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15 Best Dog Dental Chew Toys

Written by Khalil
Khalil is passionate about all sorts of domesticated pets. They have written dozens of articles across the web.
Published on
Friday 1 January 2021
Last updated on
Tuesday 9 May 2023
best dog dental chew toys
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Confused about how to maintain your dog’s dental hygiene without them getting all fussy? Well, you need a dental chew toy for your dog. Dental dog chew toys, as the name suggests, combine the element of fun with your dog’s oral hygiene. When ignored, your dog’s teeth can create some serious concerns. It starts off with basic dental hygiene issues and leads to more serious health concerns. So, no matter how much we care about our furry friend’s teeth, they have a mind of their own. What’s the solution then?

Dog dental chew toys. They provide you with the needed oral care with a touch of fun. While your furry friend chews on their toy, the toy helps clean off the plaque build-up on their teeth. This article will cover everything that you need to know about dental chew toys, so keep reading.

15 Best Dental Chew Toys for Dogs

Among the products we included in the list, our best pick is the dental chew toy from KONG. This brand has a high rating by many because of the durability it offers.

Their classic chew toys stand the strength of power chewers. Plus, they also provide relief from boredom due to their treat-dispensing capability. 

There are various dental chew toys to choose from. It is arguably a very saturated market! Here are the best dental chew toys for dogs and puppies.

1. Arm & Hammer Gorilla Chew Toy

If your dog is an aggressive chewer and loves to rip toys apart then you might want to look into Arm and Hammer gorilla chew toy. Focused specifically on giant breeds, this toy claims to be sturdy but not indestructible (though here’s our list of top indestructible toys for Fido).

This toy that looks like a gorilla by Arm & Hammer is made using rubber. Moreover, it has baking soda which makes it perfect for cleaning teeth. Being sturdy, it does the job of cleaning away all tarter and plaque that may have built up on your pooch’s teeth.

Even though it does not contain any toxic materials you should keep an eye on your dog in case they bite a piece off and swallow it. Many customers have raised concerns regarding the use of baking soda. While it helps clean your dog’s teeth, some dogs tend to dislike its taste, so make sure your dog is not one of them. Nevertheless, it is a product that delivers on its sturdiness and offers you good value for money.

Pros

  • An affordable yet sturdy gorilla-shaped chew toy for tough chewers
  • Has tire-like treads that help remove tartar and plaque build-up
  • Infused with baking soda to help clean teeth

Cons

  • Has a strong rubber scent that dogs may dislike
  • Dogs may still break and swallow some parts causing intestinal blockage

2. Nylabone DuraChew Chicken-Flavored Chew Toy

Boredom is one of the biggest reasons why dogs chew, making chew toys great for dental hygiene. DuraChew dental chew toy by Nylabone can withstand aggressive chewing while helping clean dog teeth.

With its chicken flavor, these dinosaur shape toys are great for dogs. DuraChew is made with Nylon and is suitable for adult dogs of the medium breed. It is one of the few toys that fall in the category of vet-recommended dog chew toys.

Its long-lasting flavor keeps your dog busy while the cleaning nubs help remove any form of tartar or plaque. It is available in three different shapes: T-REX, Stegosaurus, and Brontosaurus. The color is random, which means you won’t get to decide which dinosaur you get. Irrespective of shape, this chew toy ticks all the boxes on our criteria list.

Pros

  • Durable dog chew made of nylon
  • Multi-textured surface with ridges and nubs to help prevent tartar and plaque build-up
  • Features a savory chicken flavor that dogs will love

Cons

  • Too hard for small breeds
  • May break your dog’s teeth or fracture their jaw from aggressive chewing
  • Designs are shipped randomly

Nylabone Products (@nylabone) • Instagram photos and videos

3. Nylabone Teething Pacifier

A teething puppy is no less than a ticking time bomb. Ready to chew on anything, this age bracket is very hard to pacify. And the only way you can save your sofas, cushions, and sheets is by buying a Nylabone teething pacifier.

The Nylabone pacifier helps stimulate the puppy’s gums and teeth. The nubs, moreover, helps keep their teeth clean. These toys come in bright colors to intrigue and excite puppies so that they at it for a long time. Since there are vets that recommend these, you do not need to worry about any safety hazards.

Made of thermoplastic polymer and infused with bacon flavor, the teething pacifier comes with two chews. This chew toy is for puppies under 25 pounds, only. You shouldn’t buy them for dogs with permanent teeth. If you have multiple dogs in your house, keep a close eye so that none of the older dogs swallow or choke on the tongs.

