17 Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers of 2023

There are various reasons why dogs chew, as it is an inherent behavior. However, certain dogs thoroughly enjoy chewing, so if you share your living space with a dog that excessively chews, it is beneficial to possess a selection of high-quality dog toys specifically designed for aggressive chewers.

Although no toy can be considered indestructible, certain toys are superior to others. The finest chew toys for dogs should be capable of enduring repeated gnawing without fracturing into tiny or sharp fragments. Our experts suggest that shreddable toys also have their own value. Nonetheless, it is imperative to closely monitor the dogs while playing with these toys. Certain dogs may tear apart toys without ingesting any pieces, while others have a tendency to consume the remnants, which is a hazardous practice that can lead to severe medical emergencies due to intestinal blockages.

According to Dr. Kelly Ballantyne, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist at Insight Animal Behavior Services, the most important thing is to have knowledge about your dog’s tendencies. The selection of the best dog toys for super chewer pups will depend on their preferences, and we have compiled a list of the top choices based on expert advice, research, and testing.

Goughnuts .75 Black Ring Pro 50

Advantages include having an indicator to notify when replacement is necessary and being easily cleanable.

Cons: There are some downsides to consider. Firstly, it emits a strong rubber odor. Additionally, it is quite heavy in weight. Lastly, it is not recommended for dogs weighing over 40 pounds.

According to Ivan Petersel, a professional dog trainer and founder of Dog Wizardry, durability is crucial, especially when dealing with an aggressive chewer. While strong jaws can easily tear through materials like fabric, it is important to avoid toys that are excessively hard as they can harm your dog’s teeth.

Toys that are made from natural rubber, such as the Goughnuts 0.75 Black Ring Pro 50, are considered to be some of the best dog toys for aggressive chewers due to their durability and gentle effect on a dog’s teeth and gums. Additionally, as no toy can be completely resistant to chewing, the Goughnuts Ring includes a useful red indicator that informs you when it should be removed from your dog. If you notice the indicator on the ring transitioning from yellow to red, it implies that the rubber of the toy is becoming thin and a replacement is necessary. This particular toy is designed for dogs weighing between 10 to 40 pounds, but the brand also offers toys suitable for different breeds and levels of chewing strength.

GoDog Furballz Plush Squeaker Ball

Advantages: The presence of double-stitched seams and two layers of fabric, as well as being offered in two different sizes, and possessing a furry texture.

One drawback is that a strong press is required to activate the squeaker.

According to Patrick Flynn, founder of Patrick’s Pet Care and a professional dog trainer, destuffing a plushy toy can bring joy and satisfaction to some dogs. He explains that using a very durable toy in this activity would somewhat defeat its purpose. However, he emphasizes the need for direct supervision at all times. Flynn also advises against allowing puppies and dogs who have a tendency to eat toy parts to destroy plushies. This precaution is due to the risk of them swallowing the material and potentially choking or experiencing a bowel obstruction.

Fortunately, certain stuffed animals have a longer lifespan than others. The Furballz Plush Squeaker Ball is a purple plush toy that is round in shape and has a fuzzy outer covering. When this toy is chewed vigorously, it produces a squeaking sound. It is constructed using two layers of fabric, with an additional thick layer underneath to enhance its resilience. The presence of double-stitched seams that are reinforced serves as a safeguard against constant chewing.

Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose

Advantages: It is both soft and durable with squeaking sound, designed with two layers of fabric, minimal filling, and available in three different sizes.

Drawbacks: There are no disadvantages.

Dogs, similar to humans, have their own preferences concerning texture. Stuffed toys are favored by some dogs for various purposes such as chewing, snuggling, or even biting into them. According to Petersel, soft and plush toys particularly catch the attention of puppies.

If your dog loves to chew and play with stuffed toys, we suggest Marvin the Moose. This plush toy has a squeaker inside to keep your dog engaged. It also has a stronger outer layer and less stuffing compared to regular stuffed toys, making it easier to clean up after your dog tears it apart.

Chuckit! Ultra Squeaker Ball

Advantages: It is weatherproof, can be thrown a long distance easily, makes a squeaking sound, is long-lasting, floats on water, can be cleaned easily, provides a good bouncing effect, and is available in three different sizes.

Drawback: It is not designed for extended periods of chewing.

