Choosing the best toys for German Shepherds might feel tricky. Maybe you’re worried about buying a toy that won’t be rugged enough to stand up to your dog. Perhaps you’ve already purchased a few toys that came highly recommended for dogs … but it seems like they’re sized for a miniature poodle.
Our vet advisor, Dr. Danielle Morosco, DVM, reviewed dozens of dog toys to pick out the very best toys for German Shepherds. Her top pick, the KONG Classic Durable Natural Rubber, is sure to delight your German Shepherd. It comes in multiple sizes and colors and can be filled with treats or peanut butter for enrichment activities.
While this was Dr. Morosco’s top choice, she also offers a series of her top tips for what to look for in choosing the best toys for German Shepherds, a section on who should avoid purchasing them altogether, and she personally selected the best toy for a variety of specific use cases.
The 5 Best German Shepherd Toys
- Best Overall – KONG Classic Durable Natural Rubber
- Best Budget – KONG Rubber Flyer Large
- Best Chew Toy – Lewondr Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers
- Best Indestructible – Feeko Aggressive Chewers Interactive Indestructible Toy
- Best Puzzle – Dogs Food Puzzle Feeder for IQ Training
German Shepherd Toys Compared
Here are the top picks from our veterinarian. Compare the ratings and features of different models.
| Editor’s Picks | Model | Rating | Size | Material | Add treats? | Satisfaction guarantee? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | KONG Classic Durable Natural Rubber | 4” x 2.75” x 2.75” | Rubber | |||
| Best Budget Buy | KONG Rubber Flyer Large | 9” diameter | Rubber | |||
| Best Chew Toy | Lewondr Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers | 5.39” diameter | Rubber | |||
| Best Indestructible | Feeko Aggressive Chewers Interactive Indestructible Toy | 14.17” x 5.12” x 1.57” | Rubber | |||
| Best Puzzle Toy | Dogs Food Puzzle Feeder for IQ Training | 16.26” x 6.5” x 4.0” | Bamboo base, plastic bottles |
*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers
In This Article
Who Should Buy Toys for German Shepherds
- Anyone who cares about the health of their pets – We hope that’s you! Dog toys provide mental and physical stimulation for your pet, bringing a whole host of benefits, like reduced stress.
- Owners of bored or destructive dogs – Does your German Shepherd keep chewing things they shouldn’t? Durable toys for German Shepherds specifically designed for play will help prevent destructive chewing of your shoes or other household items.
- Pet owners who want some time to focus on work or household chores – A fun dog toy or puzzle can keep your German Shepherd occupied while you’re busy.
Who Should Not Buy Toys for German Shepherds
- Pet owners who won’t or can’t supervise their pet – It’s really important to supervise your German Shepherd: their aggressive chewing could destroy the toy. If that starts to happen, you need to throw it away. Broken toys aren’t safe.
- Proud doggy parents who already have every toy on the market – You don’t need to constantly buy new toys for your German Shepherd. Instead, pack away most of the toys and rotate them, so your pooch always has a fresh selection. That way, they won’t get bored.
Buying Guide: Research Tips From a Veterinarian
As a veterinarian, I often get asked how to choose the best toys for different types of dogs, including German Shepherds. Here are some tips and best practices to consider when purchasing a toy. Make sure you do your research and talk to friends and family who own German Shepherds: ask what they would recommend. You could also consult your veterinarian, especially if your dog has specific medical or behavioral issues that you’re hoping the toys will help with.
- Be sure you choose toys made from non-toxic material – Toxic materials to stay away from include Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Phthalates, Bisphenol A (BPA), Lead, Chromium, Formaldehyde, Cadmium, and Bromine.[efm_note]Cali Raw Nutrition. Toxic Dog Toys. Caliraw.com. Published January 18, 2021. Accessed January 13, 2022.[/efn_note] If the toy is rubber, make sure it’s non-toxic rubber.1
- Avoid very hard bones and toys – These could hurt your German Shepherd’s teeth and gums since they are notoriously aggressive chewers.2
- Be cautious with rope toys as they are prone to being shredded and frayed – If these are ingested, your German Shepherd is at risk for an intestinal blockage, which could result in a trip to the emergency room.3
- Avoid real bones, or be very careful if using them – They could shatter or splinter and your German Shepherd might ingest sharp pieces of the broken bone. This could lead to stomach upset, intestinal perforation or blockage, and might cause an emergency trip to the vet.4 Also be cautious of hollow bones as they can become lodged around your German Shepherd’s lower jaw, resulting in a veterinary emergency.5
- Think carefully about toys containing stuffing or squeakers – These can be easily destroyed and if stuffing or squeakers are accidentally ingested, you may be headed for an emergency trip to the vet.6
You might also want to take a look at our list of ways to keep dogs entertained.
How Much Do They Cost?
Between $10 and $40
Most robust toys for German Shepherds will cost between $10 and $40. Toys at the lower end of the range will be smaller and simpler and ones at the higher end will be larger and more complex. Be wary of very cheap toys as they may not be as durable or safe for your German Shepherd.
Our Methodology: Why Trust Pet News Daily
As a veterinarian, I’ve talked to lots of pet owners about their favorite toys for their dogs. I’ve also sadly seen a number of dogs with injuries relating to accidents while playing. I’ve chosen these products based on their safety for your German Shepherd, as well as with their features in mind. I also took into account value for money, durability, and ease of cleaning. – Dr. Danielle Morosco, DVM
The Best German Shepherd Toy Reviews
1. Best Overall – KONG Classic Durable Natural Rubber
The KONG Classic Durable Natural Rubber is a great, durable choice of toy for your German Shepherd. It comes in a range of different sizes: get at least a large. You may want to size up to an XL or XXL. The classic Kong color is red, but you can also buy it in a range of different colors if you prefer. It’s made of a strong rubber that’s gentler on the teeth and gums than bones or plastic toys.
