Table of Contents
Because GSD’s are large dogs, the best toys for German shepherd adult and puppy must be one that can handle heavy chewing.
These dogs possess moderate to high energy levels, and require stimulation, especially as puppies.
The best dog toy for GSD’s is – Grippy Pup (Extra strong, Sturdy, High-Quality Chew-Proof Rope
Double-Layered Dental Tooth Bulge, BPA-Free Treat Dispensing Ball and more).
Dog toys can be a great way to provide them an avenue to release excess physical and mental energy – whether your GSD is playing with toys by themselves, or with you.
READ MORE:
Flying Pig Grooming Table Reviews
Best Colloidal Silver for Dogs
It helps if you have an idea of what the best dog toys for German Shepherd dogs and puppies might be.
The toys for German shepherd dogs and puppies we’ve covered in this info guide are wide ranging like:
- Indestructible Dog Toys For German Shepherds that can take heavy chewing and stand up to a lot of beating from your GSD
- Tug toys and best Chew treats For German Shepherds that can be chewed, gnawed on, pulled, tugged etc.
- Puppy Toys & best Teething Toys For German Shepherd Puppies whose puppy teeth are growing out
- Soft/plush/cuddly German Shepherd dog toys for sleeping and acting as a ‘comfort’ toy
- Puzzle & Interactive German Shepherd dog toys and to keep their minds occupied
- Training German Shepherd dog toys to hone obedience and behavioral skills
- Squeaker German Shepherd Toys with no stuffing that make noise
- Best ball for GSD
You should be able to find something your GSD will like. Let’s check out the options!
If you’re in a rush, check out my top choices for the best toys for German Shepherd puppies on Amazon…
Rogz Da Pupz.
West Paw Design Tux.
West Paw Design Bumi.
Best Toys For German Shepherd Dogs & Puppies: Indestructible, Puzzle/Interactive, Teething/Chew Toys & More
Our top rated dog toys for German Shepherd dogs and puppies include but not limited to:
KONG Classic KONG Dog Toy XL (on Amazon) – All Around Dog Toy For Light Chewing German Shepherds
KONG Extreme Dog Toy, Black XL (on Amazon) – Indestructible Dog Toys For A heavy chewing German Shepherd
Nina Ottosson Dog Bone Puzzle Interactive Dog Toy (on Amazon) – Puzzle & Interactive Dog Toy For A German Shepherd
Nylabone Dura Chew Wishbone (on Amazon) – Teething, Chew & Bone Dog Toy For German Shepherd Puppies Up To 35lbs,
X Large Nylabone Dura Chew (on Amazon) – Chew Toy & Bone Dog Toy For German Shepherds Who Are Strong Chewers Over 50lbs
KONG Wobbler Treat Dispensing Dog Toy (on Amazon) – Simple Interactive and Puzzle Dog Toy For A German Shepherd
The Nero Ball TM (on Amazon) – Best Training Dog Toy For A German Shepherd
Outward Hound Tail Teaser Dog Flirt Pole Toy (on Amazon) – Pole lure toy, and training (drop) toy
Mammoth Flossy Chews Cottonblend Color 3-Knot Rope Tug (on Amazon) – Rope & Tug Dog Toy For A German Shepherd
KONG Cozie Dog Squeaky Toy (Marvin The Moose) (on Amazon) – Soft/Plush/Cuddly Dog Toy For A German Shepherd
ZippyPaws Squeakie Pup 11-Squeaker No Stuffing Plush Dog Toy (on Amazon) – Squeaky Dog Toy For A German Shepherd
Best Toys for German Shepherd Puppies – Comparison Table
JW Pet Tanzanian Mountain Ball | West Paw Design Tux | West Paw Design Bumi | Rogz Da Pupz | Kong Puppy Tire | |
See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon | |
Design | Soft, textured ball | Soft, tripod shape | Soft, S-Shape | Smooth, bone shape | Firm, doughnut shape |
Toxin Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Materials | Natural, biodegradable rubber | Toxin-Free, recycled plastic | Toxin-free, recycled plastic | Natural rubber | Natural rubber |
Made in the USA | Yes | Yes | Yes | Made in South Africa | Yes |
Chewable | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Fetch | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Interactive Puzzle | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Floats | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Sizes | 3.5″ Diameter | One size | Small, Large | Small, Medium | Small, Medium, Large |
Weight | 6.4 oz | 10.6 oz | Size dependent | Size dependent | Size dependent |
Colors | 3 colors | 4 colors | 3 colors | 2 colors | 2 colors |
Cleaning | Dishwasher safe | Dishwasher safe | Dishwasher safe | Dishwasher safe | Dishwasher safe |
Warranty | 30 Days | Lifetime | Lifetime | Unknown | 30 Days |
My Rating | |||||
Read my Full Review | JW Pet Tanzanian Mountain Ball Full Review | West Paw Design Tux Full Review | West Paw Design Bumi Full Review | Rogz Da Pupz Bonez Full Review | Kong Puppy Tire Full Review |
Best Dog Food for Pregnant German Shepherds
Best Toys For German Shepherd Dog Or Puppy: Reviews
-
KONG Classic KONG Dog Toy XL
I bet you already know what the classic KONG is. This one is XL (extra-large) for a German Shepherd’s large mouth.
Rather than feed treats or food directly to your GSD, put it inside the KONG and watch your GSD become curious and amuse itself for an hour trying to get the food out by licking, chewing and pawing.
Its color is red so you won’t lose sight of it easily, and guess what? It bounces! So you can throw it for your GSD.
It is crafted for moderate and lighter chewers.
If your dog is a moderate, heavy or power chewer, check out the next toy on the list…
View KONG Classic KONG Dog Toy XL (on Amazon)
-
KONG Extreme Dog Toy, Black XL
In simple terms, the KONG Extreme is simply the classic KONG on more bigger packs of muscles.
It’s made with an ultra-high strength rubber that is said to be very durable and hard to chew through.
Like the classic KONG, these best toys for German shepherd, allows you to pack the Extreme with peanut butter or treats (as long as your GSD isn’t allergic to either).
Like the classic KONG, you can pack the Extreme with treats or peanut butter (as long as your GSD isn’t allergic).
