Chewing entertains and enriches your four-legged friend. While dogs are much more likely to gnaw various items, cats also enjoy sinking their teeth into a toy. Tossing your pet a chew toy is a great way to occupy their mind and jaw, however, you should keep some chew toys away from your furry pal because the item could harm them. To learn which chew toys are appropriate for your four-legged friend, read our North Bay Veterinary Dentistry team’s guide to choosing the safest chew toy for your pet.

How to choose the right chew toy for your pet

With so many available options, choosing a durable, safe chew toy for your pet can be a real challenge. When deciding on your pet’s new chew toy, consider the following:

  • Size — Carefully consider your pet’s body and mouth size. A toy that is too small poses a choking hazard, while one that is too large won’t fit comfortably in your pet’s mouth.
  • Durability — Chew toy costs can add up quickly, especially if your pet destroys them within minutes of taking the first bite. To help ensure the chew toy will last at least a day or two, read the label for the product’s projected durability.
  • Material — Chew toys are made from many materials such as durable fabric, rubber, or an edible treat.
  • Hardness — Choose a toy that is hard enough to last your pet awhile, but not so hard that it damages their teeth. To test a chew toy’s hardness, press your fingernail into it. If your nail cannot make an indentation, the toy is too hard for your furry pal’s teeth.
  • Features — Chew toys offer a range of features, such as pockets in which you can stuff treats, an attractive aroma or flavor, having the capability to emit an engaging squeak, crinkly fabric, and innumerable other intriguing characteristics.

Our top chew toy picks for pets

An impressive selection of safe chew toys are available for pets. Consider our favorites:

  • Goughnuts — Ring- and stick-shaped Goughnuts toys have a built-in safety indicator that appears as a red mark when your dog has chewed too much. Even better, if your pup reaches the red indicator, the company will replace your dog’s toy free of charge, minus shipping fees.
  • Kong — A well-known brand, Kong delivers high-quality engaging, durable, safe toys for cats and dogs. The classic Kong toy is made of durable rubber and has holes on each side to help avoid airflow obstruction if swallowed. Stuff a classic Kong’s holes with your pet’s favorite treats such as xylitol-free peanut butter, spray cheese, yogurt, or canned food. If you freeze a stuffed Kong overnight, the long-lasting treat can provide hours of entertainment. 
  • West Paw — Made from eco-friendly, toxin-free material, West Paw toys are a great product for both your pet and the environment. The company will replace any toy from their Zogoflex line for free if your pooch manages to chew through it. However, these toys are touted as being virtually indestructible.
  • Outward Hound — Outward Hound has a variety of dog toys that range from treat puzzles to durable plush chew toys. If your dog loves cuddling with a stuffed toy, but sometimes gets a bit too rough with their pal and rips them apart, opt for a squeaky fabric-covered toy from their Invincibles line.
  • Dental products — Chew toys and treats that double as entertainment and oral-health products are perfect for pets of all chewing strengths. Check an item’s label for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)’s seal of acceptance. Such items have demonstrated their ability to slow plaque and tartar accumulation effectively.

Chew toys to avoid giving your pet

Some common chew toys are better off avoided, as they can cause digestive upset, tooth fracture, or a gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction. To help prevent your pet from developing a dangerous condition, don’t allow them to chew the following:

  • Sticks
  • Bones
  • Antlers
  • Hooves
  • Rawhides
  • Tennis balls
  • Hard plastic toys

An unsafe chew toy can cause tooth fracture, which requires advanced skills and equipment to extract. If your furry pal seems to be in pain after chewing a toy, schedule an appointment with our North Bay Veterinary Dentistry team, so we can determine the cause of your pet’s oral pain.