Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you decided to make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
For German Shepherd puppies, chewing is one of the most important habits it needs to develop. Chewing is natural and necessary for dogs. It helps them to feel comfortable while exploring their surroundings and release their pent-up energy. Chewing can also help German Shepherd puppies to relieve their anxiety.
However, it can also be a cause of destructive behavior if not managed correctly. That is why we have compiled this list of 15 best chew toys you can buy for German shepherd puppies. However, if you are on a budget, you can also check out four DIY chew toy ideas we have for your pup. These chews help alleviate negative feelings, keep them busy, and satisfy their natural urge to chew.
Keep on reading if you want learn what to look for (and stay away from) when toy shopping for your pup. Let’s dive in!
Our Top 3 Picks – Best Chew Toy For German Shepherd Puppies
#1 Goughnuts Durable Rubber Dog Chew Toy Ring – Lifetime Replacement Guarantee – for Aggressive Power Chewers
Why do we like it?
Made from Astronaut-grade rubber, the Goughnuts chew ring is the toughest chew toy on the market, guaranteed: lifetime warranty.
Features
- Made from NASA-level materials
- Reinforced natural rubber is designed by engineers that make rubber for spaceships and aircraft.
- Choice of sizes for every type of dog jaw and chewing intensity
- Veterinarian recommended.
#2 Super Chewers Delight by Downtown Pet Supply
Why do we like it?
- Yak Chews: Long-lasting, natural, and packed with essential nutrients. They provide hours of entertainment and help keep your dog’s teeth clean and strong.
- Bully Sticks: Delicious, high in protein, and low in fat, making them a healthy choice for your pet. They’re fully digestible, ensuring that your pup gets the best nutrition while satisfying their chewing instincts.
- Freeze-Dried Treats: Supports Coat Health, Heart Health, Joint Health, & Immune Health.
Features
- Pig Ears – 5 Pack
- Yak Chew – 8 oz (2 Chews)
- 6″ Inch Regular Bully Sticks – 5 Pack
- Freeze Dried Beef Liver OR Chicken Heart – 4oz
#3 KONG 2 Pack Large Classic
Why do we like it?
You can’t be wrong with a Kong. The unique molded shape and durable material made it a must for every dog owner.
Features
- Perfect for stuffing with KONG treats
- Unpredictable bounce for games of fetch
- Recommended Worldwide by veterinarians, trainers and dog enthusiasts
- Made in the USA
- Available in six sizes: XS, s, M, L, XL and XXL
About German Shepherd Puppies
The German Shepherd is known for being very quick-witted, loyal, and eager to please. Once trained, they’re perfect working companions for all types of different dog jobs like security, herding, and so much more.
German Shepherd puppies are very active and will need a lot of exercise time to burn out all of their energy. For every month of your pup’s age, you should add 5 minutes to their exercise regime.
German Shepherd Puppy Playing Habits
As mentioned, German Shepherd puppies have a lot of energy, especially during their puppy years. Because of this, most of their exercise routine should engage their natural chasing and herding instincts. You should also include things to channel their wolf-like instincts of tugging and chewing.
Why Do German Shepherd Puppies Need Chew Toys?
Aside from being fun, chewing is beneficial for multiple reasons that help him grow into a happy, healthy adult dog. Let’s talk about why your German Shepherd puppy needs a chew toy.
Mental Health
Chewing is a healthy coping mechanism that allows German Shepherd puppies to self-soothe. This is especially helpful for puppies with separation anxiety or noise sensitivity.
Physical Health & Exercise
Playing with a chew toy directs all of a German Shepherd puppy’s energy in a healthy, safe, and non-destructive way.
Dental Health
Chewing is extremely important for puppies in particular. Biting down allows teething puppies to stimulate blood flow in their gums and ease the pain.
Preventing Destructive Behaviour
Anxiety-prone typically can’t be left alone for long before destroying your belongings. A good selection of chew toys prevents this sort of destructive behavior by redirecting their chewing instinct.