The KONG extreme comes in black color, so the bad side to this toy is that it isn’t highly visible.
-
Nina Ottosson Dog Bone Puzzle Interactive Dog Toy
Comes in 4 sizes, and is one of the most top rated interactive dog toys out there.
Your dog will have to work their brain to get this one right.
It’s created for both adults and puppies, and is rated a 2/3 difficulty – medium difficulty.
The Dog Brick puzzle toy demands you place treats under the boe tiles. Your dog has to slide them to figure out where the treats are.
They can either use their nose or paws.
-
Nylabone Dura Chew Wishbone
A fantastic chew toy and bone type toy for German Shepherds up to 35 lbs.
It lasts forever, and is great for light, heavy and strong chewing puppies.
In fact, it’s one of the best chew treats for German shepherds puppies and mature dogs.
Not only does this teething toy for GSD keeps your dog occupied, but it will save furniture and other items from being destroyed.
The wishbone shape ensures your puppy easily grabs the toy with it’s paws and chew.
Made in the USA.
-
KONG Wobbler Treat Dispensing Dog Toy
Rated as the best puzzle toy for German shepherds on this list.
The KONG Wobbler works in similar fashion as the classic Kong in terms of being able to place treats or food inside.
However, the wobbler stands straight up, and wobbles, rolls and spins as your dog paws it and pushes it over its nose.
Generally, kongs are great for dogs that eat really fast – as it can increase the duration of meal time and provide your GSD a great amount of mental stimulation.
The other good thing about the KONG wobbler is that it has a twist top for filling and cleaning the inside of the KONG.
-
The Nero Ball TM
If you want a substitute for offering treats to your GSD during obedience training, the Nerpo Ball is fantastic.
How does it look like?
It is a rubber ball attached to a nylon rope that you can use as a reward for tasks performed correctly, play tug with, or even throw for your GSD.
The Nero Ball is commonly used by Police K-9 and Military Working Dog Teams.
Note: that only the rubber ball is made to be chewed on with the Nero Ball – not the rope.
If you want to use it as a chew toy only, you can remove the nylon rope.
-
Mammoth Flossy Chews Cottonblend Color 3-Knot Rope Tug
This is rated as the best tug toy for German Shepherds and medium-large dogs.
It is also probably the one of the best toys for German Shepherd dog, puppies and the best teething toys for German Shepherd puppies – although the hard rubber KONG toys on this list would be equally suitable.
It is a 3 knot woven cotton fibre rope that is very strong, and your GSD can either tug on it while playing with you, or chew on it while they are at it by themselves.
It’s length is 25 inches long, so you have plenty of rope to play with.
The only downside of this toy is the tassles are quite easy to chew off at the end of the rope. You may want to trim the tassles yourself so your cute puppy doesn’t swallow them (although it doesn’t really appear to be a choking hazard, more an inconvenience).
-
KONG Cozie Dog Squeaky Toy (Marvin The Moose)
If your puppy is a heavy chewer, plush toys aren’t the best choice for them.
The KONG range of cuddly toys like Marvin the Moose commonly have thicker fabric, better stitching and less stuffing than most cuddly toys, but don’t expect it to last forever.
It comes with squeakers that never bores your dog.
Buying 2 or 3 at a time might be a wise choice.
Plush dog toys can be great as a comfort toy to take in the car for the first few times OR for keeping your puppy feeling safe at night.
-
Chuckit! Large Paraflight
The Chuckit! Paraflight is a flying disc that can be used to play fetch.
Want to know the best part?
You can take Frisbee disc either in the water (floats on water 0 great for the pool or beach) or throw it on land.
It is made of rubber and canvas, and won’t break down too easily. It’s also high visibility with bright colors.
One thing to be careful of with this toy is to train your GSD to release the disc when you grab it from it’s mouth, otherwise too much tugging can damage the disc.
Better than the rubber discs available by a long stretch!!
-
KONG Rubber Ball Extreme – Heavy Duty Ball
If you are tired of tennis balls and other balls getting destroyed too quickly, the KONG Rubber Ball Extreme is probably worth a try.
It is crafted out of extreme strong rubber like the classic KONG toys – so even the strongest chewers will struggle to rip them apart.
It’s made more for larger breeds like Pitbulls and German Shepherds.
One negative about this ball is that it is quite heavy – so be careful throwing it around people and inside (ouch, it hurts!).
-
Chuckit! Ultra Ball X Large – Fetch Ball
By far the best ball for GSD when it comes to playing fetch.
This is the X Large version which is 3.5 inches – for big dog mouths like a German shepherd so they don’t inhale the ball.
For puppies, you may want to get a smaller size.
Better for playing fetch with launchers and for throwing longer distances as the Chuckit! Ultra Ball is more lightweight than the KONG Extreme Rubber Ball, but still maintains the durable strength!.
The Ultra Ball floats, has high bounce and is bright for high visibility.
They are also made of rubber and not felt like normal tennis balls.
Use these balls with the Chuckit! Large size launchers (has the letter L next to them).
-
Chuckit! Launcher – Ball Launcher For Fetch
You can tell the sizes of the Chuckit! Launchers by looking at the letter next the the number e.g. S is small, M is for regular tennis balls and balls, and L is for the mega balls.
Being lightweight, these launchers can throw the ball really fr – great for throwing the ball in general and for dog parks so you can save your arm the stress.
The extended shaft means you need not worry about touching a slimy ball, or bend down and pick it up.
-
Nylabone Dura Chew Textured Souper
This is the best commercial chew bone for German Shepherd adults.
This Nylabone is uniquely made for larger dogs who are over 50 pounds in weight – so it is durable and stands up to heavy chewing.
It also comes in a variety of flavors including liver, chicken, bacon, beef, peanut butter and bacon.
The bone itself is large, so there’s little chance your GSD swallows it.
Made in the USA!
What is the Best Food for My German Shepherd
-
Raw Meat Bones From The Shop
Generally speaking, feeding your GSD raw uncooked meaty bones is safe, but you should always check with your vet and do your own due diligence to be really sure that your particular dog will be .
Some dogs are more likely to fracture their teeth than others (sensitive teeth) or gastrointestinal issues than others for example.
