Homemade Puppy Chews

Chewing is a natural part of a puppy's development. With the rate that some puppies can go through their toys, though, buying store-brand chew toys can get expensive. Here are some suggestions for making homemade chew toys that will keep you puppy interested in the toy --- and away from your leather shoes.

  1. Why Dogs Chew

    • There are a lot of reasons that puppies chew. The gnawing action helps dogs develop their mouth muscles as well as keeping their teeth clean. It relieves the itchy, uncomfortable feelings associated with teething, and it is a satisfying way to release physical and mental energy. Dogs often chew when they're bored, frustrated or simply interested in a taste or texture. It's possible to redirect your puppy's chewing behavior to an appropriate toy or treat and still satisfy his natural need to gnaw.

    Homemade Treats

    • There are a variety of healthy homemade dog treats that you can make at home. From chewy bones to natural cookies, dog treats vary in flavor from liver and chicken to fruit, oatmeal, and even carob. Pets.ca provides a list of quality homemade pet treats using natural ingredients.

    Rope Toys

    • Dogs love rope. Rope tied in a knot is a great toy by itself. For a slightly more interesting toy, drill two holes in a ball and thread a rope through, tying a knot at the top of the ball. The size of the ball and the thickness of the rope will depend on the breed. For small breeds, a tennis ball and a small rope will do. For large and giant breeds, a soccer or basketball and a thick rope can create the same effect on a larger scale.

    Plastic Toys

    • Dogs love plastic water bottles. For an extra layer of fun, remove the cap of the bottle and put the bottle inside a tube sock, tying off the top. Alternatively, try drilling holes in a water bottle and fill the bottle with treats. Watch the hours of amusement as your dog tries to remove the treats.

    Fabric Toys

    • There are many ways to recycle used fabric from around the house into toys for your puppy. Old tube socks stuffed with balls and tied are a very popular and easy chew. Alternatively, try rolling indestructible cloth into a tube and tying it with a rope knot at two ends. An old pair of denim pants works well for this, and there is no stuffing for the dog to accidentally swallow.