Top 10 of Benefits of Chew Toys for Dogs

Dogs are natural chewers. Whether they’re puppies experiencing teething discomfort or adult dogs looking to relieve stress, chewing is an instinctive behavior that serves many purposes. The right chew toy can provide entertainment, mental stimulation, dental health benefits, and even help with training. Instead of your dog resorting to furniture, shoes, or other household items, chew toys offer a safe and beneficial alternative.

Understanding the benefits of chew toys can help you choose the best options for your dog’s needs. From reducing anxiety to promoting oral hygiene, these toys are more than just a distraction—they contribute to a happier and healthier pet.

Why Chewing is Essential for Dogs

Chewing is more than just a pastime for dogs—it’s an essential part of their development and overall well-being. Dogs of all ages and breeds benefit from chewing, as it helps them explore their surroundings, relieve boredom, and satisfy their natural chewing instinct. Puppies chew to soothe teething pain, while adult dogs chew to exercise their jaws and relieve stress.

1. Promotes Dental Health

Many chew toys are designed with textured surfaces that help scrape away plaque and tartar buildup, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Regular chewing also stimulates saliva production, which naturally washes away bacteria and helps prevent bad breath. Dental-specific chew toys can massage gums, strengthen teeth, and even reduce the need for professional cleanings when used consistently.

2. Relieves Stress and Anxiety

Chewing has a calming effect on dogs, helping them cope with separation anxiety, loud noises, or changes in their environment. When dogs chew, their brains release endorphins, which provide a natural sense of relief and comfort. Chew toys can act as a self-soothing mechanism, allowing dogs to stay occupied and distracted from stressful situations such as thunderstorms, vet visits, or long periods alone.

3. Provides Mental Stimulation

A bored dog can become restless, leading to destructive behavior. Chew toys provide mental enrichment by keeping dogs engaged and encouraging problem-solving. Some chew toys, like interactive puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys, challenge dogs to figure out how to access a reward, keeping their minds active. This type of mental stimulation is especially important for highly intelligent breeds that require more engagement throughout the day.

4. Helps with Teething Puppies

Puppies go through a teething phase where their gums become sore and uncomfortable as their adult teeth emerge. Chew toys help alleviate this discomfort by providing a safe and appropriate surface to chew on. Soft rubber or frozen chew toys can help numb pain, reduce inflammation, and prevent puppies from chewing on furniture or shoes. Providing the right chew toys during this stage also helps guide them toward appropriate chewing habits as they grow.

5. Prevents Destructive Chewing

Without proper guidance, dogs may chew on furniture, shoes, and other household objects, leading to frustration for owners. Chew toys also serve as a way to relieve frustration and excess energy, reducing the likelihood of behavioral issues caused by boredom or lack of stimulation.

6. Strengthens Jaws

Just like exercise strengthens human muscles, chewing strengthens a dog’s jaw and neck muscles. Regular chewing, especially on durable toys, helps keep their jaw muscles engaged and prevents muscle weakness. Strong jaw muscles are essential for dogs to eat properly, pick up objects, and maintain good oral health. This is particularly important for working breeds and older dogs who need to maintain their bite strength as they age.

7. Encourages Natural Behavior

Chewing is a natural instinct for dogs, dating back to their wild ancestors who chewed on bones and raw meat for sustenance. Providing chew toys allows dogs to safely fulfill this natural behavior without risking harm to themselves or their surroundings. By encouraging instinctive behaviors in a controlled way, dogs feel more comfortable and satisfied, reducing feelings of frustration or restlessness.

8. Can Reduce Boredom

A lack of stimulation can lead to destructive habits, excessive barking, or even depression in dogs. Chew toys offer a productive way to stay engaged, especially when left alone for extended periods. For dogs who spend a lot of time indoors, chew toys provide an outlet for physical and mental activity, helping to prevent boredom-induced issues such as digging, pacing, or excessive licking.

9. Improves Focus and Concentration

Some trainers use chew toys to reinforce calm behavior or teach dogs to settle down. Having a dog chew on a toy while waiting for a command or during downtime helps increase their ability to concentrate and be more receptive to training.

