The best chew toy overall
From Chihuahuas to Great Danes, heavy chewers come in all breeds and sizes, so the best chew toy overall is one that comes in plenty of sizes to match. It should also be made from tough materials and designed for long-lasting durability. The KONG Extreme Dog Toy is our top pick for the best chew toy for heavy chewers because it is virtually indestructible, comes in five different sizes, and can be filled with treats for added mental stimulation.
KONG is one of the top dog toy brands on the market, known just as much for the versatility of its products as for their durability. We’ve tested several KONG toys, and they are all extremely durable and well-made. Our test puppy couldn’t get enough of the toy’s erratic bouncing action, and it stood up well to his sharp puppy teeth.
The KONG Extreme Dog Toy takes the popular shape of the KONG Classic, but it is made from the brand’s most durable rubber materials. In addition to satisfying your dog’s need to chew, this toy also provides enrichment, exercise, and dental benefits.
In its review, Rover names the KONG Extreme Dog Toy one of the most durable dog toys, and we have to agree. Though the classic shape was featured in the review, Rover comments that the KONG Extreme Collection includes a tire, a ball, and an assortment of other shapes. Woof Whiskers likes that it can be filled with treats or used to play fetch.
With more than 6,000 reviews on Amazon, the KONG Extreme Dog Toy is easily one of the most popular chew toys on the market. Dog owners love the durability and simple design, though there are some comments that the ball has a chemical smell at first and may leave black marks.
Pros: Extremely durable materials, five different sizes, can be filled with treats, non-toxic materials, helps clean teeth
Cons: May have a chemical smell at first, may leave black marks
Buy the KONG Extreme Dog Toy on Amazon for $11.99 to $39.99The best dental chew toy
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, roughly 80% of dogs over the age of three already have some degree of dental disease. Brushing your dog’s teeth on a regular basis is the best way to keep his teeth clean and healthy, but dental chew toys can help as well. The Nylabone Dental Dinosaur Chew is our top pick for the best dental chew toy.
The Nylabone Dental Dinosaur Chew is designed to satisfy a dog’s natural desire to chew while also providing dental benefits. Available in three different dinosaur shapes and two different sizes, these chews stand the test of time. Covered with gently rounded nubs and bristles, this toy helps scrape plaque and tartar off the surface of your dog’s teeth as he chews, reducing his risk for periodontal disease.
K9 of Mine names the Nylabone Dental Dinosaur Chew one of its top picks for the best “indestructible” dog toys for aggressive chewers, and we agree with that assessment. The reviewers do comment, however, that it is best for dogs up to 50 pounds. Canine Journal also reviews this toy favorably, noting that it comes in several naturally flavored options. Our test puppy enjoyed the toy for a while, and there were no problems with breakage.
The Nylabone Dental Dinosaur Chew comes in several different shapes, including a smaller puppy-friendly version of the T-rex shape. Some shapes have more than 2,000 reviews on Amazon with dog owners commenting on the durability of the toy, though some reviews mention that the materials are very hard without much give.
Pros: Helps remove plaque and tartar from teeth, comes in several shapes, made in the USA, available in flavors
Cons: Broken pieces may be sharp, materials don’t have much give, may not be a good fit for dogs over 50 pounds
Buy the Nylabone Dental Dinosaur Chew on Amazon for $9The best ball chew toy
Some dogs live to chase down a tennis ball, but, once they get it, it doesn’t take long for the ball to be torn to shreds. If you have a super chewer in your life who also loves a good game of fetch, you’ll need a durable dog ball toy. Our top pick for the best ball toy for heavy chewers is the Planet Dog Orbee Tuff Diamond Plate Dog Ball.
The Planet Dog Orbee Tuff Diamond Plate Dog Ball comes in an assortment of bright colors and is made from ultra-tough materials. These materials are non-toxic, BPA-free, and phthalate-free, plus the toy is made in the US. Our test puppy absolutely loves to play fetch, so this was one of his favorite toys in the lineup. The size was appropriate for a puppy, and he didn’t seem to mind the mint flavor.
