If you are a pet parent, it can be enjoyable to purchase fresh dog supplies and toys for our furry companions. However, if your dog is inclined to chew aggressively, you may discover that you have to replace their toys more often than you would prefer. Certain dogs have such a fondness for chewing that they can promptly tear apart regular dog toys. In such cases, it might be necessary to switch to heavy-duty toys that are capable of enduring their rough style of play.
If your dog tends to destroy toys, it is important to consider the material. According to veterinarian Dr. Amy Fox, DVM, the recommended toys are made of hard rubber or hard plastic-like materials. These types of toys are tough enough to prevent dogs from breaking them into small, hazardous pieces while also being gentle enough to avoid damaging their teeth.
When considering which dog toys to buy, it is important to consider your dog’s age and size. For instance, an adult dog may be able to break a toy that is specifically designed for puppies, while a small dog may not benefit much from a toy made for larger breed dogs. In order to find the best toys for dogs that chew aggressively, we tested 25 popular products with the assistance of multiple cute dogs. Each toy was evaluated based on its ease of use, durability, and the dogs’ level of enjoyment.
The following are the top-rated dog toys for tough chewers that have been tested by People and our dogs.
Best Overall
Chew King Fetch Balls Extremely Durable Dog Toy Balls
These rubber balls are able to withstand the toughest play styles, whether your dog likes chewing on toys or playing fetch (or both!). Their durability impressed us greatly as they showed minimal signs of wear after several weeks of use. Our dogs enjoyed chasing and chewing on them in the yard due to their rubbery material. Despite heavy gnawing, the balls never broke off any pieces, and we appreciate that they are available in various sizes for different dog breeds. Additionally, when the balls became slimy, we were able to easily wash them with water and they regained their original condition.
Although these toy balls possess a hollow center that allows for treat placement to keep dogs entertained, we noticed that many treats tend to escape through the hole. It may be necessary to experiment with various treat options to discover one that remains securely inside the ball. Nevertheless, we firmly believe that these toys are an excellent choice for dogs of any age or size.
Best Budget
KONG Classic Dog Toy
Kong Extreme, made from durable rubber, is a favorite among dog owners and trainers. The snowman-shaped toys have a hollow interior, and we discovered that placing treats inside kept dogs engaged for extended periods by requiring them to retrieve the food. Moreover, the irregular shape added an element of unpredictability to games of fetch, as the toy’s bouncing direction became unknown.
These affordable toys are available in various sizes to fit different breeds. Despite being chewed on regularly, the Kong Extreme exhibited no indications of wear after several weeks of testing. However, it is important to note that you may have to periodically clean the toy, particularly if you use peanut butter, and a specialized brush may be necessary to access the small holes.
Best Bone
Playology Dual Layer Bone Dog Toy
This durable rubber bone will provide your dog with hours of chewing. It is available in various scents that are approved by dogs, and we observed that dogs were particularly enthusiastic about biting into it. Despite being tested against a 95-pound dog known for destroying rubber toys, this bone-shaped chew toy remained in excellent condition with only a few teeth marks on its surface. When dirty or slobbery, you can easily rinse the toy with water. Additionally, a smaller size is available for dogs weighing under 35 pounds.
Best for Dispensing Treats
SodaPup Durable Dog Treat Dispenser & Chew Toy
If you need to occupy your pup while you join a Zoom call, this treat dispenser in the shape of a coffee is a great option. It is made of durable rubber that dogs cannot tear apart, and you can fill it with various treats to engage your dog. There are small tabs around the opening to make it more difficult to retrieve the food, and the dispenser performed exceptionally well during testing. Additionally, we appreciate that the toy can be placed directly in the dishwasher if it becomes sticky or dirty, and it will come out looking brand new. It is a cute alternative to the traditional Kong toy, and dogs who enjoy chewing might even enjoy gnawing on the soft rubber material.
Best for Puppies
Playology Puppy Bounce Ball Dog Toys
You can entertain young dogs with this rubber ball, which has a unique shape. When thrown, the ball bounces unpredictably due to its three-lobed design. We discovered that the shape also allows puppies to hold the ball in place with their paws for chewing. After testing, we noticed only a few faint teeth marks on the ball, and it became popular among our canine testers. Additionally, any slime and dirt can be easily washed away with water, making it appropriate for outdoor play.
We were surprised by the amount of effort needed to squeeze the ball, even though it does technically make a squeaking sound. It is likely that young puppies do not have sufficient jaw strength to squeak it independently.
Best for Tug of War
BiteKing Natural Rubber Dog Toys
This toy allows you and your dog to engage in a intense game of tug-of-war. It is specifically designed for tugging and features large handles that are suitable for both dogs and people to hold onto. Its textured surface also aids in preventing it from slipping out of your hand, which is particularly helpful when dealing with a strong dog.
The toy had a very dense rubber construction, which made us confident that it wouldn’t rip easily. However, it was also surprisingly flexible. Although there was a treat dispenser in the middle of the toy, it was too big for most treats, resulting in limited usage.
Best Squeaky
HuggleHounds Knotties Dog Toys
These corduroy animals are more durable than your average dog toy, making them a good choice for dogs who like squeaky plush toys and rough play. In our testing, the octopus-shaped toy lasted a full week before our dogs tore the fabric and took out the stuffing, which is a longer time compared to the usual one or two days it takes for them to destroy a new toy. Additionally, the dogs were delighted with the toy having squeakers inside. The squeaks immediately grabbed their attention and kept them entertained for a longer duration.