If your dog is fine with raw meaty bones, they can bite, scrape and play for hours with them!!
-
Recycled/Free Toys
Various ideas for free toys are:
- empty plastic water bottles or containers (BPA free)
- Old shoes
- empty plastic food containers (BPA free) – dogs can spend a while licking every last bit of flavour off these depending on the container/package
Who said you have to pay for all of your dog toys?
Try out a few of these free options too!
-
YOU!
Your German Shepherd’s favorite toy by far is and will always be you!! In fact, you are one of the best toys for German Shepherd.
Show them love by pending enough time each day walking, playing with and interacting with your GSD.
An inanimate toy doesn’t move around, talk and give hugs quite like you do.
Best Toys for German Shepherd Puppies Reviews
-
JW Pet Company Tanzanian Mountain Ball
See the JW Pet Tanzanian Mountain Ball on Amazon
No doubt, the Tanzanian Mountain Ball is one of the favorites when it comes to playing fetch.
Design
The unique and ridge design drew me to it the first instance I saw it online,
Dog loves and respect the texture of this ball. And like me, other pooch owners report their pups get hours of fun with this imaginative toy.
The ridges on the ball make a soft whirring sound when it flies through the air. And that’s something my dogs go crazy for!
The ball is light so it can travel quite far through the air. And it has a good bounce. But not good enough to go flying over into the neighbor’s yard.
JW Pet Company has somehow managed to give this ball a delicious vanilla-like scent. Which hugely triggers and stimulate your dog’s powerful olfactory senses.
The combo of texture, sound, and scent is a real winner for my dogs.
Materials
Made from tough natural rubber, the Tanzanian Mountain Ball is biodegradable.
JW Pet Company is part of the Petmate Group. And that says a lot.
Their materials for products are usually free from glues and other toxic dangerous materials.
All JW Pet’s toys are produced in the U.S.A and they have a huge reputation for testing their products for mercury, lead and other nasties
So you can feel relaxed that your German Shepherd puppy has a safe toy to play with. It’s no wonder we considered their products as one of the best toys for German Shepherd dog & Puppies.
How You can Use the Mountain Ball
This ball can travel through the air and is a great fetch toy. It floats too! So if you’re looking to teach your pup to swim, this ball will make a great reward during swimming lessons.
You can also use this ball as a puzzle game for your young pup…
Make a mix of mashed banana and peanut butter. Then full the ridges and the inside of the ball witn the mix and pop it in the freezer.
When you require your pup occupied and out of trouble while you’re busy, just hand them their Tanzanian Mountain Ball.
It’ll keep them busy for long periods of time!
Chewability
Based on my experience and honest reviews, this ball can handle some light chewing.
Although my fur-friends haven’t managed to destroy these Tanzanian Mountain balls, they are not meant to be mauled.
They are cool and good for young jaws and the ridges help to manage those painful little gums during teething.
Some reviewers on Amazon have complained about their dog chewing off chunks of rubber. But if you leave your puppy unattended for hours with this ball, it will be destroyed.
But, it’s still one of the best teething toys for German shepherd puppies you’d find online.
Sizes
The regular version of this ball is bigger than a tennis ball, at about 3 inches in diameter. Making it the perfect size for medium to large breed dogs.
Conclusion
The coolest thing I love about the Tanzanian Mountain Balls is their versatility. It can float, fly and handle chewing.
It also stimulates your dog’s touch, hearing, sight, taste, and sense of smell. Which is great for their development.
And any toy you can stuff with treats to keep your pup busy while your back is turned is a definite winner IN OUR RATING IN THE BEST CHEW TREATS FOR GERMAN SHEPHERDS.
Some pooch parents say it can quickly become a little heavy for smaller mouths. But give it a few weeks and you’ll see how quickly your German Shepherd grows into the ball.
Like every other ball, there is a high chance your dog will destroy this. But, like I mentioned before, this ball is not meant for mauling.
One thing I don’t like is the fact that you can’t choose the color you want. The varieties are green, black, and red.
So you won’t know what color you’d be getting until it arrives. But my shepherds didn’t care about the colors when they were younger and still don’t care.
They just love to dig the ball for treats!
In my personal experience and opinion, the Tanzanian Mountain is a winner. It’s definitely a top pick for the best toys for German Shepherd puppies. And it’s a must-have for every dog’s toy box.
See the JW Pet Tanzanian Mountain Ball on Amazon.
Best Dog Food for GSD with Sensitive Stomach
-
West Paw Design Zogoflex Tux Dog Chew Toy
See the West Paw Design Zogoflex Tux on Amazon
West Paw Design toys are another top pick pooch parents love!
Why?
Because they are strong and an interactive toy for your German Shepherd puppy, this one should be on your list.
Design
The West Paw Zogoflex Tux has an ingenious tripod design which dogs love, and can’t get enough!
The West Paw Design Tux has a hollow center which is ideal for treat stiffing to kep your pup stimulated and entertained for hours.
It’s available in 4 funky colors – granny smith, tangerine, aqua, and black. So, this flexible toy won’t be easily lost in the snow, beach or grass.
West Paw run such a cool operation! They have real heart at the center of their business.
There’s a massive emphasis on corporate responsibility and real respect for the environment.
Materials
Be rest assured, with West Paw, you’re buying quality. The Tux, like all their toys, is made in the USA and is FDA approved. That means its certified to a food use standard.
I love how safe the Tux is. It’s non-toxic, Phthalate-and-BPA-free – there are no nasties here.
And, it’s super simple to keep clean. Just pop it in the dishwasher! This helps to keep the inside pouch hygienic and clean.
All West Paw Design’s toys are made in America and are ryclable. This is great for the economy so they’re kind to the mother nature too.
How You can Use the Tux
The Tux is a multi-functional toy and is one of the best toys for German Shepherd.
Because of its unique design, it can be used for:
- Playing fetch –it can bounce crazily
- It floats – so makes a great game of fetch in stream, pool,. Pond, or river
- Serves as a treat pouch – ideal for filling with a yummy treat and letting your pup figure out how to get at it.
Of course, you already know about filling it with peanut butter. But try something like organic yogurt or even beef jerk to spice things up.
