Best Chew Toys For German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherds are one of the most mouth breeds available, having an insatiable to chew everything they see, especially when they are still your. The best chew toys for German Shepherd will come in handy to keep your dog occupied even when you are away for hours.
You want to ensure that your puppy stays entertained, safe, and stimulated. But remember, not all toys are equal. You want to get strong and well-designed toys that are not only durable but will also cater to your dog’s needs and safety. To help you make the right choices, this post will provide you with the five best chew toys for German Shepherd puppies and a comprehensive buyer’s guide. Keep reading to find out.
What Do German Shepherd Puppies Like to Chew On?
German Shepherd puppies will chew on just about anything from sofa cushions, fence posts, school bags, chairs, slippers, table legs, etc. There are a number of reasons why Gerrman Shepherd puppies have the desire to chew including;
- Teething is painful and can be uncomfortable for your GSD puppy. This is especially true for the gum area and having a good chew will help ease the pain and discomfort.
- It is in their nature to have a desire to chew. This is because they have powerful jaws and sharp teeth which ensures survival.
- Social reasons such as when they are bored and lack lots of stimulation. A better way to get their jaws in action and minds stimulated is gnawing on anything.
Dogs love to engage in fun and play, and a lively and well-socialized dog will enjoy engaging in an energetic game. This is where toys come in. The best toys for German Shepherd puppies come in different textures and shapes for different activities and movements.
With that in mind, the five best chew toys for German Shepherd puppies are reviewed below.
1) Benebone Wishbone Durable Dog Chew Toy
Benebone is constantly making a series of nylon bones, and they have become quite popular in the dog toy industry. The Benebone Wishbone Durable Dog Chew Toy is the smallest version in their wishbone series. It features three ends giving your dog multiple places to grab and chew.
It has an ergonomic and flexible design that provides a better grip on your dog. This chew toy is made of nylon and bacon flavoring without any other additives to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. The toy tastes and smells like bacon which makes it very attractive for most German Shepherd puppies.
The bone is very dense and hard, making it a great option for dedicated chewers. You won’t have to worry about tiny pieces breaking away from the bone and blocking the puppy’s throat. It tends to break into large pieces. However, some puppies might find it to be too hard to chew.
Pros
- Puppy friendly size
- Smells and tastes like bacon
- Offers three ends for more chewing options
- Won’t flake off
- Durable
Cons
- If it breaks, it must be replaced
2) KONG – Puppy Toy Natural Teething Rubber
The KONG – Puppy Toy Natural Teething Rubber are very popular toys for dogs of all ages. This toy comes with three bulbous sections, with each one being smaller than the last one. This provides the German Shepherd puppy with plenty of options to chew.
The durability of this chew toy is unmatched. It is made from thick natural rubber, and there is an inner cavity where you can place your food and treats. Even though older dogs might be able to rip this toy to pieces, a German Shepherd puppy will have a hard time damaging this toy. These toys are available in different sizes for all dogs. Sticking to the same toy is a great way to teach your dog good habits.
Generally, Kong toys come in several grades of rubber, with the puppy grade being the softest. This is why it is considered an excellent choice for teething puppies. Puppies will also, get to enjoy the way the toy bounces. It’s round, but the irregular shape makes it bounce in entertaining and unpredictable ways.
Pros
- Larger sizes available for future use
- Bounces in a way puppies love
- Very durable
- Made from a soft rubber that is great for teething
- It can be stuffed with foods or treats
Cons
- It can easily be stained
3) Nylabone FlexiChew Teeth Cleaning Chew Toys for Dogs
The Nylabone FlexiChew Teeth Cleaning Chew Toys for Dogs is another one of the best chew toys for German Shepherd puppies that is quite popular in the market today. Nylabone is known to make a wide range of toys tailored for different habits and sizes.
This specific is covered with thick knobs to make it easy to clean the dog’s teeth as they are chewing. It is one of the best dental bones out there as it does a great job in cleaning debris that is between the teeth and scrubbing away plaque and tartar. It also comes with a pleasant chicken flavor that helps motivate the dogs to chew them often for superior dental health.
Despite its very low price, it lasts quite a while. The nylon material is more flexible, which means it can bend without breaking easily. Similar to all nylon bones, this one is also not edible and should be disposed of in case of any cracks or breakage.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Comes with a pleasant chicken flavor
- Great for cleaning the dog’s teeth
- Can bend without breaking
- Helps relieve stress
Cons
- The knobs may be a bit big for some puppies
4) Petstages Orka Alternative Chew Dog Toy
Combining a ring-shaped toy and a rope toy, the Petstages Orka Alternative Chew Dog Toy is an interesting toy that serves a number of purposes. First, this toy can be used to play tug of war because it is flexible and long, much like a rope toy. German Shepherd puppies tend to find this toy enjoy and it presents an opportunity for the owner to bond with the puppy.
It features three solid rings where two of which are made of a rubber material that is soft enough to ensure it doesn’t damage your puppy’s jaws. The rings are also raised with rounded knobs that help clean your puppy’s teeth while they are chewing. Unlike the two rings that are made of rubber, its middle ring is made from cloth with no visible seams.