Helping Their Ears Stand Up
Another important German Shepherd-specific benefit of chew toys is that chewing builds the muscle at the base of the ear, allowing the rest of the ear to stand.
What To Look For In The Best Chew Toys For A German Shepherd Puppies?
To truly know how to give your German Shepherd puppy the best of the best, you need to know what makes the best chew toys. Here’s what you should look out for.
Durability
The most important thing you need to look for in a chew toy is durability. Since German Shepherd puppies are power chewers, look for a strong, long-lasting chew toy.
Size
Consider your puppy’s mouth size and growth rate. Then, look at the toy’s specs to make sure a toy isn’t big enough to be useless, but not small enough to be a choking hazard.
Material
Chew toys are made to be bitten and chomped on, so look for toys that are made of strong, non-toxic materials that are safe and strong.
What To Avoid When Buying A Chew Toy For Your German Shepherd Puppies?
Now that you know what to look for, you’ll also need to know what to stay away from. Here’s what to avoid when chew-toy shopping for your German Shepherd puppy.
Easily Broken Accessories
Toys with pieces that stick out or can break off will become dangerous for your puppy if they’re swallowed.
Hard Plastic Material
Chew toys that are made from hard plastic are more than just choking hazards. They could also cause broken teeth, bleeding gums, and internal damage if eaten.
Stuffed Squeaky Toys
The chewing and tugging instincts of a German Shepherd make squeaky toys a bad idea. The stuffing and squeaker can cause a wide range of hazards and are better avoided.
Our Top 15 Picks For The Best Chew Toys For German Shepherd Puppies
Now that we’ve narrowed down all the things to look for and stay away from, it’s time to see some chew toys. These are our top 15 picks for the best chew toys for German Shepherd puppies.
#4 Grain Free Dental Chews
Why do we like it?
This dog chew provides a beneficial way to maintain oral hygiene while catering to dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities.
Features
- Made in USA
- Supports oral health
- Made with strict quality and safety standards and protocols.
#5 Mac & Squeak and Dumpling Toys
Why do we like it?
Treat your dog to hours of fun with this interactive plush toy. With a built-in squeaker and crinkly food container, this plush toy promises endless hide-and-squeak fun for your dog. Stimulate their natural hunting instinct and keep them engaged for hours on end.
Features
- 2 styles to choose from: Asian Takeout or Mac and Cheese
- Crafted from high-quality materials
#6 2-in-1 Plush Shark Toy for Aggressive Chewers
Why do we like it?
2 in 1 Plush Covered Toys are ideal for dogs that love to rip up stuffed animals. Within each toy is a second light-up rubber squeak toy covered in fabric. This gives your dog the satisfaction of discovering the hidden squeaker toy.
Features
- Ideal for Aggressive Chewers
- Long Lasting Stuffed Toys
- High Quality Materials
- Unique Designs
- Large Sized Plush
#7 Collagen Sticks
Why do we like it?
This peanut butter-flavored chew treat is made from the inner layer of beef skin, and is rich in collagen, a protein essential for joint and skin health.
Features
- All-natural grass-fed beef
- Packed with essential vitamins and minerals
- No chemicals additives or preservatives
- Made in the USA!
#8 Benebone Wishbone Durable Dog Chew Toy for Aggressive Chewers, Real Bacon, Made in USA, Medium
Why do we like it?
This tough and delicious chew toy gives your pup hours of fun and stimulation while keeping his teeth and gums healthy.
Features
- Multiple flavor options
- 5 different sizes
- Made with all-natural flavors
#9 Jumbo Bully Sticks
Why do we like it?
Bully sticks are a nutritious and enjoyable chew toy for dogs, promoting dental health and providing mental stimulation.
Benefits:
- Natural and Digestible
- Dental Health
- High Protein, Low Fat
- Long-lasting and Entertaining
#10 Compressed Rawhide Rings 6″ – 5 ct
Why do we like it?