If you are worried about your dog ruining this toy, you may want to consider the brand’s other animal options which could be more resilient. This is because the octopus’s arms were only loosely attached and could easily be detached when pulled on. In contrast, the Rainbow Trout option has fewer parts that your dog can tug on.
Best Rope
Otterly Pets Puppy Dog Pet Rope Toys
This four-pack of rope toys allows you to engage in various activities such as tug-of-war and fetch. Specifically designed for small and medium-sized dogs, these toys are crafted from 100% cotton and have tightly knotted ends to reduce fraying. We appreciate the assortment of toy shapes included in the set — the handled toys are ideal for playing tug, while the knotted ball is perfect for fetch. These toys have quickly become our favorite choice and are suitable for both independent chewing and interactive play.
Similar to other rope toys, we don’t anticipate this set to endure indefinitely. The toy that received the most playtime began to exhibit fraying indications within a couple of weeks. Therefore, it is advisable to closely monitor your dog during their playtime with these toys and discard them if the strings become loose.
Best Heavy-Duty
Goughnuts Maxx Heavy Duty Tug Dog Toy
If your dog enjoys playing tug-of-war with you, then this product is definitely a great addition to their toy collection. It is crafted from durable rubber and has the shape of an 8, allowing both you and your dog to grab onto different areas. You can play without any concerns about your fingers getting accidentally nipped by your pup. Our testing has shown that this toy is highly resilient, as it remained in excellent condition even after several weeks of use.
Despite being more expensive than other dog toys, we were confident that it was not easily destructible. This assurance is invaluable, especially if your dog has destructive tendencies. Additionally, in the rare event that your dog manages to destroy it, the brand provides a lifetime guarantee and will promptly send you a replacement.
Best for Small Dogs
KONG Tires Dog Toy
These durable rubber toys are a fantastic choice for tough chewers who enjoy treat-dispensing options. The tire features a groove on the inside where treats can be concealed, and we discovered that dogs thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of retrieving the food. Additionally, the resilient rubber material proved to be puncture and rip-resistant, even when subjected to the strong jaws of a large American Staffordshire Terrier.
We believe that this toy is most suitable for smaller breeds since its large size is comparable to the size of your palm, which may be too small for bigger dogs. Moreover, it may not be very engaging when empty and you might need to place treats inside it to encourage your dog to play.
Best for Large Dogs
Bullymake Steak Dog Toy
Even if you have a large dog, they can safely chew on this toy that is shaped like a steak. The toy is made of a very hard nylon, which we initially thought might be too hard, but our dogs still enjoyed chewing on it. It has grooves and score marks to add interest to the chewing experience. After testing for several weeks, the material only had a few teeth marks and we were never concerned about it breaking. We also appreciated the toy’s washability. However, if your dog likes to throw their toys, be cautious as it can cause pain if it lands on your toe.
Other Dog Toys for Tough Chewers We Tried
- West Paw Zogoflex Qwizl Toy: If your dog makes quick work of bully sticks or other stick-shaped treats, this $20 dispenser can help keep them busy for longer. It holds the stick in place, and your pup can either chew on the exposed end or lick the treat through the holes on the sides of the toy. It kept dogs busy for long periods, but they did sometimes get frustrated if they couldn’t get the treat out.
- West Paw Tux Treat Toy: This $23 treat-dispensing tool has a unique shape that’s a bit easier to fill than Kongs. You can fill the inner section with treats, and we loved the ability to put water or chicken broth in the hole — once frozen, it kept dogs busy for even longer. However, dogs only found the toy interesting when there were treats inside.
- Nylabone Puppy Teething Pacifier Kit: This $9 three-piece kit is designed for young dogs up to 25 pounds. It comes with one knobby chew toy, one smooth chew, and an edible bacon flavored treat. (Can you guess which one the puppies went for first?) After the edible treat was gone, the puppies would chew on the bones for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, but these toys are so small that dogs will outgrow them quickly.
What are tough chewer dog toys made of?
When choosing tough chew toys for a dog who likes to chew, you will find that there are various materials used to make them, such as rubber, plastic, nylon, fire hose, rope, and even leather. To ensure the durability of the toy, select one that suits your dog’s chewing style and consider reading reviews from owners of similar dogs to see which toys have withstood the test of time. Chewy offers a diverse selection of dog toys designed specifically for tough chewers, so you should easily be able to find the right ones for your canine companion.
How do you clean tough chewer dog toys?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning durable dog chew toys. Many hard rubber or nylon toys can be wiped down or washed using soap and water, and a few might even be suitable for cleaning in the dishwasher. It is important to carefully adhere to all usage and care guidelines and refrain from using any cleaning agents that may be harmful to dogs.
What are the best tough chewer dog toys?
To ensure hours of enjoyment and play for your dog, select tough chewer dog toys that can withstand your dog’s chewing style. You have a variety of options, including bone-shaped chews, treat chews that can be filled, chews with textured surfaces, ball chews that are tough, ring chews that can be tossed, and more. Experiment with different types of toys to determine which ones your dog enjoys the most.
