The Best Natural Chew Toys For Dogs

It’s no secret that dogs naturally enjoy chewing. So, if you have a dog that loves to chew, you might have already lost some chair legs or your favorite shoes to their chewing habit. It can be extremely frustrating and sometimes expensive to have your dog destroy things around the house. But it’s not completely their fault. You see, they are hardwired to chew. Because chewing calms them down, releases anxiety, and gives them something to do when they’re bored. That’s where chew toys come in. And if you’re going to buy your dog a chew toy, you want to make sure it’s one of the best natural chew toys.

So many popular chew toys on the market contain dangerous chemicals and toxic ingredients that can be very harmful to your dog. (more on this below)

We reviewed dozens of natural chew toys to identify the best of the best. We looked at all types of deterrents, examining their ingredients, their durability, and how they can be used.

BEST Chew Toys

The Hurley by West Paw is easily one of the best natural chew toys for dogs on the market. It’s a chew toy, tug toy, and fetch toy in one. And they come in 3 bright colors and 3 sizes. We like that they are made from a certified-safe, non-toxic material that stands up to light to moderate chewers. And its shape makes it fun to chase, and it floats, so it’s fun for water play too. 

We liked its reasonable price, glowing reviews, and that it’s dishwasher safe. It’s also a great extra perk that once you’re done playing with it, it can be recycled. These toys are tough, and are great for most levels of chewers,  but is not designed for really aggressive chewers. (strong chewer toy pick below).

For its overall quality, and attention to the health of your dog as well as durability and our dog stamp of approval, we rated this toy our #1 pick!

Hurley Key Features: 

• Non-toxic
• Dishwasher Safe
• Floats
• Recyclable
• Can be used for chewing, fetch, or tug games

If you’re looking for a cute plush toy that is also made of natural materials and is non-toxic, look no further. These toys are adorable, affordable, and make a great chew toy for light to moderate chewers. And you can buy a single croc or the ‘twins’ shown above.

We also like this company because they give back, donating part of their proceeds to dog rescues. These cute animal toys make a great gift for your dog or your favorite dog owner friend.

Sancho & Lola’s Plush Toy Key Features: 

• Made from natural hemp
• Eco-Friendly
• Squeaker
• Supports animal shelters

best Puzzle Chew Toys

(fillable with treats)

Puzzle chew toys add the extra feature of being fillable. You can fill them with your dog’s favorite foods (find filler recipes here), and turn a chew toy into a puzzle for them to figure out. Puzzle toys help stimulate your dog’s brain, extend the life of your dog treats, and make a chew toy irresistible to your dog. 

Are you after the ultimate fillable natural chew toy? One you can fill them with treats to curb your dog’s chewing habit, and keep them busy for hours? The Quizl by West Paw is without a doubt the best natural puzzle chew toy on the market. Because it’s good for aggressive chewers, made from certified-safe material, non-toxic and made in the USA. We thought this toy stood out because you can fill it with all kinds of treats, and it will also hold longer treats like a bully stick.

The Quizl comes in 2 sizes, 3 bright colors, is dishwasher safe and can even be recycled when you are done with it. Need more convincing? Just read the rave reviews on Amazon. You’ll be quickly convinced that this puzzle chew toy is worth buying.

Quizl Puzzle Chew Toy Key Features: 

• Non-toxic
• 2 Sizes
• Fillable with treats or longers chew toys to engage your dog’s brain
• Good for aggressive chewers
• Made in the USA
• Dishwasher Safe
• Recyclable

Kongs are one of our top picks for natural chew toys for your dog. Dogs have played with Kong toys for over forty years and they continue to be a staple for dogs (and owners) around the world. They are made from all-natural rubber, non-toxic, and eco-friendly.

They are easy to fill with treats or your own kong stuffing recipes and double as a fun fetch toy since their shape gives them an unpredictable bounce. And we love that they come in different colors and different chewing intensities for puppies through seniors. The design also allows for a string to be attached for hanging in your dog’s crate or play area.

Kong Key Features: 

• Non-Toxic
• Dishwasher Safe
• Stuffable with a variety of treats and recipes since one end has a larger hole
• Made in the USA
• Different versions for different chewing intensity

best FOR AGGRESSIVE CHEWERS

Goughnuts is the toughest toy we could find and has passed the test with many very aggressive chewers. If you’re worried your dog will destroy it, it comes with a lifetime guarantee and an indicator ring so you know if your dog has chewed too far. If your dog chews down to the red indicator ring, it’s time to return your ring for a free replacement.