Your German Shepherd will love chasing the KONG as it bounces around. Even better, you can use it for enrichment activities by filling it with treats or peanut butter. It’s dishwasher-safe, making it super easy to clean. There’s also a satisfaction guarantee.
- Great-value classic dog toy
- Strong enough to stand up to robust chewing
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup
- Full satisfaction guarantee
- Sizes may be smaller than expected
- Not all dogs will take an interest in the KONG
2. Best Budget – KONG Rubber Flyer Large
The KONG Rubber Flyer Large is a fantastic choice of toy for German Shepherds if you’re on a budget. It’s made out of the same KONG Classic rubber as our top pick, meaning it’s comfortable and safe for your German Shepherd to catch in their jaws. If they miss your initial throw, it’ll bounce dynamically for them to catch.
Like other KONG products, the Flyer is made in the USA and comes with a satisfaction guarantee. The large size is suitable for dogs of 30-65 lbs (13-30 kg) so it’s best for female German Shepherds or males who are on the smaller side.
- Budget-friendly toy
- Provides hours of fun for you and your pet
- Soft and safe but also strong and durable
- Full satisfaction guarantee
- Not designed for larger German Shepherds
- Not ideal for independent play
3. Best Chew Toy – Lewondr Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers
Got a German Shepherd who loves to chew? The Lewondr Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers should stand up to a lot of chewing, plus it’s a great option for games of fetch. It’s designed with special grooves and ridges to help keep your dog’s teeth clean and to strengthen their jaw too.
You can add treats to this toy for your dog to shake out … or you can even smear it with peanut butter, which should stick to the textured surface. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to clean it by hand, as the manufacturer states it can’t go in the dishwasher. There’s a lifetime warranty, though (understandably) this won’t cover normal wear and tear after long-term use.
- Helps keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy and strong
- Can contain treats for added fun for your dog
- Tested and approved by German Shepherd dogs
- Not easily destroyed
- Center treat area is softer and less durable
- Not dishwasher-safe
- Grooves and ridges can be difficult to clean
4. Best Indestructible – Feeko Aggressive Chewers Interactive Indestructible Toy
If your dog seems to destroy every toy, then give the Feeko Aggressive Chewers Interactive Indestructible Toy a try. The bone design makes it great for games of tug-of-war and the ridges will help clean your dog’s teeth as they chew, too.
It’s a large toy, so it’s suitable for large German Shepherds. The natural rubber composition makes it sturdy but flexible and safe for your dog to chew.
- Cleans your dog’s teeth as they chew
- Tested by German Shepherds
- Can be used for games of tug-of-war
- Suitable for large dog breeds
- Large and heavy; not easy to transport around
- May not stand up to very aggressive chewing
5. Best Puzzle – Dogs Food Puzzle Feeder for IQ Training
With a sturdy wooden base, the Dogs Food Puzzle Feeder for IQ Training has three bottles for your pet to tip up so they can get the treats out. It should keep them busy for a while, keeping their focus on the food and helping to relieve anxiety, stress, and boredom.
It has an H-shaped design so that it can’t be knocked over easily. Unlike the other toys listed, it does require assembly, but this should only take a few minutes. Keep in mind that you’ll need to take it apart again to remove and clean the bottles.
- Keeps dogs’ attention for a long time
- Slows down feeding for fast eaters
- Strong, stable base prevents it from tipping over
- Disassembly required for cleaning
- Parts missing for some customers
Frequently Asked Questions
Our veterinary advisor Dr. Morosco selected the ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness as the best harness for German Shepherds.
Article Sources
Pet News Daily uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
- Wooten KJ, Smith PN. Canine toys and training devices as sources of exposure to phthalates and bisphenol A: quantitation of chemicals in leachate and in vitro screening for endocrine activity. Chemosphere. 2013;93(10):2245-2253. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.07.075
- American Kennel Club. 10 German Shepherd Dog Facts. Akc.org. Published September 20, 2021. Accessed January 13, 2022.
- FirstVet. Causes of Intestinal Obstruction in Dogs. Firstvet.com. Accessed January 13, 2022.
- Llera R, Downing R. Why Bones Are Not Safe for Dogs. Vcahospitals.com. Accessed January 13, 2022.
- Turner B. Potential Dangers of Popular Dog Chews. Preventivevet.com. Published August 18, 2021. Accessed January 13, 2022.
- Rossetti J. Should I Let My Dog Destroy His Toys? Spiritdogtraining.com. Accessed January 13, 2022.
- American Kennel Club. 10 German Shepherd Dog Facts. Akc.org. Published September 20, 2021. Accessed January 13, 2022.
- Cherry Hill Animal Hospital. 7 Chew Toys That Can Damage Your Dog’s Teeth. Cherryhillanimalhospital.com. Published January 28, 2020. Accessed January 13, 2022.
- Arford K. 5 Easy Ways to Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Clean. Akc.org. Published July 20, 2020. Accessed January 13, 2022.
Dr. Danielle Morosco, DVM is a Consulting Veterinarian in Clinical Toxicology and experienced small animal emergency veterinarian. She graduated with Honors from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She loves spending time with her furry family members, composed of 2 rescue dogs and 3 cats.
