This is our review of the best indestructible dog toys in 2023.
If your pet is like mine, they want to play; if they can’t play, then they’re bored – and that can result in all sorts of unwanted behaviours like excessive chewing and barking.
Some dogs love to chew and can destroy the average squeaker toy in seconds. If your pooch is a power chewer, you’re going to need an indestructible dog toy, ball or bone to really keep their interest. Unfortunately, there are too many flimsy toys out there that really don’t stand up to the test of a dog’s sharp teeth. One of the most common questions we hear is
In this article, we are going to be reviewing the following harder rubber chew toys:
- KONG – Extreme Dog Toy – Toughest Natural Rubber
- Sharples Beef Scented Five Senses Rubber Ball
- ONEISALL Durable Chew Toy
- KONG – Wild Knots Bear
- Gigg L Bone Sound Super Strong
- Goughnuts – Virtually Indestructible Dog Pull Toy
- Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Raspberry Treat-Dispensing
That’s why we have compiled the 7 best dog toys for heavy chewers – so you can relax- keeping the pup entertained with heavy-duty toys, many of which provide mental stimulation, promote better dental hygiene and help with separation anxiety. They may even help to keep your soft furnishings, coffee table corners and trainers safe from destruction.
There’s nothing worse than coming home to a lovely chair or settee that’s been savaged by an aggressive chewer. Not all dogs chew under pressure or in fear, either – they do it, well, because they like chewing!
Anyone who owns a pet knows that chewing is something many dogs love to do – it’s as natural to them as barking or wagging their tails, but it can become a serious problem – especially for dogs that chew up everything. How many pictures have you seen on social media of living rooms trashed with an innocent-looking pooch sitting among the exploded cushions or peeking through a half-eaten Destructive behaviour isn’t pleasant for you or your pet, as it means they get in trouble, and your precious upholstery, literally, goes to the dogs. Your dog’s teeth, anyway!
The good news is you can train your four-legged friend to chew a “hard to destroy” toy. If, however, like me, you have an aggressive chewer who can destroy just about anything in a matter of minutes, it can be difficult to find an item that will last.
Therefore, you’re going to need to keep your eyes peeled for a non-toxic chew ring, ball or plush rabbit, which is going to withstand years of munching down hard. A plush toy might be cute and cuddly, but in the teeth of a keen chewer, it’s going to have a lifetime run of about five minutes – if it’s lucky.
A tennis ball, too, might not be the best toy choice for one seriously intensive chewer. A solid rubber toy is one that’s going to give serious chewing fun for years to come. Sure – throwing a ball might be fun – but you’re going to need a toy that does more for your sanity and their boredom. Does such a mythical toy exist?
We have reviewed some of the top extra tough dog toys and found there are ones strong enough to withstand even the most destructive chewer. A dog’s teeth need to be stimulated, and therefore, you should be keeping your eyes out for a toy for aggressive chewers and keen munchers. Is a simple chew ring not enough? Here are some great, durable dog toy options well worth considering.
Our Best Indestructible Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers
These are virtually indestructible. There is plenty that goes into the design of indestructible plush toys, durable rubber balls. Few can cope with constant chewing by powerful teeth – These are the best dog chew toys for those pups who are likely to chomp down hard and tear a regular dog toy to pieces in minutes.
A plush toy or cheap squeaky toy is just not cutting it anymore and no dog should be left alone with a real butchers dog bone due to choking hazards. You’re going to need dog chews and toy options that will stand the test of time. Put down the ball and start looking for these great chew toy choices online.
Our Toughest Pick – KONG – Extreme Dog Toy
KONG is renowned for producing tough toys for aggressive chewers and this classic red kong extreme dog toy is ideal. It is ultra-durable and has an erratic bounce for dogs that like to play. It’s a toy to put treats in which helps keep your dog entertained for longer as they try to get the treats out.
This extreme dog toy is one of the classic picks for those owners who find that their dogs are munching on everything they can find. There’s a reason it is so salient in people’s minds, and we think it’s a great dog toy for aggressive chewers on the larger side. Smaller dogs might have a few problems getting their choppers around this unit, but they do smaller indestructible dog toys.
