Chewing is a normal and important behavior for dogs, but it can become a safety concern when a dog is given toys that are too small, too fragile, or poorly suited to its chewing style. A toy that looks durable in the package may be destroyed quickly by a strong chewer, leaving behind pieces that could be swallowed.
Choosing the right chew toy means looking beyond appearance. You need to consider your dog's size, age, chewing habits, jaw strength, toy material, and the condition of the toy during use.
The goal is not to find a toy that can never be destroyed. Instead, choose a toy that is appropriately designed for your individual dog and inspect it regularly.
Why Choosing the Right Chew Toy Matters
Chewing can provide dogs with an appropriate outlet for a natural behavior and can help occupy dogs that enjoy using their mouths. Puppies may chew as part of normal exploration and teething, while adult dogs may chew because of boredom, stress, habit, or excess energy.
Our guide on chewing and destructive behavior in dogs explains why dogs chew and how appropriate alternatives, training, exercise, and enrichment can help redirect unwanted chewing.
The right chew toy should provide an engaging activity without creating unnecessary risks.
1. Choose the Appropriate Size
Size is one of the most important factors when selecting a chew toy.
A toy should be large enough that your dog cannot easily swallow it whole. This is particularly important for dogs that chew aggressively or quickly break toys apart.
VCA Animal Hospitals recommends choosing a toy that is too large to fit entirely inside the dog's mouth because small toys can become choking hazards. (vcahospitals.com)
Do not assume that a toy labeled "medium" will work for every medium-sized dog. Always check the manufacturer's specific size recommendations.
2. Know Your Dog's Chewing Style
Every dog chews differently.
Some dogs gently carry toys and occasionally nibble them. Others immediately begin tearing, crushing, or breaking toys apart.
The American Kennel Club emphasizes that a dog's chewing style can depend on its individual personality, age, size, and breed, and that a chew that works for one dog may not be suitable for another. (akc.org)
Before buying a new chew toy, observe what happens to your dog's existing toys.
If soft toys are destroyed within minutes, your dog may need a more durable option. If your dog is a gentle chewer, an extremely hard toy may be unnecessary and could be inappropriate for its teeth.
3. Consider the Material
Chew toys come in rubber, nylon, rope, thermoplastic materials, and other formulations.
Durability is important, but harder does not automatically mean safer.
VCA warns that toys that are excessively hard can damage teeth and recommends avoiding chew objects that are so hard they cannot be indented with a fingernail. (vcahospitals.com)
This means a very hard toy may survive an aggressive chewer for a long time but still create a risk of dental injury.
Choose a material that provides an appropriate balance between durability and flexibility.
4. Rubber Chew Toys
Durable rubber toys are a popular option for many dogs.
They can provide something for dogs to bite and chew while also being useful for food-based enrichment when designed for that purpose.
The American Kennel Club identifies malleable rubber toys as a popular chew-toy option and recommends choosing products that match the dog's size and chewing habits. (akc.org)
Look for toys without unnecessary detachable components and inspect the rubber regularly for cracks or missing pieces.
5. Nylon Chew Toys
Some nylon chew toys are marketed specifically for strong chewers.
They can be long-lasting, but extremely hard nylon products may also present dental concerns. VCA notes that hard materials can contribute to fractured teeth and recommends care when selecting chew objects. (vcahospitals.com)
If you choose a nylon toy, follow the manufacturer's instructions and monitor how your dog uses it.
A toy that is appropriate for one dog may not be appropriate for another.
6. Rope Toys Require Supervision
Rope toys can be useful for interactive tug games and some forms of play, but dogs that like to shred and swallow fibers should not be left unattended with them.
The American Kennel Club recommends using rope toys interactively and putting them away when play is finished, particularly when a dog tends to shred or eat pieces. (akc.org)
Once a rope begins to unravel significantly, replace it.
Loose fibers can become a problem if your dog swallows them.
7. Avoid Toys With Easily Removable Parts
Decorative features may make toys more attractive to humans, but they can become hazards for dogs that chew aggressively.
