The 18 Best Chew Toys for Dogs That Are Vet-Approved

Dogs love chewing. They just really, really love it. Chewing on stuff makes teething easier for puppies and keeps jaws strong for aging dogs. Canines also explore the world through sniffs, licks and nibbles, chewing their way to a better understanding of their surroundings. Chances are the first toy you bought Olly was a chew toy! News flash: Some are safer than others.

Unfortunately, many dog toys contain nasty toxins like arsenic, phthalates, lead, formaldehyde and more that can cause illness (womp womp).Preventive Vetsays at this time, there’s no overarching committee monitoring pet product manufacturers, so there’s no one ensuring these toxins stay out of chew toys. The only way to know exactly what you’re tossing into your dog’s mouth is by checking the materials on the manufacturer’s website of each toy you buy.

A Michigan-based organization calledEcology Centerknows how hard this is. The org works hard to not only identify products containing harmful chemicals, but to let people know which chemicals could be hiding in plain sight. In one study, Ecology Center reported48 percent of tennis balls tested“contained detectable levels of lead.” On top of that, tennis balls designed for pets were more likely to have lead in them than those found on the court at Wimbledon.

Other chemicals, like phthalates, are even sneakier. They pop up in tons of different types of plastics for their ability to add some resilience to products. Since it’s so difficult to determine what exactly is in all your dog’s toys, you best bet is going with brands that are transparent about their product materials or asking your vet for specific recommendations.

Another thing to consider when purchasing chew toys for your dog is your dog’s size and chew style. First, any toy that can fit completely inside your dog’s mouth is off-limits (big choking hazard). Second, if your dog loves to rip soft things apart and eat the remains, steer clear of plush and rope options. Third, anything too hard may break your dog’s teeth, so opt for durable rubber that gives a little. Never give a puppy chew toys made for adult dogs! This could chip or break their teeth, resulting in a painful vet visit. There are tons of toys designed specifically for puppy mouths. Finally, theHumane Societystrongly advises checking with a vet before giving your dog rawhide. Depending on the pup, rawhide can be dangerous.

To get you started, here is a list of items Olly will love—mostly because they are formulated by pet experts or have gotten the OK from veterinarians.