A Tux with frozen treats will make the fun last longer! So, remember to pop the Tux into the freezer. Handling your pup a frozen Tux is so much more challenging to figure out.
The Tux makes a great chew toy. And since your German Shepherd is a land shark finding good chew toys is vital.
Chewing stimulates them physically and mentally so you want something that can handle all the pressure. And the West Paw Tux is no stranger to chewing pups.
Chewability
Even heavy chewers who see it as their sole mission to rip apart every toy that comes their way have been thwarted by the Tux!
Of course, nothing lasts forever! But the Tux does an amazing job at staying in one piece. Even when tormented by the most enthusiastic of chewers.
What’s for sure though, is your sofas and shoes will thank you for the distraction!
Ti’s true the Tux is tough, but it is also soft enough not to harm your pup’s delicate teeth and gums.
Even if your pup manages to make a dent in the surface, the Tux stays surprisingly strong.
West Paw is so convinced by the durability of the Tux that they offer a no quibble guarantee. They will replace your Tux free of charge if you are unhappy with its performance.
Although I’ve never had to ask for a replacement of any West Paw toys, but it is mind-calming to know that I can.
Sizes
The West Paw Tux is a one size fits all toy and totals 5 inches.
Conclusion
I can’t find much downside with the West Paw Tux.
But, I’ve noticed a lot of customers mention that dry kibble tends to fall out too easily. This can put a fast end to a game that’s supposed to last.
If on the other hand, you like frozen peanut butter, organic yogurt or mashed banana, you’ll be good to go.
Overall!
Overall I love the West Paw Tux. I think it’s well designed and has multi-functions. It’s tough but not dangerous. It does its job exceptionally well and it’s good value for money.
The Tux is by far the top pick if you’re looking for the best toys for German Shepherd puppies.
See the West Paw Design Zogoflex Tux on Amazon.
West Paw Design has been around for over 20 years. Check out this cool video of your puppy’s toys are made…
-
West Paw Design Zogoflex Bumi Dog Toy
See the West Paw Design Zogoflex Bumi on Amazon
Okay, so I’ve earlier stated that West Paw Design toys are popular in our house.
And not only by my dogs, I love them too!
Design
The Bumi is another fun toy made in the USA by an American designer and dog toy maker, West Paw. This toy has a fun S-shaped design. So it stretches like super strong gum to twice its length then snaps right back into place.
It comes in the bright colors that West Paw is known for – granny smith, tangerine, and aqua. We own an aqua one.
Our Numi has been around since Henry was a pup!
And I love it because there’s no hunting around to find the Bumi. I can easily spot it inside or outside the house.
West Paw makes high quality, innovative pet products, and the Bumi is no exception.
Materials
I love how soft and pliable West Paw made the Bumi. It’s perfect for the soft mouth of your puppy.
It’s a much better choice than a rope for example, which can cause bleeding and chafing.
While it is soft tough, the Bumi is also highly durable and built to last long. And although my dogs are past puppy stage, they still love to play with Bumi.
It is toxin free, so be rest assured since its going to be staying in your dog’s mouth a lot.
The Bumi has some good credentials, just what you’d expect from West Paw Designs…
It’s made in the United States. It’s BPA and Phthalate-free, and FDA compliant.
The Bumi is made from recycled materials and it’s super easy to clean too. Just pop it in the dishwasher. Although I give ours a good wash with hot water after each use and let it air dry.
How You can Use the Bumi
The Bumi is a pretty versatile toy too. It’s great for growing puppies and is the kind of toy that appeals to the intelligence of your German Shepherd.
I use it as a fetch toy either at the dog park or in the yard. The Bumi is a little on the heavy side. I mean if it’s going to be used as a tug toy it better be solid!
Its weight means it can’t travel fat distances when you’re playing fetch. But that makes it a great fetch toy for your back yard where you have less space.
It’s floats like a dream. So, it’s perfect for playing fetch in the water!
Some folks love to use it to play tug-o-war with their dogs. But I’m not a fan. The Bumi gets quite slippery from dog slobber making it hard to grip.
It’s amazing how far my dogs Henry and Anna stretch that Bumi and it’s still in one piece!
Chewability
I have discovered mixed reviews about the chewability status of the Bumi. Although, our Bumi has been around for over 2 years and is constantly taking a beating with no big problems.
Except for the normal wear-and-tear. In fact, our Bumi aid in the raising of Anna from puppy to adulthood and she’s always happy to see it.
It’s not easy for my two grown dogs to sink their teeth into the Bumi. But, some dog parents have reported that their Bumi came apart leaving pieces behind.
But I’ll bet fifty dollars it’s because they left their dog unsupervised.
If you leave them alone long enough they’ll destroy anything!
Sizes
The Bumi comes in 2 sizes. The 8 inch one is considered a small size. And I recommend it for pups under the age of 3 month. I say this because the Bumi is on the heavy side like I mentioned.
So the large size might be too heavy for your pup to enjoy interacting with.
The large size with is 9.5 inches is perfect for pups older than 12 weeks and adults.
Sizes too can determine the best toys for German Shepherd.
Conclusion
The Bumi is a cool dog toy. Its interesting shape and multi-functions make it perfect for your highly intelligent German Shepherd puppy.
I love it that the focused on the overall well-being of my dogs and I know it is made in America.
It makes an ideal fetch toy on water or in land. I think it’s a toy you could let your pup chew on to stimulate them and help with those painful gums.
But I don’t agree that it’s a great tug toy for humans. It just gets too slippery from doggy slobber. But for 2 fun-loving dogs, it’s the ideal tug-o-war toy.
The Bumi is part of our dog’s toy box and it’s amazingly one that should be on your list of best toys for your German Shepherd puppy.
Check out this cool video from West Paw Design, featuring their Hurley, Tux, and Bumi.
See the West Paw Design Zogoflex Bumi on Amazon.
-
ROGZ Pupz Da Bone Chew Toy
See the Rogz Da Pupz Bones on Amazon
Rogz Da Pupz is a special one that wins my heart every time! Their selection of Da Bone toys helped me raise both Henry and Anna.
Design
Rogz Pupz Da Bone is an awesome bone series of different sizes designed for puppies and they move into different age groups.
