Recommended Toys & Chews

Before I became a dog trainer, I was the manager and buyer for many high end dog boutiques in Toronto. Because of this, I am a bit of a product nerd, and have some pretty extensive knowledge of the brands and products out there.

Below is a list of recommended toys and chews that will keep your dog busy for hours. All the products listed below are things I would give to my own dogs, and are some of my most favourite products on the market.

Safe Long Lasting Chews

As long as your dog is not a very aggressive chewer, the following chew bones should be safe to leave with your dog while they are unsupervised.

Petstages Dogwood Stick

A safe way to allow your dog to chew on a stick. This chew is made of powdered wood that is made with a substance to safely keep it together. It doesn’t splinter and the pieces are safe to swallow.

Petstages Dogwood Stick 2 Pack

The same as the plain Dogwood Stick, but get 2 different wood stick chews in this pack. One of them is BBQ flavoured for those pups that are into meat off the grill!

Split Antler Chew

The longest lasting chew you will ever buy! This all natural antler chew is great for dogs of all ages. Be sure to only get the split antler chew as whole antlers have been known to cause cracked teeth.

Gorilla Chew

An all natural wood chew made of sustainably harvested mangrove root. Because its made of root, this chew does not splinter and the pieces are safe for consumption.

Stuffable Chew Toys

Use any of the toys below to stuff your dogs food or favourite treats inside to keep them busy and their minds active. Domesticated animals are the only mammals on earth that get their food for free. Even humans work for their food, so why should your dog be any different? Making your dog work for their food creates a better food drive, and keeps your dog busy for more time during the day. The more your dog is busy, the less trouble they can get into. For instructions on how to stuff your dogs kibble in a stuffable food toy watch the video below.

Kong Classic

Stuff this toy with your dogs food or favourite treat and freeze it to keep them busy.

Kong Extreme

The same toy as the Kong Classic, the Extreme is a more durable version for the more hard core chewers out there.

Kong Puppy

This Kong is formulated with a softer rubber, which is more satisfying for teething puppies.

Planet Dog Double Tuff

Similar in shape to the Kong, this stuffable chew toy is made of natural non-toxic rubber, infused with mint for fresh breath. This toy has a replacement guarantee with Planet Dog.

Kong Genius Mike

This toy has plenty of room for lots of different sized treats or food.

West Paw Tux

This stuffable chew toy can also be used as a great toy for fetch as its shape causes it to bounce erratically so your dog can’t predict where it will land. West Paw also guarantees all of their zogoflex toys with a replacement plan.

West Paw Qwizzl

The qwizl is an all-time favorite, as you can put chew sticks inside, making for a more challenging chew. Bully sticks fit inside like a charm. This toy can also be stuffed with other treats and food.

West Paw Toppl

This toy has two difficulty levels. Used by itself, it’s a level one for easy. When combined with another Toppl (larger or smaller in size) they can be screwed together to create a more challenging game.

West Paw Tizzi

The Tizzi’s legs can be twisted together to hide the treats in the hole.

Treat Dispensing Balls

Just another creative way to feed your dog their meals (if they eat kibble).

Planet Dog Mazee

This fun maze toy is a great choice for dogs of all sizes and allows you to see inside in case treats or food get stuck. Those that live above their neighbors will appreciate that this toy is softer than other treat dispensing balls.

Planet Dog Tuff Snoop

Made of silicone, this dishwasher safe treat ball has two levels. Level one on its own, and level two using a rubber ball, stick it in the hole and make it even more challenging. Like the Maze, this ball is soft and will not make lots of noise on your hardwood floors.

Omega Paw Tricky Treat Ball

This ball is an oldie but a goodie. It’s been on the market for over 2 decades and is still going strong. There is a reason for this. A tried and true favourite.

Kong Wobbler

This toy sits upright until nudged by your dog’s paw or nose. Once it tips over the right way, it dispenses food or treats as it wobbles, spins and rolls.

Pet Play Wobble Ball

A very cute version of a treat tumbler that allows your dog to see the treats tumbling around inside while they play.

Sarmark Bob-a-Lot

A wonderful option to feed entire meals for those that feed kibble. It has adjustable openings to change the difficulty level.

Puzzle Toys

Puzzle toys are a great interactive way to feed you dog, as well as an activity you can do together. Always sit with your dog while they are playing with their treat puzzle as you need to guide them to show them how they should play with it in order to avoid them chewing on it.

Outward Hound Dog Tornado

With two levels in one, this is a great beginner puzzle as this one is rated level 2 as an easy to intermediate level. Don’t use the compartment covers for level 1.