This dog chew offers durable and satisfying chewing experience for intense chewers. It also supports oral health.
Features
- Single-ingredient: Pressed Rawhide! No Preservatives, additives, fillers, flavors, or colors.
- Sourced from free-range cattle raised without antibiotics, steroids, or added hormones.
- Made with strict quality and safety standards and protocols.
#11 Plush Monsters Chew Toy 3 Pack
Why do we like it?
Whether your dog plays solo or with you, these chew toys promote physical activity and reduce boredom effectively.
Features
- Encourage play and exercise
- Durable built-in squeakers
- Soft plush toys in 3 unique monster designs
- High-quality materials with double-stitched seams
#12 JW Pet Megalast Ball
Why do we like it?
The Megalast ball is indestructible for intense players. Plus, it’s infused with a delicious vanilla scent that you and your dog can enjoy.
Features
- Made with JW’s Megalomaster polymer
- Available in 3 sizes
- Can be used as a treat-dispenser
#13 Raw Paws Compressed Rawhide Bones
Why do we like it?
Raw Paws Compressed Rawhide Bones are dog chews made from layers of rawhide that are tightly compressed together. Unlike traditional rawhide bones, this version offers enhanced durability, making them suitable for aggressive chewers.
These bones can help maintain dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup through the chewing action.
Features
- sizes available
- Made from extremely strong nylon
- Flavored for extra enticement and entertainment
#14 Super Chewer Tough Dog Chew Toys for Aggressive Chewers, Dental Stimulating
Why do we like it?
This Turkey Day Drumstick is sure to satisfy your dog’s appetite to chew, chomp, and gnaw. Made with durable natural rubber and a tough nylon core, your dog will be chewing long after dessert is served.
#15 JW Pet Hol-ee Roller X Extreme Dog Toy
Why do we like it?
This innovatively designed chew toy does much more than offer something good to chew. Since it is a ball, it can be used for play. Plus, it can be used as a treat-dispenser.
Features
- Can be tugged, stretched, and chewed; and it will not break.
- Made with the safest and highest quality ingredients
- Dishwasher safe for easier cleaning
Best DIY Chew Toys You Can Make For Your German Shepherd Puppies
If you’re in a pinch, you can make a great chew toy for your puppy right at home. Here are the best DIY chew toys for German Shepherd puppies.
#1 Knotted Dishtowel
This DIY chew toy only requires a few moments and an old dishtowel. All you have to do is tie the dishtowel in some knots. And now, your pup can sink his teeth into it, while flossing with the towel fibers.
#2 Ball In A Sock
Next up, the “ball-in-a-sock” toy. All you need is a durable ball like a tennis ball or Snug rubber ball, and an old tube sock. Simply put the ball in the sock. This makes a great chew toy and even encourages independent play.
#3 Basketball
Basketballs are made with near-impenetrable rubber. Your pup can chase and chew on it for hours. And even if it pops, a basketball can still be used as a chew toy. You can also use a football as a chew toy.
#4 Old T-Shirt Tug Rope
For the last DIY chew toy, all you need is an old t-shirt and a pair of scissors. Simply cut strips from the t-shirt and braid them together to resemble a tug-rope. Tie off the ends, leaving some fringes on either side.
German Shepherd Puppy Chew Toy FAQs
How nany chew toys does a German Shepherd puppy need?
There is really no limit to how many chew toys your German Shepherd puppy needs. The recommended range is 10-15. This range ensures your puppy has a good variety but isn’t overstimulated.
Do I need to clean chew toys regularly?
Chew toys don’t need to be surgeon-level clean. However, it’s good to clean them at least every couple of weeks to reduce bacteria levels.
What will happen if I don’t give my german shepherd puppy chew toys?
German Shepherd puppies need to chew for numerous reasons. So, if you don’t give them something, they will likely turn to destructive chewing.
