Chew toys satisfy a dog's natural urge to gnaw and help with teething or stress relief, while interactive toys (puzzle feeders, tug, fetch-style) build mental stimulation and reduce boredom-driven behavior. Most dogs benefit from having at least one of each, not just one type.
When your dog needs a chew toy
Puppies losing baby teeth, dogs left alone for stretches, and anxious chewers all benefit from a durable chew toy that redirects gnawing away from furniture or shoes.
When your dog needs an interactive toy
Bored, high-energy, or food-motivated dogs do better with puzzle-style or interactive toys that require problem-solving, since these tire out the brain, not just the jaw.
Signs you've picked the wrong type
- A chew toy gets ignored — your dog may need more mental engagement instead.
- An interactive toy gets destroyed in minutes — your dog likely needs a tougher chew toy for their jaw strength.
Quick recap
Match the toy to the need: chew toys for gnawing and teething, interactive toys for boredom and energy. Browse the full Ziva Paws toy collection for both styles. Orders over $75 ship free, code ZIVA10 takes 10% off, and orders over $120 automatically save 15%.