According to Petersel, the Ultra Squeaker Ball, being bouncy and squeaky, is very tempting for numerous dogs as it can activate their prey drive and stimulate their innate hunting instincts.

The rubber ball has a textured surface, making it easy for humans and dogs to grip. It provides unpredictable movement due to its excellent bounce, which challenges dogs. Furthermore, the ball is compatible with the brand’s Classic Launcher, enabling users to throw it farther. Additionally, it floats, thus being suitable for dogs who like playing in the water.

Kong Extreme Ball

Advantages: Made of ultra bouncy, durable rubber, can be safely washed in a dishwasher, available in two different sizes.

One downside is that it does not produce a squeaking sound.

The ideal dog toys for dogs that chew aggressively are the ones they enjoy the most. According to Petersel, toys that bounce are usually excellent for playing fetch since they imitate the motion of prey, which keeps the dog interested. The highly bouncy Extreme Ball enables dogs to fulfill their natural urge to chase after prey. Additionally, it is constructed from long-lasting rubber that is perfect for both fetching and chewing.

According to Ballantyne, it’s important to remember that dogs are unique individuals. While some dogs may have a strong preference for balls, others may enjoy playing fetch with toys that have a mixture of materials like ropes and balls. It is also crucial to be cautious of possible dangers when playing fetch. Flynn advises that throwing a highly bouncy ball with excessive force could potentially result in dogs injuring themselves while attempting to catch it.

Kong Ring

The advantages of this product include its durability, the potential for the nubs to aid in teeth cleaning, its compatibility with dishwashers, and the availability of three different sizes.

There are no disadvantages.

The primary purpose of the Kong Ring is to promote appropriate chewing habits and divert chew-overly dogs from damaging items such as furniture. Made from long-lasting rubber, the toy is designed to withstand constant use. Additionally, the toy’s textured surface consisting of ridges, nubs, and grooves may aid in the prevention of plaque and tartar buildup on teeth. According to Dr. Bradley Quest, a specialist in pet oral health and the head of veterinary services at BSM Partners, these features contribute to dental hygiene.

According to Ballantyne, it is crucial to supervise a super chewer even when providing them with the most durable chew toys for dogs because they are likely to eventually destroy them.

Mammoth Cottonblend 3 Knot Rope Toy

Benefits: The cotton fibers are strong and durable, making it suitable for engaging play. It can be safely cleaned in the dishwasher. It is offered in five different sizes.

One downside is that it is not suitable for extended periods of chewing.

The Mammoth rope toy, which is made of durable natural cotton rope, is ideal for interactive play, such as tug. Among the rope toys we tested, the tough, tightly wound fibers demonstrated the best durability.

When your dog is playing with rope and fabric toys, it is important to supervise them closely to prevent them from swallowing any fibers. If you see your dog chewing on rope pieces, instead of simply taking the toy away, Ballantyne suggests making a trade. By offering your dog a treat or something of higher value, you can prevent resource guarding and encourage them to let go of the toy willingly.

Pet Qwerks BarkBone

Advantages include being made of durable nylon and having a bacon flavor.

Drawback: Limited to medium and large sizes only.

The BarkBone is a good option for dogs that enjoy chewing because it is made of sturdy nylon and has a bone-shaped design with a highly appealing bacon flavor.

When nylon toys are strong, they are not everlasting toys. Ballantyne says, “Whether it is made of rubber or some other artificial material, it is probable that if you own a dog that is an extremely strong chewer, they will be able to ruin it.” Therefore, when the bone starts to unravel, it is necessary to get a new one.

Petstages Dogwood Calming Chew

One advantage is the wood-like texture of the product, which is also offered in four different sizes and has the ability to float in water.

One drawback is that over time, small fragments may become detached or break.

Ballantyne advises against giving antlers or bones to aggressive chewers due to the high risk of breaking their teeth. Similarly, wood sticks can also pose a danger by getting stuck in a dog’s teeth or mouth, potentially causing harm to their intestinal tract.

Dogwood Calming Chews provide a safe option for dogs who enjoy playing with branches and sticks that may splinter, as they have a natural texture made from hemp and wood. Furthermore, they are suitable for dogs who enjoy water play, as these toys are buoyant.

Kong Extreme

Advantages include the convenience of being able to easily fill with food, its durable rubber material, excellent bouncing capabilities, suitability for dishwasher cleaning, and availability in five different sizes.

