Dog Chew Toy Recommendations

Picking The Right Dog Chew Toy

We all want the best for our furry friends, but sometimes, that best can be hard to find. No two dogs are alike, even among similar breeds. That’s why it’s so important to recognize you own dog’s traits and tailor your treatment to their needs.

1. Which Toy Will Last?

All dogs attack their favorite toys with vigor, but only some can withstand a dog’s sharp teeth and constant gnawing.The first step in choosing the right chew toy is to determine what material is best for your dog. I recommend experimenting with a variety of options, such as fabric, rubber, and wood if your dog doesn't seem to take to one right away.

2. What Do You Want the Toy to Do?

Almost every chew toy has a separate purpose other than just existing to be chewed. Some let you put treats or peanut butter inside, some squeak, and some have dental health benefits. Think about what you want and what your dog needs before you settle. A few choices might include:

• Squeak Toys: You’re dog will love them, but you probably won’t. With any loud toys, keep in mind your surroundings. If you live in a busy apartment complex, you may lose a few neighbors if you go for this noisy option.
• Treat Toys: These may seem like they’d be the most loved by dogs, but your pup may actually turn away from this toy if they feel like they can’t get to the treat or that it has an unnatural odor from the toy itself. These treat filled toys might work best for special occasions rather than an everyday romp.
• Health Focused Toys: Whenever possible check for the health benefits of the toy. You can put your mind at rest by choosing chew toys that help clean your dog’s teeth and freshen his or her breath.

3. Match the Size of the Toy to the Size of the Dog

Whether it’s a puppy or a Great Dane, you’ll want to keep their size in mind when choosing a chew toy. Every dog’s mouth is shaped differently and will be able to withstand different levels of tough materials not to mention that the materials will vary in their ability to withstand your dog. Make sure that your dog can fit their mouth over the toy, especially it the toy is not squishable. If you have a large dog, keep an eye on anything so small that they could accidentally swallow it.

4. To Squish or Not to Squish?

Squish toys are a mixed bag. Some dogs love feeling their toy give way when they bite down, while others prefer the challenge of wearing it down over time. Once again, consider their teeth and jaw strength, but ultimately, this choice will be more determined by your dog than by you.

5. Easy to Clean, Easy to Keep

We all know the strong smell of dog breath. It may not always be pleasant but it can be a good indicator of what they’ve been eating. It helps you keep track of anything harmful they might have decided to turn into a chew toy. Keep your toys from masking any important smells on their breath by keeping them clean. Most fabric toys are machine washable, and most hard toys are dishwasher safe. Keep an eye on the label, and if it’s not easy to clean, be ready to put in the work. Your dogs deserve bacteria free toys and you deserve fresh dog breath.

6. Go for the Flavor or Stick to the Basics?

Besides the dental benefits of some chew toys, you can also opt for a mix between the treat filled toys and the ones that are great for their teeth. Many great toy options are flavored with tastes your dog is sure to love. Try out some of the options such as:

• Peanut Butter
• Beef
• Chicken
• Bacon

When you choose a chew toy there are a lot of factors involved, so have fun trying new kinds and mixing it up. Don't worry; even though it may seem as though it is completely up to the dog to determine what he or she likes, there are a few tips and tricks to help your dog have fun with almost any toy:

• Try rubbing the chew toy in your hands. This will put your scent on the toy, which may help your dog recognize the toy and take to it more quickly.
• Remember that dogs have their own favorite foods, so if a flavored treat isn’t working, it may not be the toy itself, just the flavor.
• Pay attention to the texture of the toy. Ridges can actually give your dog more chewing stimulation, so go for the fun shapes and lines rather than a smooth surface.

Finding the right chew toy for your dog can be a fun and easy adventure. After all, there’s nothing better than seeing your dog happy and excited with a new toy. Just remember that a dog only needs one or two toys at once. Instead of overloading your dog with fun things to chew on, try rotating their toys out every few weeks or whenever your dog is no longer interested in their toy. If you put the toy out of sight for a while, when you give it back your dog they will usually find it interesting once again.However, if i'ts new toy that your pet doesn’t seem to be taking to, give him or her a couple of days to get used to it before deciding that it doesn’t do the trick. Somtimes a dog just needs the new, strange scent from the store to wear off before they can claim it as their own. Don’t be overwhelmed by the options when it comes to choosing a chew toy. Remember to check for durability, size, material, and flavor. Whether it's filled with treats or squeaks, enjoy the varieties that allow you to pick the perfect chew toy for your dog.