Pros:
- Recommended by vets for aggressive chewing and potentially destructive behaviour
- Mentally stimulating and super tuff dog toy
- Can be filled and frozen to keep Fido cool in hot weather
Cons:
- Very little we can say against this classic indestructible dog chew toy essential
Unbreakable Dogs Ball – Sharples Beef Scented Five Senses Rubber Ball
Dogs go crazy for this fun, indestructible dog ball – it appeals to all 5 senses of sight, smell, taste, sound, and touch. The colours are ones thought to be the easiest for a dog to see; there is a squeaker, it has a multi-textured surface for mental stimulation and best of all, it smells and tastes of beef.
It’s one of the smartest-designed dog chew toys on the market, meaning that while you do get great value this is something of a special case – and this durable dog ball is likely to become a firm favourite of any pup likely to be going in for the hard chew.
Pros:
- One of the toughest dog chew toys available online right now
- Multisensory fetch toy
- Great value for money, indestructible dog ball
Cons:
- Reviews say that it may lose its squeak
Great for Aggressive Chewers – ONEISALL Durable Chew Toy
In our round-up, this ONEISALL option seems to be one of the best indestructible dog chew toys aimed at particularly aggressive munchers.
Made from non-toxic, durable nylon, this tough bone-shaped dog toy has the irresistible scent of bacon your dog will love. The shape helps to clean the dog’s teeth, promotes oral health, and soothes teething pain. Designed for aggressive chewers, it reduces boredom and anxiety and is one of the best chew proof dog toys to buy.
What’s more, it has that classic dog bone look – bright, colourful and tons of fun; it’s likely to appeal to dog owners in need of a solid toy for aggressive chewers.
Pros:
- How many dog bone chew toys come with a bacon flavour?
- This dog chew toy will also help to keep your pup’s teeth clean
- This dog toy comes in 3 sizes-small, medium and large
Cons:
- Bits of nylon may be chewed off the dog bone
Tough Squeaky Toy – KONG – Wild Knots Bear
We defy you to find a dog who doesn’t love a squeak or two! This toy from KONG, a brand leader when it comes to strong dog toys, aims to bring together the best of all the worlds.
A plush toy are not usually the best choice for a dog who loves to chew, who has returned home to find their living room covered in stuffing, I know I have, but this cute bear is the exception – the plush toy hides a durable knotted rope skeleton. There is a squeaker to encourage play and less stuffing which means less mess should your dogs get inside.
Some dogs just love a cuddly toy and this non-toxic option will keep your dog happy and occupied for hours at a time.
Pros:
- Durable and soft – making it one of the most unique chew toy options around
- Available in four different sizes
- If you’re sick of stuffing strewn everywhere, this is one of the least messy toys on the market,
Cons:
- Power chewers may get through the fabric pretty quickly
Extra Strong Dog Bone – Gigg L Bone Sound Super Strong
This virtually indestructible nylon bone is made from heavy-duty nylon and puncture-resistant TPR and is one of the best toys for strong dogs and other extreme chewers. It promotes dental hygiene and makes a funny giggle sound your dog will love. It is virtually indestructible and is one of the more popular non-squeaky toys on the market.
As a result, if you are getting next to no joy from natural rubber toys or simple chew toy options elsewhere, it might be worth holding out for the Gigg L Bone. Daft name, daft toy – but we’re sure your dog will love it!
Pros:
- One of the toughest chew toys around
- This toy resistant to all kinds of wounding and punctures
- Makes a unique giggle sound that is going to seriously entertain your pup
Cons:
- May only be suitable for the chewing habits of small to medium dogs
Durable Tug Toy – Goughnuts Virtually Indestructible Dog Pull Toy
One of the top indestructible dog toy brands, renowned for their Kevlar dog toys, this virtually indestructible dog pull toy is designed for large breeds like German Shepherds, Rotties and Labs, perfect for pups who like a tug of war.
Goughnuts chew toys are designed with safety in mind; they use food grade durable natural rubber and are one of the best toys for extreme chewers. The indestructible dog tug toy is 5 inches across and 9 inches long, meaning you can keep your hands safely away from Fido’s teeth while you play and reviews describe this as one of the best heavy-duty dog toys.
Chew Proof & Treat Dispensing – Planet Dog Orbee Tuff Raspberry
These fruit and vegetable styled durable toys are ideal for when you need to go out for an hour, you can stuff them with treats and they can really help with dog training or even use them outside as they float, making them ideal if your pooch loves to play fetch in the water. The outside has an interesting texture and the unpredictable bounce is great fun.
