Does your dog have a habit of chewing and destroying toys? Perhaps it extends beyond that and he also chews on your shoes or even your furniture!
If that’s the case, then it appears that your dog would be an ideal fit for a chew toy. These durable toys are specifically made to keep even the most aggressive dogs engaged for extended periods of time, without getting damaged.
Therefore, we proceeded to test them.
In total, our review of 80 various chew toys took more than 500 hours. Below are some examples of the chew toys we assessed.
Dozens of toys were aggressively chewed, gnawed, chomped, and torn through by our tough testers.
To solve a simple question, it is necessary to think step by step.
What is the best chew toy for your dog when considering the steps carefully?
Do you want the answer? Keep reading if you do.
What is a dog chew toy, and does your dog need one?
When considering dogs, there are two distinct personalities when it comes to chewing.
thinking step by step, let us rephrase the text below while keeping the same meaning: “Nibblers”
Nibbler dogs engage in brief periods of toy chewing without exerting much force when they bite. It requires a considerable amount of chewing for a nibbler to effectively ruin a toy.
2. Vessels designed for causing destruction.
These aggressive dogs bite and tear into their toys in a destructive manner. They persistently work the toy until it eventually breaks. A destroyer can easily destroy most dog toys within an hour. Finding toys for destroyers is a challenging task. Their strong jaws cause significant damage. Many owners end up purchasing toy after toy, only to have their dog quickly chew it into pieces – resulting in accumulating costs. As anticipated, chew toys are the ideal option for destroyers. These toys are reinforced and designed to withstand the powerful jaws and sharp teeth of your dog. Typically made from rubber, chew toys are generally more expensive than other dog toys. However, they have a considerably longer lifespan compared to toys that were not specifically made for destroyers – ultimately saving you money.
Using chew toys can also help you save money in terms of vet bills. It’s important to know that any chew toy that can break into small pieces poses a risk of choking for your dog. Additionally, if your dog swallows any small bits, it could potentially cause a blockage in their intestines. It’s worth noting that no chew toy is completely indestructible due to your dog’s strong jaws and sharp teeth. Therefore, finding the right chew toy requires finding a balance. If the toy is too durable, your dog may lose interest. On the other hand, if it’s too easy for them to destroy, playtime will end too quickly. People who search for an indestructible chew toy often end up disappointed because it’s challenging to find one that satisfies both durability and playability. If the chew toy is too hard, your dog may reject it or risk breaking a tooth. Conversely, if it’s too soft, it will easily tear into pieces.
Instead of looking for a chew toy that your dog can’t destroy, the goal is to find one that will last as long as possible. Don’t worry, we have you covered – take a look at the best chew toys we reviewed in this guide. The only dogs that don’t require a chew toy are gentle pups who nibble. If your dog doesn’t break their toys, you are one of the few dog owners who can skip a chew toy. However, if your dog is an aggressive chewer, a good chew toy is essential. Not only will it keep your tough pup entertained for hours, but it will also prevent them from chewing on your furniture.
How to pick a safe chew toy for your dog
Is your dog constantly chewing on his chew toy for hours? Excessive chewing can pose risks, as even favorite items can be detrimental to your dog’s well-being.
- Rawhide
- Antlers, hooves, and horns
- Bones
- Wood and sticks
These hard chew toys are loved by many owners due to their durability. The solid surface can withstand the pressure of sharp teeth and strong jaws, providing weeks or even months of chewing enjoyment for dogs. While they may seem like a good value, it’s important to consider the potential cost of vet bills. Dog dentists and vets frequently encounter cases of chipped, fractured, and broken teeth caused by these extremely hard chew toys.
Unsafe chew toys can cause more than just dental problems. Chew toys that are excessively hard, such as bones and antlers, can break into splinters. These sharp pieces can potentially injure your dog’s tongue and gums. In addition, if these fragments break off, they can become stuck in your dog’s throat or lead to internal bleeding. However, it is important to note that not all dogs who aggressively chew on these toys experience problems. While your dog may be fine, it is a risk that we would advise against taking as vet bills can be quite expensive.
We asked four different veterinarians for their opinions on what makes a safe chew toy for dogs. All four veterinarians agreed that the safest chew toys should have some give. However, each veterinarian had their own suggestion on how to determine if a chew toy is too hard to be considered safe. According to Dr. Sara, if you can tap your knee with the toy and it hurts, then it is too hard. Other veterinarians suggested using the fingernail method, where if you can’t press your fingernail into the toy’s surface, then it is hard enough to potentially break teeth. Another veterinarian recommended using the ability to hammer a nail into a piece of wood as a test, with the chew toy being deemed unsafe if there is no noticeable damage. Interestingly, there was one chew toy that the veterinarians had differing opinions on.