Pros

  • Durable dog chew made of nylon
  • Multi-textured surface with ridges and nubs to help prevent tartar and plaque build-up
  • Infused with an irresistible bacon flavor

Cons

  • Suitable for puppies under 25 pounds only
  • The spikes on the chew toy can easily be chewed off
  • Not recommended for a multi-dog home with adult dogs

Nylabone Products (@nylabone) • Instagram photos and videos

4. Starmark Everlasting Treat Bento Ball

If your pooch is a picky eater or throws tantrums when eating, this chew toy will make mealtimes fun for your dog and easier for you. You can fill this ball chew toy with treats. It also comes with an edible chicken-flavored treat for your dog.

Even if your pooch is an aggressive chewer, the Starmark Bento Ball is sturdy enough to withstand their excitement. Made of Thermoplastic Elastomer, it smells like vanilla. This toy is best for adult dogs of large breeds. While your dog chews on the toy it helps clean its teeth and scrapes off any food remains stuck in.

Also, don’t worry about it getting dirty as it is dishwasher safe. While almost every customer loved the product there were a few who had doubts regarding its sturdiness. Nevertheless, this treat bento ball seems worthy of investment.

Pros

  • Can hold treats or kibbles to entice your dogs
  • Has dental dimples that help clean teeth
  • Provides challenging play keeping your dog’s mind occupied

Cons

  • Has a strong odor that stays despite multiple washes
  • Mixed reviews on durability, some dogs are able to rip it in minutes
  • More expensive compared to other chew toys on the list

#starmarkeverlastingtreatball hashtag on Instagram • Photos and videos

5. Hartz Chew ‘n Clean Tuff Bone

Hartz Chew n Clean Tuff Bone is a safe chew toy. It can withhold aggressive chewing and comes in various sizes. Made with Nylon and infused with bacon flavor, Tuff Bone keeps your dog happy and healthy.

The Chew n Clean Tuff Bone is suitable for adults of medium breeds. It is available in various bright colors that help attract your dog’s attention. Sadly, you don’t get to decide on the color because it is random.

Still, the variety of sizes and its patent design make it worthy of investment. It can be a perfect gift for your pooch. Not only does it help keep your dog busy but it also helps clean their teeth and freshen their breath while they are at it.

Pros

  • Made of durable nylon and polyurethane with a multi-textured surface
  • Infused with a yummy bacon flavor
  • Available in different bright colors

Cons

  • Not for aggressive chewers
  • Can be a choking hazard, especially for large dogs
  • Colors are randomly selected for you upon shipment

6. Hartz Chew ‘n Clean Dental Duo

No products found.

This one is great if you are looking for a toy that is not only a chew toy but is a treat in itself. Made with Nylon and filled with bacon treats, this dental duo will steal your pooch’s heart.

It is perfect for adult dogs who weigh up to 50 pounds. This dog chew toy cleans tartar from your dog’s teeth while stimulating the gum for stronger teeth. It can be used when your dog is teething and is good for aggressive chewers too.

Since the toy’s center part is edible, there’s a risk of swallowing. But if you keep vigilant, this chew toy is a perfect blend of convenience and reliability. Good on the pockets, this chew toy is one-of-a-kind.

Pros

  • A dog chew with a delicious treat inside
  • Its shell is made of durable nylon and the treat is bacon-flavored
  • Cleans teeth and promotes good oral hygiene

Cons

  • Since dogs can’t determine which part is edible or not, dogs may swallow even the non-edible parts
  • Hard parts may damage or break the teeth of small breeds
  • Outer case can no longer be useful once the inner treat is consumed

#hartzchew hashtag on Instagram • Photos and videos

7. JW Pet Chompion Dog Toy

Every dog loves to chew and play fetch. The JW pet chompion dog toy combines the two. The dumbbell shape of this toy makes it easy to carry around and play fetch. The infused vanilla flavor makes it fun to chew on while the textured nubs help clean teeth.

Since the toy is made from rubber it is sturdy and durable. Suitable for medium-sized breeds, the toy comes in many colors. Sadly you do not get to choose a color.

The constituent materials of this chew toy are non-toxic so it can be used for teething puppies also. But the best part about chompion is that you can use it to play fetch with your dog and have fun without worrying about their dental hygiene.

Pros

  • A dental chew toy and fetch toy in one
  • Made of durable rubber with textured nubs that help clean teeth and gums
  • Dumbell shape makes it easy for dogs to hold or pick up

Cons

  • Although it is advertised for large breeds, this chew toy’s durability doesn’t last that long with large dogs
  • Has a strong rubber scent
  • Not for power chewers

8. Purina DentaLife Large Dog Dental Chews

There is no debate, a happy dog is a healthy dog. And what can make your pooch happier than playing with the Snawsome Squeaker bone chew toy? This chew toy is all about oral hygiene and you don’t need to worry about any toxic materials because it is made with food-grade materials only.