Naturally, it’s shaped like a bone and is perfectly sized for puppies to enjoy and play with.
Both my dogs teethed on Rogz Da Pupz Bones. They’re soft enough to protect your German Shepherd’s young gums and teeth. But tough enough to stimulate their need to chew, chew, repeat, chew, repeat and build jaw strength.
Did you know that a strong jaw will help your German Shepherd’s ears perk up?
Aside being great for chewing, these Da Bones can be stuffed it with kibble, treats, peanut butter or anything else your pup loves to keep interest up and tails wagging.
I love the color range of the Pupz Da Bone toys. There are 5 funky colors to choose from – lime green, orange, pink, blue, or red.
This makes them easy to find no matter – even at the bottom of the pool!
Materials
If you’re like me, you’d be concerned about what goes into your dog’s mouth, whether its toys or food. So, you’ll be happy to know that Da Pupz is made from natural rubber.
And just like the Tanzanian Mountain Ball these bones also have a great scent. But this time it’s baby powder. Since your puppy has a powerful nose this scent will stimulate their olfactory senses.
Cleaning the Pupz Da Bone toys can be done without stress. I wash mine in hot water with a little organic soap. But these babies are dishwasher safe. So if you prefer, just pop them in your dishwasher!
How You can Use the Pupz Da Bonez
You’ve probably noticed by now that Rogz Da Pupz bone toys are my go-to toys for puppies.
Being one of the best toys for German Shpherd puppuies, these are also excellent toys for a game of fetch. And because of their shape, they have an unpredictable bounce which keeps games fun and lively.
They are not the lightest of toys, but they are easy to throw. And because they’re designed for puppies, your pooch should be able to fetch and carry without any issues.
There lots of puppy toys that you can stuff with treats. But they all have a flaw. The treats fall out too fast.
But the Pupz Da Bone is different…
The opening on either end is wide enough to easily get whatever treat your pup likes inside. But the magic is, the hollow becomes more narrow in the middle of the bone.
The narrowing means your pup has to work to earn it. And that’s what you want!
Think about it…
If you want your pup to stay busy while you quickly turn your back you want something that’s going to make them stay focused.
Chewability
I love the fact that Rogz rate their toys on a Bite-o-Meter scale so you can know what durability to expect. Ranging from #1 being Super Soft to # 5 being Super Hard. It’s fun but it’s also a useful guide to help you pick the right one.
The Pupz Da Bone # 4 which is rated as hard is the most popular choice. Most puppy parents report that their pups have a robust play with this toy and that it lives to see the next day intact.
Sizes
The Pupz Da Bone toys are available in three sizes:
- Small at 4 inches.
- Medium at 6 inches.
- Large at 8 inches.
Conclusion
Tough as nails, these are surprisingly soft enough to protect your puppy’s teeth and gums. I love that Rogz has made a range just for puppies.
And their bite-o-meter and the choice of sizes makes it even easier to pick the right bone for your pup.
There are not hundreds of published reviews on this product available. But I’ve had first-hand experience with this Rogz range for puppies. And I’ve raised 2 land sharks with them.
So I can tell you first hand, these are some of the best toys for German Shepherd dogs & puppies.
Although I love how the hollow narrows in the center of the bone, it does mean you need to pick your treats well.
Tip: to fill your Rogz Da Pupz Bone with a yummy mix like banana and peanut butter, simply use a piping bag. The same one you’d use to frost a cake.
A big round of applause for me here! Haha XD
See the Rogz Da Pupz Bones on Amazon.
-
Kong Puppy Tires
See the Kong Puppy Tire on Amazon
Kong toys are undoubtedly the most famous of dogs toys. And the kong Puppy tires has been around for 36 years. So it’s understandable that the brand and its toys are loved by humans and their pet pooches.
Design
The tire was designed to keep Fritz, the founder of Kong’s German Shepherd busy while Joe Markham worked on his VW.
Originally designed for a German Shepherd! Yup, it’s a must have and a keeper.
The toy is a simple tire shape with a textured outside and a stuffable inner layer. So you’ve got a durable toy that stimulates your pup’s sense of touch, smell and working drive all in one toy.
Materials
Once you hold the Kong Puppy tire in your hands, you’ll see that the Kong natural rubber is good quality and built to last a long time.
The rubber in the puppy version is softer and more malleable than the adult versions and is great for soothing sore puppy gums. The rubber is good to your puppy’s tender puppy mouth. But it’s still durable.
The chew comes in two shades – baby pink or pale blue. Not much variety there but I don’t think your puppy will care about the color. Although, blue is easier for dogs to see.
The materials used made us rate it in our list of best toys for German Shepherd dogs.
How You can Use the Kong Puppy Tire
The Kong puppy tire will teach your little one good chewing habits. Give the soething safe satisfying and appropriate to chew on and your limbs, furniture, and shoes will be safe from unwanted and painful gnawing.
The Kong Puppy tire is also fantastic fun too for games of fetch. It will roll merrily along flat surfaces giving it that unpredictable feature. And keeping your pup on their toes.
The stuffable inner layer is a great bonus. I suggest filling the tire with low cal healthy snacks such as apple, carrot, or ground meats.
Or cover it in unsalted broth and then freeze. So, when you want your pup to have some calm time with one of the best toys for German shepherd breed, just pop the tire out of the freezer and you’ll have a happy pup on your hands.
Well, for a good while as they tease out the snacks inside.
Chewability
The puppy friendly rubber in this Kong product is made to chew on. And in my opinion second to the Rogz Da Pupz the only toy with chewing in mind.
You should know that chewing stimulates your puppy in ways you can’t imagine. It feeds into their natural working drive and instincts.
And strong jaws are important to get those ears up.
Sizes
The Kong tire for puppies is available in 3 sizes.
- Small.
- Medium.
- Large.
I advise going either with the medium if your pup is still very young. Or the large for an older pup.
Ensure you adjust the size of the toy as your pet grows and make sure that it remains size appropriate.
Conclusion
Kong is proud of the toys they produce and the proof of being in business for over 3 decades has shown that they offer quality over quantity.
