Why Dogs Need to Chew

Chewing isn’t a “naughty” behaviour — it’s a biological need.

Dogs chew to:

• Relieve stress and anxiety
• Clean their teeth
• Strengthen their jaws
• Soothe teething pain
• Prevent boredom and destructive behaviour

Without the right outlets, dogs will chew whatever they can find — furniture, shoes, decking, or even their own paws.

A high-quality chew toy gives them a safe, satisfying and long-lasting way to fulfil this instinct.

👉 Explore our full Chew Toy Collection

Not All Chew Toys Are Created Equal

Cheap chew toys often:

• Break apart
• Create choking hazards
• Wear down teeth
• Become sticky and unhygienic

Premium chew toys are designed to:

• Withstand heavy chewing
• Be safe for teeth and gums
• Last weeks or months
• Provide real enrichment

That’s why at Thorncombe we stock Benebone, Nylabone, Ruff Dawg and SodaPup — they’re some of the best-designed chew toys in the world.

Matching the Right Chew Toy to Your Dog

Before choosing a chew toy, consider:

🐕 Chew Style

• Gentle chewer – prefers licking and light gnawing
• Moderate chewer – likes firm resistance
• Power chewer – destroys toys quickly

🦷 Age

• Puppies need softer options
• Adults need durability
• Seniors need gentler resistance

🧠 Purpose

• Stress relief
• Boredom buster
• Dental care
• Food enrichment

🦴 Brand Breakdown

Benebone – Real Flavour, Serious Chewing

Benebone is famous for one thing: dogs actually want to chew it.

Made with real food flavours (like bacon, chicken and peanut butter), Benebone taps into your dog’s strongest instinct — taste.

Why dogs love Benebone:

• Strong real-food scent
• Long-lasting nylon design
• Ergonomic shapes for gripping
• Perfect for power chewers

Best for:
✔ Dogs who get bored of plain toys
✔ Heavy chewers
✔ Dogs who love flavour

👉 Shop Benebone Chew Toys

Nylabone – Trusted Dental & Chewing Support

Nylabone has been a leader in chew toys for decades, especially for dental health and teething support.

They’re designed to gently:

• Reduce plaque
• Massage gums
• Satisfy chewing urges

Why choose Nylabone:

• Vet-recommended designs
• Different chew strengths
• Puppy and adult ranges
• Flavoured for extra interest

Best for:
✔ Puppies
✔ Dogs with dental needs
✔ Moderate chewers

👉 Browse Nylabone NZ Range

Ruff Dawg – Indestructible Rubber Fun

Ruff Dawg toys are made from solid, US-made rubber that is:

• Non-toxic
• Recyclable
• Safe for teeth
• Floatable

They’re fantastic for:

• Chewing
• Fetch
• Tug
• Outdoor play

Why Ruff Dawg stands out:

• Won’t crack or splinter
• Great for wet or muddy play
• Bright colours for visibility
• Gentle on teeth

Best for:
✔ Dogs who love fetch
✔ Strong jaws
✔ Water-loving dogs

👉 Shop Ruff Dawg Toys

SodaPup – Chewing + Enrichment Combined

SodaPup takes chewing to the next level by combining:

• Tough rubber
• Food-stuffable designs
• Mental stimulation

These toys don’t just give your dog something to chew — they keep them busy for long periods, reducing anxiety and destructive behaviour.

Why SodaPup is special:

• Can be filled with food, yoghurt or broth
• Freezable for longer play
• Made in the USA
• Excellent for anxious or bored dogs

Best for:
✔ Dogs left alone
✔ Separation anxiety
✔ Enrichment feeding

👉 Shop SodaPup Enrichment Toys

Which Chew Toy Is Right for My Dog?

Many dogs do best with more than one style — one for flavour, one for chewing, and one for enrichment.

How to Use Chew Toys to Prevent Bad Behaviour

Give chew toys:

• After walks
• When you leave the house
• During stressful events (storms, visitors)
• After meals

This builds a habit of calm, focused chewing instead of destructive behaviour.

Final Tip: Rotate Toys for Maximum Interest

Dogs get bored if toys never change.
Rotate chew toys every few days to keep them exciting.

👉 Build a chew collection with Benebone, Nylabone, Ruff Dawg & SodaPup for the ultimate boredom-proof setup.

Ready to Upgrade Your Dog’s Chew Toys?

Explore our carefully curated range of durable, safe and dog-approved chew toys — trusted by NZ dog parents who want less destruction and happier pups.

🐾 Shop Dog Chew Toys at Thorncombe Pet Supplies