VCA recommends choosing toys without ribbons, eyes, or other removable parts that can easily be swallowed or inhaled. (vcahospitals.com)
For strong chewers, simple toy designs are often easier to inspect and maintain.
Pay particular attention to squeakers. If your dog removes the squeaker, take the toy away rather than allowing continued chewing.
8. Avoid Extremely Hard Chews
A toy that is practically impossible for your dog to damage is not necessarily a good toy.
Hard bones, antlers, hooves, and similarly rigid objects can fracture teeth. VCA notes that hard chew objects can damage dogs' teeth and that veterinary dentists commonly caution against very hard chewing materials. (vcahospitals.com)
The American Kennel Club also warns that extremely hard chews can cause dental injuries. (akc.org)
Durability should therefore never be measured simply by hardness.
9. Consider Your Dog's Age
Age can affect which chew toy is appropriate.
Puppies
Puppies often have a strong desire to chew while their adult teeth develop. Their toys should be appropriately sized and designed for puppies rather than simply being the toughest product available.
VCA notes that puppies should be supervised even when chewing toys considered appropriate because no toy is completely risk-free. (vcahospitals.com)
Early training can also help puppies learn which objects are acceptable to chew.
Our guide on puppy training and building good habits from day one provides additional advice for teaching appropriate behaviors from the beginning.
Adult Dogs
Adult dogs may require different toys depending on their chewing intensity, size, and activity level.
Senior Dogs
Senior dogs may have different dental or comfort needs, so exceptionally hard chew toys may not be appropriate. Choose products with their age and individual health in mind.
10. Think About Your Dog's Dental Health
Chewing should not be assumed to automatically improve dental health.
Some products are specifically designed for dental care, but a chew toy should not replace regular dental hygiene or professional veterinary care.
If your dog has painful gums, broken teeth, bad breath, difficulty chewing, or changes in eating behavior, speak with your veterinarian.
A dog's teeth should not be sacrificed simply for the sake of having a longer-lasting toy.
11. Choose Toys That Match Activity Level
Dogs with high energy may need more opportunities to chew and play throughout the day.
Chew toys can complement walks, training, games, and other forms of enrichment, but they should not be the only source of activity.
Our article on active dog breeds for outdoor lifestyles explains why energetic dogs often require a combination of physical exercise and mental stimulation.
A dog that has sufficient activity may be less likely to seek out inappropriate objects simply because it is bored.
12. Use Chew Toys for Mental Enrichment
Some chew toys can also become enrichment tools.
Food-stuffable rubber toys, foraging products, and selected puzzle toys can encourage dogs to work for their food while keeping them engaged.
VCA notes that enrichment and food-based toys can provide both mental and physical benefits when appropriately selected and supervised. (vcahospitals.com)
Dogs that enjoy solving problems may particularly benefit from these options. Our article on intelligent dog breeds and mental stimulation explores why mental challenges can be especially valuable for highly intelligent dogs.
13. Supervise New Chew Toys
Even a reputable chew toy should be observed the first few times your dog uses it.
Watch for:
Large pieces breaking off
Repeated attempts to swallow pieces
Cracked or sharp surfaces
Excessive tooth pressure
Fraying or unraveling
Changes in the dog's chewing behavior
VCA specifically recommends supervision and removing toys when pieces begin breaking off or when a dog is chewing them in a way that creates a hazard. (vcahospitals.com)
Supervision helps you determine whether a toy is actually appropriate for your individual dog.
14. Inspect the Toy Regularly
Durable does not mean indestructible.
Inspect chew toys frequently for cracks, chunks, sharp edges, loose components, and other forms of damage.
VCA recommends retiring toys when stuffing begins to show, rope becomes frayed, or rubber becomes broken. (vcahospitals.com)
Do not wait until a toy is completely destroyed before replacing it.
A toy that was safe when new may become unsafe after repeated chewing.
15. Clean Chew Toys Properly
Chew toys can collect saliva, dirt, food particles, and other debris.
