Whilst there may be already a wide variety of favourites in your dog's toy box, most toys and treats require supervision and are best put away before you leave the house. Older plush toys may open up after many rounds of tug, exposing the plastic squeaker inside. When deciding which toys to leave out, think safety first, considering those that are least likely to shred, splinter, or otherwise pose a risk to your dog.
*** Interactive Treat Dispensing Toys ***
There is a wide range of treat dispensing toys to engage your dog’s mind whilst you’re away. Even though these are usually made from high impact plastic, we recommend supervision if your pooch is an aggressive chewer.
#1. The Odin
Measuring approximately 9cm in diameter (bigger than a tennis ball), it is big enough not to be swallowed by big dogs but light enough for small dogs.
As you can connect 2 modules together for even more erratic movement and fun, it is guaranteed to provide your dog with mental stimulation. Available in black only.
RRP: $34.95. For details, visit www.luckypet.com.au
As you can connect 2 modules together for even more erratic movement and fun, it is guaranteed to provide your dog with mental stimulation. Available in black only.
RRP: $34.95. For details, visit www.luckypet.com.au
#2. StarMark Bob-A-Lot
Adjustable openings at the top and bottom accommodate most types of dog food and allow you to regulate the difficulty level. The weighted anti-slip bottom makes makes the toy wobble erratically, enticing your dog to play.
Tux is pliable, bounces, is non-toxic, recyclable, and buoyant. You can also stuff your dogs’ favourite treats into the cavity and let them rip. Tux is even dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning!
Only available in one size approx 15cm wide.
*Not intended as a chew toy.
RRP: $24.95 from www.vetnpetdirect.com.au
#4. Bark Busters Game Changer
Dogs will spend hours flipping the toy over and over again to get to the treats inside. It is sturdy and durable and being quiet, it is suitable for both outdoor and indoor use.
Made from high-quality non-toxic polyurethane material, that has been proven to be safe for dogs to chew. It comes in four vibrant colours: Red, Blue, Lime Green, Yellow.
RRP: $55 (includes free shipping). For more details, contact office@barkbusters.com.au
#5. Major Dog Snack Egg
The special Snack labyrinth will only release small doses of the titbits at a time, ensuring the food is ingested in small portions only. This is a fun way to turn dinner into a game or help keep your pooch mentally stimulated when you’re busy.
Made of 100% natural rubber, this toy (78mm x 81mm) is also dishwasher safe.
RRP: $19.90 from www.dogtrainingproducts.com.au
#6. The Foobler
It is an automatic self-reloading puzzle feeder with 6 timer-activated pods inside a hard plastic sphere.
RRP: $49 from www.foobler.com.au
*** Durable Chew Toys & Treats ***
Flavoured synthetic chew toys borrow the shape our dogs love but they won’t splinter like real bones. Infused with real meat juices for great taste they also prevent plaque build-up and massage your dog’s gums whilst helping relieve boredom.
Despite our Belgian Shepherds being aggressive chewers, we have found these to be perfectly safe to leave with them without supervision.
#7. Sporn Marrow Bone
The Sporn Marrow Bone is a jerky-flavour filled chewable nylon bone that helps control tartar and plaque to assist with your dog's dental health.
Great even for the toughest of chewers and especially recommended during the puppy phase, when your dog is constantly teething and needs something to chew, other than your shoes or furniture...
Available in sizes from XS to XL from pet stores and online.
Great even for the toughest of chewers and especially recommended during the puppy phase, when your dog is constantly teething and needs something to chew, other than your shoes or furniture...
Available in sizes from XS to XL from pet stores and online.
#8. Fresheeze Rotating Dental Chew
The Fresheeze Rotating Dental Chew from Yours Droolly is designed to give your dogs sweet, fresh breath while they play.
The Fresheeze range is made from high quality rubber infused with 'fresh mint', designed to eliminate odours and cleans teeth and gums through normal play.
There are different shapes available in this range and some toys feature a knotted rope going through the middle for extra fun as dogs love nothing better than untying those!
Available in Small, Medium and Large.
RRP from $13.99 from pet stores and online retailers
#9. Antler Chews
These are a natural alternative to synthetic chew toys and our verdict after 12 months of use is extremely positive as they do last a long time.