This toy also offers your puppy several textures to chew and helps maximize their enjoyment. In addition, since the two rubber rings are not identical and one is knobbier than the other one, it is less likely that your puppy will get bored of this toy.
Pros
- Quite affordable
- Solid rings with no seams
- Available in three different textures
- Amazing choice for tug of war games
- Helps in cleaning the puppy’s teeth
Cons
- Not very durable
5) Yotache Small Dog Toys Set 6 Pack Ball Rope and Chew Toys
Looking for a complete set of toys? The Yotache Small Dog Toys Set 6 Pack Ball Rope and Chew Toys is a bit different from others, and you get six pieces in this set. Each of the pieces is meant to cater to a different kind of play. It provides great value for money as you get a variety of toys.
There is a rope toy to use for tug of war games, a rubber ring for teething, a stuffed banana that your puppy will enjoy ripping to shreds, a knotted rope toy to offer hours of chewing, and a round rubber ball for playing fetch. All these products are made from non-toxic, unlike other cheap dog toys made from strange additives.
All the pieces in the set are colorful, which makes them look attractive and pretty to your dog. As one of the best dog toy set for puppies and smaller dogs, this toy can also make a pretty good gift.
Pros
- Colorful design
- Made from non-toxic materials
- Strong and durable
- Low price
- Wide range of play options
Cons
- Not long-lasting
What Do You Check When Buying the Best Chew Toys for German Shepherd Puppies?
1) Material
Watch out for the materials that are used to make the chew toy, as some materials can be harmful to your dog. You want to look for natural and toxin-free materials, especially for a toy that the puppy will spend a lot of time in.
Consider buying products that are labeled BPA and Phthalate free. Furthermore, the toy should be compliant with the FDA regulations and has been carefully tested to be a quality toy.
2) Design
The best chew toys for German Shepherd puppies come in different sizes and shapes, which provides you with a broad range of options to choose from. While an unusually shaped toy may go well with most dogs, never underlook the golden oldie of a bone-shaped toy.
If you’re unsure about the design you should pick, go for a trusted manufacturer that has a background in selling toys for dogs. These manufacturers have been proven to have the respect of quality and interest in animal welfare as well as the environment.
3) Size
Similar to the design, the best chew toys for German Shepherd puppies will also come in different sizes. A good chew toy should be sizeable enough for the puppy to enjoy but not too big or heavy for their developing mouth.
As your German Shepherd puppy grows, it is important to update your selection of toys because a toy that is too small could be a dangerous hazard.
4) Chewability
Of course, you don’t want want to buy a chew toy that is not well chewable. Remember, not all toys are made equal. German Shepherd puppies are enthusiastic chewers, so anything of less quality will only be damaging to your dog’s health.
Cheap and low-quality toys are dangerous because there is a potential risk of choking if the pieces break off. As a result, only get toys that are chewable and high quality to prevent potential risk hazards and avoid wasting your hard-earned money.
5) Safety
When it comes to the best chew toys for German Shepherds, you want to minimize all the risks as much as possible. There are things you can do to ensure you pick the safest toy.
First, check the material. For instance, nylon bones will present a huge danger of intestinal blockage, but they have a bit less danger of choking because of their softness. On the other hand, natural bones won’t pose much danger to choking if the dog chews and grind them finely. Wooden sticks are also pretty safe and make great chew toys.
Secondly, it is vital to know how the toy will break. Most chew toys will eventually break, so you need to consider how they will break and the safety implications of the breakage.
Dangers of Using Chew Toys
In a perfect world, chew toys are said to be amazing, safe, fun and inexpensive. However, we are not living in a perfect world and chew toys have some issues;
- Bacteria and Toxins- The toy may be contaminated with several toxic substances and bacteria, which could be harmful to your dog’s health.
- Choking Hazards- Chew toys, especially small ones, could be a choking hazard if your dog tries to swallow them.
- Blockage- If your puppy is lucky enough not to get choked after swallowing a chew toy, chances are, the toy may block the digestive tract. This could be very harmful and, if left untreated, can cause death.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Chew Toys
1) How long do chew toys last?
This question lacks a straight answer, as the longevity of chew toys depends on the product itself, the dog, and how frequently it is used. However, if you choose the best chew toys, your dog can use them for at least a month. It is crucial to note that chew toys are designed to be disposable, but you don’t want to be replacing them often.
2) Do German Shepherds like to fetch?
Yes, German Shepherds are a perfect fetch companion as they enjoy playing the game, are eager to please, and are quick to learn. Teaching your German Shepherd dog how to play fetch is probably one of the best ways to ensure that the dog’s mind is always stimulated.
3) Do chew toys have a choking hazard?
Most chew toys will present a choking hazard depending on the size and construction. Unfortunately, there is no proven way to get around this problem as it is natural for dogs as well as other animals to be putting things in their mouth. However, you can minimize the risk by choosing larger pieces.