The present disclosure provides an animal chew comprising an elongated central portion of a first material and a pair of end caps of a second material. The end caps may be connected by a shaft and may vary from the central portion or from each other by one or more properties such as, color, texture, hardness, toughness, functionality, flavor, odor or moisture level. The central portion of the dog chew may comprise a bladder, or a composite of materials such as one or more layers overlying the bladder, having an attractive design in the shape and/or texture of, e.g. a sports ball. The composite may comprise a soft or even fibrous cover overlying an elastomeric bladder, the bladder formed to fit relatively loosely over the shaft, the composite providing a soft and easily compressed central portion compared to the end caps.
