Improve Your Dog’s Oral Hygiene With the Best Dog Dental Chew Toy
Is your dog fussy about getting the teeth brushed? Or, is your canine fellow experiencing bad breath and dental issues? In any case, the most accepted dog dental chew toys in 2022 can help you solve the problem.
Dog dental chew toys refer to those stretchy and elastic play items designed to ease dental issues. These chew toys for dogs come in a diversity of shapes and sizes. Thus, finding the best one for your particular requirements can be challenging.
But do not worry because we're here to help you. In today’s post, our team at Dog Gear has reviewed the top 5-dog dental chew toys, as well as compiled an insightful guide. So, let’s dive in and unravel your perfect pick!
Reviews of the Top Dog Dental Chew Toys of 2022
Arm & Hammer Ora-Play
– Best OverallThe Arm & Hammer Ora-Play, designed as a bone, will have your dog loving it at a glance. It has a T-bone shape, with one longer than the other. So, you can use this for both puppies and adult canines. It also features grooves that scrub your dog’s teeth, removing plaque build-ups and tartar.
The chew toy comes infused with baking soda too. Hence, it will leave the teeth shiny and white, though some dogs may not like the taste. Moreover, the Ora-Play dental chew toy comprises premium-grade nylon that withstands the most aggressive of chews. It won’t chip at all, which means a safe chewing experience for your furry buddy.
- With an ergonomic design
- It is durable
- Cleans dog’s teeth
- Easy to clean
- Dogs may not like the taste
M.C. Works Dog Chew Toy
– Runner UpIf your pet enjoys different flavors, then this stuffable M.C. Works Dog Chew Toy is an excellent choice. It has a distinct and vibrant pineapple-shaped design with a textured surface. The hollowed interior lets you stuff food and treats inside. So, your dog will chew on it excitedly.
The textured chew toy eliminates plaque build-ups and makes teeth healthier. It also helps release anxiety and stress amongst dogs with emotional imbalances. Although the toy has a non-toxic rubber build, it is unsuitable for aggressive chewers like Pitbulls and German shepherds.
- Has an attractive design
- It cleans plaque
- Relieves pet anxiety
- Stuffable for flavor
- Not for aggressive chewers
Hartz Chew ‘n Clean Toy
– Honorable MentionThe Hartz Chew ’n Clean Toy has a unique bacon-flavored treat in the center that will have your canine friend chewing on it for consecutive hours. It features a sturdy nylon frame too. So, you can expect it to work well for mild chewers. You will find the best for small breeds, such as chihuahua.
It also contains DentaShield that enhances dental health by reducing tartar and plaque build-up. The Hartz chew toy comes in different color variants too. However, the colors get chosen at random at the time of shipping.
- Best for small breeds
- Promotes dental health
- Bacon-flavored taste
- Available in different colors
- Not for heavy chewers
Nylabone Dental Dinosaur Toy
– Also ConsiderSmall and robust – the Nylabone Dental Dinosaur Toy does the job perfectly. It is a 4.63-inches long white dinosaur covered in grooves. The toy is soft and flexible to conveniently help your pup chew on it. It cleans the teeth white and helps control plaque issues. Your dog can also use it to massage his gums and exercise jaws.
The Nylabone Dental Dinosaur Toy has a flavored design. You can choose between beef and chicken depending on your dog’s preferences. However, aggressive chewers can quickly make it rough since it is elastic. Nonetheless, the cheap cost means you can replace the toy without straining your pockets.
- With a robust design
- Cleans teeth & massages gum
- Different flavors available
- Value for money
- Not so attractive
Puzzle Teething Ball Toy
– Also ConsiderComing in a pack of two – the Puzzle Teething Ball Toy improves both the mental and dental health of your dog. It features two green and cyan-colored balls with grooves. These well-designed grooves will massage your dog’s gums and clean teeth from plaque. It also has a mint scent to attract dogs, but some may not like it.
If your dog doesn’t prefer mint odor, you can stuff dog-friendly treats and food inside the hollow center. The chew toy is washable, so do not worry about germs. It has a non-toxic, high-quality rubber build that makes it damage-resistant. The toy will last long even after daily intensive chewing.
- It has a stuffable design
- It is durable
- Improves dental hygiene
- Pack of two
- Dogs may not like mint odor
Finest Dog Dental Chew Toy Buying Guide
Do Dental Toys for Dogs Work?
According to AVMA, approximately 80-percent of the dogs (up till age three) experience active dental problems. If left untreated, these issues can worsen and infect the whole mouth. You may have to spend thousands on surgeries, and imagine the pain your poor little pup will have to go through.
All that said, let's not forget that these dental issues in dogs are preventable. While 80-percent of dogs do get infected because of neglect, there is a 20-percent population that remains completely unharmed.
So, how can you avoid dog dental health deterioration? The answer is simple; dental chew toys!
Dental chew toys are one of the most efficient preventative measures for dogs. Here is how they help:
- Chewing these dental toys scrubs the teeth and helps remove stuck food. It also removes plaque and tartar build-ups in dogs. As a result, they improve dental hygiene and whiten teeth too.