One drawback is the presence of a potent rubber smell.

Pet experts often suggest toys made by Kong, a brand known for creating durable chew toys for dogs. The Kong Extreme has a similar design to the beloved Kong Classic but is made with a reinforced rubber that can endure the most aggressive chewers. This bobble-shaped toy is also an excellent food puzzle for dogs, as they can continue chewing it even after it is empty of treats. It can be filled with various options like peanut butter, high-quality dog treats, kibble, or Kong’s own Easy Treats.

When choosing a food toy such as a Kong, it is important to ensure that the toy is the correct size. It is crucial to make sure that the largest part of the toy cannot fit to the back of your dog’s mouth. Kong brand provides a useful sizing chart to assist you in selecting the appropriate size for your dog.

Kong Wubba

Pros: Durable nylon exterior, bouncy ball, comes in three sizes

Drawbacks: Not suitable for prolonged chewing sessions.

The Wubba is not meant to be chewed on, instead it is a sturdy toy that is ideal for playing tug-of-war. It is also great for playing fetch due to its ball and tail design. The Wubba is made up of two balls that are covered in durable ballistic nylon and are stitched together firmly to ensure durability. One of the balls makes a squeaking sound, while the other one bounces well.

According to Flynn, you can find the right toys to keep your dog occupied and content by taking note of their preferences, such as enjoying a game of tug or fetch. It may be necessary to prioritize your dog’s happiness over the longevity of toys. Flynn also suggests that dogs’ preferences may evolve over time, stating that once they have played with their favorite toy numerous times, they may become bored and seek something different.

Kong Flyer

safe for easy cleaning.

Drawbacks: It is not suitable for chewing.

According to Ballantyne, the perfect fetch toy for your dog varies depending on their individual way of playing. If you want to introduce your pup to a game of toss and retrieve, the Kong Flyer is a great option. It is a flexible rubber disc that can be used for both indoor and outdoor play. Additionally, the soft rubber material ensures that your dog’s teeth and gums will not be harmed while trying to catch it.

This toy is primarily designed for playing outdoors, specifically for fetch, and is not meant to be used as a chew toy. Our recommendation is based on the fact that it is gentle on teeth, unlike hard plastic discs.

Jolly Pets Teaser Ball

Advantages: Enjoyable ball-in-ball design, has the ability to float in water, constructed from high-density material.

One drawback is that hard plastic can potentially cause scratches on certain types of wood flooring.

Due to being made of high-density polyethylene plastic, this large ball is considered to be one of the top dog toys for aggressive chewers who tend to get mouthy while playing. Nevertheless, its primary function is to promote active play and offer mental stimulation. Featuring a ball-in-ball structure, the unpredictable rolling movement of the toy will keep dogs uncertain. To add an extra level of amusement for your dog, you can apply peanut butter on the inner ball, or if your dog enjoys swimming, you can throw the buoyant ball into the pool.

According to Ballantyne, if a small toy is given to a large breed dog, there is a possibility that they might swallow it. To cater to various dog breed sizes, the Jolly Ball is available in multiple diameters, with the largest size being up to 10 inches.

Fable The Game

Advantages: Provides both mental and physical stimulation, features an enjoyable wobbly design, can be safely cleaned in a dishwasher.

Drawback: Not specifically intended for mastication.

According to Flynn, puzzle toys are advantageous for dogs who enjoy them as they fulfill their inherent desire to engage in work, have a purpose, and troubleshoot. He additionally mentions that these toys can aid in slowing down rapid eaters who hastily consume their food.

All these benefits are provided by The Game. The toy has an oval shape with a tapered top. To fill it with dry food or treats, unscrew the top and bottom pieces and pour in up to 1.5 cups. The toy’s weighted base ensures it stays upright and allows for a bobbing motion. Although it is highly durable, it is essential to supervise strong chewers as the toy contains separate interior components.

West Paw Jive

Rough dogs also enjoy playing fetch! After pursuing the tennis ball, our Pit Bull tester vigorously shook and crushed the ball for about a minute before giving it back. It is not surprising that games of fetch with this strong pup were relatively brief, as its powerful jaws effortlessly tore through tennis balls.

For games of fetch with powerful dogs, we only suggest opting for an all-rubber choice because it provides adequate flexibility for enjoyment and is convenient to carry.