Let’s be honest, your pooch may get a little rough when it comes to chewing toys. With this toy, however, you do not need to worry about any wear and tear. Bite-tested by a 150-pound dog, it is proven to be durable and sturdy for aggressive chewers.

It is not infused with any flavor but comes in a variety of colors and sizes. The Gnawsome bone toy is ideal for adult dogs and for teething puppies too.

Pros

  • Edible dog chew with no artificial colors and flavors
  • Has eight ridges and a porous texture to help clean dog’s teeth
  • Prevents tartar buildup

Cons

  • Chews harden when exposed to air for a long time
  • May cause vomiting or other digestive issues in sensitive dogs
  • Not preservative-free

#purinadentalife hashtag on Instagram • Photos and videos

9. Nylabone Dental Chew Bone

Ideal for daily oral care and recommended by vets, dental chew bone by Nylabone is another one of their special dog teeth cleaning toys. It is made with Nylon and infused with chicken flavor which is one of the reasons why this chew toy is one of the highest-rated toys.

Its dental nubs help keep your pooch’s mouth plaque and odor-free. While it is sturdy, it is still soft on the gums of teething puppies. If you have an adult dog, you might want to consider another toy because many customers have reported it to be too soft for adult dogs that broke it into pieces after a few minutes of chewing. On the upside, it is one of the very few made-in-USA toys.

The dental chew bone comes in different sizes, each one suitable for medium breeds.

Pros

  • A flexible dental chew for gentle to moderate chewers like puppies or senior dogs 
  • Has a delicious chicken flavor 
  • Available in different sizes for different breeds

Cons

  • Not suitable for strong or aggressive chewers
  • Broken pieces can be a choking hazard or may puncture a dog’s stomach

Nylabone Products (@nylabone) • Instagram photos and videos

10. BeneBone Tough Dog Chew Toy

Your dog can never have enough bones and that is why you need BeneBone tough dog chew toy that is infused with real rotisserie chicken flavor.

It is designed to keep the dog’s grip in mind and the ridges are there to help maintain gum health. Made in the USA, the BeneBone is a super-strong dental chew toy. It is important to note that these toys are manufactured at a place where nuts are processed so they might cause allergic reactions in dogs that are allergic to nuts.

Moreover, while it is almost indestructible, it is still inedible so make sure you keep an eye on your dog during the chewing sessions to prevent any choking. This chew toy is made with Nylon, making it a good fit for adult dogs and aggressive chewers. BeneBone tough dog chew toy is simply worth every penny.

Pros

  • A durable nylon dog chew made for power chewers  
  • Infused with real chicken making it irresistible to pets
  • Curved design makes it easy for dogs to pick up plus ridges to clean teeth and gums

Cons

  • Too hard for small breeds and may break their teeth
  • May be lodged or stuck in the dog’s mouth due to its shape
  • Not for dogs with nut allergies

Benebone (@mybenebone) • Instagram photos and videos

11. KONG Dental Chew Toy

Peanut butter! There is nothing that your pooch would love more than a chewing session filled with peanut butter. That’s exactly why the Kong dental chew toy allows you to fill peanut butter in it. This gives your dog the next level of gnawing fulfillment.

The Kong dental chew toy is a great treat for aggressive chewers because of its rubber-making. The toy offers fun designs that keep your dog busy and hygienic throughout the day.

Kong has various other products in this category. This one, however, is unique and offers a tad bit more. Its sturdiness is praised by countless customers. This chew toy may seem expensive, but given its features, it will surely be worth every penny.

Pros

  • Ultra-strong rubber-made chew toy with an unpredictable bounce to excite dogs
  • Perfect for stuffing treats to keep dogs busy
  • Available in many sizes, great for power chewers of any breed

Cons

  • Has a distinct scent of rubber
  • Wrong size selection makes toy easily destructible
  • A bit expensive for a chew toy

12. BulliBone Nylon Chew Toy

The Bullibone chew toy seems to be made keeping the dog’s instinct in mind. However, what really steals the show are the paw pads for extra grip and the beef-infused flavor.

The Nylon chew toy is suitable for large breeds and adult dogs. Not only does it satisfy the chewing instinct of your dog it also promotes good gum health. Healthy gums mean healthy teeth. The Bullibone comes in 3 sizes and is manufactured in the USA.