Before giving your dog a nylon bone, it is important to consult with your veterinarian. Soft chew toys can also be dangerous as they can be easily chewed into pieces, which can be swallowed by your dog. Swallowing the broken toy can cause serious health issues such as intestinal blockage or choking. It is crucial to choose a chew toy that is wider than your dog’s mouth to prevent accidental swallowing or choking. If you want a chew toy that is both safe and durable, firm rubber toys that are wider than your dog’s mouth are the best choice.
Best Indestructible Dog Toys for Heavy Chewers
West Paw Qwizl
The Qwizl is a product made from West Paw’s durable Zogoflex material, along with other products. It can be used by dogs as both a chew toy and a puzzle toy due to the presence of holes for hiding treats or chews. This makes it suitable for long-lasting treats such as bully sticks, dental chews, and jerky. The material is recyclable and dishwasher-safe, as well as easy for dogs to grip onto. Additionally, it can float in water, making it an excellent option for outdoor fetch games. It is designed to withstand tough chewing from dogs of any breed, with small and large sizes available. If your dog enjoys this toy, you might also want to check out West Paw’s other durable toys like the Toppl, Tux, and Rumbl.
Bark Shop Acornucopia
The Acornucopia is a favorite choice among dogs who tend to destroy toys, as it is part of The Bark Shop’s line of Super Chewer toys specifically designed for such dogs. This toy is highly durable and provides mental stimulation. Constructed from natural rubber, The Acornucopia features a top hole where treats or food can be inserted. Consequently, your dog will have to roll the toy in order to retrieve the treats. In addition, the toy possesses a peanut scent and a unique texture, which keeps dogs engaged even when the toy is empty. This particular toy is suitable for medium and large dogs. If you are fond of this toy, be sure to explore other Super Chewer toys offered by The Bark Shop.
iHeartDogs AgriChew Industrial Strength Dog Toy
The AgriChew is a durable toy that is well-suited for strong chewers and is enjoyed by many dogs due to its texture. To enhance the toy’s appeal to your furry friend, you can apply peanut butter or a similar treat in the middle. When your dog is finished playing with it, the toy can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher. The toy’s unique design also makes it beneficial for dental care as it helps remove plaque and tartar while your dog chews, promoting cleaner teeth. However, this toy should never be viewed as a substitute for brushing your dog’s teeth. Additionally, dogs who enjoy playing fetch will find this toy enjoyable as it bounces on specific surfaces. Moreover, every purchase of this toy results in a donation of a toy to a shelter dog.
KONG Extreme Tire Dog Toy
KONG is renowned for its highly resilient toys, and the Extreme Tire Dog Toy is no different. It is constructed using KONG’s strongest all-natural rubber to withstand the vigorous chewing of powerful chewers. Moreover, it provides an additional interactive component by allowing pet owners to fill the inner rim with treats or peanut butter. Furthermore, it also has the ability to bounce, making it suitable for both fetching and chewing. It is available in two sizes to cater to all varieties of dogs. In the event that this rubber material is too tough for your pet, KONG offers alternative toy choices, including options ideal for puppies and elderly dogs.
Chew King Dog Fetch Balls
The Chew King Dog Fetch Balls are suitable for dogs who enjoy playing fetch and have strong jaws and a tendency to chew. They are made from high-quality, natural rubber to withstand vigorous chewing. These balls have a hollow center that can be filled with treats to provide additional excitement and challenge for the pet. They are durable and maintain their shape, while also being bouncy to keep play unpredictable and engaging. A set of eight balls is included, ensuring there are enough replacements if one is chewed through or lost.
Benebone Bacon Flavor Wishbone
The Benebone Bacon Flavor Wishbone is a dog chew toy that combines durability and irresistible flavor. Made from tough nylon, this wishbone-shaped toy is strong enough for heavy chewers. What makes it unique is its deep infusion of real bacon flavor, making it nearly irresistible to dogs. The shape enables dogs to grip it well, enhancing their chewing experience. It is available in four sizes to suit different dog breeds. Additionally, Benebone donates a portion of its profits to animal welfare organizations, allowing you to feel good about supporting them with your purchase.
Goughnuts Black Pro Ring
The reason why the Goughnuts Black Pro Ring is favored by dogs who chew aggressively is because it was created by a rubber chemist with more than 30 years of experience in making chew toys for dogs. As a result, this particular toy is constructed with strong natural rubber and has no weak spots. Should your dog chew through the toy, you will discover a red section inside, which indicates that it should be replaced to ensure your dog’s safety. Fortunately, the company has confidence in the toy’s durability and will replace any destroyed toy without charging any extra fees. Additionally, this toy is approved by veterinarians and is available in four different sizes. The toughest rubber option is the black toy with yellow and blue dots, but there are other choices available for dogs that do not require such a durable toy.