This ball is firm on the outside to withstand heavy chewing, but hollow inside so it still bounces and floats. It is infused with mint oil that will leave your dog’s breath smelling fresh, and it has just enough give to ensure that it isn’t too hard on your dog’s teeth and gums.
Bustle includes the Planet Dog Orbee Tuff Diamond Plate Dog Ball in its list of the best dog toys for heavy chewers, commenting that the ball is great for playing fetch, even on the water. Terribly Terrier calls it the “toughest dog ball on the market.”
In addition to having more than 200 reviews on Amazon, the Planet Dog Orbee Tuff Diamond Plate Dog Ball also carries an Amazon’s Choice award. Dog owners love the safety and durability of the materials, though there are some comments that the ball may be too large for toy breeds.
Pros: Durable non-toxic materials, dishwasher safe, floats on water, bounces, infused with mint oil, made in the USA, 100% guaranteed
Cons: May be too large for toy breeds, some dogs dislike the mint flavor
Buy the Planet Dog Orbee Tuff Diamond Plate Dog Ball on Amazon for $15.95The best treat-dispensing chew toy
Chewing is a natural instinct for dogs, and the act itself can provide your dog with both mental and physical stimulation. To really get your dog’s mind going, a treat-dispensing toy is the way to go. Our top pick for the best treat dispensing toy that is tough enough to stand up to your heavy chewer is the West Paw Zogoflex Tux Interactive Treat-Dispensing Chew Toy.
Made from ultra-durable, non-toxic ingredients, this West Paw Zogoflex Tux Interactive Treat-Dispensing Chew Toy is BPA- and phthalate-free. It features a unique design to stimulate your dog’s mind, plus it bounces and floats to accommodate all styles of play. We filled the toy with peanut butter for our test puppy who enjoyed gnawing on the three rounded ends.
This toy is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning, and it comes with a 100% guarantee against destruction. Choose from three different colors or try some of the other Zogoflex toys designed for tough chewers including the Zogoflex ball and bone.
A review from K9 of Mine, names the West Paw Zogoflex Tux Interactive Treat-Dispensing Chew Toy one of the most indestructible toys for aggressive chewers, commenting on the 100% guarantee as well as the benefits of the treat-dispensing feature.
Woof Whiskers reviews the entire Zogoflex lineup favorably, noting that the toys are designed to bounce and float, making them a great choice for active dogs.
With more than 1,300 reviews on Amazon, the West Paw Zogoflex Tux Interactive Treat-Dispensing Chew Toy is a popular choice. Dog owners love the versatility of the toy, though there are some comments that the opening is too big for small treats or kibble.
Pros: Made from safe, non-toxic ingredients, dispenses treats, can be frozen, dishwasher safe for easy cleaning, 100% guarantee, comes in several colors
Cons: Opening is too large for some treats, pieces may eventually break off
Buy the West Paw Zogoflex Tux Interactive Treat-Dispensing Chew Toy on Amazon for $19.95The best rope toy for heavy chewers
Every dog needs a good rope toy, especially if you want to play games like tug-of-war. Rope toys are perfect for this game because you and your dog can each grab an end and the game is on. While some rope toys aren’t durable enough to double as a chew toy, the Mammoth Flossy 3-Knot Rope Tug is made from tough materials that even the roughest chewer will have a hard time destroying.
Made from premium cotton-blend materials, the Mammoth Flossy 3-Knot Rope Tug not only satisfies your dog’s desire to chew and tug, but it also flosses his teeth to keep them clean. This rope toy features 100% natural cotton materials in a three-knot design that comes in a wide range of sizes and color combination.
It is great for games like fetch and tug, or your dog can simply enjoy chewing on it. It is particularly good for puppies. As several other shoppers have commented, we found the Mammoth Flossy 3-Knot Rope Tug to be an excellent toy for interactive play, but our test puppy had less interest in playing with it on his own.
A review from Canine Journal comments that this toy offers long-lasting durability and that it works well for fetch as well as tug-of-war. K9 of Mine notes that the rope is a solid two inches thick which adds to the durability while the three-knot design makes it easy to keep your fingers out of the way while playing with your dog.
