Wide World of Chews

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What if dogs could talk and answer the question “What is your favorite chew toy?” The answer would probably be “Everything!”

Pet manufacturers have tapped directly into this assumption by producing fabulous collections of chew-appropriate merchandise for dogs of all shapes and sizes, as well as all age groups.

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on chew toys for little chewers and Bionic has just released a selection with their Baby Bionic line, which debuted at Global Pet Expo last March.

“They are designed specifically for teething puppies and small chewers with big attitudes,” said Steve Luhrs, founder of Bionic Pet Products. “The Baby Bionic line features a unique formulation designed to be soft and chewy but durable enough to last for safe chewing. The line includes the Baby Ball, Baby Bone and Baby Toss N Tug. Also, the toys are available in purple and yellow, carefully chosen easy-to-see colors that are attractive to puppies’ developing eyes.”

The company launched its four original toys in 2011 and Luhrs added that the Bionic Bone continues to be the best-selling toy in the lineup for bigger dogs.

“Its success is based on the fact that, apart from its durability, it also floats. And as an extra feature, you can add treats,” he said.

NERF DOG recently signed an exclusive partnership with Rolf C. Hagen, Inc., for the company to distribute its dog toys.

“We are excited about this arrangement because it will ensure that retailers will be able to get every SKU we carry from coast to coast,” said Dan Troiano, the co-chief executive officer of Gramercy Products, Inc., which manufactures the product line. “This is something we have not been able to accomplish until now.”

“NERF is all about outdoor play. Our items are made with natural rubber and are very durable. People trust NERF with their kids and pets, whom they consider to be one in the same,” said Troiano.

To date, the company lists its top sellers to be their football and balls.

“They are made from materials that include a poly-cotton infill, natural rubber and we add triple nylon stitching to ensure durability and long-lasting performance,” said Troiano.

New to the lineup is a range of tires and balls that both glow and squeak.

Hagen has also added new items to its own Tasty Bones line of nylon chewable bones. Tasty Bones have a flavorful taste infused throughout the product. The various shapes include the Knobbed Bone, which comes in bacon, beef, chicken and lamb flavors, while the standard bone-shaped chewable is available in six flavors, namely bacon, beef, cheese, chicken, lamb and chocolate. The chews are suitable for dogs of all sizes.

Petsafe continues to have success with a selection of chew toys that includes the Bouncy Bone, which is made with dental support features.

“It’s really three toys in one,” said Jason Hart, marketing manager for the company, which falls under the umbrella of the Knoxville-based Radio Systems Corporation. “It’s a nylon bone, rubber ball and a treat ring. It’s designed to hold one of five varieties of Busy Buddy treat rings that are manufactured in the U.S.A. and is available in four sizes namely small, medium, medium/large and large,” added Hart.

The Bristle Bone features nylon bristles and rubber nubs designed to provide dogs with a stimulating chewing surface. It holds one of five varieties of Busy Buddy treat rings to reward good chewing behavior and to keep dogs playing longer. It’s also available in four sizes to cater to dogs of all sizes.

Planet Dog has launched a new line featuring their proprietary Orbee-Tuff material, which is made from eco-friendly recycled and recyclable nontoxic compounds. It is manufactured in the U.S.

“The new product line is called Nooks,” said Kristen Smith, brand ambassador at Planet Dog. “We are positioning them as ‘a hole new ball for a hole new ball game.’ Because they are made of our Orbee-Tuff material, they are doggie-durable and fun to chew, and the unique pass-through hole allows for easy stuffing and engaging play.”

This new toy extends variety to the range, which includes the Glow for Good Ball and the Orbee-Tuff Glow-in-the-Dark Whistle Ball. Since their launch, Planet Dog’s Orbee-Tuff toys have proven popular with eco-conscious consumers who want to introduce nontoxic chew toys into their homes.

Chew toys don’t have to be made just from rubber-styled compounds. Quaker Pet Group’s patented chew guard technology gives extended durability to their range of goDog plush stuffed and flat toys, affectionately known as flatties, as well as their Hear Doggy range of toys, which contain ultrasonic squeakers that only dogs can hear.

Skinny Dragons are the fun new flatty toys in the goDog lineup. The dragons are available in two sizes and three different color combos. A quirky pig and chicken also join the Hear Doggy family.