They come in different designs and sizes and are made from food-safe material; the raspberry one, which we reviewed, is ideal for pups under 15lb and is a great alternative to Kong toys.
Pros
- Dispences dog treats
- Floats so can be used at the beach
- Made from safe and durable material
Cons
Some reviews say the stalks may be chewed off
How an Indestructible Dog Toy Can Help
There are four main reasons a canine enjoys a dog toy that is indestructible:
- Teething – Puppies often chew things to relieve the discomfort of teething, but it is important to guide them and restrict their chewing to appropriate items – such as a chew toy, tug toys or a toy like a ball.
Experts recommend giving teething puppies things that can be frozen to relieve the pain, in the same way we give babies frozen teething rings. The good news is that aggressive chewing should only last until around 6 months of age. However, that shouldn’t stop you from finding chew toys that last.
- Separation Anxiety – Dogs that are left alone for long periods often display destructive behaviour, which can include chewing. It is often accompanied by other behaviours such as peeing in the house, whining, or excessive barking.
There are numerous ways to deal with separation anxiety, such as taking a dog on a long walk before you leave, leaving them puzzle toy options, dog chews, rope toys, a rubber ring toy, leaving the radio on and providing interesting things to chew on rather than the sofa. Promising them that you will play with a toy or a ball when you get back is not enough!
- Lack of stimulation – Pets that don’t get enough physical exercise and are not mentally stimulated have a tendency to chew – this is to relieve boredom and is particularly true of high energy breeds such as Border Collies and other working breeds, which can include large dogs.
Providing plenty of ways to keep your dog’s mind and body active will usually alleviate the problem. Perhaps buy some dog agility equipment or try other activities like flyball, but above all, make sure they are exercised regularly and leave puzzles filled with treats if you go out. Throw a ball, find a fun toy – get their minds and bodies active.
- Stress – Chewing is a great stress reliever – your dog may not like being left alone, as mentioned above, but there could be other reasons. For example, perhaps being left with a dog who bullies them, being teased by children, seeing activity through a window, or even underlying pain could be causing stressful situations for your dog. Never punish them for chewing, as this will only increase their confusion and fear.
Why do dogs chew?
Chewing comes naturally to canines of all ages. In the wild, dogs would spend hours chewing the bones of their prey. It keeps their teeth clean and strengthens their jaws and domestic animals enjoy chewing just as much.
Dogs like us are nosy, and they investigate with their mouths; dogs like to chew shoes, for example, as they have our odour plus the texture is nice. Sometimes chewing can be caused by separation anxiety; many dogs don’t like being left alone, so having an indestructible chew toy for when you nip out can save lots of potential damage.
Our canine companions will chew on bones, sticks, and in fact, just about anything – and while it is normal for them to do so, it can become a big problem if – when you come home from work – they have chewed through the kitchen door or eaten your favourite slippers.
Many dogs love plush toys, others, rubber balls, however many flimsy toys just won’t stand up to the wear and tear from Fido’s canines and the last thing you need is him choking or swallowing bits of that expensive squeaky toy you bought him. That’s why if you have extreme chewers, it’s important to look for tough chew toys for dogs.
How to Choose Doy Toys for Strong Chewers
Just like us humans, dogs have their own personal preferences when it comes to entertainment – some love a tug toy, ball or frisbee, while others prefer a cuddle with a soft cushion and some love a good old-fashioned bone to chomp down on. You might find that they appreciate a little bit of all the above! There’s certainly no harm in going for a bit of variety. Even your dog needs to keep things interesting!
That being said, if you have a “Chewminator”, you will want to provide tough dog items for aggressive chewers that will last. By far, the best inextricable in the UK are made from solid rubber and the leading player in the market is KONG. They produce a wide range of indestructible toys for all dogs’ sizes, generally considered the most durable dog chews and the safest. As you can see from our buying guide above, we are thrilled to see that KONG provides some of the super tuff dog toys on the market, ideal for canines of varying sizes.
Most squeaky toys are not recommended for aggressive chewers – although dogs love them, they are easily destroyed. Allowing your pet to play with fascinating toys which are torn apart within minutes will increase their destructiveness. Not only that, but cheaply-made squeaky toys could prove to be a choking risk for some pets, who may dig into their toy and swallow small plastic parts. So the squeaky in our list of the toughest dog toys is a great option.