We love that it’s made from non-toxic material, floats for water play, and comes in different sizes and colors. They even include a sizing chart to help you choose. If you want the toughest version, make sure to grab the black ring.

Goughnuts Features: 

• Crazy Tough
• Back by a Lifetime Guarantee
• Non-Toxic
• Made in the USA
• Comes in Different Sizes

best EDIBLE CHEW TOYS

Ideal for tough chewers, these bully sticks are one of the few on the market that has only one ingredient. And they don’t have any chemicals or preservatives added. Made from 100% grass-fed free-range cattle, this chew is easy to digest and low in fat. These sticks also support your dog’s dental health because they act as natural floss.

The only complaint we have heard is that they do have a smell, but we have yet to find bully sticks that are natural and sent-free. 🙂 If you have an older dog, these are a great choice because they have naturally-occurring glucosamine, which is great for joint support.

Free Range Bully Stick Features:

• Ideal for tough chewers
• Made from 100% grass-fed, free-range cattle
• Acts as a natural dental floss
• Contains glucosamine for joint support
• Low fat

best TUG TOYS

This toy, designed for gentle chewers, stretches to twice its length when pulled on for a lot of tug of war fun. It’s non-toxic, latex-free, and lightweight, and its S-shaped design keeps your hand away from your dog’s teeth.

You can pop this toy in the dishwasher, and even recycle it when you’re done with it. All West Paw toys are made in the USA, and this toy includes a manufacturer ‘Love It’ guarantee against damage.

Bumi Features:

• Non-toxic, BPA Phthalate, and latex-free
• Stretched to twice its length
• Keeps hands safe with S design
• Dishwasher safe
• Recyclable
• Made in the USA
• Covered by a damage warentee

best DENTAL CHEWS

These chews have been clinically proven to help control tartar in dogs, and we have found that most dogs love them. They are plant-based with no meat ingredients, gluten, or formaldehyde (amazingly a lot of dental treats have this) and they reduce plaque, freshen breath, and clean teeth. They also include probiotics so they promote a balanced and healthy gut flora.

Veggiedent Features:

• Plant-based
• Proven to reduce tartar
• Meat and gluten free
• Freshens breath and cleans teeth

CHEW TOYS YOU SHOULD AVOID

Some common chew toys that are not ideal for dogs. Either because of their ingredients or because they are too hard and can cause cracked and broken teeth.

• Cow and Pig Ears – these are often treated with chemicals
• Bones – Be careful with bones. Although some believe that raw bones are ok, avoid all bones except knucklebones and non splintering bones. Other bones can break teeth, splinter and get lodged in the digestive tract.
• Hard Cheese Blocks – Can cause broken teeth
• Cow Hooves, and Deer and Elk Antlers – Can cause broken teeth, and splinter causing oral puncture injuries
• Nylabones and Nylon Chew Toys – These are too hard for regular chewing and can cause broken teeth

HOW TO CHOOSE A CHEW TOY

1. MAKE SURE IT’S ALL NATURAL

It’s important to make sure that the chew toys you choose are made of natural ingredients with no harsh chemicals added. Because there are not many regulations to monitor what can be used to make chew toys for dogs, they often include many dangerous chemicals that can be very dangerous to dogs including:

Phthalates: A chemical added to the PVC in many chew toys which over time can absorb through your dog’s gums and cause damage to their liver and kidneys.

BPA: Bisphenol A is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that has been associated with changes to their gut microbiome and metabolism.

Lead: Lead is dangerous to the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract.   

Arsenic: Most of us have heard of Arsenic as a poison used to kill humans, but this chemical is found in some chew toys and can cause vomiting and even death in dogs.  

Bromine: A chemical that causes digestive upset and changes to urination.

Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is often used to preserve chews and rawhides. With high enough doses, it could cause respiratory problems or digestive irritation. 

2. MAKE SURE IT’S NOT TOO HARD

Many chew toys are too hard (many listed above) and can chip or break their teeth causing a lot of pain and expensive vet bills. A good way to judge if a chew toy is soft enough for your dog is to try to press your fingernail into it. If your nail can sink in, it’s soft enough for your dog’s teeth. 

3. GET THE RIGHT SIZE

Make sure you get a chew toy that is the right size for your dog. You want it to be big enough to hold it in their mouth but not so big that they are straining their jaw, and not so small that they could swallow it or choke on it.

4. SKIP THE FLAVORED TOYS

Many flavors are made from dangerous chemicals, artificial colors, and by-products that are not good for your dog.

4. HOW WILL YOU WASH IT?

It is great if it is dishwasher safe so you can keep it germ-free over time.

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