German Shepherds are intelligent, high-energy dogs that often require lots of exercise and enrichment to keep them entertained and without excess energy. Chew toys are a good way to keep your German Shepherd entertained, but these dogs can be hard on chew toys, so selecting the right toys will save you money and keep your dog entertained and safe.
Every dog is different, so every product in these reviews won’t work for every dog, but there is something here for every German Shepherd, including puppies and seniors.
A Glance at Our Top Picks (2023 Update)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Benebone Wishbone Chicken Flavor Toy
Multiple sizes available
Made from sturdy but gentle nylon
Pet-friendly, easy-to-hold shape
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Best Value
Nylabone Power Chew Curvy Dental Chew
Ergonomic design is easy to hold
Ridges and nubs support dental health
Designed to only come off in small, easily digested pieces
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Premium Choice
Playology All-Natural Squeaky Dog Bounce Ball
Easy to clean
Durable but soft rubber
Bounces irregularly and floats
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Best for Puppies
SodaPup Nylon Diamond Teething Ring
Dishwasher safe
Safe for developing teeth
Made from sturdy nylon and wood composite
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Ruff Dawg Dawg-Cube Toy
Sturdy rubber material
Good option for heavy chewers
Recyclable and made in the US
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The 10 Best Chew Toys for German Shepherds
The Benebone Wishbone Chicken Flavor Toy is the best overall chew toy for your German Shepherd. This nylon toy is built to be sturdy, but it does have some give to it, so it is likely going to be safe for your dog’s dental health. The nylon in this toy comes off in very small slivers that are easily passed through the digestive system, and the risk of large chunks of the toy breaking off is minimal.
Size: 6.3” x 9”
Color: Brown
Material: Nylon
Price: $$$
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There are multiple sizes of this toy available, but the largest size measures 6.3 inches by 9 inches, so you can feel comfortable giving it to your German Shepherd, no matter how large. Every bite of this toy will fill your dog’s mouth with chicken flavor, and it’s made in the US. The pet-friendly shape of this chew bone makes it easy for your dog to hold in place.
This is one of the more expensive toys we reviewed, so expect to pay premium prices for this chew bone.
Pros
Made from sturdy but gentle nylon
Designed to only come off in small, easily digested slivers
Multiple sizes available
Chicken flavoring
Made in the USA
Pet-friendly, easy-to-hold shape
Cons
Premium price
The best chew toy for German Shepherds for the money is the Nylabone Power Chew Curvy Dental Chew. This chew bone is made from nylon that will come off in small slivers and digest easily. It features a yummy peanut butter flavor to keep your pup entertained, and the curvy, ergonomic design is easy for your dog to hold in place. It also features textured ridges and nubs to help clean your dog’s teeth while they chew, and this toy is made in the US.
Made from sturdy but gentle nylon
Designed to only come off in small, easily digested slivers
Multiple sizes available
Chicken flavoring
Made in the USA
Pet-friendly, easy-to-hold shape
- Made from sturdy but gentle nylon
- Designed to only come off in small, easily digested slivers
- Multiple sizes available
- Chicken flavoring
- Made in the USA
- Pet-friendly, easy-to-hold shape
Premium price
- Premium price
Size: 6” x 1.88”
Color: Tan
Material: Nylon
Price: $$
There are multiple sizes available, so you’ll be able to pick the size that is best for the size of your German Shepherd. It will develop somewhat sharp edges after being chewed on for a while, so be prepared to replace this toy if your dog is a heavy chewer.
Pros
Made from sturdy nylon
Designed to only come off in small, easily digested pieces
Ergonomic design is easy to hold
Ridges and nubs support dental health
Multiple sizes available
Cons
Edges may become sharp
The Playology All-Natural Squeaky Dog Bounce Ball is the premium toy pick for your German Shepherd. This rubber toy features an appealing chicken flavor, but it is available in other flavors as well. The rubber material is easy on the teeth and gums, and this toy provides a fun squeaking sound. It also bounces irregularly, keeping your dog guessing on what direction it’ll go, and it floats. It can be cleaned easily simply by rinsing in the sink, so you’ll always be able to keep it clean and safe for your dog.
Made from sturdy nylon
Designed to only come off in small, easily digested pieces
Ergonomic design is easy to hold
Ridges and nubs support dental health
Multiple sizes available
- Made from sturdy nylon
- Designed to only come off in small, easily digested pieces
- Ergonomic design is easy to hold
- Ridges and nubs support dental health
- Multiple sizes available
Edges may become sharp
- Edges may become sharp
Size: 4” x 4”
Color: Yellow
Material: Rubber
Price: $$$
This is a premium-priced toy, so be prepared to spend a little bit more on it than you might on other toys.
