The Ultimate Guide to Picking the Right Chew Toy for Your Dog

ByGavin Levenstein

At TailMe, we understand pets are family. We’re here to help you choose chew toys that are genuinely safe, satisfying and good for your dog’s health—without wasting money on duds.

Why Do Dogs Chew?

  • Natural instinct: Chewing is hard-wired. In the wild it helped process food and keep teeth functional.
  • Exploration and play: Dogs “see” the world with their mouths. Chewing is how they interact and learn.
  • Teething relief: Puppies chew to soothe sore gums as adult teeth erupt.
  • Stress relief: Chewing can calm anxious dogs and redirect boredom into something positive.

Benefits of Chewing

  • Dental health: Gentle abrasion helps reduce plaque and tartar; chewing can massage gums.
  • Mental stimulation: A focused chew session is enriching and tiring in a good way.
  • Low-impact exercise: Keeps mouths and minds busy without overexertion.
  • Jaw fitness: Regular, appropriate chewing maintains jaw muscles.

Understanding a Dog’s Jaw and Teeth

  • Jaw power: Depending on breed and size, bite force can range roughly from 200–700 PSI—powerful enough to damage the wrong toy.
  • Tooth design: Adult dogs have 42 teeth for tearing and grinding. Teeth can chip or crack on overly hard items, so toy hardness matters.

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How hard should a dog’s chew toy be? (The thumbnail test)

Use the simple safety rule: If you can’t make a visible dent with your thumbnail, it’s too hard for your dog’s teeth.

Safer hardness targets

  • Give: Choose natural rubber or flexible nylon that “gives” under pressure.
  • Bounce back: Materials should compress slightly and rebound.

Avoid (high tooth-fracture risk)

  • Antlers, hooves and cooked bones
  • Hard nylon that doesn’t dent
  • Stones or sticks from the garden

Pro tip: Rotate two or three safe chews to keep novelty high without increasing hardness.

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Is jaw clicking or squeaking normal when my dog chews?

If you searched “jaw squeaks when chewing,” you’re not alone. Sometimes the sound is just the toy. Other times, it’s a health flag.

It might be the toy if:

  • The sound clearly comes from an internal squeaker or friction on rubber/rope.
  • Your dog is chewing normally, happy to keep going, no change in appetite.

Red flags to see your vet promptly:

  • Pawing at the mouth, drooling, or reluctance to open the mouth
  • Chewing on one side only or dropping chews/food
  • Swelling of the face or jaw, bad breath, or bleeding
  • Yelping when chewing, jaw “locking,” or a sudden change in behavior
  • Trouble picking up kibble or skipping hard food

Possible causes your vet will consider include dental pain, cracked tooth, tartar buildup, TMJ irritation, or muscle inflammation.

Safer chew choices while you monitor:

  • Softer natural-rubber toys that pass the thumbnail test
  • Flexible nylon designed for moderate chewers
  • VOHC-accepted dental chews sized for your dog
  • For puppies or seniors: extra-soft teething or senior-grade rubbers

Want a deep dive on causes and care? Read our dedicated guide: Dog jaw clicking or squeaking when chewing (when to worry and what to chew next). [Coming soon]

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How to choose the right size and shape

  • Size matters: The chew should be longer than the width of your dog’s mouth.
  • No chokers: Avoid items that could fit fully behind the molars or slip down the throat.
  • Shape smarts: Bulky, rounded shapes are safer than long, thin “stick” toys.
  • Match the chewer: Power chewers get thick-walled rubber; delicate chewers get softer options.

Quick fit check: If your dog can get the toy far back and chew like a nutcracker, it’s too small.

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Material guide: rubber vs nylon vs rope vs edible

  • Natural rubber

– Best for: Most adult dogs; power chewers if thick-walled – Pros: Safe give, easy to clean, low noise – Cons: Can be too tough for tiny puppies if not “puppy” grade

  • Flexible nylon (moderate)

– Best for: Medium chewers who like a firm feel – Pros: Durable, satisfying “scrape” on teeth – Cons: Avoid ultra-hard variants that don’t dent

  • Rope

– Best for: Gentle chewers and supervised play – Pros: Great for tug and textured flossing effect – Cons: Supervision required—remove loose strands; not for shredders

  • Edible dental chews (VOHC-accepted)

– Best for: Daily dental support and lighter chewers – Pros: Proven plaque/tartar reduction when VOHC-accepted – Cons: Add calories; choose correct size and supervise

  • Food-stuffable toys (freeze-fill)

– Best for: Enrichment and anxious chewers – Pros: Quiet, long-lasting engagement – Cons: Needs cleaning; choose proper size

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Best chew toys by age and chewing style

Puppies (8–12 weeks and up)

  • Choose puppy-grade rubber that compresses easily.
  • Try chilled freeze-fill toys to soothe gums.
  • Avoid hard nylon, antlers and bones.

Power chewers

  • Thick natural-rubber designs with internal “walls” for strength.
  • Flexible (not rigid) nylon marked for strong chewers that still dent with a thumbnail.
  • Rotate a few options to reduce “boredom breaking.”

Seniors or dogs with worn/bad teeth

  • Soft rubber or fabric-reinforced plush with hidden chew zones (always supervised).
  • VOHC-accepted softer dental chews.

Quiet chewers / apartment-friendly (no squeak)

  • Solid natural-rubber chews or filled lick/chew toys—minimal noise, maximum focus.

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Safer alternatives to bones, antlers and hooves

  • Thick natural-rubber chews that pass the thumbnail test
  • VOHC-accepted dental chews
  • Yak-milk style chews for moderate chewers only (remove small ends; soak if very hard)
  • Lick mats and stuffable toys for enrichment without hard chewing

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The Thumbnail Test, sizing and replacement checklist

Do a monthly 60-second safety check:

  • Thumbnail test: Still dents? If not, retire it.
  • Cracks or deep gouges: Replace to avoid tooth and gum injury.
  • Missing chunks or strings: Bin immediately.
  • Size creep: If it’s worn smaller or your puppy grew, upsize.
  • Hygiene: Hand-wash rubber; hot-wash rope; refresh stuffing toys often.

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FAQs

Q: Is it normal if my dog’s jaw clicks or squeaks while chewing? A: Toy noise is common. But if you see pain, drooling, one-sided chewing, swelling or jaw locking, book a vet visit. Switch to softer chews meanwhile.

Q: What hardness is safe for a chew toy? A: If your thumbnail can’t make a mark, it’s too hard. Skip antlers, hooves and cooked bones.

Q: How do I pick the right size? A: Bigger than your dog’s mouth width and too bulky to slide behind the molars. When in doubt, size up.

Q: Are antlers or hooves safe? A: They’re a leading cause of fractured teeth. We don’t recommend them.

Q: How often should I replace chew toys? A: At the first sign of cracks, missing chunks, fraying strings, or when the toy no longer passes the thumbnail test.

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Helpful links and next steps

  • Destructive Chewing: Why It Happens and How to Redirect It Safely
  • How to Help a Teething Puppy Without Losing Your Shoes
  • Best Toys for Distracting a Barky Dog
  • Shop Dogs > Toys > Chew Toys
  • Shop Dental Care

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