These should be given as a treat for a controlled period each day, say 1 to 2 hours. Your dog should not be allowed to grind down more than 1cm of antler per week. For an intense chewer, choose only the most dense/heavier pieces. Their team will help you match the perfect antler piece with your dog's requirements.
RRP: $8- $44. For details, visit www.aussieantlers.com.au
*** Rubberized Toys ***
Toys made of thick rubber can usually stand up to hours of safe chewing. These puncture-resistant dog toys are durable, safe, and fun. They will keep your dog’s imagination active, discourage destructive behaviour, promote dental health, and give you peace of mind.
And with the variety of models and sizes available from pet manufacturers these days, it's easy to find a new favourite for that special place in your pooch’s toy box.
#10. Aussie Dog - Staffie Ball
Made of very tough, extra thick non-toxic material that resists penetration. The extra large diameter (240mm) makes it virtually impossible for dogs to get a good grip so they cannot chew it.
RRP: $64.44 from www.aussiedog.com.au
#11. Busy Buddy® Ultra Woofer™
This uniquely shaped chew toy poses an extra challenge for even those determined chewers!
The extra wide ends of the Ultra Woofer protect a single Ultra-Thick Treat Ring. The toy design makes it more difficult for dogs to get a grip on the treat and this combined with the ultra-thick treat ring means this toy will hold your dog's interest for longer.
Once the dog finishes the treat, replacing it is as easy as unscrewing the ends and using one of the three replacement rings included. The toy is dishwasher safe for quick and easy cleaning. Available in small and medium sizes.
RRP: from $16.99 on the PetSafe Australia website.
#12. Petstages Orka Jack with Rope
This uniquely shaped chew toy poses an extra challenge for even those determined chewers! The extra wide ends of the Ultra Woofer protect a single Ultra-Thick Treat Ring. The toy design makes it more difficult for dogs to get a grip on the treat and this combined with the ultra-thick treat ring means this toy will hold your dog's interest for longer.
Once the dog finishes the treat, replacing it is as easy as unscrewing the ends and using one of the three replacement rings included. The toy is dishwasher safe for quick and easy cleaning. Available in small and medium sizes.
RRP: from $16.99 on the PetSafe Australia website.
#12. Petstages Orka Jack with Rope
The Orka Jack is a perfect toy for both chewing and play. The chewy jack shape is fun to bounce and offers challenging interaction and long-lasting chew sessions.
Made from durable, non-toxic material with a 100% cotton rope, which improves dental health by removing soft tartar and your dog will be focusing on untangling the knots for hours…
The unpredictable bouncing pattern when it is thrown makes play much more exciting for your dog. The hollow ends can also be filled with treats if desired.
RRP: $29.95 from www.petsonthepark.com.au
The unpredictable bouncing pattern when it is thrown makes play much more exciting for your dog. The hollow ends can also be filled with treats if desired.
RRP: $29.95 from www.petsonthepark.com.au
#13. GoughNuts Maxx Chew Toys
GoughNuts chew toys are designed to float, are virtually indestructible and come with a lifetime guarantee.
Each GoughNuts toy (green or black) has includes a visual safety indicator in its design: Black means “Go” and Red means “Stop”. If your dog chews through the Black outside wear layer to expose the Red indication layer, GoughNuts will replace your toy.
Each GoughNuts toy (green or black) has includes a visual safety indicator in its design: Black means “Go” and Red means “Stop”. If your dog chews through the Black outside wear layer to expose the Red indication layer, GoughNuts will replace your toy.
Available as a Doughnut or Ring shape in 3 sizes, these toys are used extensively by law enforcement agencies and K9 squads for training and enrichment purposes.The GoughNuts Maxx 50 range (featured) is designed specifically to withstand extreme chewers.
RRP from $40. For details, visit www.dirtymutz.com
DISCLAIMER:
No dog toy is indestructible. A few dogs are particularly destructive and in those cases, no matter what you give them, they WILL destroy it. If you believe your dog to be particularly destructive, these toys may not be for you. Or you can try them but only give your dog limited supervised sessions with the toy at the week-end first.
Last updated 31st January 2017
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