There are, however, a few squeaky toys that will stand the test of time – such as the Outward Hound Snake and Gigg L Bone by Sharples and Grant – which, although it doesn’t squeak, does make an intriguing giggling sound. You’re going to need to make sure you’re unlikely to get too annoyed by repetitive noise, however!
Forget flimsy
Plush toys are also not usually the best choice for determined nibblers, but over recent years, companies like KONG and Outward Hound have developed super-tough soft chews, which are made from heavy-duty fabric and have no stuffing to make a mess if the inevitable happens. Therefore, while it’s probably not a top idea to start looking for plushies for chew-crazy pets, there are at least a few solid options out there likely to withstand some aggressive munching.
Start them young
Toys are just one important part of your dog’s life – when used correctly, they can relieve stress and boredom, help with training, and generally enrich your pet’s life. Some dogs prefer to play more than others, meaning that breeds such as Siberian huskies and border collies are likely to demand lots of boredom-busting fun – whether that’s throwing a ball, catching a ball, bringing a ball back… you get the gist.
It is important to teach a puppy from an early age what is appropriate to chew and what isn’t. This training side can be tricky, but it is easier to break puppies into these trends than to help rescue dogs with underlying behavioural issues. That said, you can teach an old dog new tricks – believe me, it’s entirely possible. Patience is key – as is understanding.
What is the longest-lasting dog chew?
Indestructible dog toys can still be worn down by years of games and tug of war; It’s best to give your pooch limited access, perhaps buy a few so you can switch them over and they will last longer.
It’s hard to say which are the longest as some destructive dogs can chew through almost anything. The ones in our round-up get good reviews and are made from quality materials, meaning they will last a lot longer than most toys. It is essential to keep any toy clean, so sterilise regularly and check before each use, there are no half-chewed corners that may cause blockages if pulled off or any splits.
A lot of people complain about aggressive chewers destroying tennis balls and tough dog soft toys. However, let’s face it – these products are not designed to be indestructible and should only be used at specific times when the dog is supervised. Tennis balls, in particular, are very easy to shred into and may provide choking risks. It’s probably worthwhile to save these for on-court action if being completely honest.
That been said, the list we have put together gives various toys, which should last the test of time, even if your hound likes a good gnaw and having them concentrate on these rather than your best trainers has got to be a bonus!
Dog’s need more than food and exercise, they need mental stimulation and play, so it’s good to know these indestructible toys are safe and entertaining and we all want a happy hound.
Last Word
So – given all of this information to take in – what’s our top pick from our buying guide? Which tug toy do we think is likely to give you the top indestructible experience and is better than any other chew toy?
In our collective opinion, you can’t beat the classics. The Kong – Extreme Dog Toy is solid, super-durable, and appealing to dogs of all temperaments. It’s extremely affordable and is likely to have a strong place in any canine toybox. What’s more, it’s dishwasher safe, meaning that it will always be easy to sanitise and bring back out again and again.
We’ve been using KONG for years, and while they do have soft toy alternatives, you really can’t beat something big and solid for a dog to really get its teeth into. Why not take a look at the KONG Extreme line for yourself? There are options out there that smell and taste great, too, though we’re going to have to take our dogs’ words for that on the last one. How do they even know how to get that bacon flavour into rubber?
While there are no completely indestructible dog toys, fortunately, there are some (not many) on the market which are heavy-duty and can withstand even the strongest teeth.
Trying to keep your pup entertained can be a problem, especially if they have an abundance of energy after you have just walked them! You could throw a rubber ball for some dogs time and time again – and there never seems to be an end time!
We have researched the best durable dog toys on the market to prevent any more aggressive chewing! Rest assured, we have looked for non-toxic toys designed with dogs in mind and affordable for most budgets. We have avoided softer rubber ball choices for obvious reasons! These are toys that are built to last.
From indestructible squeaky dog toys, durable rubber balls and plush toys, we have tested them all; the most indestructible dog toys are made with quality materials.
What unbreakable toy have you found to be the best? We’ve tried plenty over the years, and while we often need to reinvest from time to time, some of the best brands we look at here – such as KONG – know what they are doing. Save your sofa, your skirting boards and your slippers – start looking for a dog toy that’s going to stimulate your intensive chewer for the better.
