A dog’s gonna chew, and we’d rather have them direct that toothy energy into something that isn’t our favourite pair of shoes. We combed through our Rover.com data from years worth of articles to discover which chews our readers clicked on and commented about most.
Note: safety first! Always keep an eye on your dog while they’re enjoying their chew to prevent choking. If you have a truly powerful chewer, some of these may not be appropriate for your dog and if in doubt choose a larger size. Scroll down to see our list of toys designed for strong chewers.
Here are our readers’ favourite chews for their dogs. Did yours make the list?
1. Classic Kong
A modern classic, these sturdy chews come in a variety of sizes and colours, and there are even versions for puppies and older dogs. You can stuff them with peanut butter, treats, or other dog goodies, and let your dog go crazy trying to get them out. Freezing one makes the game last even longer.
Features of Note:
- Made from durable rubber
- The unique shape makes for an intriguing game of fetch
- KONG has over 40 years of experience making dog toys
2. Nylabone Dura Chew
Nylabones are super-safe because they can’t splinter or crack, and they’re gentle enough for teething puppies. The flavours help make them enticing. Some dogs may still turn their noses up at synthetic chews, even if they smell like bacon, but plenty of dogs love these.
Features of Note:
- Helps clean your dog’s teeth by fighting plaque and tartar
- Comes in four different flavours
- Comes in different sizes
3. Dream Bone
Made by the same folks as the Smart Bone, the “dream bone” or dream stick is a rawhide alternative that’s easy for dogs to digest. It tends to get devoured pretty quickly by bigger dogs.
Features of Note:
- Enriched with healthy vitamins and minerals
- Easy on your dog’s tummy if they eat the chew
- Made with real, wholesome ingredients
4. Antler Chews
A variety of options exist for antler dog chews, which have the advantage of not being stinky. Yep, naturally-shed antler chews are practically odourless, and dogs gnaw on them for hours. Just make sure you chuck them out before they get too small.
Features of Note:
- Eco-friendly option since wild red deer shed their antlers naturally
- High in natural minerals and nutrients—the antlers will improve your dog’s circulation and metabolism, and reduce cholesterol!
- Organic and long-lasting
5. Benebone Wishbone
Made with nylon and shaped to give dogs maximum chew access, the Benebone chews are a safe alternative to edible chews. Be sure to get the right size for your dog, as bigger dogs can make short work of the smaller wishbones.
Features of Note:
- Designed for paws so your dog can get a good grip on the chew
- Benebone donates bones to shelters
- Comes in three food-grade flavours
6. Outward Hound Invincibles
True to their name, Invincibles are made for serious chewers. We like that they’re stuffing-less, so when your dog does eventually make a hole (don’t they always?), you don’t have to contend with mountains of fluff all over the floor. Noise alert: they do have multiple squeakers.
Features of Note:
- A chew shield layer makes this toy more resilient
- Comes in small and large
- Squeakers continue to work even if punctured
7. Puppy Teething Rings
Puppies have special chewing needs thanks to teething. These pumpkin-flavoured rings help soothe their sore gums, while also keeping them busy for a while. Phew.
Features of Note:
- Edible and easy to digest
- Enriched with Omega 3 fatty acids
- Fortified with Calcium for healthy teeth and bones
8. Cow Hooves
Okay, the idea is kind of gross, but our dogs don’t care! These babies keep a chew-happy dog busy. Do keep an eye on them, in case they crack one apart too quickly.
Features of Note:
- Made from 100% British meat
- Help to remove plaque and tartar
- Free from hormones, additives, and chemicals
Best Chew Toys for Aggressive Chewers
Some dogs just have to chew like it’s their job. Though there are no truly indestructible dog toys, we present here our top picks for durable chew toys that can keep the strong chewer in your life busy.
9. Kong Extreme Collection
The extreme collection by Kong features all the great Kong toy shapes made of all-natural rubber material that’s tougher than the standard lineup.
Features of Note:
- Made from KONG’s strongest rubber
- Come in different sizes for all kinds of dogs
- Choose the shape that best fits your dog’s fancy
Choose from:
Extreme Kong: The classic snowman shaped dog toy that you can stuff with peanut butter or treats for extra engagement. This rubber toy is also great for fetch because it’s unique shape leads to unpredictable bounces that keep dogs on their toes.
Rubber Ball Extreme: This dog ball comes in two sizes and claims to be the toughest and most durable on the market.
Extreme Goodie Bone: For dogs who like a good ol’ fashioned bone to chew, this toy can be stuffed on either end with treats.
Extreme Tire: The whole interior ring of this toy can be filled with treats for extended play time. Pro tip: fill the interior with peanut butter and throw it in the freezer for a couple of hours. Then your dog will really have a puzzle to solve.
10. Goughnut Maxx 50 Ring
Designed by mechanical and polymer engineers, these toys are made to withstand some heavy-duty chewing. Does your dog like to swim? No problem—this toy floats. It also features a red inner core that lets you know when it’s time to take the toy away and replace it with a fresh one.
Features of Note:
- Recommended for teething puppies
- Designed for safety—yellow means “keep chewing”, red means “time for a new toy”
11. Nylabone Extra-Durable Bone
In addition to being durable, this chew bone features raised bristles that clean your dog’s teeth while they chew. Designed with aggressive chewers in mind, it comes in three flavours (chicken, bison, and turkey) to make it extra enticing for your pup.
Features of Note:
- Not edible, but it’s too big to swallow
- Made for large dogs
- They’re experts—Nylabone’s been making dog chews since 1955!
12. West Paw Zogoflex Tux
With a handy pocket in the back for stuffing treats, the Tux is durable, dishwasher-safe, and even floats in water. This toy comes in three bright, easy-to-spot colours and is made from recyclable materials.
Features of Note:
- 100% Recyclable
- Non-toxic
- Comes in small and large
13. Flossy Chews Rope
For dogs who like to play tug of war, this rope toy is made from durable, natural cotton that actually massages your dog’s gums while they play! Rope toys are especially great because they encourage interactive play between dogs and their owners.
Features of Note:
- Comes in 4 sizes
- Soak in water and freeze for a cooling effect if you have a teething pup
- These ropes are machine washable
14. Nylabone Dura Chew Textured Ring
Designed with heavy chewers in mind, the Nylabone Dura Chew is touted as a power chew toy made especially for large dogs. This tough toy has an intriguing texture and flavour to pique your dog’s interest. It would also work great for a game of fetch since the ring shape makes it easy to fling across the park.
Features of Note:
- Flavoured to entice your dog
- Not edible, but impossible to swallow
- Comes in different shapes and sizes