Choosing Safe and Durable Chew Toys for Every Type of Dog
Chewing is a natural, healthy behavior for dogs of all ages. It keeps jaws strong, helps reduce plaque, and provides much-needed mental stimulation. But not every toy is right for every dog. The safest, most durable choice depends on your dog’s size, age, and chewing intensity. Use this friendly, expert guide to pick safe durable dog chew toys your dog will love—and you’ll feel good about.
Quick start: shop by chew level
- Gentle chewers: see soft and dental-friendly options in our Dog Toys collection (visit Dogs ? Toys)
- Moderate chewers: explore durable rubber and textured chews (Dogs ? Toys)
- Power chewers: shop our extra-durable, one-piece “tough” picks (Dogs ? Toys; see Tough/Durable)
- Teething puppies: find our soft, soothing puppy chews (Dogs ? Dental Care)
- Seniors: discover low-impact, gum-kind chews (Dogs ? Dental Care)
Internal reads we recommend:
- The Ultimate Guide to Picking the Right Chew Toy for Your Dog (TailTalk)
- Pet care 101: essential products for your pet’s health (TailTalk)
Why Dogs Chew (Benefits)
- Dental health: the right texture helps remove soft plaque and supports gum health.
- Stress relief: repetitive chewing can lower arousal and ease anxiety.
- Enrichment: chewing occupies busy minds and reduces boredom-driven mischief.
- Exploration and play: especially for puppies, the mouth is a primary way to learn about the world.
Chewing Intensity: Gentle, Moderate, Power Chewers
Understanding your dog’s chew style helps you choose a toy that’s safe and long-lasting.
Gentle chewers
Tend to lick, nibble, and carry toys. Ideal for soft rubber, flexible ETPU, or plush-without-parts under supervision. Common in many toy breeds and seniors.
Moderate chewers
Chew daily but aren’t out to destroy. Choose durable natural rubber or ETPU with some flex and surface texture for dental benefits.
Power chewers (aka “aggressive chewers”)
These dogs can crack flimsy toys in minutes. Look for extra-durable, solid (one-piece) designs made from tough ETPU or thick natural rubber. Avoid thin seams, small parts, or brittle materials.
Which toy fits which chewer?
| Chewer type | Choose | Avoid | Size guidance | TailMe picks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gentle | Soft ETPU rings, flexible natural rubber, plush with no hard parts (supervised) | Brittle plastics, toys with glued-on eyes/buttons | Toy should be wider than the back molars and not vanish behind the canines | Dog Toys |
| Moderate | Durable ETPU, thick natural rubber with texture, smooth dental chews | Rawhide, thin rigid nylon, toys that splinter | If between sizes, size up; target 1.25–1.5× jaw width | Dog Toys ? Durable |
| Power | Extra-durable ETPU, heavy-duty natural rubber, one-piece designs | Rawhide, antlers/hooves, brittle or hollow thin plastics | Choose the largest size your dog can comfortably carry without reaching the molars | Tough/Durable Toys |
Note: We avoid absolute claims like “indestructible.” Even the toughest toys need routine checks and replacement once worn.
Safest Materials: Non-toxic, BPA-free, and ETPU explained
ETPU dog chew toys: why we like them
- High elasticity for satisfying “give” without sharp splinters
- Extra-durable and resilient under repeated chewing
- Non-toxic and BPA-free when made with food-grade compounds
- Odor-resistant and easy to wash for better hygiene
- Can be recyclable in some streams, helping reduce waste
ETPU started in performance footwear for its energy return and shock absorption. That same resilience translates beautifully to dog chew toys—especially for power chewers who need toughness without tooth risk.
Natural rubber
A great all-rounder when thick and well-made. Look for food-grade, non-toxic, BPA-free rubber with a bit of flex. Too hard can risk tooth fractures; too thin invites tearing.
Nylon and rigid plastics: what to know
Hard nylon may be marketed as “long-lasting,” but very hard plastics can cause dental wear or slab fractures in strong chewers. If you use nylon, pick softer blends, avoid sharp wear, and replace at the first sign of gouging or flakes.
Rawhide alternatives: what to use instead
Rawhide can swell in the stomach and is often treated with chemicals—both are safety red flags. Safer options include:
- Non-edible durable toys (ETPU or thick natural rubber) for long sessions
- Vet-approved dental chews and toothbrush toys that reduce plaque (see Dogs ? Dental Care)
- Textured toys you can smear with a thin layer of dog-safe paste for engagement
Explore safer picks in our Dental Care and Dog Toys ranges.