During our review, we found that the majority of balls were either slightly larger than 2.5 to 2.7 inches, which is the size suitable for a standard ball thrower, excessively heavy to be thrown over long distances, or simply lacked the ability to bounce upon landing.

The West Paw Jive easily outperformed the competition. The reason it is a preferred choice among strong dogs such as German Shepherds and Pit Bulls is because it is remarkably durable and long-lasting.

The Jive, which is constructed from a dense substance known as Zogoflex, is essentially made of rubber. It possesses sufficient flexibility to sustain dogs’ attention but also has enough durability to withstand playtime with dogs who tend to destroy toys while playing fetch. Additionally, the small dimension of the Jive (2.6 inches) is an ideal fit for a regular ball launcher.

Next, let’s talk about its bounce. When the ball is on grass, it bounces adequately, but when it lands on hard surfaces, it bounces extremely high. If you examine it closely, you will notice that the ball is not perfectly round. It actually has small cuts or notches on its surface. These notches cause the ball to bounce off in unpredictable directions when it lands on them. This adds to the amusement factor for your dog while chasing it. However, it’s important to note that this ball is not appropriate for indoor use.

Despite its weight, which is greater than that of a tennis ball, this ball can still float. Therefore, if it accidentally ends up in a pool or lake due to a poorly aimed throw, there will be no need to dive to the depths in order to recover it.

Please note that the West Paw Jive Ball is also offered in x-small and large sizes. Although they cannot fit into a standard ball thrower, they may be more convenient for your dog to carry.

Goughnuts Tug MaXX

Some dogs find nothing more enjoyable than engaging in a round of tug-of-war. Exhibiting one’s might, by gripping onto one end of a tug toy and exerting considerable force, is a supreme demonstration of power. Make sure to hold on firmly, as you will undoubtedly be amazed by the strength possessed by your four-legged friend.

After carefully considering each step, we discovered that out of all the tug toys, rubber was the most durable material against the damage caused by sharp teeth clamping down. On the other hand, rope, nylon, and sewn fabric were more likely to fray and tear.

After testing various rubber tug toys, we found that none could compare to the Goughnuts Tug MaXX. This product, manufactured in the United States, is an ideal choice for engaging in fierce tug-of-war games with large and giant dog breeds.

The rubber is designed to be heavy-duty so that dogs can get a good grip with their teeth, while still being chewy enough. It can withstand the bite force of the strongest dogs, as it measures 1½ inches thick.

When you hold onto one end, your dog holds onto the other end. The design of the dual ring ensures that there is ample space between your hand and your dog’s mouth, which will come in handy if your dog changes his grip and unintentionally applies excessive pressure on your fingers.

During testing, we observed that holding the tug toy with a closed fist was the most effective way to grip it. This method enables a rapid release of the toy in case playtime becomes aggressive, which is equally important.

The reason the Goughnuts Tug MaXX does not have a red core is because it is made for supervised play rather than continuous chewing, unlike the Goughnuts Chew Ring MaXX.

If the Goughnuts Tug MaXX gets damaged, you can send it back to the manufacturer along with a check to cover the postage cost, and they will replace it with a new toy. This is still covered by Goughnuts’ generous return policy.

At 1½ inches thick, it’s likely too big for smaller pups to get their teeth around. But for large and even giant dogs, this is the tug toy you want. Highly recommended.

Orbee-Tuff Squeak

The material that surrounds the squeaker has the largest impact on just how long it lasts. A squeaker can still break even if your dog’s teeth don’t pierce through and puncture it. Yep, it turns out your dog’s jaw is capable of producing some serious pressure, and this alone can cause the squeaker to pop.

An issue arose specifically with squeakers that were concealed beneath softer materials like nylon fabric, fire hose, and latex. Breeds like Dalmatians or Dachshunds, known for being destructive, have no difficulty with squeaky plush toys.

The best performance was achieved by squeak toys that had a strong rubber surrounding them. This surrounding rubber had two benefits: it reduced the pressure on the squeaker and made it harder for sharp dog teeth to penetrate. Consequently, these toys lasted for a long time.

Indestructible they are not, squeak toys. Even a rubber squeak toy has its limits when facing a strong dog. Dogs like Pit Bulls and German Shepherds, known for their strength, can cause considerable damage. However, it should be noted that a sturdy squeak toy may endure for a longer period, but it should not be expected to last indefinitely.