Pros
Appealing chicken flavor
Durable but soft rubber
Provides an interesting squeaking sound
Bounces irregularly and floats
Easy to clean
Cons
Premium price
- SodaPup Nylon Diamond Teething Ring – Best for Puppies
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Size: 4.5” x 4.5”
Color: Red
Material: Nylon, wood
Price: $$
For German Shepherd puppies, the SodaPup Nylon Diamond Teething Ring is the best option. This toy is made from a combination of nylon and wood composite. It is soft enough to be safe for developing teeth, and it is safe if small slivers of the nylon are swallowed by your pup. It can easily be cleaned by running it through the dishwasher. For older dogs, this toy can help to keep the teeth clean, and this toy is made in the US.
Appealing chicken flavor
Durable but soft rubber
Provides an interesting squeaking sound
Bounces irregularly and floats
Easy to clean
- Appealing chicken flavor
- Durable but soft rubber
- Provides an interesting squeaking sound
- Bounces irregularly and floats
- Easy to clean
Check Latest Price
Size: 4.5” x 4.5”
Color: Red
Material: Nylon, wood
Price: $$
Although it is softer than many nylon dog toys, this toy may still develop sharp edges that can be hard on sensitive puppy gums, so keep an eye on it.
Pros
Made from sturdy nylon and wood composite
Safe for developing teeth
Dishwasher safe
Made in the US
Cons
May develop sharp edges over time
- Ruff Dawg Dawg-Cube Toy
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Size: 3.5” x 3.5”
Color: Pink, green, yellow, orange
Material: Rubber
Price: $$$
The Ruff Dawg Dawg-Cube Toy is a fun toy for heavy chewers. This toy is available in four colors that are selected randomly, and it’s made from sturdy rubber that floats and bounces irregularly, keeping your dog interested. This is an earth-friendly toy that can be recycled when your dog is finished with it.
Made from sturdy nylon and wood composite
Safe for developing teeth
Dishwasher safe
Made in the US
- Made from sturdy nylon and wood composite
- Safe for developing teeth
- Dishwasher safe
- Made in the US
May develop sharp edges over time
- May develop sharp edges over time
Size: 3.5” x 3.5”
Color: Pink, green, yellow, orange
Material: Rubber
Price: $$$
This toy is made in the US, and it is made to last your dog for a long time, even if they are a heavy chewer. It’s large enough for even big German Shepherds. This is the most expensive toy on the list, so you will pay a premium price for it.
Pros
Good option for heavy chewers
Four colors available
Sturdy rubber material
Floats and bounces erratically
Recyclable and made in the US
Cons
Premium price
The Kong Extreme Tire Toy is a rubber dog toy that is made for large dogs. It’s made from sturdy rubber that is designed for heavy chewers, so you can feel comfortable giving it to your German Shepherd. Although sturdy, this toy has a little bit of give to it, so you can feel good about giving it to your dog to gnaw on.
Good option for heavy chewers
Four colors available
Sturdy rubber material
Floats and bounces erratically
Recyclable and made in the US
- Good option for heavy chewers
- Four colors available
- Sturdy rubber material
- Floats and bounces erratically
- Recyclable and made in the US
Size: 4.5” x 4.25”
Color: Black
Material: Rubber
Price: $$
It can be filled with treats to keep your dog interested, and the rubber material ensures an erratic bounce to keep your pup running. Thanks to the sturdy rubber, this toy is easy to clean.
Since this toy has flexibility to it, some people have experienced their heavy chewers pulling small pieces from the toy, so this toy is best used with supervision.
Pros
Sturdy rubber material
Has flexibility
Erratic bouncing pattern
Can be stuffed with treats
Easy to clean
Cons
Small pieces may come off with heavy chewers
The SodaPup Ice Cream Cone Treat Dispenser is made from sturdy rubber. This hollow dog toy can be stuffed with treats or kibble to keep your dog entertained. It can even be frozen with kibble, treats, yogurt, peanut butter, or broth inside to keep your dog busy for a long time. The material in this toy is sustainably harvested, so you can feel good with this purchase.
Sturdy rubber material
Has flexibility
Erratic bouncing pattern
Can be stuffed with treats
Easy to clean
- Sturdy rubber material
- Has flexibility
- Erratic bouncing pattern
- Can be stuffed with treats
- Easy to clean
Small pieces may come off with heavy chewers
- Small pieces may come off with heavy chewers
Size: 4.1” x 3.3”
Color: Blue, pink
Material: Rubber
Price: $$
This toy is made to withstand heavy chewers, but a dog that is committed to getting food or treats out of it may be able to chew small pieces off of it, so make sure to supervise your dog while they play with this toy.
Pros
Sturdy rubber material
Hollow to be stuffed with treats and food
Can keep dogs entertained for longer when frozen
Sustainably harvested materials
Made for heavy chewers
Cons
Small pieces may come off
The BullyMake Cheeseburger Toy is an oversized toy that is made to be stuffed with treats or food, keeping your dog entertained. It can even double as a slow feeder for some dogs. It’s made from sturdy rubber, and this toy is designed for dogs up to 150 pounds, so it’s ideal for German Shepherds of all sizes.