Puppy Teething: Best Soft Chews
Puppies usually begin teething around 12–16 weeks and finish by 6–7 months.
- Choose soft, pliable ETPU or gentle rubber toys that flex under small jaws.
- Size up slightly to prevent choking—nothing should fit entirely between the back molars.
- Try chillable toys (if the material allows) to soothe sore gums.
- Avoid very hard plastics, cooked bones, and anything that splinters.
Shop puppy-friendly textures in Dental Care and Dog Toys.
Senior Dogs: Low-Impact Dental Chews
Older dogs often benefit from softer textures that massage gums without stress on teeth.
- Pick softer ETPU or supple rubber with gentle ridges.
- Prioritise easy-to-grip shapes for arthritic paws and jaws.
- Monitor for worn teeth or sensitivity; when in doubt, go softer and larger.
Sizing: How to prevent choking and over-wear
Pick the right size in 3 quick steps: 1) Measure your dog’s jaw width (inner molar to molar) or compare against a treat you know they can’t swallow. 2) Choose a toy at least 1.25–1.5× that width, with no pieces small enough to lodge behind the molars. 3) Check the grip: your dog should carry it comfortably at the front of the mouth without the toy disappearing sideways.
Helpful callouts:
- Small dogs: avoid mini toys with detachable parts; pick one-piece designs.
- Large breeds: choose the biggest size available in the range for safety.
- Flat-faced breeds: pick ergonomic shapes that are easy to pick up without straining the jaw.
Best Safe Chew Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Power Chewers)
If your dog is a power chewer, focus on safety first:
- Materials: extra-durable ETPU or thick natural rubber; non-toxic, BPA-free.
- Construction: one-piece, no seams, no small appendages.
- Texture: light surface texture for grip without sharp edges.
- Size: when in doubt, size up.
- Use: rotate two or three tough toys to keep interest high and wear even.
Discover our Tough/Durable Toys to match strong jaws safely.
How to stop destructive chewing with the right toys
- Manage the environment: put tempting no-go items out of reach.
- Redirect: calmly swap forbidden items for a safe chew toy and praise immediately.
- Enrich: offer daily chew time after exercise when your dog is relaxed.
- Rotate: 2–3 toys in play, 2 resting. Swap every few days to keep novelty.
Testing and Replacing Chew Toys
Check toys weekly (daily for power chewers):
- Retire toys with cracks, deep gouges, sharp edges, or missing chunks.
- Replace once the surface becomes rough or thins in one area.
- Wash toys regularly with warm water and mild, pet-safe soap; rinse thoroughly.
- Follow manufacturer guidance before dishwashing or freezing.
FAQs
Are nylon bones safe for dogs?
It depends on hardness and your dog’s chew style. Very hard nylon can wear teeth or cause fractures in power chewers. If you use nylon, pick softer blends, supervise, and replace at the first sign of sharp wear.
What is the safest chew toy for aggressive chewers?
Look for extra-durable, one-piece toys made from tough ETPU or thick natural rubber. Choose non-toxic, BPA-free materials and size up so the toy can’t reach the back molars.
What size chew toy should I get for a 10 kg dog?
Start with a medium size that is at least 1.25–1.5× your dog’s jaw width. If you’re between sizes, go larger for safety. The toy should not fit fully between the back molars.
Are antlers or hooves safe?
They are very hard and can fracture teeth, especially in power chewers. We recommend safer alternatives such as durable ETPU or thick natural rubber toys.
How often should I replace chew toys?
As soon as you notice cracks, sharp edges, missing pieces, or thinning in one area. Power chewers may need replacements more often—inspect after each heavy session.
Are ETPU dog chew toys safe?
Food-grade ETPU is non-toxic and BPA-free when sourced responsibly. It’s durable yet slightly elastic, helping reduce splinter risk compared with brittle plastics.
Do you offer durable dog chew toys in South Africa?
Yes. TailMe ships across South Africa, with local support and pricing in ZAR. See our Dog Toys and Dental Care ranges.
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Ready to choose?
- Shop Tough/Durable Toys
- Browse Puppy Teething & Dental Care
- Need help sizing? Contact our friendly team via Support
By matching toy size and material to your dog’s chew level—and by prioritising non-toxic, BPA-free options like ETPU—you’ll keep chewing safe, satisfying, and long-lasting. Supervise the first few sessions, rotate for variety, and replace toys as they wear. Your dog’s mouth (and your shoes) will thank you.