10. Fosters a Sense of Accomplishment

Dogs experience satisfaction and accomplishment when they successfully chew through a toy or figure out how to extract treats from a puzzle toy. This sense of achievement boosts their confidence and keeps them entertained, making them feel more engaged and mentally fulfilled. Dogs who engage with chew toys regularly develop a positive association with playtime and self-entertainment, leading to overall better behavior and happiness.

How Chew Toys Promote Dental Health

Chew Toys vs. Dog Bones: Safety Considerations

While traditional dog bones have been a long-time favorite, they can pose risks such as splintering, choking, or digestive blockages. Chew toys made from safe, durable materials provide a safer alternative while still satisfying a dog’s natural urge to chew.

How Chew Toys Help with Plaque and Tartar Removal

Chew toys designed for dental care help remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing gum disease and bad breath. The abrasive texture of certain chew toys works like a toothbrush, scrubbing away debris and maintaining oral hygiene.

Best Dental Chew Toys for Oral Hygiene

For the best dental care, consider durable and effective chew toys that are specifically designed to promote better oral health:

• Power Chew Phone – A phone-shaped chew toy built for power chewers, featuring a rugged, textured surface that helps clean teeth, reduce plaque buildup, and promote gum health, all while keeping your dog entertained.

• Chew Wheel – A highly durable chew toy with textured ridges to scrape away plaque and massage gums, promoting better oral health.

• Crocodile Dental Chew – A fun yet effective chew toy with multiple textures to target different areas of the mouth, ensuring a deeper clean while engaging your dog in a satisfying chewing experience.

Choosing the Right Chew Toy for Your Dog

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Chew Toy

Material Safety and Durability

Opt for non-toxic, durable materials like rubber, nylon, or natural fibres to ensure safe play. Soft toys may be suitable for light chewers, but aggressive chewers need reinforced designs that withstand heavy use. Always check for safety certifications to ensure the materials are pet-friendly and free from harmful chemicals.

Chewing Habits and Preferences

Some dogs prefer plush toys, while others need indestructible tough chews. Understanding your dog’s chewing habits helps in selecting the right toy. For teething puppies, softer rubber toys provide relief, whereas adult dogs may benefit from harder chew toys that support jaw strength. Choosing a variety of textures can keep dogs engaged and prevent boredom.

Safety and Maintenance of Chew Toys

What Dog Chew Toys to Avoid?

Avoid cheap plastic toys that break easily, real bones that splinter, and toys with toxic dyes or chemicals. Small toys or those with detachable parts may not be the safest choice, so always opt for appropriately sized options. If a toy starts to show significant wear, it’s best to replace it to prevent accidental ingestion of broken pieces.

How to Properly Clean Puppy Chew Toys

Wash rubber or silicone chew toys with warm soapy water and sanitise them regularly. Some chew toys are dishwasher-safe, making them easier to maintain. Plush toys should be machine-washed periodically to remove dirt, bacteria, and saliva buildup.

Safety Measures to Prevent Choking Hazards

Always monitor your dog with a new chew toy, and remove small, broken pieces immediately. Avoid giving dogs rawhide or poorly made rope toys that fray and can be swallowed. Supervised play helps prevent accidents and ensures safe chewing habits.

Proper Care and Cleaning Techniques for Longevity

Regularly inspect chew toys for wear and tear, and replace them when they become unsafe. Storing chew toys in a dry, clean area prevents bacteria growth and extends their lifespan. Rotating different toys also keeps dogs engaged and makes their favourite chew toys last longer.

Give Your Dog the Best Chewing Experience

At Happy Staffy, we know how important it is to provide dogs with safe, durable, and engaging chew toys. Whether your pup needs relief from teething, a way to reduce anxiety, or a toy that promotes better dental health, the right chew toy makes all the difference. Our carefully curated collection offers a variety of power chewers, dental chews, and interactive toys designed to keep your dog entertained while supporting their overall well-being. 

Explore our selection and find the perfect chew toy to keep your furry friend happy, healthy, and satisfied every day.