With more than 1,600 reviews on Amazon, the Mammoth Flossy 3-Knot Rope Tug also carries an Amazon’s Choice award. Dog owners love the affordable price and quality construction, though there are some comments that this toy is not ideal for solo play.
Pros: Durable rope material, comes in several sizes and colors, helps to clean teeth during chewing, three-knot design for safety
Cons: Not ideal for solo play, fibers may eventually come apart, not made in the USA
Buy the Mammoth Flossy 3-Knot Rope Tug on Amazon for $6.39Check out our other buying guides for dog owners
If you want to take your dog on trips by public transit or with you around town, you need a good quality dog carrier bag, purse, or backpack.
Dog carriers certainly have their place, but they are more practical than stylish. If you're looking for something a little more modern and chic, one of these dog carrying bags could be right up your alley.
Here are the best dog carrying bags you can buy:
- Best dog carrier bag overall: Django Leather Dog Carrying Bag
- Best purse for small dogs: MG Collection Quilted Dog Carrier Tote
- Best dog purse: Petparty Fashion Dog Carrier Handbag
- Best dog backpack: Petsfit Comfort Dogs Backpack
- Best dog carrier for planes: Sleepypod Atom Pet Carrier
Though it may seem like dog food is dog food, not all dog foods are created equal. The quality of pet food products varies greatly from one manufacturer to another, and you can't always trust what you see on the label.
While there are many high-quality dog food brands on the market, there are also those that cut corners by bulking up their products with low-quality fillers and artificial additives. Pet foods are not regulated to the degree that human foods are, so if you want to find a quality product for your dog, you'll have to do some digging.
These things can take time and practice but, luckily for you, we've done all the dirty work. We have scoured the reviews and compared dozens of products to find the top dog food brands in different categories.
Here are the best kinds of dog food you can buy:- Best dog food overall: Orijen
- Best dry dog food: Canidae
- Best wet dog food: Blue Buffalo cans
- Best grain-free dog food: Taste of the Wild
- Best freeze-dried dog food: Primal Pet Foods
- Best affordable dog food: Whole Earth Farms
- Best dog food for puppies: Taste of the Wild puppy food
- Best dog food for senior dogs: Wellness Complete
- Best dog food for small toy breeds: Merrick Lili Plates
- Best dog food for large breeds: Blue Buffalo dry food
The truth is that oral hygiene is just as important for your dog as it is for you. Fortunately, taking care of your dog's teeth is easy if you have the right products. Finding a good toothbrush and toothpaste is a great place to start, but you may also want to consider additional dog dental health products like water additives, gels, and dental chews.
After testing a wide variety of toothbrushes, toothpastes, and dental chews on our dog, we've compiled a guide to the best dental care products for dogs.
Here are the best dental care products for dogs:
- Best dog toothpaste: Sentry Petrodex Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste
- Best dog toothbrush: Duke's Double Ended Dog Toothbrush
- Best water additive: Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Tartar Remover
- Best gel for bad breath: TropiClean Fresh Breath Oral Care Gel
- Best dog dental chews: Whimzees Natural Grain-Free Dental Chews
Whether you are looking for a bite-sized indulgence or a healthy treat for training your dog, our top picks for dog treats will please your pup. Loaded with real meat and irresistible flavor, Zuke's Mini Naturals Dog Treats are the perfect choice for any dog.
You should also consider the Wellness WellBites Soft Natural Dog Treats, the Blue Buffalo BLUE Dental Bones, the Stella & Chewy's Carnivore Crunch Treats, the Rocco & Roxie Gourmet Jerky Sticks, and the BLUE Wilderness Trail Treats Dog Biscuits.
The best pooper scoopers you can buy to clean up after your dogEvery dog owner needs a good pooper scooper to pick up after their pup when they go for a walk around town. Of all the scoopers we researched, the Bodhi Dog Complete Poo Pack is our top pick. With rolls of bags and a clip-on bag holder included, you have everything you need in one kit.
You should also consider the Four Paws Grass Wire Rake, the Nature's Miracle Jaw Scoop, the Petmate Clean Response Waste Management System, and the Royal Pet Spotty Metal Tray with Rake.