- The removal of food and bacteria eliminates odor. These chew toys make your dog's mouth smell fresher and more pleasant.
- Puppies and teenage dogs going through teething issues might find great relief in chew toys. The grooves come in contact with their tender gums and massage them. Hence, your dog will feel less pain and irritation.
Dental chew toys also have mental and physical benefits, apart from oral health. Playing with these toys stimulates their mind. The chewing activity exercises and strengthens the jaws too.
It keeps the dog entertained. Hence, he feels less lonely and anxious. Some dogs may even chew to ease stress and become relaxed.
Features to Consider in the Dog Dental Chew Toy
Walk into the market or browse online - either way, you will feel stunned by the variety available. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of dog dental chew toys. It is practically impossible to consider all and choose the right one.
And so, we first understand the idealistic features of the best product and filter the variety to narrow down our options. To help you do so, we have compiled the best features of a dental chew toy for dogs. These include:
Type
There are four fundamental types of chew toys. Each one has a particular set of pros and cons. Based on these, select the one that fulfills your needs best.
- Regular
These regular toys have a simple elastic and stretchable build. They come textured or covered in grooves to let your dog practice chewing.
- Flavored
The flavored toys are great to keep your dog invested in the chewing activity for long periods. Usually, you will find three flavors; beef, chicken, and fish.
- Stuffable
If your pet is picky, then stuffable chew toys allow you to optimize the flavors accordingly. These toys have a hollow center where you can stuff the food or treats. Your dog will get the taste when chewing the toy.
- Interactive
Some dental chew toys for dogs focus on mental stimulation too. Puzzles and balls encourage your dog to think. Hence, they sharpen their mind and problem-solving skills.
Size & weight
It is essential to consider the size and weight of the chew toy with the dog. If you have a large breed, opt for more extensive and heavier toys. The opposite of this applies to small breeds like a chihuahua.
Durability
The materials used in the composition of a dog dental chew toy affect its durability. A chew toy that breaks easily will not only waste your money. But, it will also become a choking hazard for your pup.
Small pieces are ingestible and may get stuck. Choose a toy that comprises of sturdy, high-quality materials like:
- Rubber
- Nylon
Do not opt for BPA and PVC plastic toys because they contain toxins. Chewing on toxic materials can lead to long-term health damages.
Maintenance
You must clean your dog's chew toys regularly. It is especially true when stuffing food in the center. The grooves and textured parts of the toys become an idealistic breeding ground for bacteria.
Over time, the germs build up, and your dog may ingest them. It can be pretty dangerous for your pup's health. Hence, opt for washable chew toys.
Tips for Buying the Best Dog Dental Chew Toy
Above, we have discussed the features that will enable you to find the perfect dog dental chew toy. However, it still won't help you make the best buy.
The best buy is the one that satisfies your needs, secures the purchase, and guarantees a safe shopping experience. How are you going to ensure all of this? Here are some simple yet highly effective to make the best buy:
Know your dog
Before beginning the product hunt, examine the type of dog you have. Explore his breed and take notes about his personality as well as habits.
- Is your dog a mild or aggressive chewer?
- Does he have particular taste or smell preferences?
- What is your dog's nature? Calm and collected dogs would easily enjoy any chew toy type. But, adventurous dogs might prefer an interactive chew toy more.
Estimate the budget
Do the math to understand the financial limitations. Knowing your budget will help you select the proper price range (more on this below!). It will also enable you to decide the number of toys to purchase.
Investigate the brand
When shopping online, never ignore the sellers. Find out about them to prevent potential scams and poor buying experience. There are two types of sellers:
- Company sellers
- Resellers
It is best to purchase from the company sellers directly. They provide the most authentic and original priced products. Plus, you can avail the brand-customer policy benefits too.
How Much Does a Dog Chew Toy Cost?
The dog chew toys are available in three price ranges. These differ based on product features, quality, and brand reputation.
- Budget-friendly ($5 to $10)
- Mid-range ($10 to $20)
- Premium ($20+)
Generally, a high-quality dog dental chew toy from a reputable manufacturer will cost you higher than others. But, it doesn't mean you should use all your hard-earned money on buying the most expensive toys.
Instead, it's best to spend in the mid-range to get a quality product while staying within budget. Chew toys get used roughly and intensively. So, you will need to replace them sooner or later.
Best Dog Dental Chew Toy FAQs
A: Rubber chew toys tend to be the safest option for dogs. Since there are firm yet elastic, your dog can chew on them without damaging the teeth. However, make sure the rubber used is non-toxic and premium-grade.
A: A teething dog must have at least five different chew toys. These should be of different textures and densities to let the dog explore and find the perfect match. However, if you have an adult dog, two to three chew toys might work fine.
A: Yes, a dog can chew on a toy too much. The toy may become rough and break into small pieces. Excessive chewing can also lead to dulling of your dog's teeth and even damage.
A: It depends on the dog's needs. Teething puppies may chew all day, while adults may chew occasionally. It's best to leave the dental chew toy with the dog and let him use it, as per preference.
