For a dog that chews, the safest things to put in the crate are a correctly sized, durable rubber toy (such as a Kong, Goughnuts or West Paw Zogoflex), a chew-resistant mat or no bedding at all, and access to water. Leave out stuffed toys, rawhide and other edible chews you can’t supervise, and anything not made for dogs.
Below we look at our three favorite crate-safe chew toys, what to avoid, and a few other ways to keep your chewer safe and calm in the crate.
What safe options can you put in a dog crate for chewers?
When looking at what to put in a dog crate for chewers, there are a few things to keep in mind. The most important thing is that the item is safe for your dog to chew on. This means that it should be made of durable materials that won’t splinter or break off into pieces that your dog could choke on. It also shouldn’t be sharp or pointy, as this could injure your dog’s mouth or gums.
On the other hand, the toys shouldn’t be too hard either, this could damage your dog’s teeth. With that in mind, here are 3 safe options for what to put in a dog crate for chewers:
At a glance
3 picks, each best at something different
1The famous Kong toy
One way to stop your dog from chewing his crate or things he should not chew is to give him a distraction. A Kong toy is a great option for this, as it can be filled with treats or peanut butter, giving your dog something to focus on other than chewing on his crate.
Additionally, the Kong is made of durable rubber that can withstand a lot of chewing. It’s also bouncy and fun for your dog to play with, making it a great toy for crate time or any time. A Kong toy also has some give, which makes it gentler on your dog’s teeth than hard bones or antlers.
It is very important you get the right size for your dog as well. Kongs come in several sizes, from extra small to extra-extra large, and there’s a tougher black “Extreme” version for power chewers. You’ll want to make sure you get a Kong that is big enough that your dog can’t fit the whole toy in his mouth or swallow it.
What we like the most: Not only is it a great chew toy, but it can also be filled with treats to keep your dog entertained.
Pros
- Safe for your dog to chew on
- Made of durable rubber
- Bouncy and fun for your dog to play with
Cons
- Difficult to get the right size for your dog
2Goughnuts Extra Large Dog Chew Toys
If you’re looking for a safe chew toy to leave in your dog’s crate for when you’re not home, the Goughnut is a great option. It’s made of durable rubber that can withstand even the strongest chewers, and it has a red inner layer that will let you know when it’s time to replace the toy. Because it’s rubber it still is soft enough so that your dog’s teeth don’t get damaged.
What’s more, the Goughnut provides a lifetime money-back guarantee and warranty, so you can feel confident that your dog will be safe and entertained.
What we like the most: It’s made of durable rubber that can withstand even the strongest chewers, and it has a red inner layer that will let you know when it’s time to replace the toy.
Pros
- Made of durable rubber
- Red inner layer lets you know when to replace the toy
- Lifetime money-back guarantee and warranty
Cons
- A bit expensive
3West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Dog Bone
The Goughnut may be too big for your small dog, but the West Paw Zogoflex is perfect for smaller breeds. It’s made of durable rubber that can withstand a lot of chewing, so it’s safer to leave in your dog’s crate than a bone or other toy. Additionally, it’s very affordable, making it a great option for pet parents on a budget.
What we like the most: It’s made of durable rubber that can withstand a lot of chewing, so it’s safer to leave in your dog’s crate than a bone or other toy.
Pros
- Made of durable rubber
- Can withstand a lot of chewing
- Affordable
Cons
- May not be as durable as the Goughnut