The best dog shampooDogs tend to get messy and sometimes they run afoul of skunks or pick up other nasty smells. That's where dog shampoo comes to save the day. The Earthbath All Natural Vanilla & Almond Pet Shampoo is the best of the best with its all-natural formula that cleans and deodorizes without irritating your dog's sensitive skin.
You should also consider the Isle of Dogs Tearless Puppy Shampoo, the Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo, the 4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo, the SynergyLabs Veterinary Formula Triple Strength Dirty Dog Concentrated Shampoo, and the Vet's Best Hypo-Allergenic Dog Shampoo.
The best flea treatments for dogsIt's easy for your dog to get fleas, so you'll want to protect your pup with the best flea prevention products. Of all the flea treatment pills, sprays, shampoos, and collars out there, Frontline Plus is the best. It's easy to apply and offers a full 30 days of protection to kill both fleas and ticks.
You should also consider the Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor, the Vet's Best Natural Flea and Tick Spray, the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar, and the Novartis Capstar Flea Tablets.
The best dog bedsEvery dog deserves a comfy, cushy bed to sleep on, and our top pick is the DogBed4Less Orthopedic Memory Foam dog bed. This durable, comfortable, waterproof memory foam dog bed comes in a range of sizes, so you and your dog are sure to love it.
You should also consider the Big Barker 7-inch Pillow Top Orthopedic dog bed, the Brindle Waterproof Designer Memory Foam dog bed, the Coolaroo Elevated Dog Bed, or the PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed & Lounge.
The best dog toysWe've tested some of the most popular dog toys on the market and scoured reviews to come up with our top pick, the Wobble Wag Giggle Ball. Affordably priced and durably constructed, this interactive dog toy wobbles, bounces, and giggles to keep your dog occupied for hours on end.
You should also consider the Starmark Bob-A-Lot, the KONG Extreme Dog Toy, the Chuckit! Classic Ball Launcher, and the Mammoth Flossy Chews Cotton Blend 3-Knot Rope Tug.
The best dog food bowls you can buyYour dog may not care where he eats his dinner so long as he gets his kibble and table scraps, but having a good dog food bowl is important. For its durability and easy-to-clean design, the Our Pets Durapet Stainless Steel Dog Bowl is our top pick. We also have portable options and bowls for overeaters.
You should also consider the GPET Stainless Steel Dog Bowl, the Comsun Collapsible Dog Bowl, the Outward Hound Fun Feeder Dog Bowl, the IRIS Airtight Elevated Storage Feeder, and the Petmate Pet Café Feeder.
The best dog collarsEvery dog needs a good collar that will keep him comfy on long walks and hold his ID tags. Of all the dog collars out there, the Lupine Original Dog Collar is our top pick with its heavy-duty design, big range of colors, multiple sizes, and its lifetime guarantee that even covers chewing.
You should also consider the Blueberry Classic Nylon Dog Collar, the Perri's Padded Leather Dog Collar, the If It Barks Designer Martingale Collar, the PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar, and the Herm Sprenger Ultra-Plus Prong Training Collar.
The best dog leashesWe've reviewed all of the best dog leashes on the market, and our top pick is the Max and Neo Reflective Nylon Leash. This leash is constructed from durable but lightweight nylon to handle dogs of all sizes.
You should also consider the PetSafe Nylon Leash, Leashboss Original Double Handle Leash, TaoTronics Retractable Dog Leash, and the Logical Leather Training Leash.
The best dog cratesDog crates are great for keeping your pup out of trouble when you're gone from home, and dogs love to curl up in them for a nap. With its heavy-gauge, powder-coated steel wire construction, the MidWest Ultima Pro Folding Crate is our top pick. Not only is it highly durable and easy to clean, but you can use it for dogs of all ages and sizes.
You should also consider the Petmate Compass Plastic Kennel, the EliteField 3-Door Soft Dog Crate, the MidWest Life Stages Pet Crate, the ProSelect Empire Dog Cage, and the Crown Pet Crate Table.