As a reassurance, they offer a 30-day return policy if you aren’t happy with your product.
The bad side to this is that, you can’t choose the color, not that your dog will mind that but you the owner might.
I’ve also read some reports complaining of a strong and off-putting rubberized smell on the product.
And there are some complaints about the product arriving poorly packaged and grubby. These grumbles do seem to be a minority though.
Personally, I think it’s too rough and can easily spark bleeding gums if your pup is a heavy chewer.
Overall the Kong tire is not a bad toy, it’s just not the kind of toy I’d choose for my puppy.
See the Kong Puppy Tire on Amazon.
Best Dog Food for German Shepherd Dogs and Puppies
Why Your German Shepherd Puppy Needs Toys?
Your guys need German Shepherd proof toys because they love to chew, a lot. Tables, door frames. Legs, table, Chairs, fence posts, slippers, school bags, and ornaments. You name it, it’s fair game for a GSD pup.
I’ve had to pay to repair my dinning chair and bought another school bag and laptop charger.
There are lots of reasons why there seems to exhibit an insatiable desire to chew!
Firstly, teething is painful! Even human babies find it uncomfortable, and your GSD puppy does too!
Especially around the gum area and a good chomp on something hard will ease the discomfort.
Secondly, it’s just nature doing its thing. They inherited sharp teeth and powerful jaws from their wolf forefathers. And strong jaws secured their survival, and this is an instinct which domesticated animals still have today.
And they still have the desire to work, gnaw, tear and rip.
When it comes to chewing though, there are other more social reasons why a dog loves to chew.
Much like a teenager going to camp and not engaging in activities during the holidays getting up to no good. A pup gets bored if they don’t get lots of stimulation.
And what better way than to get their jaws into action gnawing on anything, everything and trying German Shepherd brain toys.
So, unless you want your house and everything inside with ragged, soggy edges invest in some durable German shepherd Amazon toys that put their mental and physical abilities to work!
Dogs like play, work and fun. A lively, well-socialized dog will love nothing more than an energetic game of fetch.
Toys with shapes, texture, movement usually end up being some of the best toys for German Shepherd puppies.
If your pup loves nothing more than plunging into the nearest pond, be sure to look for toys that float – swimming and fetching– the perfect way to pass a perfect doggy afternoon!
How to Choose the Best Toy for Your German Shepherd Puppy – Buyer’s Guide
-
Design
Dog toys come in all sizes and shapes which is great news for your pet as it gives you a wide range of options to choose from.
Unusual shapes may well go down a treat with your dog but never overlook the golden oldie of the bone shaped toy, a perennial favorite for pups.
I always like to run a background check of the company selling the toys. Those manufacturers who have a proven interest in animal welfare and a respect for quality, safe, secure and the environment will most often have the very best products on the market.
They’re no out for just fast money but have a stake in building a sustainable, trustworthy brand where pet safety and happiness is key.
-
Materials
Now, what you want to look for are natural materials in your dog toy and this is extra important for young puppies.
A toy that’s going to stay long periods in your pup’s mouth must be toxin-free.
A product labeled BPA and Phthalate-free and is FDA compliant has been carefully tested and is a sign of a quality product.
-
How can You Use the Toy
Lots of toys will aim to serve different purposes. Puppies love nothing more than a fun game of tug-o-war or fetch in the back garden.
Many toys work for this purpose and act as a handy treat dispenser. Any toy can be used as a chew toy.
But…
Is it meant for chewing?
Is it durable?
Is it safe?
No matter what, your puppy is going to chew, regardless of what you do. So snure the toys you purchase can withstand at least some chewing.
-
Chewability
All toys are not made the same. You’re already aware that your German Shepherd pup is an enthusiastic chewer.
So anything less than a good quality, robust toy made from strong materials just won’t last the wag of your dog’s tail.
You’ll be wasting your hard earned cash because you’ll be buying countless replacements. And cheap, cheap, low-quality toys are dangerous and mostly toxic for your pooch. If pieces break off, it’s a potential choking hazard.
-
Sizes
Many toys come in different sizes so there’s a good variety of choice in the marketplace. A toy should be big enough for your GSD pup to enjoy. But not too heavy for their developing mouth.
As your pup grows, update your selection. If a toy is too small, it could put your pet in danger.
You can pass the toys that are too small for your pup on to your local shelter. They are always very happy for toys to keep their residents happy and stimulated.
Best Dog Toys For German Shepherd Dogs & Puppies: Buyer’s Guide
-
What Toys To Get For A German Shepherd?
Picking the best toys for German Shepherd dog breed isn’t exactly rocket science. The primary criteria is to get a range of toys that:
- Are big enough not to get stuck in your dog’s throat (especially if a young puppy).
- If your dog is a heavy chewer, make sure the toy is hard wearing enough not to be destroyed in a a couple of minutes (wasting your greenbucks, but also breaking into smaller parts your dog can swallow), but not so hard that it damages your dog’s teeth. Woven thread/rope or Hard rubber type materials usually work best.
Note: no toy is completely indestructible though.
- It needs to stimulate your GSD for more than a few minutes – physically or mentally. Sometimes this can be trial and error though – you never know what your dog will and won’t like, so it might be wise to start cheaper and work your way up!
Some examples of great cheap toys for German Shepherds are the Kong Rubber Wobblers/Cones with the harder rubber, rubber balls (without glue) and launchers, and any rope tug toy.
Types of Dog and Puppy Toys for German Shepherds
- Training Toys – a specialised tug toy for training and obedience, and can be used as a substitute for treats
- Plush Dog Toys – a play toy or a toy that you GSD can take to bed for comfort. If your GSD is a heavy chewer, plush toys can get torn up pretty quickly. You may want to make sure they are stitched together well, and stuffingless if possible
- Squeaky Toys – a toy that squeaks each time your GSD plays with it and bites down on it. If used in easily destroyed toys like plush toys, make sure your GSD won’t swallow the squeaker/s
- Balls and Ball Launchers– good for fetch and expending ALOT of energy
- Frisbees and Flying Discs – great for playing fetch
- Tug/Rope and Tether – good for training and teething
- Puzzle & Interactive Toys – good for mental stimulation – some always provide the same puzzle and some change up the puzzle for you dog depending on the individual dog.