When it came to tough toys, the Orbee-Tuff Squeak outlasted all other squeak toys in terms of durability. It withstood strong jaws and sharp teeth better than any of the toys we tested.

The hard-wearing rubber completely encases the squeaker, but it is not as easy to compress as a plush squeak toy. While large breeds that play rough won’t find it challenging, small dogs may have difficulty making the squeaker sound if they can’t fit their jaws around the entire ball.

The Orbee-Tuff Squeak has a variety of advantages, aside from being durable. One notable feature is its mint scent, which enables dogs to locate it effortlessly, even amidst tall grass. This toy is also buoyant, has excellent bounce, can be cleaned in a dishwasher, and is proudly manufactured in the United States. However, its primary attraction lies in the fact that it is nearly impossible to destroy, making it a truly exceptional squeaker toy.

While it may be expensive, Planet Dog currently provides a one-time replacement for their squeaky toy if it fails.

West Paw Tux

Treat toys are popular with all types of dogs for a good reason. It combines play and food – a dog’s two favorite things. Simply load the toy with treats, and these will fall out as your dog manipulates the toy with his jaws and teeth – it really extends the amount of entertainment you can get from a single treat.

For dogs with stronger jaws, this becomes a challenge. When your dog chews on the toy, he receives food as a reward. This encourages your dog to put more and more effort into working on the toy, even when there are no treats remaining. If left unsupervised, powerful breeds such as St. Bernards or Alaskan Malamutes can easily destroy even the most durable treat toy.

To ensure safety, we recommend supervising your dog while they play with a treat toy. Once your dog has finished consuming the treats, it is advisable to take away the toy to avoid any potential damage caused by excessive chewing.

In the process of conducting tests, we discovered that toys that could hold smaller treats were more durable. On the other hand, longer treat toys that were specifically designed for bully sticks were constructed using thinner material, resulting in a less robust performance.

All treat-dispensing toys have this drawback which can be found in them. In order to accommodate larger treats, you may have to cut them in half or fill them with peanut butter, especially if you plan to add loose kibble.

The small concave shape was found to be the ideal size for accommodating two small milk bones. By exercising creativity, we were able to secure an assortment of other treats inside as well.

Although other treat toys were more compatible with a variety of treats, they lacked durability compared to our top pick. Our testing revealed that these alternative treat toys showed signs of wear at a faster rate than our recommended choice.

Which treat toy was superior to the other competitors? It was the West Paw Tux, constructed with their patented Zogoflex rubber. Even as energetic dogs vigorously tore into the surface in their quest to access the treats inside, the surface remained intact.

This long-lasting treat toy is one of the few treat dispensers that can be safely washed in the dishwasher, which is convenient if you are using oily peanut butter and greasy dog treats. It is recommended to clean it after each use, but there is no need to worry. Simply place it on the top rack of the dishwasher and it will be as good as new, saving you the trouble of scrubbing it vigorously by hand.

This product, like all other West Paw Products, is made in the USA and comes with their guarantee. If this product does not meet your expectations, you can either get a refund or select another dog toy from their wide range of options.

Nero Ball Ultra

Toys are frequently chosen as rewards during the training of working dogs such as military and police K-9 dogs. This is because it’s more convenient for a police officer to carry a toy instead of a bag of food during their duty.

The reason why only the strongest dogs are chosen for these roles is because they involve physical tasks such as chasing and restraining suspects. It is common to witness powerful breed dogs like German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Weimaraners being selected for these jobs.

It is not surprising that these strong dogs require a durable toy, and when it comes to training, the Nero Ball Ultra is highly recommended.

The Nero Ball Ultra is like a firm rubber ball on a rope, and it provides various ways to engage your dog. You can hold it in front of your pup, allowing them to jump and catch it, have a brief tug-of-war game, or use it for playing fetch. You can either throw it like a typical tennis ball or utilize the rope to launch it very high up in the air.

Although the firm rubber does not bounce like a tennis ball, that is not its main attraction. When utilized solely as a training incentive, this toy is able to withstand strong bites. It is sufficiently dense to resist being crushed when chewed, yet retains enough flexibility to be enticing to dogs.

While the nylon rope held strong during testing, we don’t believe it will outlast the durable rubber it is attached to. Fortunately, it doesn’t look like this would be difficult to replace, say with a piece of paracord and a knot.