Pros

  • Strong nylon bone that helps improve your dog’s dental hygiene
  • Designed with paw pad handles for easy grip and chew
  • Infused with an enticing bacon flavor

Cons

  • Not suitable for large dogs that can break the toy into pieces
  • Broken pieces of this toy may cause vomiting and intestinal blockage in dogs

Bullibone (@bullibone) • Instagram photos and videos

13. Arm & Hammer Ora-Play

The Arm & Hammer Ora-play is a step up from its sister products. This chew toy has baking soda in it that helps clean teeth and whitens them too. Infused with peanut butter, you can pretty much guess from here that your pooch ain’t putting this toy down.

The fact that this is made with Nylon ensures that this toy can easily withstand aggressive chewing. While it does not offer any size or color options, it still has a lot to offer e.g. the nubs help stimulate gums. So if you have a teething pup at home, you can give this chew toy for stronger teeth.

Moreover, the deep cleaning nubs help reach deep inside the mouth and clean all forms of food residue and tartar. The ora-play has received almost no negative reviews and thus is a safe option to buy for your pooch.

Pros

  • Made from durable nylon with nubs that help stimulate the gums
  • Contains baking soda which aids in cleaning and whitening the teeth
  • Infused with a delicious peanut butter flavor

Cons

  • Might be too hard for some dogs and cause a broken tooth
  • Lacks flexibility for puppies’ sensitive gums
  • The nubs tend to be chewed off easily posing a risk of swallowing plastic pieces

14. TropiClean Fresh Breath Chew Toy

Let’s be honest, while dental chew toys seem promising, your dog still needs other dental care products like toothpaste. And whilst best dog cleaning products may have failed, the TropiClean chew toy stands out.

The shape of this toy is designed such that you can fill it up with oral gel for enhanced cleaning. So, while your dog chews on this rubber toy, the gel would reach the corners of the mouth providing extra cleanliness and fresh breath.

While it is promising, there is a chance that the gel might irritate your pooch. The customers have reviewed this product to live up to its promises thus it will be worth the investment.

Pros

  • 3 parts in a set including a dog chew, edible dental stick, and a teeth gel
  • Freshens dog’s breath with its 4 oral gel pockets
  • Rubber chew toy has textured bristles that help clean dog’s teeth

Cons

  • Dogs may just pull out the treat of the dental chew toy
  • Some pooches may get a reaction from the oral gel

15. Busy Buddy Bristle Bone Treat

We have saved the best for the last. The Busy Buddy bristle bone incorporates two unique features: nylon bristles and rubber nubs. Each of these helps remove plaque and tartar buildup in teeth while stimulating gum.

It has 4 treat ring refills that can be filled with your pooch’s favorite treats. Suitable for medium chewers, it is made with precision and care. The addition of treats not only helps reward positive behavior but helps kill boredom in dogs. It not only provides dental hygiene but makes playtime more fun.

While the treats make this toy more fun, it does make it a bit messy. But don’t worry, this chew toy is dishwasher safe and can be cleaned easily once your dog is done.

Pros

  • Interactive nylon and rubber-made chew toy with treat rings 
  • Busts dog’s boredom and keeps dogs engaged 
  • Nylon bristles help clean dogs’ teeth and stimulate gums.

Cons

  • Some dogs may unscrew the parts and swallow them 
  • The nylon brushes also tend to fall off after vigorous chewing of dogs
  • Sensitive dogs may react to the edible treats 

#busybuddybristlebone hashtag on Instagram • Photos and videos

Why Do Dogs Need Dental Chew Toys?

Let’s be frank here, brushing teeth is no dog’s favorite activity. While some may dislike it, there are few that may even detest it to the point where they won’t even let the brush close. So, how can you clean your dog’s teeth without them making a fuss about it?

As every dog loves to chew toys, switch your dog chew toys with the ones made specifically for their oral hygiene. Just like humans, dog’s teeth need cleaning to remove any food particles that may later build plaque, and having your dog play with chew toys is the best way to do that.

The buildup of plaque can result in several other issues like discolored teeth, mouth odor, and many other health issues. As a matter of fact, studies have shown that by the age of 2 almost 80% of dogs develop some sort of dental disease. You might want to invest in contemporary toothpaste and brush, but if your dog is moody, it is best to invest in vet-recommended dog dental chew toys.

How to Choose the Right Dog Dental Chew Toy?

Now that we know the importance of a dog’s oral hygiene, let’s list down the criteria for choosing the right dog dental chew toys.