- Chew Toys – for teething GSDs and to keep GSDs stimulated for long periods
- KONG toys – almost everyone knows what a kong is – usually very strong , long lasting and provides great mental stimulation if you place food or treats inside
- Treat Dispensing Toys (like the KONG wobbler) – dispenses treats as your GSD plays with it (can be used instead of feeding treats straight to your GSD)
- Fetch Toys – usually a ball and a launcher
- Raw Bones and Plastic Bones – good for teething and chewing
Various Materials of Dog and Puppy Toys for German Shepherds
Some common materials used for puppy and dog toys are:
- Rubber
- Plastic
- Vinyl
- Rope and Woven Fibre
- Leather
Tightly woven fibre/rope and thick rubber are often best for German Shepherds as they are extremely durable and hard wearing.
This material is usually good for the puppy teething stage and also good for adult GSDs who can both be heavy chewers
How Do I Know If A Dog Toy Is Safe For My German Shepherd?
Generally, here are some things you might look out for when deciding whether a dog toy is safe for your German Shepherd to play with or not:
- If rubber, or plastic, make sure it is BPA free (it is amazing to note that the glues in some toys like some tennis balls for example may contain semi-harmful chemicals and even become harsh on the enamel on your dog’s teeth)
- Ensure it doesn’t contain toxic heavy metals, including calcium, chromium and lead
- For large dogs like German Shepherds, make sure if they are playing with small toys that you supervise them if they are a puppy as they could choke on it.
- Make sure it isn’t heavily dyed, or treated with stain guard or fire retardants
- If your dog is a heavy chewer, avoid latex, plush toys, l and leather dog toys.
- Toys with squeakers and stuffing inside can also be hazardous if ripped apart and swallowed
As a general rule of thumb, make sure you study the materials on the label and check the manufacturer’s site if required. Pay attention to any warnings that look similar to ‘small parts – not suitable for puppies’.
Tell Me More About Dog Toys For German Shepherd Puppies –Teething Toys, Chew Toys, Dog Toys That Look Like Bones etc.
The 3 things to note about GSD puppies when it comes to dog toys are:
- Being smaller in size than adults, Puppies have smaller mouths – they generally need smaller toys to fit their mouths
- Pay extra attention and exercise more care to dog toys that are small enough to be a choking hazard – look at the size of the toy and any hazard or choking warning before you buy
- German Shepherd puppies up until the age of about 6 months old go through teething where their puppy teeth are replaced with adult teeth. During this time they might chew…a lot.
Chew toys like ropes can be great, and so can KONGs or even bone type toys. Some people pick a wrt rag for their puppy to chew on.
Just make sure whatever you give your puppy doesn’t break their teeth, and it’s strong enough so they don’t break pieces off which they can swallow
There’s 3 types of toys that best suit German Shepherd puppies who are chewing alot:
- The popular woven rope dog toys
- Old shoes, plastic containers, rags and bottles (as long as they are safe to be chewing on of course)
- Nylabone type dog toys
All of these toys are fairly replaceable and cheap, but you get a great wear and tear out of them.
You might need to stay away from the lesser known brand woven rope dog toy animals and sets of small, weaker ropes – lots of owner’s experience that these toys break apart very easily and the ropes can be swallowed by puppies. Stick to the bigger more popular woven ropes.
We think the Nylabone Dura Chew Wishbone is the best option – it’s cheap, lasts forever and is designed for puppies up to 35 lbs – which is perfect for the first 3 to 6 months.
Cheap Dog Food for German Shepherds
Tell Me More About Puzzle Toys & Interactive Toys For German Shepherds
Interactive and puzzle toys can be excellent ways to get your German Shepherds to use their brain.
In other words, these are German Shepherd brain toys, as it makes them think and keep them stimulated.
They often involve a dog having to use their paws or mouth or both to achieve a result – like releasing treats, or making a sound for example.
They can be as simple as a dog using their tongue to get food from the inside of a Kong dog toy, to majorly built interactive games where the dog has to interact or move with objects to find the treats.
The Nina Ottoson range of interactive dog toys are a good example of some great and higher quality interactive and puzzle type dog toys, with the Nina Ottosson Dog Bone Puzzle Interactive Dog Toy being very popular.
Tell Me More About Indestructible Dog Toys For German Shepherds Who Are Strong or Heavy Chewers
If your GSD dog heavily chews, you may want to consider giving your dog items like meaty bones and BPA free plastic food containers to chew on, in addition to dog toys.
The best dog toys for heavy chewers have materials made of hard plastic, hard rubber, or extremely tough wearing woven cotton ropes.
Dog toys like the Extreme rubber Kong, Nylabones and a flossy Rope are good examples of indestructible type dog toys for German Shepherds who are heavy or powerful chewers.
If your dog likes to chew a lot, even after the teething period, ensure you are getting teeth checks done regularly at the vet to make sure your dog’s teeth are in great condition, not losing the enamel, and are not getting damaged in any way.
Tell Me More About German Shepherd Training Toys
Training toys for German Shepherds can take various shapes.
It can be as simple as your dogs favorite toy which you give them as a reward for following a certain command.
Or, it can be a dog toy designed majorly for dog training.
For instance, a great example of a dog toy designed for dog training is the Nero Ball Classic TM. It is a simple ball and rope dog toy which you can use to throw, tug and also as a reward for your dog.
With a toy like this, you can teach on-leash and off-leash obedience, as well as basic commands like sit, drop, give, stay, down + more.
Tell Me More About German Shepherd Soft/Cuddly Toys
Cuddly toys for German Shepherd s are often good for either light chewers, or pooch as a comfort toy when going to bed or traveling for example.
They are soft, cute, cuddly and look nicer than standard dog toys.
The KONG Cozie cuddly/plush dog toy range is quite one popular among dog owners, with KONG Cozie Dog Squeaky Toy (Marvin The Moose) being popular.
Tell Me More About Chew Toys & Bone Toys For German Shepherds
Meaty bones from your local meat supplier can be a cheap and good option as chew bones and dog bones for your German Shepherd.
As far as bone and chew dog toys go, Nylabones can be a good dog toy based chew bone for German Shepherds, as they are often tough and durable (and affordable too).