Choose products that can be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some rubber toys can be washed more easily than others.
A toy that becomes visibly dirty or develops an unpleasant odor should be cleaned rather than simply returned to your dog's toy box.
Do not use cleaning chemicals that are not intended for the product or safe around pets.
16. Rotate Chew Toys
You do not need to give your dog every chew toy at the same time.
Rotating toys can maintain novelty and allow you to inspect and clean products between uses.
Keep a small selection available, store the others safely, and bring them back into rotation periodically.
This can be especially useful for dogs that become bored with toys after seeing them every day.
17. Know When to Retire a Toy
A chew toy should be replaced when it is:
Small enough to swallow
Cracked
Broken into chunks
Sharp around the edges
Heavily frayed
Missing important parts
The American Kennel Club recommends removing toys that become less durable or begin creating risks such as swallowing pieces or broken parts. (akc.org)
Replacing a toy is a much better option than trying to extend its life after it has become damaged.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Chew Toys
One common mistake is assuming that the hardest toy is the safest toy. Excessively hard products can damage teeth.
Another mistake is choosing a toy that is too small. A dog that can fit the entire product into its mouth may be at greater risk of choking or swallowing it. (vcahospitals.com)
Owners may also give powerful chewers soft toys that are destroyed almost immediately.
Finally, some people continue using toys after they become damaged because the dog still enjoys them. Enjoyment should never outweigh safety.
A Simple Durable Chew Toy Checklist
Before buying a chew toy, ask:
Is it large enough for my dog?
Is the material appropriate for my dog's chewing strength?
Is it durable without being excessively hard?
Does it have removable parts that could be swallowed?
Can I clean it easily?
Can I inspect it regularly for damage?
Is it appropriate for my dog's age and dental needs?
Will I be able to supervise my dog when necessary?
These simple questions can help you avoid many common mistakes.
What Is the Best Chew Toy for a Strong Chewer?
There is no single chew toy that is safest or best for every strong chewer.
Look for a product specifically designed for your dog's size and chewing behavior, but avoid assuming that maximum hardness equals maximum safety.
Durable rubber toys may be suitable for some dogs, while others may prefer alternative materials or food-based enrichment. The important factors are appropriate size, suitable material, durability, and supervision.
If your dog destroys toys rapidly, choose a product that can withstand its individual bite and chewing behavior, then replace it when it becomes damaged. (vcahospitals.com)
Final Thoughts
Choosing durable chew toys is about finding the right balance between strength and safety.
Start with your dog's size, age, chewing style, and behavior. Select a toy that is large enough not to be swallowed, durable enough to withstand normal use, and not so hard that it creates unnecessary dental risk.
Supervise new toys, inspect them frequently, clean them according to the manufacturer's instructions, and retire them as soon as they become damaged.
Most importantly, remember that no chew toy is completely risk-free. Your dog's individual chewing habits matter, and a toy that works perfectly for one pet may be unsuitable for another.
The best chew toy is not necessarily the toughest one on the shelf. It is the one that provides safe, appropriate chewing and enrichment for your individual dog.
Sources & References
VCA Animal Hospitals. How to Choose the Best Chew Toy for Your Dog.
VCA Animal Hospitals. Teeth, Teething and Chewing in Puppies.
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/teeth-teething-and-chewing-in-puppies
VCA Animal Hospitals. Behavior Management — Enrichment and Activity Toys.
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/behavior-management---enrichment-and-activity-toys
American Kennel Club. A Guide to Toy Shopping for Your Pup.
https://www.akc.org/canine-partners/a-guide-to-toy-shopping-for-your-pup/
American Kennel Club. Which Dog Toys Are Right for Your Dog?
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/best-dog-toys/
American Kennel Club. How to Pick Safe, Edible Dog Chews.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/choosing-edible-chews-for-dogs/
American Kennel Club. Damaging Chews: What Dogs Should Not Chew.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/damaging-chews/
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Last reviewed: September 2026