Durability

Imagine your dog ripping off a cute chew toy that is not only one that your vet recommends, but is your dog’s favorite too. Your furry friend might not be an aggressive chewer but they can still shred a (poor quality) chew toy easily.

Thus, when investing in a chew toy make sure you check for its durability. Especially when buying a non-edible chew toy, make sure to read the fine print. Get a toy that can withstand wear and tear.

dog dental chew toys
Choose a durable dog chew toy.

And it’s not just about durability but also (more importantly) about your dog’s safety, for your dog may rip off a piece and swallow a chunk. This can cause them to choke. Thus make sure to check for the toy’s sturdiness and keep a close eye on your four-legged pooch.

Size

You would want a chew toy that is best in sync with your dog’s size. Buy a dog chew toy that best fits your dog’s needs. If the toy is too small, your dog might end up choking. While if it is too big, your dog won’t be able to chew on it.

It is good to know that an ideal toy size for your dog is one that they can easily wrap around and put in their mouth.

The market is full of chew toys, you can get them in different shapes and sizes. So it’s crucial that you read into your dog’s needs and then choose a toy that’s best for your dog.

Flavor

Dogs love chewing, add a bit of flavor to it and your dog will go bananas. You wouldn’t want to invest in a chew toy only to find your four-legged friend hating the taste.

Though the flavor aspect works best for edible chew toys, there are many inedible chew toys that have tasty flavors too. Make sure to buy a toy that offers flavors that your pooch loves.

Your worry about your dog’s dental care will wear off when you see your dog chewing on its favorite toy infused with its favorite flavor.

Hazards

It’s not just dental health that we need to worry about, but the overall health as well. Now, while buying chew toys for your pooch, you should not forget the potential hazards that come along, viz. inhaling or swallowing toxic materials via toys.

Make sure you buy a chew toy that is free from toxic materials and is made with BPA free material and is FDA compliant.

Moreover, buy a chew toy that does not have any small parts that your furry friend may choke onto.

dog chew toy safety
Ensure that the toy isn’t a choking hazard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your dog’s well being is and should always be a top priority. Worrying will take you nowhere, but our answers to your burning questions regarding your dog’s dental health surely will.

Do dog toothbrush chew toys work?

Dental dog chew toys, as the name suggests are made specifically for dog’s oral hygiene. Dogs can be finicky when it comes to getting their teeth brushed, however, these dental chew toys act as a convenient substitute.

All dogs love to chew, so a dental chew toy is the best gift for your canine buddy.

Dog chew toys help remove plaque. However, to complete your pooch’s dental health you need to follow other hygiene protocols as well.

Is it okay to let your dog play with a chew toy?

Dog chew toys are one of the best toys for your dogs. Not only do they help soothe teething problems in puppies but also help them use their energy in chewing something made specifically for that purpose. For all those wanting to build a healthy chewing habit in dogs, chew toys help them do that.

It is completely okay for your dog to play with a chew toy. However, make sure that your dog’s toy is made with toxic-free BPA material and is FDA-compliant.

Make sure you get a chew toy that does not have any small parts that your dog might choke on.

How to best clean your dog’s teeth?

When eating, food particles get stuck between the teeth which result in plaque. Plaque buildup is one of the major underlying causes of dental issues in dogs. You thus need the best teeth cleaning setup for your dog. While you can simply brush your teeth with a vet-recommended dog toothpaste and brush, this may not be easy. If your dog doesn’t like to get its teeth brushed then you can opt for these substitutes:

– Dog dental chew toys
– Chew treats for dogs
– Dog teeth wipes

Among these substitutes, chew toys are the best ones as they help clean your dog’s teeth naturally thus doing the job with the least amount of damage and the maximum level of fun. Moreover, get regular professional dental checkups for your dog. This will help catch any issue before it gets too bad.

What can I give my dog to chew on that is safe?

There are many products in the market that can be given to dogs to chew on. The best option is a dental chew toy. A dental chew toy helps clean your dog’s teeth naturally while they enjoy chewing it.

Since many dogs tend to be aggressive chewers, they may ruin your shoe or couch, it is best to buy them a chew toy, saving your furniture and clothes. Chew toys come in edible and non-edible form and offer a variety of flavors.

Make sure to buy an FDA-compliant chew toy and don’t forget to see that the toy’s size matches your dog’s needs.

What is the best dog chew toy?

There are many dog chew toys in the market, among the chew toy category, dental chew toys are the best. Some of the best dog chew toys are built by brands such as Arm & Hammer, Starmark, Nylabone, BeneBone, and Hartz.

dog chew toy priority
Always prioritize your dog’s well being.

Well there you have it! The best dog dental chew toys. Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

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