced in the United States and may be a by-product of the inhumane international fur trade. It’s important to consider the impact your purchase has on other species and the environment; a great dog toy shouldn’t harm any other critters during production. One veterinarian-recommended chew that is coated with a dual-enzyme system to prevent tartar formation is the Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews for Dogs. Not only is it flavorful but it also provides the benefit of good oral health too!
Size & Shape
It’s important to consider the “anatomy” of the dog toys you purchase and always supervise your pet when they’re playing or chewing on their new holiday gift. Toys and treats should not be small enough to become a choking hazard, nor should they be too large that jaw strain is a result of chewing. Avoid toys that have a ring or bend that can become stuck over the dog’s jaw causing injury. Try a fun treat ball or puzzle. A safe toy idea that comes in multiple sizes is the PetSafe Busy Buddy Calming Toys.
Washability
Myth: a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s. Make sure your gift is machine or dishwasher safe! Kong brand products are not only sturdy but come in multiple sizes, can be stuffed with treats and are top-rack dishwasher friendly. Kong brand soft toys can also be thrown in the washing machine. Be on the lookout for anything that is easily washable to avoid bacteria growth!
Engaging & Interactive
There are a ton of exciting new and old-stand by toys guaranteed to keep your dog busy for hours. Interactive dog toys can stimulate your dogs senses and the best interactive dog toys include unique features that peak your dogs interest like unusual sounds from dog squeeker toys, movements and contents.
Interactive dog toys are a fabulous routine buster and a great diversion on hot weather or rainy days. Made of cotton canvas, non-toxic dye, and industrial grade polypropylene rope, Mr. Dog Toy New York makes a trophy collection interactive dog toys suitable for fetching, tugging, and chewing that can be purchased online.
Most food-motivated dogs love a treat that’s bacon, chicken, beef or cheese flavored. Kong Stuff’N Easy Treat is made to be used in toys with a dispensing hole, and dogs find it irresistible! Pet owners use this treat-filled toy to relieve separation anxiety and allow safe, long-lasting chewing.
There’s also several other interactive dog toys you can find such as puzzles, treat dispensing chew toys, and tugging. The positive reinforcement and mental stimulation are sure to have them coming back for more!
Dental Hygiene
Not only can dog chew toys provide stimulation to keep your dog’s mind and body busy, but some promote good dental hygiene too! Some dental dog chews are specifically designed and approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) to facilitate the removal of plaque by mechanical forces and impede bacterial growth. Do consider that any edible treat adds calories to your pet’s diet. Check labels and know that treats should only contribute 10% to overall intake.
Oravet daily dental hygiene chews, sold through your veterinarian, loosen and scrub away existing plaque and a special ingredient works to create a barrier preventing new bacteria from attaching. No more bad breath! Best yet, they smell like vanilla and dogs love them. Greenies and Virbac CET chews are other products approved by the VOHC to improve oral hygiene and reduce plaque and tartar. These can be found at your local big box pet retailer.
It’s always best to closely monitor your dog when they consume dental treats & play with chew toys. Pieces can break off and become lodged in the gastrointestinal tract or swallowed whole and quickly cause an obstruction. Here’s to safe play time and less chewing on the couch, walls and shoes!
At Pet Butler, we want you and your pet to live your best and healthiest lives, which is why we offer Pet Waste Removal and Pet Care services year-round. Find a local Pet Butler near you or call 1-800-PET-BUTLER to learn how we can make your pet’s life happier, healthier and cleaner.