The Nylabone Dura Chew Wishbone is good for puppies up to 35lbs.
Tell Me More About The Best Teething Toys For German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherd puppies go through teething up until around 6 months of age when their adult teeth finally grow through.
We earlier mentioned the best toys for German Shepherd puppies – and Nylabones was recommended as good toys for the teething stage.
You can check out this guide for more.
Best Balls For German Shepherds
Thinking of getting the best ball for GSD?
You’d be happy to know that any of the above mentioned balls are good for German Shepherds.
Majorly, for tough chewing dogs, you may want a tough or rubber material ball and not a regular tennis ball – otherwise, they can get torn up with the light of speed.
NOTE: With balls for German Shepherds and all dogs, ensure you inspect the size of the ball first and make a strong decision that you don’t think there is any chance your dog can swallow it … even accidently.
We’ve just heard some horror stories of dogs accidently swallowing balls while playing, and it can have fatal consequences.
Best Nylabone For German Shepherds
As listed above –the X large nylabone is better for bigger adult dogs, whilst the Wishbone is better for puppies.
What Size Kong Toy Should You Get For Your German Shepherd?
For about a 38 kg or 85lb German Shepherd, an XL Kong Toy seems to be a great size to fit in their mouth as far as the standard KONG rubber toys go.
What Can I Stuff My Kong Dog Toy With? – What To Put In the best Kong Dog Toys
Put something sticky in there so it doesn’t fall out; this is the best treat you can fill it with. Plus, it won’t be easy for your dog to lick or drop out straight away.
Yogurt and peanut butter can work well – but both can be high in calories. Some canned dog food can be good, but can turnout to be high in sodium.
Dog treats and Kibble can be too small and can fall out pretty easily.
Meat can work really well if you stuff it in tight enough. The same thing for vegetables if you want to mush it up. Some people even combine some peanut butter or yogurt with vegetables.
How To Wash Dog Toys Safely
Inside a bucket of warm water, you might put:
- A natural cleaning detergent or anti-bacterial solution (with all natural ingredients)
- Or, baking soda solution with vinegar
Wash the dog toys with a rag and leave them to soak.
After soaking, empty the bucket, and re-fill it with clean water and rinse the dog toys with clean water.
The dog toys should be looking all better and t clean to use in no time.
Dog Toys For Treats (That Actually Hold Treats)
Some people use the KONG for treats, but we’ve found with solid treats and kibble, they can fall out too easily.
A treat dispenser toy works better, or even the puzzle/interactive board dog toys where your dog has to move parts or tiles of the puzzle toy to get the treat out.
Dog Toy For Peanut Butter
The KONG toys are probably best for peanut butter because you can stuff the paste inside the KONG and your dog has to lick it out of the inside slowly.
Dog Toys For Cleaning Teeth
Just from our visual observation of our dogs’ teeth, chew toys and bones tend to do the best at keeping our dogs’ teeth clean.
For a medical recommendation on teeth cleaning dog toys, ask a vet.
OTHER FAQ
-
What are German shepherds favorite toys?
- Kong Classic
- NylaBone DuraChew
- Chuckit! Ultra Ball
- Pet Artist 3 Tug Toy
- Puller Training Rings. Price
- HDP 18 Ft. Dog Training Tunnel
- Otterly Pets Assorted Medium to Large Rope Dog Toys
- West Paw Interactive Toy. Price
-
What Are Good Chew Toys For German Shepherds?
- KONG Classic Dog Toy. These odd looking toys are super durable and fun
- Tether Tug Dog Toy
- BINGPET Tough Durable Chew Braided Rope
- KONG Air Dog Squeakair Tennis Ball
-
How Do I Entertain My German Shepherd?
To entertain your dog, try to keep him in an enclosed area when you’re out, such as a crate with water, toys, little treats and soft flooring (such as a pad, rug, or blanket). Dogs are den animals, and even dogs like German Shepherds feel safer in their own small space.
-
What is the best bone for a German shepherd?
The best bone for a German shepherd dog or puppy include:
- Clean raw meaty bones.
- X Large Nylabone Dura Chew (on Amazon) – dog bone chew toy.
- Best Bone For A German Shepherd Dog or Puppy – The Daily Shep
- Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone Chew Toy (on Amazon) – dog bone chew toy.
- Regular Nylabone Dura Chew (on Amazon) – dog bone chew toy.
-
Can German Shepherd Eat Bones?
Pork and poultry bones, or cooked bones of any kind are highly forbidden. They splinter into shards that can cause choking and serious damage to the dog’s mouth, throat, or intestines. … Large breeds such as German Shepherd Dogs, Mastiffs and Bloodhounds should be given large bones instead
-
Can a German shepherd bite break bones?
German Shepherds have extremely strong bite pressure with a force of 238 to 750 pounds. … A German Shepherd attack may cause broken bones, injuries to your face or puncture wounds.
-
How Hard Do German shepherds bite?
The average bite strength is 269 pounds of pressure. The Rottweilers were the strongest and topped with 328 pounds of bite pressure. German Shepherds came in second with a 238 measured bite force, and the American Pit Bull Terrier came in third with 235 pounds of pressure.
-
What/Which Dog Has The Strongest Bite?
- Doberman. Bite Force – 245 PSI
- German Shepherd. Bite Force – 238 PSI
- Great Dane. Bite Force – 238 PSI
- American Pit Bull. Bite Force – 235 PSI
- Labrador Retriever. Bite Force – 230 PSI
- Dutch Shepherd. Bite Force – 224 PSI
- Chow Chow. Bite Force – 220 PSI
- Malinois Dog. Bite Force – 195 PSI
Best Dog Food for German Shepherds with Skin allergies
Now that you know the best toys for German Shepherd adults & puppies, Best Ball for GSD, best chew treats for German Shepherds, Best teething toys for German Shepherd puppies, Best plush toys for German Shepherds, simple German Shepherd proof toys, German Shepherd brain toys and the coolest and affordable German shepherd amazon toys & treats, kindly share this post on social media.
[…] that tennis ball or other great dog toys and have a race to see who can get it faster or race yourdog across the […]