Sturdy rubber material
Hollow to be stuffed with treats and food
Can keep dogs entertained for longer when frozen
Sustainably harvested materials
Made for heavy chewers
- Sturdy rubber material
- Hollow to be stuffed with treats and food
- Can keep dogs entertained for longer when frozen
- Sustainably harvested materials
- Made for heavy chewers
Small pieces may come off
- Small pieces may come off
Size: 17.6” x 10.75”
Color: Yellow
Material: Rubber
Price: $$
It has a variety of textures on it, keeping your dog interested and helping to clean their teeth. It’s made with durability in mind, and this toy has an erratic bounce when thrown. Due to the design of this toy, it may be difficult to clean the inner portion of it.
Pros
Oversized for dogs up to 150 pounds
Can be used to dispense treats or food
Sturdy rubber material
Features multiple textures for interest and dental health
Erratic bouncing
Cons
May be difficult to clean internally
The Nylabone Power Chew Wishbone Senior Toy is a great toy for your senior heavy chewer German Shepherd. It’s made from sturdy nylon, but this toy is made with slightly more give than many other nylon toys, ensuring your senior dog’s dental health is maintained while they chew. The textured surface also helps promote the dental health of your senior pup.
Oversized for dogs up to 150 pounds
Can be used to dispense treats or food
Sturdy rubber material
Features multiple textures for interest and dental health
Erratic bouncing
- Oversized for dogs up to 150 pounds
- Can be used to dispense treats or food
- Sturdy rubber material
- Features multiple textures for interest and dental health
- Erratic bouncing
May be difficult to clean internally
- May be difficult to clean internally
Size: 7.75” x 7”
Color: Brown
Material: Nylon
Price: $
This is a budget-friendly toy, and it features a tasty bison flavor built into the toy itself, and the ergonomic shape is easy for your dog to hold onto.
If your senior is still a heavy chewer, you should check this toy frequently for sharp edges.
Pros
Sturdy nylon material
Designed for senior dogs
Supports dental health
Budget-friendly toy
Bison flavor and ergonomic shape
Cons
May develop sharp edges with heavy chewers
The SodaPup Honey Bear Treat Dispenser is a rubber toy that is hollow, so you will be able to stuff it with treats and food to entertain your dog. This toy is very cute and brightly colored, so you and your dog will both enjoy it. It’s available in two sizes, so if your German Shepherd is on the smaller side, they may prefer the smaller size of this toy. It bounces erratically, so your dog will love chasing this toy, and it’s made in the US.
Sturdy nylon material
Designed for senior dogs
Supports dental health
Budget-friendly toy
Bison flavor and ergonomic shape
- Sturdy nylon material
- Designed for senior dogs
- Supports dental health
- Budget-friendly toy
- Bison flavor and ergonomic shape
May develop sharp edges with heavy chewers
- May develop sharp edges with heavy chewers
Size: 3” x 4.5”
Color: Yellow
Material: Rubber
Price: $$
For heavy chewers, there is a risk of small pieces being chewed off, so keep an eye on your dog while they have this toy.
Pros
Sturdy rubber material
Can be used to dispense treats and food
Cute and brightly colored
Two sizes available
Cons
Requires supervision
Small pieces come off
Sturdy rubber material
Can be used to dispense treats and food
Cute and brightly colored
Two sizes available
- Sturdy rubber material
- Can be used to dispense treats and food
- Cute and brightly colored
- Two sizes available
Requires supervision
Small pieces come off
- Requires supervision
- Small pieces come off
Buyer’s Guide: Buying the Best Chew Toys for German Shepherds
Chew toys are a great way to entertain your German Shepherd, but there are some things to keep in mind when selecting chew toys. There aren’t any toys that can 100% reliably be played with without supervision. All chew toys run the risk of pieces being chewed off of them, especially if your dog is allowed access to these toys when you aren’t home.
Chew toys should be regularly inspected to make sure they aren’t losing large chunks or becoming dangerous for your dog. Heavy chewers can do a real number on chew toys, no matter how sturdy, so keep that in mind when picking toys. German Shepherds have strong jaws that can damage the sturdiest of toys.
With that said, you’ll also need to keep the durability of the toy in mind. The biggest concern with these toys is for small pieces to chip off and become choking hazards or so sharp that they cause internal damage. So, make sure you pick a toy that can easily withstand the tough jaws of a German Shepherd.
Conclusion
The best overall chew toy for your German Shepherd is the Benebone Wishbone Chicken Flavor Toy, which features a tasty flavor and an ergonomic design that is easy for your dog to hold in place while chewing. For a budget-friendly pick, the Nylabone Power Chew Curvy Dental Chew, which is a strong chew toy that features textures to help support your dog’s dental health. For a premium product, the best pick is the Playology All-Natural Squeaky Dog Bounce Ball, which offers erratic bouncing and a tasty chicken flavor.
If you have a German Shepherd puppy, then they’ll love the SodaPup Nylon Diamond Teething Ring, which offers sturdy chewing without hurting your dog’s teeth or gums.
Featured Image Credit: Snezhana_G, Shutterstock
